Jesus – Our Complete Savior 

Introduction: 

  Mankind is very limited in what he can do and in what he can know on his own.  He cannot control tomorrow nor can he know the will of God without the Bible.  Man cannot save himself from sin.  Man can only be spiritually complete in Christ.  (Colossians 3:9-10)  Our text reveals how Jesus meets our true needs and makes us complete. 

Text:  II Thessalonians 3:3-5 

Body:

 I. He Establishes (Verse 3a) 

• “Faithful” – dependable and trustworthy  The character of the Lord is such that we can trust Him.  We can depend on Him to give us the help we need so desperately.  (Hebrews 4:15-16)  Note the word “is,” not was or usually is.  He always is faithful!  It’s also comforting to know that no matter how evil or great the number of the church’s enemies, the Lord’s will and purpose will triumph.  We can depend on Him!  (Romans 8:31) “If God is for us, who can be against us?” 
• “Establish” – make stable, give strength  Notice the words of Paul in Ephesians 6:10-11, 13-17.  Stability is definitely related to hearing and doing.  (Matthew 7:24-27)  Yes, our Lord helps us to stand when we do the best we can.

II. He Guards Us (Verse 3b) 

• “Guard” – a military term for setting a guard around someone that needs protection or needs to be watched  The Lord guards us from “the evil one.”  Satan will do every thing he can to hinder every good work and cause as many as possible to be lost in a devil’s hell.  (I Peter 5:8)  We must do all we can to withstand his assaults.  (I Peter 5:9)  “Resist him and be steadfast in the faith.”  But we can rest assured that we do not have to face him alone.  (Hebrews 13:5)  “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Thankfully, God exercises a special providence for His people.

 III. He Directs Our Hearts (Verses 4-5) 

• Verse 4  Ever since these Thessalonians had obeyed the gospel, they had shown a great desire to do the will of the Lord.  He felt confident they would continue to possess this desire.  What a compliment! 
• Verse 5  This is the fourth mention of “the Lord” in five short verses.  This indicates Paul’s conviction that Christ was present in the lives of these people.  “Direct” – guide one so as to get around any obstacles.  Notice:  I Thessalonians 3:11.  “into the Love of God” – the extent of His love for us is seen in Romans 5:8.  His love fulfills our need to feel safe and secure.  (Romans 8:38-39)  This love for us should produce a similar response in us to HIm.  (I John 4:19)  “We love Him because He first loved us.”  Perseverance is shown.  “into the patience of Christ” – He has steadfastness, endurance.  The patience displayed by our Lord is an examp0le for His followers.  (Hebrews 12:2-3)  Patience is produced in our lives through study of the Scripture, through tribulations, and through hope.  Notice what awaits those who do.  (Hebrews 6:12)

 Invitation:

  Jesus truly meets our needs and makes us complete.  This happens only to those “in Christ.”  Have you been baptized into Christ? 

Bobby Stafford

October 9, 2011