The Letter to the Thessalonians Have this letter read to all 1 Thessalonians 5:27

Transcription

1 The Letter to the Thessalonians Have this letter read to all 1 Thessalonians 5:27 Also available are a text-only version of the outli9e at or an audio podcast at This is a pdf file for the PowerPoint notes for the sermon by Pastor Dave Tietjen on May 5, 2015 the second in a new series on the New Testament letters to the Thessalonians.

2 Brewing tension in our culture beware the trend of gay marriage

3 Discussion began in 2004 Liberty will be preserved

4 Direction discerned Dissent will be punished There is a concerted legal and cultural effort to not just carve out a legal space for same-sex couples, but to essentially ban orthodox Christianity from public life. David French

5 Decision impending Results will be profound Oral argument: Obergefell vs. Hodges Justice Alito Solicitor General Verrilli

6 Decision impending Results will be profound Older precedent: Bob Jones University vs. United States

7 Decision impending Results will be profound Ominous conclusion The chief constitutional advocate has now raised the specter of a legal regime far worse than separation of church and state. For sexual revolutionaries, it is the state against the church. David French

8 Declaration presented This we affirm I believe that marriage is not just a bond, but a sacred bond between a man and a woman. (It s a) fundamental bedrock principle that exists between a man and a woman, going back into the mists of history as one of the founding, foundational institutions of history and humanity and civilization and that its primary, principle role during those millennia has been the raising and socializing of children for the society into which they are to become adults Presidential candidate

9 Birthed in trouble was this church be encouraged by their example

10 Apostolic arrival Acts 17:1-4; 20:4 1 Thessalonians 1:9 NIV 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.

11 Arousal of jealousy Acts 17:5 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5 NIV For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed God is our witness.

12 Accusation before authority Acts 17:6-8 NIV But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house...

13 Accusation before authority Acts 17:6-8 NIV... They are all defying Caesar s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus. When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil.

14 Accusation before authority Political problems: Jewish agitation Paul s presence and preaching

15 Actions before departure

16 Blessed with teaching is this communiqué be enlightened by author s principles

17 He rejoiced at their impact 1 Thessalonians 1:1-9

18 He reminded them of his integrity 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13

19 He revealed his emotions 1 Thessalonians 2:17 3:5

20 He repeated these truths 1 Thessalonians 4-5 Be responsible in your morality 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 NIV It is God s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.

21 He repeated these truths 1 Thessalonians 4-5 Be responsible in your morality Be respectful in your relationships 1 Thessalonians 4:9, NIV Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.... and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

22 He repeated these truths 1 Thessalonians 4-5 Be responsible in your morality Be respectful in your relationships Be reminded of the Lord s returning 1 Thessalonians 4:13 NIV Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.

23 He repeated these truths 1 Thessalonians 4-5 Be responsible in your morality Be respectful in your relationships Be reminded of the Lord s returning Be receptive of these practices 1 Thessalonians 5:13-28

24 He repeated these truths 1 Thessalonians 4-5 Be responsible in your morality Be respectful in your relationships Be reminded of the Lord s returning Be receptive of these practices

25 We will follow the apostle s directive. Upon the reading of this letter in the weeks to come, we will ponder and practice that which we hear. Pastor Dave