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by Pastor Joe
by Pastor Joe
Tittle: It's Noticeable
Text: II Thessalonians 1:1-12
Intro: In this one verse we come to understand some powerful truths regarding a couple of things we ought to be thankful for.
Body:
1- We should be thankful for our salvation! V13a
Folks, one thing we need to understand is that not everyone in the world is saved!
Not because it's not God's desire, but people just flat out refused to take Jesus as their Savior for many different reasons.
But you and I, which have come to Know Christ as Savior, we know how blessed we are. We too could have rejected Christ, but thanks be to God, we did not!
Be very thankful for this great salvation we have found in Christ!
2- We should be thankful for our sanctification! V13b
The sanctification that is mentioned here is not that we become saints, like some denominations believe, nor do we become angels when we die.
The sanctification here is simply "set aside" for Holy use.
Every single person that receives Jesus as Savior, have been set aside to be used of God for Holy things. Like the Bible says, we are a new creation created unto good works.
It is a privilege to be set aside and be used by God on this earth.
Folk's, not everyone in he world have been set aside for this purpose, only the saved individuals.
Be thankful of your sanctification.
3- We should be thankful for our obedience to the truth! V13c
I hope you understand that not everyone is actually walking or living in the truth of God's Word and God's ways.
What a blessing it is to be able to say, I'm not only in the truth but obeying the truth.
Count your self blessed that you are in the truth!
Jesus said, I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE!
If you are in Jesus you are in the truth.
Application:
Keep in mind that God does not have to do a single thing for us, seeing what He does for us, we should be very thankful!
Intro: In these verses the Apostle Paul is writing to the church of Thessalonica. He is letting them know that a few things about them is NOTICEABLE.
In all reality it is God who is doing the writing thru the Apostle Paul. So, in all reality God is letting this church know somethings that are noticeable unto Him.
Brethren the same applies to us, God is noticeable of the following things.
Body:
1- Your faith in God and the love towards each other is noticeable unto God! V3
Isn't it amazing that God is well aware of how much faith we have in Him and also the pace of our spiritual growth?
God also notices the way we love other Christians.
So, how are you doing in your faith and your love towards other Christians?
2- Your encouragement towards other people is noticeable unto God! V4a
Notice in these verses Paul is telling other churches about the faith and love of the Thessalonians.
It was an encouragement to Paul whenever he reminded himself of the Thessalonians.
When was the last time you encouraged someone simply by the way you live life?
3- Your patience and faith in the midst of your tribulations and persecutions is noticeable unto God! V4b
Paul was amazed at the way the Thessalonians handled their tribulations and persecutions.
Let me ask you, are you an encouragement to others in the midst of your tribulations (problems)?
4- Your rewards on this earth and in Heaven is noticeable unto God! V5
Sometimes we wonder if we are going to get rewarded for the things we do here and now for the Lord or in the Lord's name. The answer to that is, stop wondering, God notices all you do in His name.
And yes, He is faithful to reward us.
5- Your potential in Him is noticeable unto God! V11-12
Let me ask you, are you everything God wants you to be?
When God looks at us, He sees what we can be or become in Him. We should strive to be what God wants us to be and reach our full potential.
6- The punishment of the wicked is also noticeable unto God! V6-11
We can't really close out this account without mentioning that God is also aware of the wicked and their punishment.
So, if you are being persecuted or going thru tribulation because of someone, give it to God and He will take care of it.
Conclusion:
Don't ever get discouraged about God or living for Him. He is very much aware of your life.