TEXT: 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 (Read vv. 1-11)
READING: John 16:1-16
SUBJ: The exhortation to comfort one another through Gospel reminders and with regard to the spiritual issues of our age and especially the hatred of the Gospel.
AIM: That we should experience such closeness of fellowship as to make us comforters, one of another and in the whole body. To provide a Communion meditation.
INTR: The Epistles to the Thessalonians are all about comfort regarding persecution. Yet, in the knowledge of our Lord’s dealing with them and the expectations of future blessings are pressed upon them. While our situation is not the same as theirs yet, the principles set forth here are always applicable to a Gospel Church.
1. The sudden nature of the Second Coming (appearing) of Christ is always an impetus to watch. This is not a fearful watching as if we did not know the why of His coming. We are thus comforted together.
2. Consider the “for’s,” “therefore’s,” and “wherefore’s,” and the significance of them in presenting the argument to be comforted. By them we are led to precious conclusions beginning at verse 5.
3. Often, comfort is baseless and comes off as no more than good wishes. Not so here. Comfort is Gospel based and is about Gospel issues. How do we feel about being left in a contemptible society?
THESIS: It is through the knowledge of the divine purpose that we are able to be comforted and built up. It is the substance, the means and the method whereby comforting each other and building each other up.
I. Understanding the purpose of God from a personal perspective (v. 9)
1. That we should obtain salvation – that is taking possession of it. (Paid for but haven’t picked it up yet – with regard to a purchase)
2. It is that God has “appointed” us to this and what God ordains does bring results and thus we understand the sovereignty of His will and the action that ensues with us.
3. Consider what might have been (not appointed) and cf 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
4. The reason of Christ’s coming into the world begins with “to seek and to save” and continues to obtaining, possessing and enjoying. So should we as individuals and as a church.
5. They are reminded of how it had come to them: 1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
6. It is by the appointment of Christ that we are so appointed.
II. Our “purpose driven” substitute (v. 10)
1. “Who died for us” is both personal and particular. The knowledge of and the possession of this truth is comfort.
1) My punishment both from God and from the world!
2) My death so that there is no terror of the future
2. But that begs the question “why would He want to die for us?”
3. His overarching design is that we should live together with Him. We should emphasize the “together” in that a church is being addressed and “us” is a plural pronoun.
1) Whether we live or die or are in either state at His coming
2) We are to key on “live” as in “lifetime” or “lively with Him.”
4. We press the thought that our identity with Him makes us special.
III. That we might comfort and edify (v. 11)
1. The “wherefore” expresses the thought that through these things or by which things we are to comfort “yourselves together.”
2. Suzie’s oft used expression at people leaving “take care of each other.”
3. There are several scenarios that come to mind concerning people left to themselves in certain situations. In WV the picture of trapped miners is often in our thoughts. They are left to comfort themselves.
4. Consider the isolation of the Thessalonians and the reason for their trials. We note that Paul could not come to them and so he directs them to comfort themselves together.
5. The meaning of the word here goes beyond mere “best wishes” but rather expresses a coming along side to encourage and assure.
6. Christ employed the same terminology in referring to the Holy Spirit as the comforter or another comforter and we note how He does it: John 16:13-14 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
7. And edify one another. That is, be a “house builder” or one who strengthens. Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. S.A. Malachi 3:16-17 16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
