October 6, 2013

A Pastor’s Burden and Delight

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-12
Service Type:

Introduction

  • Are you burdened about something at the moment?
  • The apostle Paul was not burdened by being single, about his finances, about persecution
  • The apostle Paul was most burdened by the care of all the churches
    • He planted churches in all sorts of places
    • He loved these people dearly
    • When the church was weak it seemed to break his heart
    • When a church was walking with the Lord, he rejoiced greatly (2:19-20)
  • How important is the church to you and me?
    • Do we have a burden for the people of God?
    • Do we rejoice when we see people walking with God?
    • Do we have grief when we see the people of God walking at a distance?
    • Example of John Knox

Genuine Faith

  • He had a burden to see genuine faith in the people of God
    • There is a difference between real saving faith and human faith
    • Consider the parable of the three soils [parable of the sower] - three types of people
      • The faith is not saving faith - it dies and withers
      • There is the good ground prepared by the Lord
  • Paul had only spent only a short time in Thessalonica
    • 3 Sabbaths - 3 weeks
    • He had to escape satanic persecution
    • He was sent on to Berea
  • Paul was really concerned for them
  • Paul was concerned that they might have genuine faith
    • He was concerned his labour might have been in vain (v5)
    • He didn't rashly believe but waited to see genuine faith
    • Phil 2:16
    • He wanted to see a vibrant and living church
    • Paul did not want false converts
      • Is that our burden - to see genuine faith?
  • Paul was concerned with temptation
    • Where there is genuine faith, the tempter comes to destroy
      • Often with a new convert
      • Often with false teachers
        • Such often followed Paul
      • Often fierce temptations
    • Paul knew that the devil was 'like a roaring lion, seeking whom he can devour'
    • Paul would pray night and day for these believers
  • Paul was concerned about persecution
    • Persecution could shake them - (v3)
    • He forewarned them so when it came they knew it was of the Lord
      • That God would build their faith
  • Paul was was concerned they stand fast (v8)
    • Do we weep and cry the people of God ravaged by satanic activity or falling into sin?

Growing in Faith

  • Establishing the church
    • Paul is writing this letter from Corinth
      • He talks about when he was in Athens (having fled from Thessalonica and Berea)
    • He sends Timothy back to the Thessalonians
      • He is prepared to be alone
    • He wanted to hear news of them
    • He wanted Timothy to teach them, establish them (v1-2)
      • Minister, brother, fellow labourer (v2)
  • Encouraging the church
    • Not just to establish but to encourage them also in their faith (v2)
    • Consider Philemon and Barnabas
  • Praying for the church - night and day
    • Paul breaks into prayer (v11-13)
    • Satan hindering him to visit
    • Paul did not address satan directly
      • He called on God to address the situation
      • He had to be patient - it took 5 more years before he returned to Thessalonica

A Deepening Love

  • Paul's prayer is very instructive (v11-13)
    • Two subjects: God and Jesus (v11)
      • God is Father (we are His children)
      • Jesus is Lord
    • The unity of Father and Son
    • That the people would increase and abound in love
      • What is your first prayer and biggest desire for other Christians?
      • Paul's biggest concern was that they would grow
    • He had heard a good report about their love (1:3, 3:6) - yet he prayed that their love would increase
      • We should pray that our love would increase (4:9)
      • Oh that our love would overflow
    • A mature church is characterised by love
      • Doctrine is essential
      • It is no good having truth without grace
    • Contrast to a weak church
  • Paul's prayer was answered quickly - 2 Thess 1:3
    • We need to pray that our love would increase
    • Paul affirmed that he loved them
    • Through love they would be established in God
      • With blameless hearts and holiness before God
  • Paul's prayer is that they would be ready for the Second Coming

Real Fellowship

  • His longing was to see them, to enjoy mutual fellowship (2:17)
    • Example of Missionary Trip in Brazil
  • Paul had such a love for this people
    • A mutual desire to see each other (v6)
    • Do you have a desire to see people in the fellowship that you previously met with?
  • Paul always desired to be with the people of God
  • Paul wanted to be of benefit to them (v10)
    • He wanted to help new/young Christians
  • We are all part of the body - our desire should be to help each other
    • Do we feel a mutual dependence on our brothers and sisters?
    • Do we spend time praying for them?
    • Do we spend time with them?
  • Paul was a thankful minister
  • Our vision is to equip the church to reach out

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