Living with Hope

Series: Living Between 1st and 2nd.

Sermon: Living with Hope

Read Acts 17.1-15 and 18.1; 4-5.

Pray

Do you remember the first time you dropped your young child off somewhere like school or Sunday school or day care. I remember when we dropped heather off at this little preschool. We didn’t leave—we just couldn’t do it. We hid in a separate room with a window and watched. We just had to know---how was she going to get along with other kids---how would they treat her---had we taught her enough? Would she succeed. We really hoped she would. But we didn’t know for sure. And you know what—she did well. Later –we went through the same thing with Hannah.

As the kids grow up—those feeling never go away do they---

Its one thing to drop them off for an hour or two---then comes the day you have to drop them all day long. Then comes summer camp—a whole weekend or a whole week! Or a mission trip overseas for a week or two.

When they get older---move away. Ever had to help your son or daughter move out. You drop them off at a dorm room---or an apartment or house---you help them pack up and you help them unpack---you stall as long as you can---but eventually you have to walk out their front door---get in your car---and drive away—leaving them on their own. Often times the mourning can be the same as a death in the family.

---you hope they succeed—you hope they are happy.

I wonder how Paul and Timothy and Silas must have felt having to leave these Thessalonians under such duress.

Retell the story

2 missionary journey---Philippi---Thessalonica –

· 100 miles west of Philippi and about 50 miles north of Athens.

· In fact---You could see the great Mount Olympus from there—viewed daily by the people—stood a a symbol of the gods---on the summit is where they believed Zeus gathered all the gods of Greece for council.

· Still exists Thessaloniki or Saloniki

· In 1915, during World War I, a large Allied expeditionary force established a base at Thessaloniki for operations against pro-German Bulgaria

· The city of Thessaloniki was founded in 315 BC by Cassander of Macedon and was named after his wife Thessalonike, daughter of Philip and sister of Alexander the Great. An important metropolis by the Roman period, Thessaloniki was the second largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire.

· Capital of Macadonia

· Roman Colony –primarily Greek people with a significant Jewish population.

· About 200,000 population then—over a million now.

· For at least three Sabbath days Paul reasoned in the synagogue with those present, and many believed the gospel (Acts 17:2). However, he probably ministered in Thessalonica for a longer time than just three weeks in view of what he wrote that he had done there (e.g., 1 Thess. 2:9; cf. Phil. 4:15–16). Those who responded to the message of Christ’s sufferings and resurrection (Acts 17:3, 7) were Jews (Acts 17:4) and God-fearing proselytes to Judaism. There were also some leading women of the city and many idol-worshipping pagans (Acts 17:4–5).

o Women--“If Macedonia produced perhaps the most competent group of men the world had yet seen, the women were in all respects the men’s counterparts; they played a large part in affairs, received envoys and obtained concessions from them for their husbands, built temples, founded cities, engaged mercenaries, commanded armies, held fortresses, and acted on occasion as regents or even co-rulers.”

· When the unbelieving Jews heard of the conversion of the proselytes, they stirred up a gang of roughnecks who attacked the house of Jason. Paul had been staying with him. Unable to find the missionaries the mob dragged Jason before the magistrates who simply charged him to keep the peace. Convinced of the danger for Paul the Christians sent Paul and Silas away from the city by night to Berea (Acts 17:10).

· Paul and his party began their evangelistic work in Berea in the synagogue, as was their custom. However when many Jews there believed, the Thessalonian Jews came down to Berea and stirred up more trouble (Acts 17:10–13). The Berean Christians sent Paul away to Athens, but Silas and Timothy remained in Berea (Acts 17:14). Having been sent for by Paul, Silas and Timothy joined Paul in Athens, but he soon sent Silas back to Philippi and or Berea, and Timothy back to Thessalonica (1 Thess. 3:1–3; Acts 17:15). Paul went to Corinth and both Silas and Timothy joined Paul there. (Acts 18:3, 5) with a gift from the Christians in those Macedonian towns (2 Cor. 11:9; cf. Phil. 4:15).

· Timothy’s report of conditions in the Thessalonian church led Paul to write this epistle.

· Shortly after that, Paul got word that the Thess had received a letter claiming to be from Paul—but it was not---that gave false information and they were concerned. So Paul wrote 2 Thess. in response to that.

The theme of both letters ties them together. What is the theme?

Living for Christ under difficult circumstances in light of the return of Christ. Living today—with the hope of tomorrow.

Turn in your Bible now to 1 Thessalonians. I want us to read Paul’s passion for these people—his concern for them.

So Timothy and Silas (or Silvanus) joined Paul in Corinth and gave word about the church in Thess. So, Paul—with Timothy and Silas there with him—write this letter—

Read 1 Thess 2.1-2; 7-8 (mother)

1 Thessalonians 2:1–2 ESV

1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.

1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 ESV

7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

1 Thess 2.9-10 (brother);

1 Thessalonians 2:9–10 ESV

9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.

1 Thess 2.11-12 (father)

1 Thessalonians 2:11–12 ESV

11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

1 Thess 2.17 (torn)

1 Thessalonians 2:17 ESV

17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face,

I Thess 2.18-3.5

1 Thessalonians 2:18–3:5 ESV

18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy. 1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

Doesn’t that sound exactly how you felt when you dropped you kids off for the first time---you just had to know—how are they doing!

1 Thess 3.6-13. What passion?

1 Thessalonians 3:6–13 ESV

6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? 11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

There it is again—the coming of our Lord Jesus.

I want us to go back to 1 Thess 2.19-20 —last verses

1 Thessalonians 2:19–20 ESV

19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.

Paul is saying---Jesus is returning and when he does---what is our hope—what is our joy—what is our crown—what is our Glory? YOU! You accepted the Gospel and you are saved and you will join us in the air when Jesus returns and we will live forever with Him.

1 Thess 4.16-17

1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 ESV

16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

That is the Hope of Christ.

How can we have this Hope---this faithful expectancy? How can we be certain we are saved? How can we have assurance?

So---how do we get this HOPE?

We find the answer in Chapter 1 verses 2-5.

1 Thess 1.2-5

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.

This Hope is rooted in three things.

First of all, it is rooted in the plan of God or the eternal will of God. Notice in verse 4:

4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, [KJV-Election of/by God]

We are chosen by God. That means that God set His affection on us, God chose us, God selected us—we were chosen of Him.

Eph 1.4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.

Well, you say, “If God chose me before the foundation of the world, does that mean that I didn’t have anything to do?

Does that mean that some are predestined to go to Heaven, and some are predestined to go to Hell?”

No. I do not believe the bible teaches that when you look at the whole council of God.

The Bible also says, “whosoever will may come” (Revelation 22:17).

I like what Dwight L. Moody had to say about it. Dwight L. Moody said, “The elect are the whosoever wills, and the non-elect are the whosoever won’ts.”

If you are a whosoever won’t, then you’re not one of the elect; but if you want to be saved, you can be saved.

You can bow your head right now---and come to Jesus. Believe on Him—trust in him---and you will be saved.

The Bible says all who call on the name of the Lord, WILL be saved.

You can do it right now---you can do that during our response time at the end of the service. And if you do—you are one of the elect—you have been chosen.

Illustration:

Imagine a narrow gate---Written above the gate is a message—whosoever will—come. If you choose to enter the gate---you will join the throngs of us on the other side and we will ask you to turn around and look the gate that you just came through. When you do—you will notice a message above the gate on this side of that gate---it says---I chose you—you did not choose me.

John 6.37—Jesus said---

John 6:37 ESV

37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.

He will not cast out---he chose you.

Have you come to him in faith? If so, You can be assured of your salvation because HE CHOSE YOU.

And that my friends is real and Lasting Hope!

This Hope is not only rooted in the Plan of God but also-

1 Thess 1.5

1 Thessalonians 1:5 ESV

5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.

The gospel isn’t just a bunch of words---the Gospel manifests the supernatural power of Jesus Christ.

Romans 1.16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,

Romans 1:16 ESV

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

What is the gospel?

1 Cor 15.3-4 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

1 Corinthians 15:3–4 ESV

3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

And when Jesus hung on that cross, He bowed His head, and He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). That’s one word in the Greek language—tetelestai—and it literally means, “It is made complete” and used in the financial world it means “paid in full.”

And actually, it’s in the perfect tense, and what that means is, “there’s some action in the past that took place in the past, and it was completed in the past, but its work continues into the present.” That’s the work of salvation.

He paid it all---he did it all---it is finished and nothing else needs to be done---the payment for your sin has been paid in full.

Colossians 2:12–14 ESV

12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

When you give your life to Jesus—when you accept his gift of salvation---Listen to me---your debt is paid—in full. All sin past—all sin present—all sin future—all your debt---paid in full and Jesus himself nailed it to the cross!

No one is going to undo it---you can’t undo it and neither can anyone else—it is paid in full. Unless you think the blood of Jesus has limited value—I don’t think so—the death of God’s only Son paid it all.

Now---if you have never accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior then this payment is not yet realized in you. You have to believe in Him---believe what he did is true and put your trust in him for the salvation of your soul. And if you do---you are accepting the free gift of salvation---the payment of your sin on the cross.

Our family gathers around the tree at Christmas and someone hands the gift out to each person based on the name on the tag. Suddenly each person has a pile of gifts. There they are at my feet. Ready for me to take them—ready for me to receive them. I believe they are there—I can see them. I believe they are mine—they have my name on them and someone gave them to me. Are they mine? NO---They are wrapped boxes on the floor and they will remain unopened ownerless until I take one and open it and make it mine.

You have to believe and receive.

The full power of the work of Christ is available—a free gift—have you accepted the gift?

If so---You have this hope because of the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

So—we have hope because of the eternal plan of God—He chose us.

We have hope because of the Power of Christ---the Power of the Gospel

Third—We have hope because of--

5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. [or full assurance]

Not only is the Gospel powerful because of the work of Christ---but the message itself comes to us by way of the HS---The Bible tells us the HS convinces us of Christ---he convicts us of sin----and He comes to indwell every single believer.

The Gospel came not in Word only. It’d be wonderful if we just had the Word;

But God, in order that we might have that assurance, has sent His Holy Spirit into my heart.

Romans 8.16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God

Romans 8:16 ESV

16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Please do not be one who feels they have to experience an emotional feeling to be assured of the HS in you.

It’s not an emotional feeling. It may result in an emotional feeling,

Never say, “I know I’m saved, because I’m happy.”

No---that’s not good, because you know what happens---we find ourselves unhappy and we begin to think we are not saved. No assurance. No hope.

No. Listen. Your assurance never grows out of your feelings;

your feelings grow out of your assurance—but not vice versa.

We know we are saved—we know the HS indwells because he promises us that he does

So, I know that I know that I know that the HS indwells me. How?

it’s so hard to explain isn’t it.

First of all---it’s a promise so we can be assured it is true.

But--The Holy Spirit of God whispers to your spirit that you belong to Jesus. Somehow there is a knowledge. You know it.

I think 1 John 5.10 is a great verse to sum it all up in closing:

1 John 5.10-13

1 John 5:10–13 ESV

10 Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. 11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

Jesus is coming again—it could be today. Do you have this Hope---knowing without a doubt he is coming for you!

We can be assured—if we have put our faith in Jesus Christ because of

The Plan of God

The Power of Christ.

The Presence of the Holy Spirit.

Are you sure?

If not—why not be sure before you leave here today. Give your life to Jesus---accept his free gift of salvation right now. Call to him for salvation.

Lets pray.

stephen elliott

Living Between First and Second / Hope; Second Coming; Rapture; Advent / 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10

Series: Living Between 1st and 2nd.

Sermon: Living with Hope

Read Acts 17.1-15 and 18.1; 4-5.

Pray

Do you remember the first time you dropped your young child off somewhere like school or Sunday school or day care. I remember when we dropped heather off at this little preschool. We didn’t leave—we just couldn’t do it. We hid in a separate room with a window and watched. We just had to know---how was she going to get along with other kids---how would they treat her---had we taught her enough? Would she succeed. We really hoped she would. But we didn’t know for sure. And you know what—she did well. Later –we went through the same thing with Hannah.

As the kids grow up—those feeling never go away do they---

Its one thing to drop them off for an hour or two---then comes the day you have to drop them all day long. Then comes summer camp—a whole weekend or a whole week! Or a mission trip overseas for a week or two.

When they get older---move away. Ever had to help your son or daughter move out. You drop them off at a dorm room---or an apartment or house---you help them pack up and you help them unpack---you stall as long as you can---but eventually you have to walk out their front door---get in your car---and drive away—leaving them on their own. Often times the mourning can be the same as a death in the family.

---you hope they succeed—you hope they make it—you hope they do well.

I wonder how Paul and Timothy and Silas must have felt having to leave these Thessalonians under such duress.

Retell the story

2 missionary journey---Philippi---Thessalonica –

· 100 miles west of Philippi and about 50 miles north of Athens.

· In fact---You could see the great Mount Olympus from there—viewed daily by the people—stood a a symbol of the gods---on the summit is where they believed Zeus gathered all the gods of Greece for council.

· Still exists Thessaloniki or Saloniki

· In 1915, during World War I, a large Allied expeditionary force established a base at Thessaloniki for operations against pro-German Bulgaria

· The city of Thessaloniki was founded in 315 BC by Cassander of Macedon and was named after his wife Thessalonike, daughter of Philip and sister of Alexander the Great. An important metropolis by the Roman period, Thessaloniki was the second largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire.

· Capital of Macadonia

· Roman Colony –primarily Greek people with a significant Jewish population.

· About 200,000 population then—over a million now.

· For at least three Sabbath days Paul reasoned in the synagogue with those present, and many believed the gospel (Acts 17:2). However, he probably ministered in Thessalonica for a longer time than just three weeks in view of what he wrote that he had done there (e.g., 1 Thess. 2:9; cf. Phil. 4:15–16). Those who responded to the message of Christ’s sufferings and resurrection (Acts 17:3, 7) were Jews (Acts 17:4) and God-fearing proselytes to Judaism. There were also some leading women of the city and many idol-worshipping pagans (Acts 17:4–5).

· When the unbelieving Jews heard of the conversion of the proselytes, they stirred up a gang of roughnecks who attacked the house of Jason. Paul had been staying with him. Unable to find the missionaries the mob dragged Jason before the magistrates who simply charged him to keep the peace. Convinced of the danger for Paul the Christians sent Paul and Silas away from the city by night to Berea (Acts 17:10).

· Paul and his party began their evangelistic work in Berea in the synagogue, as was their custom. However when many Jews there believed, the Thessalonian Jews came down to Berea and stirred up more trouble (Acts 17:10–13). The Berean Christians sent Paul away to Athens, but Silas and Timothy remained in Berea (Acts 17:14). Having been sent for by Paul, Silas and Timothy joined Paul in Athens, but he soon sent Silas back to Philippi and or Berea, and Timothy back to Thessalonica (1 Thess. 3:1–3; Acts 17:15). Paul went to Corinth and both Silas and Timothy joined Paul there. (Acts 18:3, 5)

· Timothy’s report of conditions in the Thessalonian church led Paul to write this epistle.

· Shortly after that, Paul got word that the Thess had received a letter claiming to be from Paul—but it was not---that gave false information and they were concerned. So Paul wrote 2 Thess. in response to that.

The theme of both letters ties them together. What is the theme?

Living for Christ under difficult circumstances in light of the return of Christ. Living today—with the hope of tomorrow.

Turn in your Bible to 1 Thessalonians. I want us to get a sense for Paul’s heart for these people—his concern for them.

So, Timothy and Silas (or Silvanus) joined Paul in Corinth and gave word about the church in Thess. So, Paul—with Timothy and Silas there with him—write this letter—

Read 1 Thess 1.1 first.

Read 1 Thess 2.1-2; 7-8 (mother)

1 Thessalonians 2:1–2 ESV

1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.

1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 ESV

7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

1 Thess 2.9-10 (brother);

1 Thessalonians 2:9–10 ESV

9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.

1 Thess 2.11-12 (father)

1 Thessalonians 2:11–12 ESV

11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

1 Thess 2.17 (torn)

1 Thessalonians 2:17 ESV

17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face,

I Thess 2.18-3.5

1 Thessalonians 2:18–3:5 ESV

18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy. 1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

Doesn’t that sound exactly how you felt when you dropped you kids off for the first time---you just had to know—how are they doing! You couldn’t stand to be without them.

1 Thessalonians 3:6–13 ESV

6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? 11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

There it is again—the coming of our Lord Jesus.

I want us to go back to 1 Thess 2.19-20 —last verses

1 Thessalonians 2:19–20 ESV

19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.

Paul is saying---Jesus is returning and when he does---what is our hope—what is our joy—what is our crown—what is our Glory? YOU! You accepted the Gospel and you are saved and you will join us in the air when Jesus returns and we will live forever with Him.

1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 ESV16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

That is the Hope of Christ.

How can we have this Hope---this faithful expectancy? How can we be certain we are saved? How can we have assurance?

So---how do we get this HOPE?

We find the answer in Chapter 1 verses 2-5. And this is the text we will study for the remainder of the sermon: