The Love of God In Shepherds Part 2 | 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10

Scripture

• 1 Thessalonians 3:1–10

About this sermon

Introduction: We are considering what pastoral love looks like in a ministry, and in a man of God. We are seeing that love on display in this section of 1 Thessalonians, as Paul pours out his heart and tells them of what transpired during his time in Thessalonica, now as he writes this letter. He is giving them an explanation of what he did, and why he did it. This morning, we looked at two marks of the love of God in shepherds. Review: I. A SELF-SACRIFICING CONCERN (vs.1-2) II. A CAREFUL ENTRUSTMENT OF MINISTRY (vs.2) LESSON: III. A MATURE UNDERSTANDING OF SPIRITUAL NEEDS (vs.3-4) The longer a genuine shepherd serves the Lord’s church, the more effective he becomes in ministry. Obviously, we are physical creatures, and physical energy is needed for the work of the ministry, but shepherding God’s church is a work that we can only get better at the longer we FAITHFULLY pursue it. The reason why a faithful shepherd’s effectiveness increases is because what he has known in doctrine is now being worked into the fabric of a life that has taken on more of the likeness of Christ — a life that is acquainted with a growing humility and love. Perhaps early in the Christian life someone could imagine that they will ACE ALL THE TESTS. But it doesn’t take long before the Lord acquaints you with your NEED FOR CONSTANT GRACE. This allows you to help the people of God with their struggles in a way that NEVER COMPROMISES but DOES INCLUDE COMPASSION. ESV Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. The mature shepherd has a personal and growing understanding of the challenges that the people of God are facing. He also has a personal and growing understanding of THE NEED TO APPLY what you have LEARNED. Paul knows that KNOWLEDGE must be joined to FAITH for that knowledge to prove effectual in a believer’s life. Question: Do you ever struggle with this? You say to yourself, “I know better than this, I’ve been taught better than this, so why am I struggling so badly?” Why am I struggling with unforgiveness? Why am I struggling with prideful responses? Why am I struggling with spiritual apathy? Why am I struggling with jealousy? Why am I struggling with fear? Why am I struggling with self-pity? Etc. Well, it’s because it’s never enough just to know what is true. We must BELIEVE what is true, and we must ACT ON what is true — WALK IN what is true. Paul knows that this is a church facing tremendous afflictions. MULTIPLE AFFLICTIONS. Afflictions felt in the realm of relationships — INCLUDING VENEMOUS PERSECUTION. Afflictions felt in the realm of finances — many of the financial difficulties brought about by the displacement in society due to their faith in Christ. Afflictions that could be described as SEVERE and EXTREME. ESV 2 Corinthians 8:1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

Topics

• Love & Compassion