1 Thessalonians Message Four

In the previous message we saw that being encouraged by the results of God’s Word and work, Paul summarized the missionary’s ministry and motives among the Thessalonians. He wrote of their –

A. Responsibilities in ministering the Word of God. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

He wrote of –

1. The Unchanging Message. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6
They did not change their method, their message, or their motive.

Paul continued to write of –

2. The Undaunted Courage. 1 Thessalonians 2:7,8

He then explained –

3. The Unblameable actions. 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12

We see through the ministry of the Word of God how God blessed through them and what He did to them in their testimonies – The unchanging message, The undaunted courage, and their unblameable actions. We left off with this thought – how do we measure up to this work of God today? Now –

As Paul considered the pursuit of the God given responsibilities in ministry, he concluded that all was done through the power of God and to the glory of God. He then reviewed the –

B. Rewards from ministering the Word of God. 1 Thessalonians 2:13-18

They could identify with the grace of God bestowed on the lives of these people. They personally experienced His –

1. Salvation. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 “…when you received…”

Not adopting another religion, but being born into a relationship with God. “…which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” They were both comforted and challenged by their –

a. Faith.

Colossians 2:6-10 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

And their –

b. Future

1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

John 14:1-6 (KJV) Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

God worked in their lives, bringing about a change – “…effectually worketh…”! He works through His Word! Be a people of the Word of God – The Bible.
They personally experienced His –

2. Security 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16

a. The Persecution from the world. 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16a

Spoken of as a matter of fact – to be expected:

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

b. The Promise of God. 1 Thessalonians 2:16b

1). God knows what evil is being done and He will bring judgment upon those in His time!
2). God knows those that are His and He will keep His promise to bring us unto Himself.

a). His children cannot be removed from Him!

John 10:28-30 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.

b). His children will not be rejected by Him!

John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

And they personally experienced –

3. Solidarity. 1 Thessalonians 2:17,18

God had established a solid relationship between them on the foundation of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. They were brothers and sisters in Christ, loving, caring, and seeking to be a blessing to one another.

Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
What wonderful rewards are given by God as we serve Him!

Nothing on earth presents such great difficulties as the ministry of God’s Word, but nothing bestows such great rewards and blessings. God ministers His grace and mercy to us as we serve Him.

Our responsibilities and rewards lead us to –

C. Rejoicing resulting from ministering the Word of God. 1 Thessalonians 2:19,20

There are great Responsibilities, Rewards, and Rejoicing in our relationship with God. Notice how they build upon one another. As we faithfully serve the Lord and fulfill our Responsibilities, we are Rewarded which leads to Rejoicing in Him.

What is God trying to do in your life? He is trying to bless you and bring you to rejoicing, not by the things of the world, but through the power of the Spirit. Will you give yourself to Him today?

Salvation?
Service?