Sermon Central
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Salvation's Confirmation
Contributed by Colin Coombs on Oct 12, 2005 (message contributor)
Summary: The example of the Thessalonian Christians in Separation; Occupation; & Expectation
SALVATION’S CONFIRMATION
8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia--your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead--Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
I. SEPARATION
v .9. you turned to God from idols.
a. SEPARATION FROM IDOLATRY
II Corinthians 6:17 come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.
b. SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD
Ephesians 5:11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
c. SEPARATION FROM EMPTY PROFESSION
II Timothy 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
II. OCCUPATION
v. 9. to serve the living and true God.
a. SERVING THE LORD
Ephesians 6:6&7 Obey them not only to win their favour when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.
b. SERVING ONE ANOTHER
Galatians 6:10 as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
c. SERVICE BRINGS JOY
John 4:36 the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.
III. EXPECTATION
v. 10. to wait for his Son from heaven
a. EXPECTATION IS PLEASING TO THE LORD
Luke 12:37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes.
b. EXPECTATION REQUIRES MODERATION
Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. [AV]
c. EXPECTATION WILL END IN REALISATION
John 14:3 if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
SALVATION’S CONFIRMATION
