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FINDING HOPE IN A HOSTILE WORLD: Welcome again to our study of the epistle of 1st Thessalonians. We noted as we began our study last Sunday evening 3 things:
FIRST, it is EARLY – probably the third of 27 NT books. After First James [45] and Galatians [48].
SECOND, ITIS SPECIFIC – It marks the first letter to a specific local church. James: “12tribes”, Galatians: “Churches of [Province] Galatia”
FINALLY – IT CAN BE LOCATED – as with all Scriptures, this book is introduced by a CONTEXT. Acts 17:1-9 tells us of Paul’s entrance to THESS.
Prior = PHILIPPI 16:11-40 DO YOU REMEMBER…
WONDERFUL but PAINFUL ministry to Philippian people v. 11-21
COSTLY but TRIUMPHANT suffering v. 22-40
The actual visit to Thessalonica: We learned it was:
BRIEF but FRUITFUL [17:1-4]
DIFFICULT but ENDURING [v. 5-10]
– Why? What kept that brief visit alive in their lives?
– What kept new life THRIVING in the midst of a HOSTILE PAGAN CITY?
– How did such a small beginning FLAME into the VIBRANT
WITNESS that was to ENDURE thru centuries to today?
We found it in the theme of this book. Look at I Thess. 3:13:
“UNBLAMEABLE LIVING IN LIGHT OF CHRIST’S RETURN”
This powerful theme PULSATES thru each chapter. Let’s look again: [NOTE OUTLINE] THROUGH CHRIST’S PROMISED COMING WE HAVE:
Chap. 1 – Present HOPE of salvation [v.10]
2 – Future JOY in homegoing [v.19]
3 – Constant CAUSE for holy living [v.13]
4 – Constant SOURCE of comfort [hope in action] [v.17,18]
5 – Ultimate PROMISE of completed salvation [v. 23]
SO WHO WAS THIS MAN THAT WROTE?
With that reminder, let’s focus on Paul the Apostle from just
two perspectives: His… LIFE MOTIVATION LIFE MINISTRY
“PAUL’S LIFE MOTIVATION” – OR – “PAUL’S MOTIVATION FOR LIFE”
Paul EMBODIED the life of Christ MORE than any other single human being. WHAT was at the CORE of his life? What MOTIVATED HIS ACTION AND LIFE?
Well, this morning we can find out. Let’s LEARN the secrets of Paul’s motivation for ministry. There are three of which WE CAN LOOK AT ONE TODAY. FROM THEM WE CAN EXAMINE OUR OWN LIVES.
SECRETS OF PAUL’S MOTIVATION TO MINISTRY
FIRST he had a BREADTH OF VISION: Two Scriptures reveal this first area. Look at Col. 2:9 HE SAW THE CARPENTER OF GALILEE TO BE THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD. THAT TRUTH IS THE DIVIDING TRUTH OF ALL TIME, FOR ALL WHO EVER LIVE. All people either know him as he is in truth or not. There is only one true Lord Jesus Christ! All churches, religions and faiths must submit to the Scriptural portrait of Christ to be orthodox and true.
Look at v.4 – “Fulness of time”
God chose the exact moment for Christ to come at His
First Advent.
– Rome ruled the western world
* Peace was present
* Transportation was advanced
* Communication was rapid
* People were desperate
God is still in control! How’s your vision this morning?
Do you see Christ as He truly is?
Are you yielding to God’s plan?