Walk Worthy (Sermon 5)

the term Walking worthy comes from Paul’s statement in

1 Thessalonians 2:12 AV

That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

The term “walk” is a reference to behavior

As a believer you are to live in a such a way that your behavior matches your belief

The church in Thessalonica was founded during Paul’s second missionary journey

The church in Thessalonica was made up primarily of working class Gentiles

In the previous study we concluded Walking Worthy requires continued discipleship

1 Thessalonians 5:1–5 AV

1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 AV

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–15 AV

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-

1 Thess 4:13-

(True/False) the believes in Thessalonica were confused about what happens to believers who die before Jesus returns. True

How does this section fit the theme of walk worthy? C

walk worthy now because the grave is not the end

walk worthy now because a rapture is just ahead

both (A & B)

1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 AV

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

both (A & B)

1 Thess 4:16-

1 Thess 5:1-3

1 Thessalonians 5:1–3 AV

1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

1 Thessalonians 5:1–5 AV

1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

1 Thess 5:1-

(True/False) the Day of the Lord will catch the unbelievers by surprise. True

(True/False) Paul did not expect the day of the Lord to catch the believers by surprise? True

Paul said they are not in darkness, what did he mean?

They are not in darkness

the believers are equipped with information

the believers have been discipled

They are

1

1 Thessalonians 5:6–7 AV

6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

1 Thessalonians 5:6–10 AV

6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

1 Thessalonians 5:1–7 AV

1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

1 Thess 5:6-10

What does Paul mean by let us not sleep? A

That we should not be alert and intentional about our behavior

That we should work 24 hours a day without sleeping

That

What was Paul’s point in saying they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night?

He uses “sleep in the night” to describe the complacent unaware followers

He uses “drunken in the night” to describe intentional disobedience

A word picture depicting those who are unintentional

The phrase so then emphasizes the inseparable link between Christians’ nature and their behavior, between their character and their conduct—a truth taught throughout the New Testament - John MacArthur

The phrase so then emphasizes the inseparable link between Christians’ nature and their behavior, between their character and their conduct—a truth taught throughout the New Testament (cf. 2:12; 4:1; , ; ; ). What people are determines how they act; believers are day people and must act accordingly.

1 Thess 5:8-10

%T 1 & 2 Thessalonians %A MacArthur, John F., Jr. %C Chicago %I Moody Press %D 2002 %P 159

1 Thessalonians 5:8–10 AV

8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

Paul believed walking worthy meant being sober, what does this word mean? B

abstaining from alcohol?

being alert, aware, or having senses fully engaged

Paul wanted the believers to walk worthy because they/we are not appointed unto wrath . This means we should live now in response to our deliverance from the wrath that will be experienced by the unsaved.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 AV

11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

(True/False) it is possible to walk worthy and intentionally isolate yourself from other believers? False

(True/False) Paul believed the Thessalonian believers were walking worthy in the area of comforting and edifying each other? True

1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 AV

12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

1 Thess 5:12

What does it mean to “know them”?

to learn them, to know their character not just their name

to know their heart, passion, and sincerity in serving God through serving you

What does it means to esteem them very highly in love? B

honor them traditionally/ceremonially at Pastor appreciation day

sincerely value them, show respect, and protect their testimony

1 Thess 5:14

1 Thessalonians 5:14–15 AV

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

warn the unruly

comfort the feebleminded

support the weak

be patient toward all men

not returning evil for evil; but following that which is good

1 Thessalonians 5:16–22 AV

16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

1 Thess 5:16-21

1 Thessalonians 5:16–21 AV

16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

rejoice evermore

pray without ceasing

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you

quench not the Spirit

despise not prophesying

NOTE: to publically declare God’s word

Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good.

abstain from all appearance of evil

1 Thessalonians 5:23–28 AV

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 25 Brethren, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

1 Thess 5:23

Paul pointed them to the God of peace

Paul believed in holistic sanctification

God of peace sanctify you wholly

spirit, soul, & body preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ

Paul believed the source of sanctification is God

Faithful is he that called you and will do it

Walk Worthy (Sermon 5)