As we continue with Part 2 in 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 we specifically focus on verses 11-12. Paul is helpful here in affirming that love is observable. While it is good for us to declare we love the body God has given us, we must also demonstrate we do as is detailed in verse 11. Paul goes on to share in verse 12 that such demonstrable love makes a difference both externally (to outsiders) and internally (us who are already a part of the family).
In Part 1 of this sermon on 1 Thess. 4:9-12. The call to love one another within the body of Christ is the central. From this text we will look at the details Paul relays about this all-important love we must show our brothers and sisters. Paul is adamant that such love is neither optional nor individually defined. Instead, Paul makes these things clear about love.
It is not all that uncommon for Paul to break out into prayer in his letters and/or to mention what he has been praying and continues to pray for these Jesus-followers he loves so dearly. Here he does just that. As a result, we can learn a thing or two from his prayer.
Often, when we think of the biblical theme of “love” we run first to God’s love for us. That is good and right. Then perhaps we will mention our love for Him, which is also good and right. However, by His design, biblical love isn’t just defined as “His love for us” and “our love for Him.” It also includes our love for one another or, to put it another way, the church. Paul loved these people (the church at Thessalonica). Through the things Paul conveys here, it is clear that this love was not abstract but quite concrete.
In chapter 1 Paul talked about this church being “imitators” of him and his ministry companions (which is a theme he will revisit later in chapter 2). In between these discussions of imitation is a call to recall how Paul, Silas and Timothy were while they were in their midst. This all ties together because if this church or any church sought to take seriously the instruction to imitate, they must be shown what it is they ought to be imitating. Paul does a wonderful job of doing just that here, while ever encouraging his readers to remain fixed on Jesus.
We believe we are here to have a cultural impact. The Gospel compels us to have hope, love others, and transform our town. We do not need an invitation to love. God is calling us to impact others where we are. We are here to have an impact, not to have a successful programs or activities.
We want to be a church that loves like Jesus loves us. We are the church built and unified by Jesus, not a collection of programs and services. A church that loves is simple and intentional.
(Romans 8:22;13:8-10;5:8/Mark 12:30-31/John 3:16/Ephesians 2:4-5)
The two most important commandments as laid out by Jesus show us how Jesus desires for us to live, which makes it an important piece of everything we do at Community Alliance.
(Romans 15:1-13)(Length 25:34/Size 9.22MB)