Morning Message Texts: 2 Thessalonians 2: 13-17 and 3: 6-13
Stand Firm
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.
14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,
17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Warning Against Idleness
6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.
7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you,
8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.
10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”
11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.
12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.
13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.
Morning Message:
It seems like I have a hundred thoughts going through my mind at the same time. I don’t even know if the scripture that I am using this morning matches what God is putting on my heart. God’s word upon first glance can sometimes be confusing. I have been looking at these texts for over two weeks now and I thought that I knew where God was leading me. The problem with this thought of frustrating God is that it makes God seem human, which we know that he is not. I don’t believe that God is ever frustrated with us. As a matter of fact, I know that he can’t be because frustration comes when you are unsure of how things will turn out, and God already knows the outcome of our lives. But our scripture raises another question. Verse 13 says, “God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.” If God chooses us, what is the point of evangelism? The doctrine of election affirms that God chooses those whom He will save. But some people argue, “If you believe in election, there’s no point in sharing the gospel, because God will ensure that whoever is going to be saved will be saved whether or not you do anything about it.” The problem with this line of thinking is that God has not only selected people to be saved but also elected the means by which they are saved. If we do not cooperate with Him by spreading the Word and allowing it to be heard, we frustrate His means of grace in people’s lives. God’s sovereignty in choosing whom He will for salvation does not rule out human responsibility. Verse 15 reminds us that Christians are responsible to stand firm and cling to the teaching they’ve received. And throughout scripture, we are commanded to share the gospel and respond in faith.
Let’s look at some of the ways that we frustrate God’s means of grace. Listen to what chapter 3 verse 6 says, “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.” Listen to this explanation that comes right out of my study bible. “The phrase “keep away” pictures gathering together one’s robe and walking away, not in a spirit of superiority, but in a refusal to condone wrong deeds. The purpose of disassociating with “idle and disruptive” believers is to create a distance that will encourage repentance and restoration.” There is a goal that God has placed in my heart. Over the past several weeks I have been focusing on bringing as many people back to worship as possible. The placing of stones to build an altar to God is a simple means of commitment. Once we get to the number of people who are truly committed to God and His work, my hope is that we will dedicate ourselves through repentance to God’s service and become the church that God has called us to be. Once that happens, we can’t be distracted by those who are not committed.
Here is what I believe. God is getting ready to move in this world, in this nation in a mighty way. I pray and I believe that God will bring one more revival upon this earth before Jesus comes back to claim what is rightfully his. I believe that God is calling a remnant of His people from every church including this one, to be the beginning of this revival. We can’t continue to focus on those who do not want to be here and be part of what we are doing. It is time for us to repent and ready ourselves for the work that Jesus commanded us to do before he left this earth. It doesn’t matter how small our gathering is, the important thing is that we are dedicated to our Savior and willing to step out in faith and do the work. Scripture says, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” That doesn’t mean that they should starve, just that they are encouraged to come to the point where they will once again partake of God’s blessings and join in his work. I’m looking for God’s remnant from this church so that we can move forward with his work. All our called, but few are chosen. All are welcome, how many will take part.
Here is the advantage that you get by coming to worship. I am going to read from my devotional. It is too long to type out but those who have dedicated themselves to be here need to hear it. Read Devotion. The song that we listened to this morning says something very profound and meaningful. We need to hear this and repent, confess our faults and get ready to move forward. No matter what you’ve done, God will make you whole. No matter what you’ve done, God will welcome you back with open arms and use you for His kingdom.
In Christ’s Love and Peace,
Pastor Bob
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