1 Thessalonians - Founders Baptist Church

Closing Prayers & Exhortations

September 8, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Thessalonians 5:12–22

Introduction: The way a message ends is often a good summary of its focus throughout. Even in preaching, this is something you wish to do — you wish to finish in a way that brings together and reinforces what you have been communicating throughout. That is certainly true when we come to the end of 1 Thessalonians. What Paul has been rejoicing in, and yet teaching for at the same time, is the sanctification of this church. He has rejoiced in God’s saving work. He has rejoiced in God’s preserving work — so on display in this church. Yet he has also been teaching on behalf of their ongoing spiritual health. HE HAS NOT CONCLUDED, FROM THE WAY THAT GOD HAS TAKEN CARE OF THEM, THAT THEY NO LONGER NEED GUIDANCE AND GROWTH. God’s supernatural sustaining care for His people is not argument for concluding that they no longer need to be shepherded. So, he shepherds them through this letter. Christ died to make us God’s own — to secure us as the people of God (Positional sanctification). Christ died to save us, not just from the penalty of sin, but from the power of sin, and one day the presence of sin (Progressive sanctification). Right in the midst of a world full of spiritual dangers, damning lies, deceptive wolves, the Great Shepherd of the Sheep is developing His people, preserving His people, and making use of His people for the glory of God. And He is making use of instruments — undershepherds like Paul — to contribute to that work. So that when Paul comes to the end of this letter, his prayers and exhortations summarize all that he has been aiming at. WHAT DOES HE PRAY FOR? WHAT DOES HE HAVE ON HIS MIND AS HE FINISHES THIS LETTER OF EXHORTATION? WHAT HE HAS ON HIS MIND IS THEIR SANCTIFICATION! This morning, we consider closing prayers and exhortations for the sanctification of God’s people. We will examine these closing verses under four headings. I. A PRAYER FOR SANCTIFICATION AND PRESERVATION (vs.23-24) Right away we have a very meaningful lesson. The fact that we have this PRAYER is a lesson all by itself. A. THE PRAYER (vs.23) Paul has just TAUGHT for their sanctification. REMEMBER, we met with an extended series of rapid-fire commands. Now he PRAYS for their sanctification. This is a good reminder that working for the sanctification of others in ministry is NOT just a work of teaching, it is also a work of INTERCESSION. QUESTION: DO YOU HAVE THIS THOROUGHLY WORKED INTO YOUR VIEW OF PROGRESSIVE SANCTICATION? We are meant to labor on behalf of others not just in teaching and counsel, and encouragement, and correction — we are meant to labor in prayer. ESV Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. When we think about concern for the salvation and sanctification of others, is prayer firmly fixed in our minds as a part of that work? What place does prayer have in your work as a parent? What place does prayer have in your work as a Bible class teacher? What place does prayer have in our work as pastors? ALWAYS ON DISPLAY IN PAUL’S LETTERS IS HIS CONVICTION THAT PRAYING FOR PEOPLE IS AS VITAL AS TEACHING THEM. His instruction to people is always matched by his prayers for people. ESV 1 Thessalonians 1:2 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. This same conviction is on display all over the Word of God. ESV Acts 6:4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." That’s what Paul is doing here. He is praying for the sanctification of this church. NOTE: HIS PRIMARY FOCUS, WHEN HE TALKS ABOUT THEIR SANCTIFICATION, IS THEIR FINAL SANCTIFICATION. His focus is on the finish line.

Admonitions For Healthy Churches Part 6

August 25, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Thessalonians 5:12–22

Introduction: We have entitled our study of these closing admonitions to the Thessalonians, “Admonitions for Healthy Churches.” One good reason for this is the fact that all these imperatives are plurals. All these imperatives are addressed to the COLLECTION OF SAINTS in Thessalonica. Now, that doesn’t remove the need to apply these commands individually. Indeed, the church collectively is simply what we all add up to individually. But it is a good reminder that Paul is after in these verses is the response to God, in all these areas of responsibility, that would represent a healthy congregation. We have seen that a healthy church is known by its attitude toward spiritual leaders. Healthy churches have leaders who do the work described in verses 12-13, and healthy churches have members who love them and highly respect them for it. We have seen (vs.14-15) that a healthy church is known by its faithfulness to the mutual responsibilities that God has set forth in His Word concerning love of the brethren. Healthy churches have leaders and members who love each other in all the ways that Scripture instructs. And in verses 16-22 we see that healthy church is known by healthy members. What is commanded in these verses gets to the level of what characterizes each individual heart and life. A healthy church has members who choose to walk in the joy of the Lord always. A healthy church has members who live lives of communion that make for readiness to pray, which leads to constant prayer. A healthy church has members who believe what God has revealed about His character and His purposes so that they are living perpetually thankful lives. THE VERSES WE COME TO NOW CONTINUE ADDRESSING OBEDIENCE AT THE INDIVIDUAL LEVEL, BUT THERE IS A SLIGHT DISTINCTION. What we have in verses 19-22 are five imperatives that all have to do with our response to God in the realm of Worship. GOD GIVES US FIVE COMMANDS FOR OUR WORSHIP. Healthy churches reflect that health in their worship, and the reason why their worship is vibrant and healthy is because its people are vibrant and healthy in their individual response to God when it comes to the matters of worship. WHAT CHARACTERIZES HEALTHY CHURCHES IN THE REALM OF WORSHIP? We look at three characteristics of a healthy church in the realm of worship — three characteristics produced through five commands. I. THEY ARE OBEDIENT IN RESPONSE TO THE SPIRIT OF GOD (vs.19) The first two imperatives are expressed negatively. They are commands about what MUST NOT characterize us. It is good to remember, before we consider these, that as Paul is writing this the New Testament is still coming into existence. The apostles are still serving their function as the foundation of the infant church, and the instruments through whom God was giving authoritative truth. There are still prophets who are ministering. The foundation of the church are the apostles and the prophets. Ephesians 2:19–22 (LSB) 19 So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being joined together, is growing into a holy sanctuary in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. So, some of what Paul describes here likely has to do with the work of God in the midst of His churches that was FORMATIVE in nature. The Spirit of God at work through the apostles and prophets giving truth to the churches while the New Testament is coming into being as the fixed source of apostolic doctrine. Some commentators go a step further and see a problem in Thessalonica that Paul was addressing. But I don’t agree with that. I see this as representing what is healthy Christian practice just like the others in this section. John MacArthur agreed. John MacArthur — “However, such arguments are not convincing for several reasons. First, there is no compelling reason in the text to make Paul’s exhortation, do not quench the Spirit, or the other exhortations in verses 20–22, as anything other than separate statements of general exhortation. Readers ought to see them as principles for the Christian life and not read anything more into the text. Second, if the Thessalonian church had been abusing the charismatic gifts, Paul would have earnestly admonished the Thessalonians in detail, as he later did the Corinthians.”#_ftn1 #_ftnref1John MacArthur, 1–2 Thessalonians, https://accordance.bible/link/read/macarthur_ntc-2#40996. Accordance electronic ed. (Chicago: Moody Press, 2002), 200.

Admonitions For Healthy Churches Part 5

August 11, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Thessalonians 5:12–22

Introduction: Problems. Circumstances that we wish could be different. Rarely is there a day when we don’t meet with such things. Every day brings new problems and brings us face to face with pre-existing problems. Sometimes we are dealing with our own set of problems — sometimes we are dealing with, or at least aware of, someone else’s problems. All around us, every day, are things that grieve us, disappoint us, disgust us, stress us, trouble us, agitate us, and make us feel defeated. And in that fallen world that challenges us in so many ways — with problems as near to us as our own selves (many times WE are our greatest reason for grief) — WE FIND IN OUR VERSE TODAY THAT GOD CALLS HIS PEOPLE TO LIVE A LIFE OF PERPETUAL THANKSGIVING. In fact, it is a kind of thanksgiving, as we will see, that the believer is to express ALL THE TIME. NOTE: At the very outset we must remind ourselves that all these admonitions are addressed to BROTHERS. This is God’s standard for HIS PEOPLE. This is the kind of life to be lived by those WHO HAVE BEEN GIVEN LIFE. All these admonitions represent SUPERNATURAL capacities. They are SALVATION capacities. In other words, you can’t live this without Christ. Nor can we live this without active dependence upon Christ. THIS IS A GREAT DANGER WE FACE WHEN WE COME TO COMMANDS LIKE THIS. WE FACE THE DANGER OF EQUATING WHAT GOD IS CALLING FOR WITH SOMETHING WE ALREADY KNOW BY NATURE. We must know that we are immediately on the wrong road if we take anything that Paul is calling for here and equate it with something that people already possess by nature. PEOPLE CAN KNOW A KIND OF POSITIVE ATTITUDE THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT’S WORK. Sometimes people are positive due to their natural personality. This can also be produced in the natural realm by worldly philosophies. You might remember a man named Robert Schuller, and the Crystal Cathedral? He died in 2015, but he built a whole religious movement on the concept of “the power of positive thinking.” When Schuller died, the New York Times actually got the headline right. It read, “Rev. Robert Schuller, 88, Dies; Built an Empire Preaching Self-Belief.” He didn’t preach Christ. He didn’t declare the truth of God’s Word in a way that was faithful to that Word. He didn’t present the Christian life as something produced by regeneration and the power of God. He preached his own version of spiritual experience, which was actually natural ability. Something that could be accomplished without Christ — something natural, worldly, and demonic. What Paul is calling for here is NOT that. It is not something explained by your own power — by any human philosophy — it is explained by nothing less than the Holy Spirit of God’s work in a human soul. So, what do we see here about the believer’s way of life? I. THE MEANING OF THANKSGIVING The first thing is the most obvious. We are commanded to give thanks in EVERYTHING. We are commanded, regardless of what we’re meeting with, regardless of how difficult it might be, regardless of how vicious it might be, regardless of how unwelcomed it might be, to GIVE GOD THANKS RIGHT IN THE MIDST OF IT. Now, it should be obvious that this command goes hand in hand with the other two. Thanksgiving exists where the joy of the Lord exists. Thanksgiving belongs with the command to regular prayer. Our prayer life is to be full of thanksgiving. ESV Philippians 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ESV 1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. ESV Colossians 1:3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, ESV 1 Thessalonians 1:2 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.

Admonitions For Healthy Churches Part 4

August 11, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Thessalonians 5:12–22

Introduction: If we were to make a list of all the proofs of true conversion, the subject matter we that come to today might be the greatest evidence of all. WHERE THE NEW BIRTH HAS TRULY TAKEN PLACE — PRAYER HAS BEGUN. Salvation makes praying people. When I say that, it should be obvious that I’m talking about TRUE prayer. True communion with the living God. LOST HUMANITY ENGAGES IN WHAT IT CALLS PRAYER. BUT LOST HUMANITY HAS NO FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD. But only where Salvation has come is there true fellowship with God. ESV 1 John 1:3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1Co 1:9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Joh 17:3 "And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. God is now our Father. Jesus is now our Lord and Shepherd. The Holy Spirit is now our comforter and our intercessor. Indeed, our entire relationship with God has a relationship to prayer. We come to the Father in the name of the Son. ESV John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. The Son hears us and answers us and intercedes for us. ESV John 14:13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. ESV Romans 8:34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died-- more than that, who was raised-- who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. ESV Hebrews 7:25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. The Spirit of God intercedes for us and empowers us in prayer. ESV Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. ESV Ephesians 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, IT IS NO WONDER, THEN, THAT IN THESE CLOSING ADMONITIONS, PAUL EXHORTS THE THESSALONIANS TO PRAY. Healthy believers are devoted to prayer. Healthy churches are devoted to prayer. ESV Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. ESV Colossians 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. So today, we think about this admonition regarding prayer. I. THE BELIEVER IS COMMANDED TO PRAY This is the first and most obvious thing to note. This is an imperative addressed to the church at Thessalonica. Prayer is a matter of obedience for the Christian. Prayerless Christians are disobedient Christians. Prayerless believers — prayerless churches — are living in an unnecessary impoverishment. THIS IS SUCH A CLEAR EXAMPLE THAT ALL OF GOD’S COMMANDS ARE FOR THE GOOD OF HIS PEOPLE. What God commands is for His glory. But it is also true to say that what God commands is always for the good of His people. THIS IS ALSO A REMINDER THAT WHAT GOD GRANTS THROUGH SALVATION THE BELIEVER STILL MUST ACCESS IN THE WAY OF PROGRESSIVE SANCTIFICATION. Prayer is now supernaturally natural to the believer, but it isn’t automatic. By saving us our God brought us into fellowship with Himself. He has GRANTED to us, then, the CAPACITY for prayer. But that does not make prayer automatic. THE FACT THAT GOD COMMANDS PRAYER MEANS THAT THE BELIEVER MUST CHOOSE PRAYER.

Admonitions For Healthy Churches Part 3

August 4, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Thessalonians 5:12–22

Introduction: The spiritual health of believers is directly tied to our obedience to the Word of God. That is true individually and congregationally. Obedience to the Word of God is the pathway to spiritual fruitfulness. This is a great theme in the Word of God — God promises His blessing where there is faithful obedience — faith works. NAS Psalm 1:1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. NAS Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. ESV Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. 8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." ESV John 14:15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. ESV 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. Faithful shepherds, then, proclaim the Word of God and exhort people to believe it and practice it. And they emphasize that true obedience is obedience FROM THE HEART. That is what Paul is doing at the end of 1 Thessalonians. He is closing this letter with admonitions. He is reminding them of important truths and calling them to believe these things and practice these things. And we said last time that he gives admonitions in an orderly fashion. These calls to obey fall into three categories. REVIEW: Last time we looked at the first one. I. HEALTHY CHURCHES RELATE RIGHTLY TO PASTORAL CARE (vs.12-13) Spiritual health requires a right response to the leadership that God has ordained in His church. We saw that verses twelve and thirteen challenge both the shepherds and those being shepherded. THE WORK OF ELDERS ELDERS LABOR FOR THE CHURCH ELDERS EXERCISE MEDIATED AUTHORITY IN THE CHURCH ELDERS ADMONISH THE CHURCH — Give instruction regarding correct beliefs and behaviors. THE RESPONSE OF GOD’S PEOPLE APPRECIATIVE RESPECT LOVING HIGH REGARD PEACEFUL FELLOWSHIP (cooperative followership) LESSON: This morning, we continue by looking at the 2nd category. II. HEALTHY CHURCHES RELATE RIGHTLY TO MUTUAL CARE (vs.14-15) Spiritual health is not just measured by how we think of and respond to the leaders of the church. Spiritual health is also measured by our relationship to the people of God as a whole. Spiritual health is measured by our responses to the “one another” commands of God’s Word. What these admonitions represent is FAMILY RESPONSIBILITY. The church is the family of God. The church is the household of God. ESV 1 Timothy 3:15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. Healthy families care for one another. There is love, and therefore loyal care, that exists between the family members. THAT IS NO LESS TRUE IN THE FAMILY OF GOD. The admonitions that Paul gives here represent just that. Obedience to these exhortations represents loving God and loving your spiritual family.

Admonitions For Healthy Churches Part 2

August 4, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Thessalonians 5:12–22

Introduction: The spiritual health of believers is directly tied to our obedience to the Word of God. That is true individually and congregationally. Obedience to the Word of God is the pathway to spiritual fruitfulness. This is a great theme in the Word of God — God promises His blessing where there is faithful obedience — faith works. NAS Psalm 1:1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. NAS Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. ESV Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. 8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." ESV John 14:15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. ESV 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. Faithful shepherds, then, proclaim the Word of God and exhort people to believe it and practice it. And they emphasize that true obedience is obedience FROM THE HEART. That is what Paul is doing at the end of 1 Thessalonians. He is closing this letter with admonitions. He is reminding them of important truths and calling them to believe these things and practice these things. And we said last time that he gives admonitions in an orderly fashion. These calls to obey fall into three categories. REVIEW: Last time we looked at the first one. I. HEALTHY CHURCHES RELATE RIGHTLY TO PASTORAL CARE (vs.12-13) Spiritual health requires a right response to the leadership that God has ordained in His church. We saw that verses twelve and thirteen challenge both the shepherds and those being shepherded. THE WORK OF ELDERS ELDERS LABOR FOR THE CHURCH ELDERS EXERCISE MEDIATED AUTHORITY IN THE CHURCH ELDERS ADMONISH THE CHURCH — Give instruction regarding correct beliefs and behaviors. THE RESPONSE OF GOD’S PEOPLE APPRECIATIVE RESPECT LOVING HIGH REGARD PEACEFUL FELLOWSHIP (cooperative followership) LESSON: This morning, we continue by looking at the 2nd category. II. HEALTHY CHURCHES RELATE RIGHTLY TO MUTUAL CARE (vs.14-15) Spiritual health is not just measured by how we think of and respond to the leaders of the church. Spiritual health is also measured by our relationship to the people of God as a whole. Spiritual health is measured by our responses to the “one another” commands of God’s Word. What these admonitions represent is FAMILY RESPONSIBILITY. The church is the family of God. The church is the household of God. ESV 1 Timothy 3:15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. Healthy families care for one another. There is love, and therefore loyal care, that exists between the family members. THAT IS NO LESS TRUE IN THE FAMILY OF GOD. The admonitions that Paul gives here represent just that. Obedience to these exhortations represents loving God and loving your spiritual family.

Admonitions For Healthy Churches Part 1

July 28, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Thessalonians 5:12–22

Introduction: We come now to a fascinating section as Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is coming to a close. It is a series of admonitions. An admonition can be defined as an authoritative warning or counsel. It can also mean a kind of reproof that is gentle or friendly.#_ftn1 This is more than just exhortation. In fact the three phrases Paul uses to introduce some of these admonitions indicates the authority of the statements. “We ask of you” (vs.12). Weighty words can still be gentle words, and that is the case here. Paul is asking, but he is asking as an apostle of Jesus Christ. I think of times that I have appealed to my children, not wanting to adopt a tone of command, but still wanting to convey the importance of what I think is best, and I’ve said something like — “I know you may not agree, but I’m asking you to do this.” “We urge you” (vs.14) Again, there is a weightiness attached to a statement when someone says, “Listen, I’m really urging you to do this.” “See that” (vs.15) ὁράω – In this context it means to take responsibility to ensure that something happens. If you were to say to someone, “You need to see to this, please.” You would be imparting a responsibility to that person. We need to note some of the features of these admonitions. 1. PAUL IS CLEARLY WRITING WITH APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY 2. PAUL IS CLEARLY ADDRESSING THE CONGREGATION DIRECTLY. As an apostle he not only has the authority to do this, he has the responsibility when there are concerns. He addresses the brothers — all of them — and includes instructions about how they are to regard and respond to their leaders. This means he isn’t addressing the leaders directly with these admonitions. He is addressing the congregation directly. 3. PAUL IS CLEARLY CONCERNED THAT THE CHURCH RECEIVES AND HEEDS THESE ADMONITIONS (vs.27) We will say more about this verse when we eventually come to it, but I want you to see at the outset that the apostle is communicating exhortations with a tone of authority, and it is a pastoral burden that explains these admonitions. 4. PAUL IS GIVING THESE ADMONITIONS IN AN ORGANIZED FASHION As Robert Thomas observed, he begins with responsibilities toward leaders, then moves to responsibilities toward all people, and then moves to responsibilities regarding one’s own life. 5. PAUL IS IMPARTING RESPONSIBILITY TO THE ENTIRE CONGREGATION The fulfillment of these admonitions, INCLUDING THE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPROVE SINNING MEMBERS, is not just the responsibility of elders. It is FAMILY LOVE at work, which means that the whole family is involved. 6. PAUL IS GIVING ADMONITIONS THAT BELONG TO GOD’S SANCTIFYING WORK, AND REPRESENT SPIRITUAL HEALTH FOR ALL CHRISTIANS What he exhorts is obeyed and experienced where God’s sanctifying work is being accomplished, and where spiritual maturity is being embraced. With these things in mind, I want us to look at Three realms for admonitions that make for healthy churches. I. HEALTHY CHURCHES RELATE RIGHTLY TO PASTORAL CARE (vs.12-13) The first thing that Paul addresses is the attitude of the church, the mindset of the church, the behaviors of the church, regarding their leaders. This is clearly in reference to the elders of the church. The description of the duties and activities of these leaders makes plain the nature of the leaders he has in mind. The elders of the church have been given “charge over you (the church).” (NASB verse 12) #_ftnref1 https://http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/admonition

The Other Side of The Believer’s Comfort

July 28, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11

Introduction: The comfort that God gives to His people, based on their destiny, is presented in both positive AND negative terms. We know God’s comfort on both ends of the spectrum of destiny. We know comfort when concentrating on what we WILL experience in the future. We know comfort when concentrating on what we WILL NOT experience in the future. In chapter 4:13-18, Paul reminded the Thessalonians of the day when believers will meet the Lord Jesus in the air and will forever be with the Lord. He clarified what that day will mean for the dead in Christ. He clarified what that day will mean for those alive when Christ appears. A DAY OF REMOVAL FROM A WORLD OF SIN AND DEATH INTO AN AGE OF EVERLASTING LIFE. A DAY OF FAITH BECOMING SIGHT. A DAY OF REUNION WITH ALL THOSE BELIEVERS WHO HAVE PRECEDED US IN DEATH. A DAY OF EVERLASTING FELLOWSHIP IN THE PRESENCE OF JESUS. But WHAT FOLLOWS THAT EVENT? What follows is a time of judgment on the earth. What follows is what Scripture refers to as “The Day of the Lord.” That terminology is used in more than one way in Scripture and a survey of its uses would take much more than just a sermon. But the way Paul is using that description in our text, is with reference to the time when the wrath of God is poured out on the earth in a series of events, culminating with the return of Christ to the earth to judge lost humanity, and to usher in His Kingdom. WHAT PAUL IS EMPHASIZING IS THE WRATH OF GOD IN JUDGMENT UPON THIS WORLD. What is interesting however, is that HE EMPHASIZES COMFORT AGAIN. He is now talking about judgment, but his pastoral purpose has not changed. Just as he told them that his words were for their comfort when he talked about the rapture. Now, he ends this section telling them that these words are for their comfort as he has described judgment. HOW CAN THAT BE? HOW CAN THE TRUTH ABOUT THE JUDGMENT OF GOD SERVE AS A REASON FOR OUR COMFORT? This morning, I want to give you four reasons why the truth about Day of the Lord is a reason for believers to be encouraged and comforted. I. BECAUSE BELIEVERS KNOW THAT IT IS COMING (vs.1-2a) Paul says that the Thessalonians have knowledge regarding the times and seasons leading to the return of Christ. Paul uses two words that are meant to be taken together. Most scholars agree that these two Greek words (χρόνος and καιρός) were used synonymously in New Testament times. It is simply of way of saying; “you don’t need for someone to write to you about future things — about God’s future programs of deliverance and judgment.” Why? “Because you have already been taught about it.” What Paul is about to say concerning the day of the Lord, he had already taught them in the past. In fact, when he says “you know full well,” he uses a Greek word translated “full well” that can mean “accurately.”

The Aim of Eschatology Part 2

July 21, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

Introduction: The aim of eschatology is the same aim as the goal of all our instruction. What are we aiming at, FOR OUR LISTENERS, is what the Bible tells us MUST BE OUR GOAL. NAS 1 Timothy 1:5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. The aim is love. Love for God, love for His people, love for His truth, love for His cause in the world. The kind of love that belongs to a kind of SOUL CONDITION. Pure hearts. Good consciences. Sincere believers. This is the aim for eschatology as surely as it is the aim for everything else we teach. Eschatology matters, but ONLY in the pursuit of the kind of knowledge that exists in the worship of God. The aim for the teaching of eschatology cannot differ from any other subject in the Word of God. This morning, we considered why the Thessalonians were troubled when they thought about their deceased loved ones. They have already been taught about the return of Christ. They will soon be reminded of what they had already been taught about the “day of the Lord” (chapter 5). ESV 1 Thessalonians 5:1 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. We know that these people know the gospel. They have been taught about the death, burial, and RESURRECTION of Jesus. They have been taught about the forgiveness of sins, the gift of justification, and the reality of eternal life. SO WHY ARE THEY CONCERNED? What does Paul understand their concerns (and I would argue their confusion) to be centered on? As I mentioned this morning, I think we gain insight into this from his second letter to this church. It seems that what he is beginning to address in this letter HAS PERSISTED when he writes to them shortly after. ESV 2 Thessalonians 2:1 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, 2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? It seems that their concerns have to do with confusion about the day of the Lord. Someone, it seems, has troubled SOME of them, with the thought that they were already in the time that belongs to the “day of the Lord.” We demonstrated this morning that “the day of the Lord” includes a series of events. It culminates in the second coming of Christ to the earth, and the judgement of the earth, but includes the events of the 7-year tribulation period — THE TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE. IF YOU THINK YOU ARE IN THE DAY OF THE LORD — false teaching taking advantage of your current sufferings to make you afraid of that — AND IT TROUBLES YOU, THEN IT MUST BE BECAUSE THAT SCENARIO DIFFERS FROM WHAT YOU HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN TAUGHT. You are troubled because what you are hearing, and what you believe you are experiencing, differs from what you had been taught by Paul. AND IF YOU WHAT YOU HAD BEEN TAUGHT INCLUDED TEACHING ABOUT A PROGRAM OF RESURRECTION, THEN IT ALSO TROUBLES YOU ABOUT THOSE WHO HAVE PRECEDED YOU IN DEATH. What would all this mean for their loved ones who had already died? PAUL’S ANSWER — BOTH IN 1 AND 2 THESSALONIANS — TAKES THEM BACK TO WHAT HE HAD ALREADY TAUGHT THEM AND EXPANDS ON WHAT HE HAD ALREADY TAUGHT THEM. “Here is God’s program for the coming of Christ for His church.” “Here is what will happen when Christ returns for His saints.” You are safe. Your loved ones are not in a position inferior to yours.

The Aim of Eschatology Part 1

July 21, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

Introduction: To study Scripture rightly, requires submitting your mind and heart to the aims and the concerns of the biblical writers (which also means the aims and concerns of the Spirit of God working through them). Their aims and concerns must DETERMINE (not just influence) our aims and concerns. As I have said before, Scripture must not only give us our answers —it must guide our questions. Our minds must be submitted to the contour of Scripture as well as the content of Scripture. Not just WHAT is said, but what is on display in what is said that indicates WHY it is said and demonstrates HOW it is said. And in this way, God renews our minds. This kind of disciplined submission to Scripture has to do with the renewing of our minds. Are we allowing Scripture to teach us to think? Are we allowing Scripture to teach us WISDOM as well as knowledge? Are we allowing Scripture to teach us where to place our emphasis? I bring this up because Paul is now giving instruction about the last days —about eschatology. And what we notice is that his teaching isn’t concerned with and driven by that which often characterizes the people in our day most concerned with eschatology. I DON’T WANT TO BE MISUNDERSTOOD — GOD GAVE US THE TRUTH ABOUT THE FUTURE BECAUSE IT IS VITAL FOR US TO KNOW IT — IT IS VITAL FOR OUR LIVING RIGHT NOW. God doesn’t reveal ANYTHING that we don’t need to know. So, I am not saying that eschatology doesn’t matter. But what I am pointing out is WHAT IS WHAT THE SELF-EVIDENT AIMS ARE FOR PAUL’S INSTRUCTION ABOUT THE LAST DAYS. He does not give them truth about the last days in a way that simply focuses on information. He is certainly not communicating information in a way that would fuel SPECULATION. He gives them these truths that they might know TRUTHFUL encouragement. He wants them to know WHAT IS TRUE and to be COMFORTED BY IT. HIS CONCERN IS PASTORAL. HIS FOCUS IS ON HOW THEY ARE TO LIVE — THAT THEY WOULD LIVE WELL IN THE PRESENT FOR CHRIST — BECAUSE THEY KNOW THE FUTURE. HIS AIM IS THE SHEPHERDING OF THEIR HEARTS. The truth God has revealed about the future is intended to TRANSFORM OUR LIVING in the present. The aim is never to satisfy all our curiosities. The aim is never our intellectual entertainment. The aim is not to give us material to be used for inventive theories. The aim is A LIFE — that in RESPONSE TO TRUTH — is FAITHFUL TO CHRIST. Continued Christian faithfulness is the goal. And if that is not OUR aim, when we come to the subject of eschatology, we have already gone astray. NOTE: Right away, before looking at a single verse, we should consider if our aims match Paul’s? Do our concerns, when it comes to the subject of eschatology, reflect the concerns of a shepherd? Do we want to know about the future, to truthfully encourage and strengthen God’s people in the present, so that we can faithfully serve Christ? This morning, we will think about the aim of eschatology.

The Unique Grief & Encouragement of The Christian

July 7, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12

Introduction: We live in the world that was left after the fall. It is a world full of hostility and the destruction that sin has produced. It is a world in which a great enemy of humanity continues to operate until the new world comes — the enemy is death. The great murderer — Satan — has already been conquered. The last enemy — death — has already been conquered. But we wait for the day when what our Lord has won and settled will be fully revealed. Until that day we are not spared the hardships of a world under the curse. We are not spared suffering, grief, sadness, loss. BUT OUR LIVES ARE DIFFERENT FROM THE UNBELIEVER IN ALL THESE THINGS. WE DON’T SUFFER ALONE. WE HAVE GOD. WE HAVE EACH OTHER — THE PEOPLE OF GOD. WE HAVE GRACE. WE HAVE TRUTH. WE HAVE HOPE — WE HAVE GOD’S PROMISES. Tonight, I want us to think about those things. I want us to think about how our God has uniquely loved us and put us into a position completely different from lost humanity. I. CHRISTIANS KNOW A UNIQUE GRIEF No hope (vs.13). There can’t be two sadder words than those two words. No hope means no share in the eternal future that belongs to the people of God. No hope means no part in it, no GENUINE faith in it, no future expectation of it. THAT IS WHERE WE ALL ONCE WERE. ESV Ephesians 2:11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands-- 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. A. THE GRIEF THAT BELONGS TO THE HOPELESS There is a kind of grief that people in that position experience. No TRUE hope of reunion. No TRUE hope of future fellowship. In fact, what makes that “no hope” even sadder is that the people who are in that position hold to FALSE HOPES. Those false hopes differ from person to person, but what they all have in common is that they aren’t true. The hope that there is no life beyond this one. The hope that the unknown and unknowable (apart from God’s revelation) will provide a glorious surprise. The hope that there is a heaven that matches earthly, false, views of God, and false views of righteousness, and false views of justice, and false views of paradise — A HEAVEN THAT MATCHES DEMONIC PROMISES. When people lose loved ones and they are without hope, they know a grief that is not only bitter due to the present, but especially bitter because they have no beautiful, glorious, truthful expectation regarding the future. They are left with nothing that is certain except judgment. ESV Hebrews 10:26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. B. THE GRIEF THAT BELONGS TO THE HOPEFUL The believer knows a different kind of grief. The grief is real. IN SOME WAYS, God’s people know a kind of grief common TO ALL PEOPLE. You can talk to someone who isn’t a Christian and we would be able to identify with a lot of what they feel.

Holiness & Love Part 2

July 7, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12

Introduction: Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians demonstrates that faithful ministry will be characterized by unions that God produces. Pastoral love is joined to pastoral work. Pastoral work is the union of intercession and instruction. ESV Acts 6:4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." And the work of God in His people — the work that pastoral ministry aims at — is a union of holiness and love. ESV 1 Timothy 1:5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Paul’s intercession at the end of chapter 3, immediately followed by instruction that matches the intercession, demonstrates this. He prays for increasing love (3:12) and for steadfastness in holiness (3:13). Then he exhorts and instructs for increasing holiness and increasing love (4:1-12). Last Sunday evening we examined his exhortation and explanations for the mandate of holiness in the believer’s life. Review: I. AN EXHORTATION TO INCREASING HOLINESS (vs.1) We were reminded that we ALL need to be exhorted to holiness. Holiness — that which is devoted to God. That which conforms to what pleases God. That which refuses what is at odds with what pleases God. That which is like Christ. He doesn’t exhort them because they aren’t already striving to please the Lord in all their ways — he acknowledges that they are. He exhorts them because we never reach a point where we can’t EXCEL in holiness. No one has arrived. And no one, who ceases walking in a way that pleases God, is immune to the life destroying effects of spiritual lethargy. II. AN EXPLANATION FOR INCREASING HOLINESS (vs.2-8) But he doesn’t stop at the point of exhortation. He follows with explanations. THIS TOO, AS WE SAW, IS SOMETHING GOD HAS JOINED TOGETHER. Exhortation and instruction. Exhortation without instruction lacks substance. Instruction without exhortation lacks urgency. Paul gave three reasons why the believer must grow in holiness. A. GOD’S COMMANDS REQUIRE HOLINESS (vs.2,8) B. SALVATION’S GRACE DEMANDS HOLINESS (this is fitting) (vs.3-6) C. SALVATION’S DELIVERANCE PURPOSES HOLINESS (vs.7) Lesson: Now the apostle turns his attention to love. AND HE HAS IN MIND, A SPECIFIC KIND OF LOVE (to start with) — THE LOVE OF BRETHREN. God’s love in His people, for His people. What is interesting is that when he comes to love, he reverses the order of his instruction. With holiness he began with exhortation and then offered explanations. With love he begins with explanations and then moves to exhortation. And I believe the reason he does this is more than stylistic variety. SOMETIMES EXPLANATION CAN FOLLOW ENCOURGEMENTS, because the nature of what we are encouraging is already clearly understood. “Here is what you should do, let me remind you why.” AND NO ONE IS FOGGY ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE ENCOURAGING.

Holiness & Love Part 1

June 30, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12

Introduction: Prayer and teaching. Teaching and prayer. This is what the Lord has ordained for the growth of His people, and this is what is on display in Paul’s letter. He has written a prayer on behalf of the Thessalonians (3:11-13). He prays for their growth in love (vs.12), and for them to be established in holiness (vs.13). Now, in chapter 4, he follows that prayer with exhortation and teaching. What does the exhortation and teaching address? Holiness in verses 1-8. Love in verses 9-12. He PRAYS for love and holiness; he then EXHORTS for holiness and love. Prayer and teaching go together. This is another lesson about genuine shepherding. THE LOVE OF SHEPHERDS, AND THE INTERCESSION OF SHEPHERDS, IS JOINED TO THE FEEDING WORK OF SHEPHERDS. Shepherds don’t just PRAY for God’s people, they FEED God’s people with the food of truth. ESV Acts 6:4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." BUT IN THIS INSTRUCTION OTHER CONNECTIONS BECOME APPARENT. PRAYER GOES WITH TEACHING — TEACHING GOES WITH PRAYER. But now look at the AIM of those prayers and the CONTENT of that teaching, and another connection becomes clear. HOLINESS BELONGS TO LOVE AND LOVE BELONGS TO HOLINESS. True love is married to holiness, and true holiness is never divorced from love. The wellbeing of the people of God — you could say the HAPPINESS of the people of God — requires the HOLINESS of the people of God. AND WHEN WE SAY HOLINESS, IN THIS CONTEXT, WE ARE REFERRING TO EXPERIENTIAL HOLINESS. SALVATION RESULTS IN POSITIONAL HOLINESS. But where the gift of JUSTIFICATION has been given, the work of PROGRESSIVE SANCTIFICATION follows. The gift of positional holiness must be matched with (and ultimately will result in) the growth of PERSONAL HOLINESS. These are the themes that stand out in our verses. Beginning tonight we think about holiness and love. We see exhortations and explanations concerning holiness and love that agree with the apostle’s intercessions. I. AN EXHORTATION TO INCREASING HOLINESS (vs.1) Paul begins this chapter with an exhortation regarding a LIFESTYLE, a WAY OF LIVING, (walk and please) that pleases God. Περιπατέω – “to conduct one’s life, comport oneself, behave, live as a habit of conduct.” The Thessalonians are living in the moral sewage of paganism. They live in a world of demonic belief in a pantheon of gods, where the gods are as perverted as the devil wants PEOPLE to be. The gods have been formed in the demonically inspired minds of men who wish for their gods to affirm their wicked desires. The Thessalonian believers have been saved OUT OF THAT WORLD of demonic superstition and ignorance. And now they must live in accordance with God’s sanctifying purpose. THEY DO NOT LIVE TO PLEASE THEIR WORLD. THEY DO NOT LIVE TO PLEASE THEMSELVES. THEY LIVE TO PLEASE THEIR GOD. This is not just a matter of DOCTRINE. This is a matter of THEIR WALK — THE ENTIRE PERSON AND THE ENTIRE LIFE. This is a concern that runs throughout the letter to the very end. ESV 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. QUESTION: SHOULD THIS NOT BE A MATTER OF EARNEST PRAYER AT OUR OWN TIME? Are we not living in a post-Christian pagan society? Are we not witnessing immorality in ways new to our generation? Is it too strong to say that we are witnessing INVENTIONS OF EVIL?

A Pastor’s Prayer For The Church

June 30, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Thessalonians 3:11–13

Introduction: The pastor’s heart is on display by concern for the church, by carefulness when it comes to the entrustment of ministry, by a mature understanding of the needs of God’s people, a mature understanding of the dangers they face, and by a consuming interest in their spiritual wellbeing. BUT NOW WE ARE REMINDED THAT IF THAT PASTORAL LOVE TRULY EXISTS, IT WILL ALWAYS BE EXPRESSED IN A PARTICULAR GRACE — PRAYER. No one really loves the church who doesn’t pray for the church. No one really has the heart of a shepherd who doesn’t intercede for those in his care. No one really understands his own need, the needs of others, or where the sufficiency rests for those needs to be met, who doesn’t look to God in prayer. It should not surprise us then to find that after Paul’s expresses his love for this church, we immediately meet with a prayer for this church. THIS IS A PRAYER. Some have tried to split hairs on it — they say, “it doesn’t really take the form of address that you would find in a prayer, and so it is a sanctified wish.” But I would simply ask, “to whom does Paul direct his hopes when it comes to this wish?” Sometimes prayer takes THIS VERY FORM. We are not just instructed by the FACT of Paul’s intercessions for the church, we are instructed by the content of that intercession. PAUL’S PRAYER REMINDS US OF WHAT WE NEED AS A CHURCH. Paul’s example reminds us that we need to pray. Paul’s prayer reminds us of what the people of God need. If we wish to know how to pray for the Lord’s church, read this prayer, hear this prayer, and let our prayers be informed by what we hear. It is a prayer rich in instruction if we carefully meditate upon it. I. THE ADDRESS OF THE PRAYER (vs.11a) The first thing that we note about this prayer is its form of address. Paul’s wish or prayer is that God would direct his way to the Thessalonians. This is putting into prayer the desire that he expressed in verse 10. He said that they pray, earnestly, night and day, to see the Thessalonians in person, and to contribute to their spiritual growth. Well, what he said he prays for regularly, earnestly, and with purpose — he now lifts to God again, immediately, in the letter. A. THE NATURE OF GOD ON DISPLAY He does so in a way that communicates the truth of the Trinity. The Father and the Son of God can be distinguished. But there is one divine nature. And there is perfect and constant agreement between the Father and the Son in the one divine will. TO ASK GOD TO DIRECT YOUR WAY TO THE THESSALONIANS IS A DESIRE THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED TO THE FATHER, AND AT THE SAME TIME, BE EXPRESSED TO THE SON. The personal pronoun (He or Himself) can either be understood in a way that is emphatic (He) or reflexive (Himself). It could either be in reference to the Father only, or to both the Father and the Son. BUT WHAT IS UNDEBATABLE IS THAT THE ACTION BEING ASKED FOR IS SINGULAR, AND IT IS ADDRESSED TO BOTH THE FATHER AND THE SON. The verb (direct) is a 3rd person singular. William Hendriksen — “… the essential unity (hence, unity of work and purpose) of the Father and the Son is stressed, the pronoun he referring to the combination, and the singular verb (third person singular aorist optative) being employed. We consider the pronoun αὐτός intensive (hence, he), not reflexive (himself), as if the thought had ever occurred either to Paul or to Silas that they might wish to direct their own way. The context here is very clear: note verse 9: thanksgiving was offered to God, the rejoicing was in his presence; and verse 10: the accompanying prayer was, of course, also uttered to God. Hence, very logically, there follows in verse 11, “Now may he, our God and Father and our Lord Jesus,” etc. It is comforting to know that the Father and the Son are, indeed one. We never need to be afraid that the Father is less loving than the Son or that the two work at cross-purposes.”#_ftn1 [#_ftnref1 William Hendriksen, Exposition of Thessalonians, https://accordance.bible/link/read/h-k_nt_commentary#72349. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1955), 90.

The Love of God In Shepherds Part 2

June 23, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Thessalonians 3:1–10

Introduction: We are considering what pastoral love looks like in a ministry, and in a man of God. We are seeing that love on display in this section of 1 Thessalonians, as Paul pours out his heart and tells them of what transpired during his time in Thessalonica, now as he writes this letter. He is giving them an explanation of what he did, and why he did it. This morning, we looked at two marks of the love of God in shepherds. Review: I. A SELF-SACRIFICING CONCERN (vs.1-2) II. A CAREFUL ENTRUSTMENT OF MINISTRY (vs.2) LESSON: III. A MATURE UNDERSTANDING OF SPIRITUAL NEEDS (vs.3-4) The longer a genuine shepherd serves the Lord’s church, the more effective he becomes in ministry. Obviously, we are physical creatures, and physical energy is needed for the work of the ministry, but shepherding God’s church is a work that we can only get better at the longer we FAITHFULLY pursue it. The reason why a faithful shepherd’s effectiveness increases is because what he has known in doctrine is now being worked into the fabric of a life that has taken on more of the likeness of Christ — a life that is acquainted with a growing humility and love. Perhaps early in the Christian life someone could imagine that they will ACE ALL THE TESTS. But it doesn’t take long before the Lord acquaints you with your NEED FOR CONSTANT GRACE. This allows you to help the people of God with their struggles in a way that NEVER COMPROMISES but DOES INCLUDE COMPASSION. ESV Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. The mature shepherd has a personal and growing understanding of the challenges that the people of God are facing. He also has a personal and growing understanding of THE NEED TO APPLY what you have LEARNED. Paul knows that KNOWLEDGE must be joined to FAITH for that knowledge to prove effectual in a believer’s life. Question: Do you ever struggle with this? You say to yourself, “I know better than this, I’ve been taught better than this, so why am I struggling so badly?” Why am I struggling with unforgiveness? Why am I struggling with prideful responses? Why am I struggling with spiritual apathy? Why am I struggling with jealousy? Why am I struggling with fear? Why am I struggling with self-pity? Etc. Well, it’s because it’s never enough just to know what is true. We must BELIEVE what is true, and we must ACT ON what is true — WALK IN what is true. Paul knows that this is a church facing tremendous afflictions. MULTIPLE AFFLICTIONS. Afflictions felt in the realm of relationships — INCLUDING VENEMOUS PERSECUTION. Afflictions felt in the realm of finances — many of the financial difficulties brought about by the displacement in society due to their faith in Christ. Afflictions that could be described as SEVERE and EXTREME. ESV 2 Corinthians 8:1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. Thessalonica is a Macedonian church.