Temple Baptist Church - 9-20-2015
1 Thessalonians 3:8-13
Introduction:
A. We have spent a lot of time
bragging on this little church in Macedonia and the bragging was
warranted! This was one of the greatest churches in the Apostolic
Period! They were both an example and encouragement to their
contemporaries as well as to us in these latter days.
B. In our verses for tonight, I want us to see that their past performance was not enough!
1. There have been many great
churches that started right, ran the race, and ultimately began to
decline spiritually. What happened to good other churches that are in
decline can also happen to our church.
2. The same with God’s children. How
many could we name tonight that were once on fire for God, faithful in
the work of the Lord, and out of the battle today? What happened to
these brethren who once were counted among the faithful and are no
longer with us can also happen to either you or me.
C. How do we guard against spiritual failure?
1. I believe that the key
is continual spiritual growth! The church is doing great! Their
testimony sparkling! Their charity and liberality astounding!
2. But their future unsure! Good churches fall! Spirituality, doctrinal purity, and good works MUST
be maintained. The Apostle Paul sends his best man, Timothy, to teach
and ground them in God’s Word to ensure their future reliability in the
work of the LORD.
D. Their conversion was biblical. 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6 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) And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
E. You must be saved in order to grow spiritually but salvation alone will not mature you.
1. You MUST be Regular. Faithfulness is imperative for spiritual growth. You cannot get what God wants you to have by missing services.
2. You MUST be Receptive. The
Word of God is not meant to hurt God’s children but it is a sharp, two
edged sword that cuts when preached. It must be received in order to
bring about spiritual growth.
3. You MUST be Responsive. The Word of God must be heeded. Hearing without heeding is useless.
4. You MUST be Responsible. Continuance is the key to maintaining spiritual growth. Many begin well, run well, and end up spiritually ship wrecked.
F. Their counselors and comforters were essential. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-13 (11) As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, (12) That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. (13) For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
G. Their continuance was contingent. 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; (2) And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: (3) That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
H. Their course was established. 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: (13) To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
1. The Dangers of Lack of Spiritual Maturity
a. Carnality - 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 And I, brethren, could not speak unto
you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I
have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to
bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas
there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal,
and walk as men?
you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I
have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to
bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas
there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal,
and walk as men?
James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and
every evil work.
b. Division- 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
c. Destruction - 2 Timothy 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out
of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the
devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
2. The Foundations for Spiritual Maturity
a. The Bible - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness: 2 That the man of God may be perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works.
b. The Pastor - Ephesians 4:11-13 And he gave some, apostles; and some,
prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the
perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of
the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the
knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the
stature of the fulness of Christ:
c. The Church - 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know
how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church
of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
d. Trials - James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye
may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us
unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while,
make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
3. The Results of Spiritual Maturity
a. Spiritual Maturity And Unity - 1 Corinthians 1:4-10 I
thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given
you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in
all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ
was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto
the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship
of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there
be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the
same mind and in the same judgment.
b. Spiritual Maturity And Scriptural Understanding - 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth
all things, yea, the deep things of God.
c. Spiritual Maturity And Personal Holiness - 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Ephesians 4:24-32 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath
forgiven you.
d. Spiritual Maturity And Doctrinal Purity - Ephesians 4:11-16 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the
sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is
the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and
compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual
working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the
edifying of itself in love.
e. Spiritual Maturity And God's Will - Hebrews 13:20-21 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
f. Spiritual Maturity And The Tongue - James 3:1-2 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also
to bridle the whole body.
of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there
be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the
same mind and in the same judgment.
b. Spiritual Maturity And Scriptural Understanding - 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth
all things, yea, the deep things of God.
c. Spiritual Maturity And Personal Holiness - 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Ephesians 4:24-32 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath
forgiven you.
d. Spiritual Maturity And Doctrinal Purity - Ephesians 4:11-16 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the
sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is
the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and
compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual
working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the
edifying of itself in love.
e. Spiritual Maturity And God's Will - Hebrews 13:20-21 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
f. Spiritual Maturity And The Tongue - James 3:1-2 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also
to bridle the whole body.
No comments:
Post a Comment