The Value of Patiently Waiting for Jesus

Temple Baptist Church - 5-31-2015

1 Thessalonians 1:6-10

Introduction:

A.  As we close out the first chapter of the Book of 1 Thessalonians, we find a church that was fully engaged in the work of the gospel.

1.  They followed the Apostle Paul’s example (1:5) and teachings (1:5-6).  They were confident concerning the men of God who led them to Christ.  They were confident in the Word of God that powerfully worked in their lives and wrought a great change.

2.  They were ensamples (1:7, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5) of suffering coupled with joy, poverty coupled with liberality, giving themselves to the Lord first and then to the missionary.

3.  They were burdened for the souls of men (1:8), both in their “Jerusalem” and the “uttermost part” of the world.

4.  They were a living testimony of the saving grace of God before the people of Thessalonica (1:9).

B.  They were dedicated to the Lord and busy in the work of the gospel.  They were “turned to serve,” not sit!  God saves His people to work and uses them to carry the burden of the work of the gospel because “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”

C.  Now, I want us to notice the important word “and” in verse 10.  It is a conjunction that shows the equality of the joined phrases.  It is vital that we know that we are saved to work but it is just as important to know that we are saved to wait!  The church at Thessalonica understood the necessary balance of these two aspects of the Christian life.

D.  I want to look at the value of waiting for our Lord Jesus Christ.  We live in the last days: days that show us the eminence of His coming.  Jesus Christ could come today but, unfortunately, as the Israel slept when He came the first time—the church sleeps today.

E.  I wonder how many of us either prayed “Even so come, Lord Jesus” or looked up to heaven this morning and asked the question, “Will this be the day our Lord returns?”  I would probably be safe is saying that very few saved people ever do that.  We work but we do not wait!

F.  It is of the utmost importance to us spiritually and also to the world that we expectantly wait for the Lord’s return.  What does waiting do for God’s children?

1.  Waiting on Jesus Christ causes the believer to keep his priorities right.  1 John 2:28  And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

2.  Waiting on Jesus Christ causes the believer to have comfort in loss.  1 Thessalonians 4:17-18  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

3.  Waiting on Jesus Christ teaches the believer patience in tribulation.  James 5:7-8  Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.  Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

4.  Waiting on Jesus Christ brings about a burden for the lost.  2 Timothy 4:1-2  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

5.  Waiting on Jesus Christ produces self-judgment in sinfulness.  1 John 3:3  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

6.  Waiting on Jesus Christ keeps a peace of heart.  John 14:1-3  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  (2)  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

7.  Waiting on Jesus Christ keeps the believer in love with God.  Jude 21  Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

8.  Waiting on Jesus Christ will renew the strength of the believer.  Isaiah 40:31  But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. 

9.  Waiting on Jesus Christ will keep expectancy and excitement in the heart of the believer.  Titus 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  (A new body, new heaven and earth, and the New Jerusalem.)

1 John 3:2-3  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  (3)  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.  (The older we get; the more problems that we endure; the more we long for home!)