2024-09-15 THE ETHIC OF GRIEVE

Title: Living in Light of Eternity: The Christian Ethic of Grief

You might wonder how to handle grief when a loved one who knew Jesus passes away. It's a question that touches all of us at some point. How do we navigate the pain and loss while holding onto our faith? In our recent sermon series, "Living in Light of Eternity," we explored this very topic, focusing on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Let's dive into how we can grieve with hope, anchored in the promise of Jesus' resurrection and His return.

Grieving with Hope

Grief is a universal experience, but as Christians, we are called to grieve differently. Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, emphasizes that our grief should be anchored in the hope of the resurrection. He writes, "We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

Why is this important? Because our hope is not in this world but in the promise that Jesus died and rose again. This resurrection hope assures us that those who have died in Christ will also rise. This changes everything about how we process grief. We don't grieve as those without hope because we know that death is not the end.

The Promise of Reunion

One of the most comforting aspects of our faith is the promise of reunion with our loved ones who have passed away in Christ. Paul reassures us that when Jesus returns, "the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

What does this mean for you? It means that your loved ones who have died in Christ are not lost forever. There will be a glorious reunion when Jesus returns. This hope should transform how we live today, knowing that our separation is only temporary.

Living Today in Light of Eternity

The reality of Jesus' return and the resurrection of the dead should transform how we live today. Paul concludes this passage by saying, "Therefore, encourage one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18). This isn't just a future hope; it's a present comfort.

How can you apply this? Here are some concrete steps:

1. Anchor Your Grief in Hope: When you grieve, remind yourself of the resurrection hope. Jesus' victory over death is your victory too.
2. Encourage Others: Use the promise of Jesus' return to comfort and encourage those who are grieving. Share these words of hope with them.
3. Live Expectantly: Let the reality of Jesus' imminent return shape your daily life. Live as if He could come back today, because He could.

Conclusion

The point is clear: Jesus' resurrection and His promise to return should transform how we grieve and how we live. What will you do this week to anchor your grief in the hope of the resurrection? How can you encourage someone else with these words of comfort?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope we have in Jesus' resurrection and His promise to return. Help us to anchor our grief in this hope and to live each day in light of eternity. Comfort those who are grieving and use us to bring Your words of encouragement to them. In Jesus' name, Amen.

2024-09-08 The Ethic Of Love

Title: The Transforming Power of Brotherly Love

Have you ever wondered how to truly love others in a way that transforms both your life and theirs? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle with understanding what genuine love looks like in our daily lives. In a recent sermon, we explored the essence, expectations, and effectiveness of brotherly love as taught by the Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12. Let’s dive into how you can apply these timeless principles to your life and experience the transformative power of love.

The Essence of Our Love

Paul begins by affirming the Thessalonians for their brotherly love, a love that is both simple and complex. He uses two Greek words for love: phileo (brotherly love) and agape (selfless, sacrificial love). These words, though different, are used synonymously in the New Testament to describe the love we should have for one another.

You are taught by God to love one another. This teaching comes from the teachings of Jesus, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the gospel itself. Remember John 13:34-35, where Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us. This love is not just a past lesson but an ongoing education. God continually teaches us how to love more deeply and genuinely.

The Expectations of Our Love

Paul outlines four actions that should be present in our love for one another:

1. Grow in Love Even More: If you’re already practicing brotherly love, fantastic! But don’t stop there. Look for more opportunities to love others. Be more intentional with your time, talents, and treasures.

2. Lead a Quiet Life: Aim to live quietly and humbly. Avoid being a self-promoter or an agitator. In a world full of loud influencers, your quiet, humble life can be a powerful testimony.

3. Mind Your Own Business: Stay out of other people’s affairs. Gossiping and meddling are unloving and can tear apart the fabric of any community. Instead, focus on your own responsibilities and how you can serve others.

4. Work with Your Own Hands: Be self-sufficient and hardworking. It’s unloving to rely on others’ generosity when you have the ability to work. Your hard work not only provides for your needs but also frees up resources to help those who genuinely need it.

The Effectiveness of Our Love

Why should we love this way? Paul gives two compelling reasons:

1. Behave Properly in the Presence of Outsiders: Non-believers are watching how we treat each other. Our love for one another can be a powerful evangelistic tool. Jesus said in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

2. Not Be Dependent on Anyone: Depend on God for your needs, not on others. This builds your faith and allows the church to help those who truly need it.

Conclusion

The essence of our love is rooted in the love we have received from God through Jesus Christ. The expectations of our love call us to grow, live quietly, mind our own business, and work hard. The effectiveness of our love can be evangelistic, showing the world the transformative power of the gospel.

So, what will you do this week to show brotherly love? Will you seek out new ways to love others more deeply? Will you strive to live a quiet, humble life? Will you focus on your own responsibilities and work hard to be self-sufficient? Remember, your love for others can point them to Jesus.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us how to love through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to grow in our love for one another, to live quietly and humbly, to mind our own business, and to work hard. May our love be a testimony to the world of Your transforming power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.