Prepared and Anointed for Love
One Another • Sermon • Submitted
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Prepared for This
Prepared for This
When I went to Dr. Evans funeral they made a tribute video for him. This video was introspective, everything I knew about Dr. Evans it was even more of a view to who he was as the preacher, father and man. The one thing that stuck out to me more than anything else in that video was when they asked about the challenges he had faced because a leader of a black educational institution and preacher he stated “I was groomed for this”.
Someone ones said tough times, require tough people, to make tough choices. The bible also says “God hath not given us the spirit of fear.”
In this text we see Paul write to the church at Thessalonica about Timothy. Everyone likes a good recommendation and this is exactly what Paul does for Timothy.
Fellow laborer (levels the playing field and expertise with him and Timothy)
Comforts the disciples here by ensuring that they have no reason to be shaken because Timothy has what it takes.
Confirms that he is appointed for the anointment.
This location was very important not only to the economy but the safety of this area. It was not only a shipping hub for commerce but also a military embankment. So here we are in cosmopolitan-esque city which is stated to have a good sized Jewish community which was seen as an economical and religious competitor to the culture of this city.
Understand that this city was rich in pagan beliefs even so much so that we see in chapter 1 of 1 Thessalonians verse 9 “For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.
In the midst of all of these things we get to the third chapter of this letter and we see Paul encourage us that despite our different backgrounds “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you”.
Increase and Abound
Increase and Abound
Increase
Present indicative form of this word increase signifies the fact that Paul was requesting that the growth in love happen now.
The issue with love is we hang in the balance of showing much love or showing too much love.
defined as to become more and more, so as to be in abundance, to become more. Therefore I can never attain or show too much love. We put a transnational amount on love because as humans being done wrong has caused us to have a sense reservation.
In this event it’s important that our love abound toward one another.
to be an example
there is enough hate in the world
Abound
Literally to be in abundance. This is why growth is important because when your hospitable tank is on E, you’ll have some love in reserve to extend.
The only reason for reserve is because we are human, we get tired and when we depend on ourselves more than we depend on God we will let ourselves down every time.
To One Another and to All,
Church is about the believer and the non believer. We cannot forget that. We worship God because we are commanded to but we also gather in case there is someone who wants to follow Jesus as well. So guess what, we have to show love to them as well.
Love Prepares Us For Tough Times
Love Prepares Us For Tough Times
Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances Paul wasn’t able to get back to the family of God in Thessalonica “Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you”.
We witness a reference to this city in , we witness the initial church plant essentially. We know that Paul spend a total of 3 weeks in this city in which many people were persuaded to follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This church was built off of the back of diversity. Jews, Converted Idol Worshipers, Gentiles. Love is really important when our past aren’t similar.
Understand the person writing this letter I became all things to all men that I might win some. The gospel is far reaching, the gospel has the ability to reach even the darkest of hearts and the most evil of spirits.
Love and respect have to be prioritized tenets of Christianity. How we treat one another will be shown in our resilience to withstand tough times.
In this context, this is a mutual love. We see this by the key phrase “on another”.
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment.
I like what the message version states “that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately.
When it comes to love, it’s not that the want is not there sometimes the how is not known to us. We have to know how to love one another. We can’t impose the way we want to be loved on other people.
Tough times, trials and tribulations change that how a little bit.
How do I love my spouse after they’ve damaged trust.
How do I love my sibling after we have had an argument
How do I love my fellow brother and sister in Christ after they have said some hurtful things to me.
How do I love my children in spite of disrespect.
The how is when we depend on God, when we love from the abundance and overflow of our heart knowing that no matter how much we pour out in the name of Jesus he will refill.
The strength of the church are the things we become experts in away from the building.
It’s time to get uncomfortable at the dinner table and stop being comfortable in the pew.