Final Encouragement
1 Thessalonians 5:25-28
May 8, 2011 (pm service)
I know it has again been a while
Since we have been able to study this book of 1 Thessalonians.
But you are familiar with the wonderful truths we have gleaned from it.
This was a letter all about: “How to be an Encouraging Christian”
1 Thessalonians 3:1-8 “Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know. For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain. But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.”
And just in reading that text you can not only feel the relief in Paul’s heart,
But you can also sense his joy.
He was encouraged to continue on fighting the good fight
All because his work in Thessalonica had proven genuine.
This church had encouraged him.
He in turn wrote this letter back to encourage them.
And that encouragement came gentle as a mother at times.
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 “But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.”
That encouragement came stern as a father at times.
1 Thessalonians 2:10-11 “You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children,”
But it was encouragement none the less.
And in this letter Paul has given many enlightening
As well as practical truths.
• First comforting them in regard to the end and the resurrection,
• Then also showing them the certainty of their coming sanctification.
And now we get to the end of this letter.
It is the final encouragement that Paul gives before he signs off
And leaves them to the work of being the church.
And although it is easy to sort of skip over these 4 verses
As sort of the benediction, it is a mistake to do so.
For in these words we find much more
Than just a benediction or even passing thoughts.
What we find are the final truths
That Paul wished to leave on their mind and hearts.
What we find is Paul’s encouragement as to how to be a faithful church.
AND I FIND THIS VERY ENCOURAGING.
Often times when you seek as to how to be an effective church
The strategy that is presented is one beyond our reach.
• It either requires a large number of musicians or soloists.
• It requires a facility to house certain events.
• It requires a budget to fund enormous events.
• It requires manpower to exercise a certain program.
And I know that often times when looking into things of that nature
I really tend to end up more discouraged than when I started.
(Routinely happened after the Pastor’s Conference in Jacksonville)
For many of the programs and events and strategies
Are in reality beyond our reach.
Either because we don’t have the manpower,
Or the money, or the facility, or the talent.
And it can leave a person wondering:
DID JESUS REALLY LEAVE THINGS IN SUCH A WAY THAT SMALL CONGREGATIONS JUST CAN’T BE SUCCESSFUL?
And then I read the Scripture.
Passages like what Paul said:
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 “And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”
I see that all the various programs might not be as necessary as I thought,
For Paul purposely shied away from them.
SO WHAT CAN WE DO?
If we are a small church like the Thessalonians were…
If we are a new church like the Thessalonians were…
If we are a church in a hostile environment like the Thessalonians were…
Well, that is precisely what Paul reveals.
God’s plan for the church was never limited to the mega-church.
• That STRATEGIES that God endorsed are just as available to the small congregation as they are to the large one.
• The METHODS God commands are just as available to the poor congregation as they are to the rich one.
God’s intention for the church knows
No economic, numerical, cultural, or facility based limitations.
God’s plan to being a faithful and effective church
Will work for every congregation;
large or small – rich or poor – talented or mundane – facility or none.
And they are the four things
Paul leaves on the heart of this Thessalonian church.
#1 PRAY FOR THE LEADERS
1 Thessalonians 5:25
Paul begins this closing section with a very clear statement.
“Brethren, pray for us.”
Could there really be anything more significant?
What that statement really indicates is Paul’s undying commitment
And reliance upon God’s sovereign power.
Recently there have been some who have really spoken out
Against the sovereignty of God,
Especially in regard to matters concerning evangelism and prayer.
Their argument is that if God is sovereign over salvation then why evangelize, and if God is sovereign over the events of life, then why pray.
But that is to completely miss the point.
Understanding God’s Sovereignty does not diminish a prayer life.
Instead it puts a much greater emphasis on prayer.
• Doors can’t be opened unless God opens them.
• A man can’t come unless God draws him.
• A man can’t repent unless God grants it.
• A man can’t exercise faith unless God gives it to him.
• A man can’t stay saved unless God secures him.
And with that understanding,
It is clear to see why Paul pleaded for prayer.
Had Paul thought any less of God’s sovereignty he might have said,
“Brethren, help us out with evangelistic strategies for this region.”
“Brethren, if you know of any popular speakers send them to us.”
But Paul knew that God is sovereign.
So Paul said, “Brethren, pray for us.”
We need God’s help in all areas of our ministry.
Those who are God’s messengers are in desperate need of prayer.
These men are not only seeking to discern the truth of God’s word,
But are also trying to present it in an accurate and understandable way
To men who have no human ability to understand it.
They face the opposition of the enemy
And the opposition of the carnal human heart.
And more times than not their work is rejected.
The men who speak for God need prayer.
Gardiner Spring wrote:
“O it is at a fearful expense that ministers are ever allowed to enter the pulpit without being preceded, accompanied, and followed by the earnest prayers of the churches. It is no marvel that the pulpit is so powerless, and ministers so often disheartened when there are so few to hold up their hands. The consequence of neglecting this duty is seen and felt in the spiritual declension of the churches, and it will be seen and felt in the everlasting perdition of men; while the consequence of regarding it would be the ingathering of multitudes into the kingdom of God, and new glories to the Lamb that was slain!
On his behalf therefore, and on the behalf of the beloved and respected brethren in the ministry, the writer would crave an interest in the prayers of all who love the Savior and the souls of men. We are the dispensers of God’s truth and at best fall far below our mighty theme. The duties of our calling return upon us with every returning week and day. They often come upon us with many conflicting demands. They sometimes put a demand upon all our thoughts, and at the very time when we have lost the power of thinking; and sometimes they call for all the intensity and strength of our affections, just at the time we are the least capable of expressing them. There is also associated with these demands that pressing distress, and decaying anxiety, which exhausts our vigor, cripples our courage, and drinks up our spirits. And then, in addition to all this, there are so many disappointments in our work, that we desperately need the sympathy and comfort of the prayers of God’s faithful people!
(Sited in 1 & 2 Thesalonians commentary by John MacArthur, pg. 212-213)
Gardiner Spring referenced even that very illustrative event
Which occurred in the book of Exodus.
Exodus 17:10-13 “Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.”
What great imagery of the necessity of prayer.
It is no wonder Paul said, “Brethren, pray for us.”
Thanks to the New Testament we are not at a total loss of what to pray.
Ephesians 6:19 “and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,”
Paul wanted to preach boldly and he wanted to preach the mystery with clarity. He asked the Ephesians to pray to this end.
2 Thessalonians 3:1 “Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you;”
There Paul wanted success in his preaching ministry and he asked the Thessalonians to pray that men would respond to his preaching.
Hebrews 13:18 “Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.”
The writer of Hebrews wanted to live holy with a good conscience and to practice what he preached, and so he asked for prayer.
Colossians 4:3 “praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;”
There was Paul in prison, unable to go to others, asking the Colossians to pray that God would grant him opportunities to share the gospel even though imprisoned.
Romans 15:30-32 “Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company.”
There Paul prayed for success in his ministry plans.
He wanted to be able to help the needy and not to be caught by the wicked, and to ultimately fulfill his desire to come to Rome.
And these are just some examples of how to pray for your leaders.
And so regardless of money, size, talent, or facility,
A church can be faithful by praying for its leaders.
“Brethren, pray for us.”
So first, Pray for the Leaders
#2 LOVE THE BRETHREN
1 Thessalonians 5:26
“Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.”
THE KISS WAS THE COMMON GREETING OF AFFECTION
To the cheek of a friend
To the feet of one you wished to honor
Today it could be seen as a handshake or a hug, but you get the idea.
The point to be seen is not they style of affection, but the recipients of it.
“Greet all the brethren”
Not some of the brethren, but “all the brethren”
This is an unmistakable call to love the people of God
Simply because they are the people of God.
It is not about personalities…
It is not about popularity…
It is not about someone’s wealth or honor…
There is a universal commanded love
That must take place among all the church of God.
Listen to Jesus on the night before He was crucified.
John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 15:12-14 “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. “You are My friends if you do what I command you.”
John 17:20-23 “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. “The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.”
And please don’t miss the importance of this.
We talk a lot today about loving the lost, and we should.
We talk a lot today about loving the least, and we should.
We talk a lot today about loving your neighbor (everyone) and we should.
But what Jesus refers to and what Paul refers to here
Is our love for the brethren.
It is by our love for each other that the world recognizes
There is something different about us.
This is what the early church did.
Acts 2:43-47 “Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
This is what blew the world’s mind.
Here was an organization that took care of all the poor in their midst.
No one in the church went without.
Here was an organization that regarded the elderly in its midst.
The widows were fed.
Here was an organization that regarded the outcast in their midst.
Everyone was welcome to come to the fellowship meal.
And there was such a strong love amongst themselves
That it literally left those outside the church wanting it.
THERE IS A TREMENDOUS CALL
TO LOVE YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST.
1 Timothy 6:1-2 “All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.”
I’m not saying that we shouldn’t love the lost.
I’m not saying that we shouldn’t love the least.
But the thing that Jesus said would get their attention
Faster than anything is when they see us loving each other.
• And you don’t have to be a big church to love the brethren.
• You don’t have to be a wealthy church to love the brethren.
• You don’t have to be a talented church to love the brethren.
• You don’t have to have gymnasium to love the brethren.
Pray for the Leaders, Love the Brethren
#3 SPREAD THE WORD
1 Thessalonians 5:27
And please notice here the weight that Paul puts behind the command.
“I adjure you by the Lord”
This is no suggestion.
This is not optional.
Paul seemed to understand that the letter he wrote
Did indeed come as inspiration from the Holy Spirit of God,
And therefore it must be read.
“to have this letter read to all the brethren.”
And notice who it is to be read to: “all the brethren”
There again we talk a lot about preaching to the lost,
And that is vitally important.
But do not neglect or miss the importance of
Spreading the word of God among those who are saved.
Make sure you give God’s word to God’s people.
And I absolutely love this.
If you have ever sat and just read through the pastoral epistles.
(1 & 2 Timothy; Titus)
It is impossible to miss all the emphasis Paul puts
On spreading the word of God throughout the church.
1 Timothy 4:11-16 “Prescribe and teach these things. Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.”
TURN TO: 2 TIMOTHY
1:8 – 1:13 – 2:2 – 2:14-16 – 2:24-25 – 3:16 – 4:2
Titus 2:1 “But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.”
Titus 2:15 “These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”
And we quickly understand that the teaching and preaching of God’s word
Is not just for the lost.
Paul understood it as extremely valuable for those who are the redeemed.
Psalms 19:7-11 “The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.”
And we could literally go on and on and on with passages
About the value of God’s word.
It is God’s word that God’s church needs.
Ephesians 4:11-15 “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,”
It is vitally important that the church have the word of God
And that their lives be saturated in it.
So make sure that everyone hears God’s word.
You don’t have to be rich to do that.
You don’t have to be big to do that.
You don’t have to be talented to do that.
You don’t have to have huge facilities to do that.
Pray for the Leaders, Love the Brethren, Spread the Word
#4 TRUST CHRIST
1 Thessalonians 5:28
And you are familiar with this type of statement.
It is the way Paul likes to open his letters and it is the way Paul likes to close them.
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
And obviously we can’t think of His “grace”
Without thinking of the mercy and redemption on our behalf.
We obviously understand and appreciate His great sacrifice for us.
But really I think Paul has something more in mind
When he writes this statement.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 “Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”
What Christ was offering Paul was more than just forgiveness.
• Christ was offering strength to Paul.
• Christ was offering the ability to persevere to Paul.
And this strength was so great that it actually led Paul to say, “Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties…”
And certainly this makes sense for the Thessalonians as well.
They lived in a hotbed of persecution.
Paul himself had been run out of that city.
If they were to survive, they needed a double dose of grace.
In order to be a faithful and successful church
They needed to learn to rely on the Lord.
And namely because the Lord would never fail them.
2 Timothy 4:9-18 “Make every effort to come to me soon; for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching. At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
What a difference the Lord made in Paul’s life in ministry,
And it is this same grace in which the Thessalonians needed to walk.
And with that Paul is finished.
• The Thessalonians were young in the faith…
• The Thessalonians were a relatively small group of believers…
• The Thessalonians lived in a hostile area…
But Paul encouragement to them was simple.
They didn’t need money, or great facilities, or talented musicians, or even a lot of manpower.
They simply needed to pray for their leaders.
They needed to love the brethren.
They needed to spread the word to one another.
They needed to trust Christ.
FRIENDS, ANY CHURCH CAN DO THAT.
Any church can do it, and every church should do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”
