Listen to the Word of God 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

Transcription

1 Listen to the Word of God 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 Also available are a text-only version of the outline at or an audio podcast at This is a pdf file for the PowerPoint notes for the message by Pastor Dave Tietjen on Sunday, April 17, 2016, continuing his series on 1 Thessalonians.

2 We are gathered for God and for growth. Acceptably adoring our God and advancing the quality of our spiritual life is what we should anticipate. Agreeing with Scripture is our best practice for protecting our souls, pleasing our Lord and presenting our message. Today s text confirms this path. Pastor Dave

3 The context is corporate We are gathered for God The passage details this Practices illustrated here 1 Thessalonians 5:16-20 ESV Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies.

4 The concern is neglect of Spirit-led proclamation We are gathered for growth

5 Understanding prophecy Ephesians 2:20 ESV Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.

6 Understanding prophecy Subordinate to Scripture Although he may also minister otherwise, a New Testament prophet receives direct revelation from the Lord. Normally his ministry may be described as one that involves foretelling or prediction... Thomas Edgar

7 Understanding prophecy Subordinate to Scripture... Similar to the Old Testament prophet, he functions as a spokesman for God. If someone does not receive direct revelation and does not predict on occasion, he is not a prophet. Thomas Edgar

8 Understanding prophecy Subordinate to Scripture Sent by the Spirit

9 Upholding preaching 1 Corinthians 14:1, 3 ESV Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.... On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.

10 Upholding preaching Gordon Fee It consists of spontaneous, Spiritinspired, intelligible messages, orally delivered in the gathered assembly, intended for the edification or encouragement of the people, by men or women (1 Corinthians 11:4-5) who remained in control of the activity.

11 Upholding preaching For God undoubtedly gives to some a remarkable degree of insight either into Scripture itself and its meaning, or into its application to the contemporary world, or into his particular will for particular people in particular situations. It seems to be quite legitimate to call this insight prophetic insight and this gift a prophetic gift. John Stott

12 Upholding preaching Because of its importance Romans 10:13-15 Because of its impact... images are fast replacing words as our primary language. Richard Avedon photographer

13 Upholding preaching Because of its importance Romans 10:13-15 Because of its impact The audacious claim of Christian preaching is that the faithful declaration of the Word of God, spoken through the preacher s voice, is even more powerful than anything music or image can deliver. Al Mohler

14 Upholding preaching Because of its importance Romans 10:13-15 Because of its impact Ray Pritchard When we preach, miracles happen. The first miracle, that people come to hear us. The second miracle, that we have something to say. The third miracle, that we proclaim God s Word to those who listen. The fourth miracle, that God s Word through us changes lives. The fifth miracle, that we get to be part of it.

15 The corrective is discernment 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 ESV But test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

16 Guarded by teaching Acts 17; 1 John 4; Galatians 1; Matthew 7 2 Thessalonians 2:15 ESV So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

17 Guarded by teaching Acts 17; 1 John 4; Galatians 1; Matthew 7 Examination of the Bible Explanation of Jesus Effect on the church

18 Guided by the Spirit 1 Corinthians 2:13-16 ESV And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

19 Guided by the Spirit Remember that what is spoken in any prophecy today is not the word of God, but is simply a human being reporting in merely human words something which God has brought to mind.... Be sure you emphasize Scripture as the place where people can always go to hear the voice of the living God. Wayne Grudem

20 We are gathered for God and for growth. Acceptably adoring our God and advancing the quality of our spiritual life is what we should anticipate. Agreeing with Scripture is our best practice for protecting our souls, pleasing our Lord and presenting our message. Today s text confirms this path. Pastor Dave