Those Within and Those Without

Those Within and Those Without

Introduction:

Paul greatly desired that these young Christians live in such a way as to be found blameless at the second coming of Christ.  I Thessalonians 3:13  In I Thessalonians 4:1-8, he exhorts them to walk worthy of Christ’s followers by living a life devoted to purity.  In I Thessalonians 4:9-12 (our text), he urges them to show brotherly love toward those within and walk properly toward those who are without.

 Text:  I Thessalonians 4:9-12

 Body:

 I. Show Love Toward Those Within  (Verses 9-10)

 A. The Kind of Love Paul Wanted  (Verse 9)

• “brotherly love” – Greek word Philadelphia –a  warm, personal, emotional attachment that exists between those who are kin, brethren.  We have the same Heavenly Father (Jehovah God) and the same elder brother (Jesus Christ).  John 3:5  We must experience the same birth.  Paul instructed the church at Rome, likewise.  Romans 12:10: “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love.”  “Love one another”.  Taught by God, by inspiration, Paul had taught them as Timothy probably had as well.
•  “sacrificial, unselfish love” – agape  Recall the words of Jesus in John 13:34-35.  This kind of love was elevated to a new height by the love Jesus showed to the world.  The love we are to show is one of not just word, but of deed.  I John 3:16-19

 B.  The Demonstration of This Love  (Verse 10)

• Timothy had brought a glowing report about their faith and love.  They were commended for demonstrating their love to the brethren in all of Macedonia.  Now Paul encouraged them to excel in their love.  Note that just a few months later, he wrote to them as fellows, brethren.  II Thessalonians 1:3  Would an outsider looking in say that we, as a congregation, are excelling in our love toward one another?  In what ways should we be demonstrating our love?  Can we do better?

1. Help with physical necessities.  I John 3:17-18
2. Support those who preach the gospel.  III John 5:8
3. Attempt to restore an unfaithful child of God.  James 5:19-20
4. Edify each other, especially by our attendance in the assembly.   Hebrews 9:24-25

II. Walk Properly Toward Those Who Are Without

 A.  Mind Our Own Business  (Verse11)

• Make it your ambition to lead a ‘quiet’ life.  The word refers primarily to one’s speech.  Speech should be reserved,

     Colossians 4:5-6, and controlled.  Ecclesiastes 5:2-3 

     Those in the world will notice this. 

Mind your own business:  attend to your own affairs, be less concerned about physical affairs of others.                     

Note: I Peter 4:15 Don’t meddle in other people’s business.  Don’t try and take charge where you are not welcome.

 B.  Work with Our Own Hands  (Verses 11b-12)

• Those outside the church, the body of Christ, need to see Christians as ones who consider our work, jobs, important.  Colossians 3:23 Our work is important also to God.  He is interested in how we do our job, not so much what our job is.  God is not more pleased with someone who is a doctor as opposed to one who is a janitor.  He just wants us to do our work to the best of our ability.  He wants us to be good doctors and good janitors!  “May lack nothing” – Providing for others is an honorable thing.  Our work allows us to do that.  Ephesians 4:28

     “May walk properly” – Note Colossians 4:5  The world is always

     watching us.  We are not to leave our Christianity in the church

     building on Sunday.  We are to live it every day!  God desires us to

     be an example to those outside.  How they respond, is up to them.

     I Peter 2:12

 Conclusion:

All of us desire to be found blameless when Christ comes again.  That won’t happen by accident!  We must walk in paths of righteousness.  We must exhibit brotherly love as well as set a proper example to the world.  Are we?

 Bobby Stafford

June 26, 2011