1 Thessalonians 5:11 - 23 August 6, 2017 Christian Connection 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - 23 August 6, 2017

Christian Connection 1 Thessalonians 5:11-23 11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

Christian Connection 1 Thessalonians 5:11-23 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

Christian Connection 1 Thessalonians 5:11-23 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christian Connection As Christians we know: We are obligated to do our duty – Luke 17:10 We will be lost if we are NOT involved – Matthew 7:21 Christians must be working and must be working together as a collective unit.

Christian Togetherness Christian Connection Christian Togetherness

Christian Togetherness 11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

Christian Togetherness There is a problem with “solo” Christianity. “Solo” Christians – independent, isolated, solitary Genesis 1:18 - And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." Christians Rarely survive alone!!

Christian Togetherness Acts 2:42 - And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Christians are Fellow… Citizens – Ephesians. 2:19 Heirs – Ephesians 3:6 Workers – Colossians 4:11 Servants – Colossians 1:7 Soldiers – Philippians 2:25

Christian Togetherness Christians are a Brotherhood – Mark 3:31-35 - 35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.“ Christians are a Membership – 1 Corinthians 12:27 - Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

Christian Togetherness Christian Responsibilities Christian Connection Christian Togetherness Christian Responsibilities

Christians Responsibilities 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

Christians Responsibilities: Attitudes Concern/care – 1 Corinthians 12:25 – 26 Humility – Philippians 2:3-4 Peacefulness – Romans 14:17-19 Appreciation – Philippians 1:3-5 Willingness – 1 Corinthians 12:21-22 Meekness – 2 Timothy 2:24-26 Forgiving –Ephesians – 4:32 Love – John 13:34-35

Christians Responsibilities: Actions Pray – Philippians 1:9-11 Submit – Hebrews 13:7, 17 Attend – Hebrews 10:24-25 Contribute – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Engage – Ephesians 4:12 Maintain – John 17:20-23 Extend – 1 Peter 4:9 Participate – Colossians 4:17

Christian Togetherness Christian Responsibilities Christian Benefits Christian Connection Christian Togetherness Christian Responsibilities Christian Benefits

Christian Benefits Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Notice the words which describe the congregational relationship: participation, cooperation, collaboration, team work, joint effort

Christian Benefits Require Involvement Involve – derived from Latin – “IN” (in) + “VOLVE” (roll, turn) = to enwrap Thus involvement – being enwrapped as a participant, a joint undertaking What are the Benefits of being involved and maintaining togetherness?

Christian Benefits Friendship Strength Admonition Instruction Prayers Offered Benevolent Help Comfort in Sorrow Assistance in Difficulty Joy of Togetherness Stronger Congregation Joy of Doing Good Home in Heaven

Conclusion Notice - Matthew 25:31-46 Those who were involved heard – 34 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: The who were “solo” heard – 41 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:

Conclusion Are you Connecting with your Christian Brethren? Christian Togetherness Christian Responsibilities Christian Benefits Are you part of the Family?

Invitation Non - Christians Hear – Romans 10:17, Acts 18:8, Believe – Romans. 10:9-10, Hebrews 11:6 Repent – Luke 13:3,5 Acts 17:30 Confess – Acts 8:37, Matthew 10:32 Be Baptized – Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-5 Be Faithful – Revelation 2:10, Hebrews 10:35

Repent - Acts 8:22, Revelation 2:5 Invitation Christians Repent - Acts 8:22, Revelation 2:5 Confess - James 5:16, 1 John 1:9 Pray - Acts 8:24, James 5:16