Five Forks Today

January 20

Sermon: "A Model of Christian Brotherhood"

I would like to begin our lesson this morning by reading several verses of scripture.  As I read them, look for a theme they all have in common.

            ROMANS 8:16 – The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

           

            HEBREWS 2:11 – Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family.  So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.

            MATTHEW 23:8b – For you have only one Master and you are all brothers.

            JOHN 13:35 – By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

            I PETER 1:22 – Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

            The common theme in all of those verses is “Christian Brotherhood.”  As believers we are all members of God’s family.  That is why our church is called “Five Forks Brethren-in-Christ.”  Our belief in Jesus makes us brothers and sisters.

            The question is – How do we relate to our family members?

            This morning, as we continue our study in First Thessalonians, we are going to discover a model of Christian brotherhood as we observe how Paul related to his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica.

            Though we live in a society and a time that is vastly different from what the Thessalonians experienced, the model of brotherhood that Paul practiced is still a good model for us to follow.

            Before we look at that model, let’s review the two models we have already studied.

            First came … a model church.

            If we follow the example of the Thessalonians we will be …

Next came a model of servanthood.   We saw that a servant of God should …

                        With your words  -  and  -  By your life-style

            If you are that type of servant you can expect to see …

                        and have

That brings us to our third model … a model for Christian Brotherhood.

            You can treat your Christian brothers and sisters as God would have you treat them by following Paul’s model.

            First we see …

I.         PAUL DESIRED TO BE WITH THEM

            We need to return to chapter two to see Paul’s desire to spend time with his Christian brothers and sisters in Thessalonica.

            I THESSALONIANS 2:17-18 – 17But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made very effort to see you.  18For we wanted to come to you – certainly I, Paul, did, again and again – but Satan stopped us.

            Why was Paul’s desire so strong to spend time with them?

            I THESSALONIANS 2:19-20 – 19For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?  Is it not you?  20Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

            Paul had helped some of these people to place their faith in Jesus.  He had spent time teaching them about God.  Since he had invested some of his life in these people it was natural for him to desire to spend time with them once again.

            What can we learn from Paul in this area of desire that we can apply to our own lives?  I think it can be summarized with statements like …

            In other words, invest part of your life and some of your time in others.  Start a home group, become a Sunday school teacher or helper, invite someone into your home, help someone establish a budget, visit someone in a nursing home on a regular basis and on and on the list can go.

            You won’t have much of a desire to spend time with your Christian brothers and sisters if you won’t invest some of yourself in their lives.

            The next thing we see in Paul’s life concerning brotherhood is that …

II.         PAUL WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR SPIRITUAL WELFARE

            Let’s read the first five verses of chapter three and then explore how concern and brotherhood go hand in hand.

            I THESSALONIANS 3:1-5 – 1So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.  2We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,  3so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.  You know quite well that we were destined for them.   4In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we

would be persecuted.  And it turned out that way, as you well know.  5For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith.  I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless.

A.        PAUL WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE STRENGTH OF THEIR FAITH

            Paul realized the faith of the Thessalonians would be tested as both he and they came face to face with various afflictions and persecution.  He called them trials.  Knowing this, Paul had warned them that becoming a Christian doesn’t mean that everything in life would go smooth for them.  He said Christians are destined for trials.

            Paul was afraid that when they saw what he was enduring or were faced with their own hard times, they would fall victim to Satan’s temptations and turn away from Jesus.

            When you think of your brothers and sisters here at Five Forks do you have any concern about the strength of their faith?  In a few moments we will look at some actions that concern might prompt, but just take a moment and search your own heart.  Do you have any concern about the strength of the faith of your brothers and sisters at Five Forks?  Are you concerned that some who have trusted in Jesus aren’t growing?  Do you ever think about the faith of the children who come to believe in Jesus through VBS, Sunday school or our club programs?

            Paul was concerned about the strength of the faith of his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica.

B.            PAUL’S CONCERN CAUSED HIM TO TAKE ACTION

            Paul was so concerned about his brothers and sisters that he was willing to part with his faithful helper Timothy and send him to check on how they were doing.

            Timothy was very useful to Paul and it would be hard on Paul to be left alone in Athens, but Paul’s concern for his brothers and sisters caused him to set aside his needs and wants.  He was willing to deny himself.

            That is a good model for Christian brotherhood … “denying self”.

            How do we deny self to help strengthen the faith of our Christian brothers and sisters?  Our concern can be demonstrated in many ways, such as …

            To do any of those things, like Paul, you will have to deny self because they will cost you some time and energy.

            Thus far we have seen that Paul’s model for Christian brotherhood involves …

and

            Next we see …

III.         PAUL REJOICED OVER THEIR VICTORIES

            Remember Paul sent Timothy from Athens to Thessalonica – a journey of over 200 miles – to check on his Christian brothers and sisters.  Listen to Paul’s reaction when Timothy returned.

            I THESSALONIANS 3:6-9 – 6But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love.  He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.  7Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.  8For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.  9How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?

            Let’s look first at …

A.        THE GOOD REPORT PAUL RECEIVED

            Timothy reported that the Christians in Thessalonica remained strong in their love and faith.  They had not turned away from following Jesus.

            Yes, they were going through some difficult times, but they were remaining faithful.  They were not turning away from their faith just because they were going through some trials.  That in itself was reason enough for Paul to rejoice, but there was more good news.

            Their love was also strong.  Their love for God’s Word, their love for one another and their love for Paul.  Let’s briefly look at …

B.        THE AFFECT THE GOOD NEWS HAD UPON PAUL

            Paul was encouraged in his own faith because of how his brothers and sisters were remaining strong in their faith.  Paul himself was in distress and dealing with some type of persecution and so he needed some encouraging news.  Hearing how these relatively new Christian were living their lives was a shot in the arm for his own faith.

            Hearing the good news also helped Paul pour out thanksgiving to God.  Paul said …

            I THESSALONIANS 3:9 – How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?

            Part of brotherhood involves being able to rejoice when our Christian brothers and sisters are growing or remaining strong in their faith.  Paul had been used by God to bring many of the Thessalonian Christians to believe in Jesus and he, therefore, had a special connection with them.

            Many of you here this morning have a part in those who come to trust in Jesus through the ministry of our church.  It should give you great joy to see them grow in their faith.

            Of course it will be hard for you to rejoice over the faith and love of your Christian brothers and sisters if you have no desire to spend time with them and if you have no concern over their spiritual welfare.

            That brings us to the final thing we see in Paul’s model of Christian brotherhood.

IV.         PAUL PRAYED FOR THEM

            Let’s look first at …

A.        WHEN PAUL PRAYED FOR THEM

            I THESSALONIANS 3:10 – Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

            That sets a high standard for us.  At times Paul no doubt prayed for individuals, at other times he probably prayed for them as a group.

            Have you noticed how difficult it is to pray for your Christian brothers and sisters?  Have you ever gone days without praying for anyone other than your family?

            Praying for our Christian brothers and sisters takes time and effort.  We have some tools to help you such as, the prayer chain, prayer groups, the monthly prayer hour, the weekly prayer warriors list and the prayer lists that are circulated through Sunday school classes, but these can be easily avoided or laid aside.

            Prayer is hard, but it is a vital part of brotherhood.  Let’s now look at …

B.        WHAT PAUL PRAYED FOR THEM

            I THESSALONIANS 3:11-13 – 11Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.  12May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.  13May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

            Paul prayed …

1.         That he might be able to visit them.

He wanted to visit them because he cared about them and he wanted to teach them more about living as a Christian.

2.         That their love for one another and others would increase.

3.         That God would strengthen their hearts (faith) so they would be ready to meet Jesus when he returns.

            Again Paul sets a high standard when it comes to praying for our Christian brothers and sisters.  Far to often when I pray for others it has to deal with some problem or illness that has become a part of their lives.

            There is nothing wrong with such prayers, but Paul shows us something greater that our Christian brothers and sisters need … love for others and a strong faith.  Paul’s model for prayer places the focus on spiritual needs more than physical needs.

CONCLUSION

            We call ourselves the Five Forks Brethren in Christ Church and we sometimes call one another brother or sister.  This morning we have looked at a model for Christian brotherhood based on the Apostle Paul’s example.

            That model looks like this …

                        Get involved – reach out – leave your comfort zone

                        A concern that prompts us to act to deny self

            If you have received Jesus as your Lord, you be your own judge this morning.  Are there areas of brotherhood where you can improve?  If so, are you willing to deny yourself and allow God’s Spirit to be your guide?

            The strength of our brotherhood depends on how each of us choose to live our lives.I would like to begin our lesson this morning by reading several verses of scripture.  As I read them, look for a theme they all have in common.

            ROMANS 8:16 – The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

           

            HEBREWS 2:11 – Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family.  So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.

            MATTHEW 23:8b – For you have only one Master and you are all brothers.

            JOHN 13:35 – By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

            I PETER 1:22 – Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

            The common theme in all of those verses is “Christian Brotherhood.”  As believers we are all members of God’s family.  That is why our church is called “Five Forks Brethren-in-Christ.”  Our belief in Jesus makes us brothers and sisters.

            The question is – How do we relate to our family members?

            This morning, as we continue our study in First Thessalonians, we are going to discover a model of Christian brotherhood as we observe how Paul related to his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica.

            Though we live in a society and a time that is vastly different from what the Thessalonians experienced, the model of brotherhood that Paul practiced is still a good model for us to follow.

            Before we look at that model, let’s review the two models we have already studied.

            First came … a model church.

            If we follow the example of the Thessalonians we will be …

Next came a model of servanthood.   We saw that a servant of God should …

                        With your words  -  and  -  By your life-style

            If you are that type of servant you can expect to see …

                        and have

That brings us to our third model … a model for Christian Brotherhood.

            You can treat your Christian brothers and sisters as God would have you treat them by following Paul’s model.

            First we see …

I.         PAUL DESIRED TO BE WITH THEM

            We need to return to chapter two to see Paul’s desire to spend time with his Christian brothers and sisters in Thessalonica.

            I THESSALONIANS 2:17-18 – 17But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made very effort to see you.  18For we wanted to come to you – certainly I, Paul, did, again and again – but Satan stopped us.

            Why was Paul’s desire so strong to spend time with them?

            I THESSALONIANS 2:19-20 – 19For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?  Is it not you?  20Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

            Paul had helped some of these people to place their faith in Jesus.  He had spent time teaching them about God.  Since he had invested some of his life in these people it was natural for him to desire to spend time with them once again.

            What can we learn from Paul in this area of desire that we can apply to our own lives?  I think it can be summarized with statements like …

            In other words, invest part of your life and some of your time in others.  Start a home group, become a Sunday school teacher or helper, invite someone into your home, help someone establish a budget, visit someone in a nursing home on a regular basis and on and on the list can go.

            You won’t have much of a desire to spend time with your Christian brothers and sisters if you won’t invest some of yourself in their lives.

            The next thing we see in Paul’s life concerning brotherhood is that …

II.         PAUL WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR SPIRITUAL WELFARE

            Let’s read the first five verses of chapter three and then explore how concern and brotherhood go hand in hand.

            I THESSALONIANS 3:1-5 – 1So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.  2We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,  3so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.  You know quite well that we were destined for them.   4In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we

would be persecuted.  And it turned out that way, as you well know.  5For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith.  I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless.

A.        PAUL WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE STRENGTH OF THEIR FAITH

            Paul realized the faith of the Thessalonians would be tested as both he and they came face to face with various afflictions and persecution.  He called them trials.  Knowing this, Paul had warned them that becoming a Christian doesn’t mean that everything in life would go smooth for them.  He said Christians are destined for trials.

            Paul was afraid that when they saw what he was enduring or were faced with their own hard times, they would fall victim to Satan’s temptations and turn away from Jesus.

            When you think of your brothers and sisters here at Five Forks do you have any concern about the strength of their faith?  In a few moments we will look at some actions that concern might prompt, but just take a moment and search your own heart.  Do you have any concern about the strength of the faith of your brothers and sisters at Five Forks?  Are you concerned that some who have trusted in Jesus aren’t growing?  Do you ever think about the faith of the children who come to believe in Jesus through VBS, Sunday school or our club programs?

            Paul was concerned about the strength of the faith of his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica.

B.            PAUL’S CONCERN CAUSED HIM TO TAKE ACTION

            Paul was so concerned about his brothers and sisters that he was willing to part with his faithful helper Timothy and send him to check on how they were doing.

            Timothy was very useful to Paul and it would be hard on Paul to be left alone in Athens, but Paul’s concern for his brothers and sisters caused him to set aside his needs and wants.  He was willing to deny himself.

            That is a good model for Christian brotherhood … “denying self”.

            How do we deny self to help strengthen the faith of our Christian brothers and sisters?  Our concern can be demonstrated in many ways, such as …

            To do any of those things, like Paul, you will have to deny self because they will cost you some time and energy.

            Thus far we have seen that Paul’s model for Christian brotherhood involves …

and

            Next we see …

III.         PAUL REJOICED OVER THEIR VICTORIES

            Remember Paul sent Timothy from Athens to Thessalonica – a journey of over 200 miles – to check on his Christian brothers and sisters.  Listen to Paul’s reaction when Timothy returned.

            I THESSALONIANS 3:6-9 – 6But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love.  He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.  7Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.  8For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.  9How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?

            Let’s look first at …

A.        THE GOOD REPORT PAUL RECEIVED

            Timothy reported that the Christians in Thessalonica remained strong in their love and faith.  They had not turned away from following Jesus.

            Yes, they were going through some difficult times, but they were remaining faithful.  They were not turning away from their faith just because they were going through some trials.  That in itself was reason enough for Paul to rejoice, but there was more good news.

            Their love was also strong.  Their love for God’s Word, their love for one another and their love for Paul.  Let’s briefly look at …

B.        THE AFFECT THE GOOD NEWS HAD UPON PAUL

            Paul was encouraged in his own faith because of how his brothers and sisters were remaining strong in their faith.  Paul himself was in distress and dealing with some type of persecution and so he needed some encouraging news.  Hearing how these relatively new Christian were living their lives was a shot in the arm for his own faith.

            Hearing the good news also helped Paul pour out thanksgiving to God.  Paul said …

            I THESSALONIANS 3:9 – How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?

            Part of brotherhood involves being able to rejoice when our Christian brothers and sisters are growing or remaining strong in their faith.  Paul had been used by God to bring many of the Thessalonian Christians to believe in Jesus and he, therefore, had a special connection with them.

            Many of you here this morning have a part in those who come to trust in Jesus through the ministry of our church.  It should give you great joy to see them grow in their faith.

            Of course it will be hard for you to rejoice over the faith and love of your Christian brothers and sisters if you have no desire to spend time with them and if you have no concern over their spiritual welfare.

            That brings us to the final thing we see in Paul’s model of Christian brotherhood.

IV.         PAUL PRAYED FOR THEM

            Let’s look first at …

A.        WHEN PAUL PRAYED FOR THEM

            I THESSALONIANS 3:10 – Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

            That sets a high standard for us.  At times Paul no doubt prayed for individuals, at other times he probably prayed for them as a group.

            Have you noticed how difficult it is to pray for your Christian brothers and sisters?  Have you ever gone days without praying for anyone other than your family?

            Praying for our Christian brothers and sisters takes time and effort.  We have some tools to help you such as, the prayer chain, prayer groups, the monthly prayer hour, the weekly prayer warriors list and the prayer lists that are circulated through Sunday school classes, but these can be easily avoided or laid aside.

            Prayer is hard, but it is a vital part of brotherhood.  Let’s now look at …

B.        WHAT PAUL PRAYED FOR THEM

            I THESSALONIANS 3:11-13 – 11Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.  12May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.  13May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

            Paul prayed …

1.         That he might be able to visit them.

He wanted to visit them because he cared about them and he wanted to teach them more about living as a Christian.

2.         That their love for one another and others would increase.

3.         That God would strengthen their hearts (faith) so they would be ready to meet Jesus when he returns.

            Again Paul sets a high standard when it comes to praying for our Christian brothers and sisters.  Far to often when I pray for others it has to deal with some problem or illness that has become a part of their lives.

            There is nothing wrong with such prayers, but Paul shows us something greater that our Christian brothers and sisters need … love for others and a strong faith.  Paul’s model for prayer places the focus on spiritual needs more than physical needs.

CONCLUSION

            We call ourselves the Five Forks Brethren in Christ Church and we sometimes call one another brother or sister.  This morning we have looked at a model for Christian brotherhood based on the Apostle Paul’s example.

            That model looks like this …

                        Get involved – reach out – leave your comfort zone

                        A concern that prompts us to act to deny self

            If you have received Jesus as your Lord, you be your own judge this morning.  Are there areas of brotherhood where you can improve?  If so, are you willing to deny yourself and allow God’s Spirit to be your guide?

            The strength of our brotherhood depends on how each of us choose to live our lives.I would like to begin our lesson this morning by reading several verses of scripture.  As I read them, look for a theme they all have in common.

            ROMANS 8:16 – The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

           

            HEBREWS 2:11 – Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family.  So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.

            MATTHEW 23:8b – For you have only one Master and you are all brothers.

            JOHN 13:35 – By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

            I PETER 1:22 – Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

            The common theme in all of those verses is “Christian Brotherhood.”  As believers we are all members of God’s family.  That is why our church is called “Five Forks Brethren-in-Christ.”  Our belief in Jesus makes us brothers and sisters.

            The question is – How do we relate to our family members?

            This morning, as we continue our study in First Thessalonians, we are going to discover a model of Christian brotherhood as we observe how Paul related to his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica.

            Though we live in a society and a time that is vastly different from what the Thessalonians experienced, the model of brotherhood that Paul practiced is still a good model for us to follow.

            Before we look at that model, let’s review the two models we have already studied.

            First came … a model church.

            If we follow the example of the Thessalonians we will be …

Next came a model of servanthood.   We saw that a servant of God should …

                        With your words  -  and  -  By your life-style

            If you are that type of servant you can expect to see …

                        and have

That brings us to our third model … a model for Christian Brotherhood.

            You can treat your Christian brothers and sisters as God would have you treat them by following Paul’s model.

            First we see …

I.         PAUL DESIRED TO BE WITH THEM

            We need to return to chapter two to see Paul’s desire to spend time with his Christian brothers and sisters in Thessalonica.

            I THESSALONIANS 2:17-18 – 17But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made very effort to see you.  18For we wanted to come to you – certainly I, Paul, did, again and again – but Satan stopped us.

            Why was Paul’s desire so strong to spend time with them?

            I THESSALONIANS 2:19-20 – 19For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?  Is it not you?  20Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

            Paul had helped some of these people to place their faith in Jesus.  He had spent time teaching them about God.  Since he had invested some of his life in these people it was natural for him to desire to spend time with them once again.

            What can we learn from Paul in this area of desire that we can apply to our own lives?  I think it can be summarized with statements like …

            In other words, invest part of your life and some of your time in others.  Start a home group, become a Sunday school teacher or helper, invite someone into your home, help someone establish a budget, visit someone in a nursing home on a regular basis and on and on the list can go.

            You won’t have much of a desire to spend time with your Christian brothers and sisters if you won’t invest some of yourself in their lives.

            The next thing we see in Paul’s life concerning brotherhood is that …

II.         PAUL WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR SPIRITUAL WELFARE

            Let’s read the first five verses of chapter three and then explore how concern and brotherhood go hand in hand.

            I THESSALONIANS 3:1-5 – 1So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.  2We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,  3so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.  You know quite well that we were destined for them.   4In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we

would be persecuted.  And it turned out that way, as you well know.  5For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith.  I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless.

A.        PAUL WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE STRENGTH OF THEIR FAITH

            Paul realized the faith of the Thessalonians would be tested as both he and they came face to face with various afflictions and persecution.  He called them trials.  Knowing this, Paul had warned them that becoming a Christian doesn’t mean that everything in life would go smooth for them.  He said Christians are destined for trials.

            Paul was afraid that when they saw what he was enduring or were faced with their own hard times, they would fall victim to Satan’s temptations and turn away from Jesus.

            When you think of your brothers and sisters here at Five Forks do you have any concern about the strength of their faith?  In a few moments we will look at some actions that concern might prompt, but just take a moment and search your own heart.  Do you have any concern about the strength of the faith of your brothers and sisters at Five Forks?  Are you concerned that some who have trusted in Jesus aren’t growing?  Do you ever think about the faith of the children who come to believe in Jesus through VBS, Sunday school or our club programs?

            Paul was concerned about the strength of the faith of his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica.

B.            PAUL’S CONCERN CAUSED HIM TO TAKE ACTION

            Paul was so concerned about his brothers and sisters that he was willing to part with his faithful helper Timothy and send him to check on how they were doing.

            Timothy was very useful to Paul and it would be hard on Paul to be left alone in Athens, but Paul’s concern for his brothers and sisters caused him to set aside his needs and wants.  He was willing to deny himself.

            That is a good model for Christian brotherhood … “denying self”.

            How do we deny self to help strengthen the faith of our Christian brothers and sisters?  Our concern can be demonstrated in many ways, such as …

            To do any of those things, like Paul, you will have to deny self because they will cost you some time and energy.

            Thus far we have seen that Paul’s model for Christian brotherhood involves …

and

            Next we see …

III.         PAUL REJOICED OVER THEIR VICTORIES

            Remember Paul sent Timothy from Athens to Thessalonica – a journey of over 200 miles – to check on his Christian brothers and sisters.  Listen to Paul’s reaction when Timothy returned.

            I THESSALONIANS 3:6-9 – 6But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love.  He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.  7Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.  8For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.  9How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?

            Let’s look first at …

A.        THE GOOD REPORT PAUL RECEIVED

            Timothy reported that the Christians in Thessalonica remained strong in their love and faith.  They had not turned away from following Jesus.

            Yes, they were going through some difficult times, but they were remaining faithful.  They were not turning away from their faith just because they were going through some trials.  That in itself was reason enough for Paul to rejoice, but there was more good news.

            Their love was also strong.  Their love for God’s Word, their love for one another and their love for Paul.  Let’s briefly look at …

B.        THE AFFECT THE GOOD NEWS HAD UPON PAUL

            Paul was encouraged in his own faith because of how his brothers and sisters were remaining strong in their faith.  Paul himself was in distress and dealing with some type of persecution and so he needed some encouraging news.  Hearing how these relatively new Christian were living their lives was a shot in the arm for his own faith.

            Hearing the good news also helped Paul pour out thanksgiving to God.  Paul said …

            I THESSALONIANS 3:9 – How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?

            Part of brotherhood involves being able to rejoice when our Christian brothers and sisters are growing or remaining strong in their faith.  Paul had been used by God to bring many of the Thessalonian Christians to believe in Jesus and he, therefore, had a special connection with them.

            Many of you here this morning have a part in those who come to trust in Jesus through the ministry of our church.  It should give you great joy to see them grow in their faith.

            Of course it will be hard for you to rejoice over the faith and love of your Christian brothers and sisters if you have no desire to spend time with them and if you have no concern over their spiritual welfare.

            That brings us to the final thing we see in Paul’s model of Christian brotherhood.

IV.         PAUL PRAYED FOR THEM

            Let’s look first at …

A.        WHEN PAUL PRAYED FOR THEM

            I THESSALONIANS 3:10 – Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

            That sets a high standard for us.  At times Paul no doubt prayed for individuals, at other times he probably prayed for them as a group.

            Have you noticed how difficult it is to pray for your Christian brothers and sisters?  Have you ever gone days without praying for anyone other than your family?

            Praying for our Christian brothers and sisters takes time and effort.  We have some tools to help you such as, the prayer chain, prayer groups, the monthly prayer hour, the weekly prayer warriors list and the prayer lists that are circulated through Sunday school classes, but these can be easily avoided or laid aside.

            Prayer is hard, but it is a vital part of brotherhood.  Let’s now look at …

B.        WHAT PAUL PRAYED FOR THEM

            I THESSALONIANS 3:11-13 – 11Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.  12May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.  13May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

            Paul prayed …

1.         That he might be able to visit them.

He wanted to visit them because he cared about them and he wanted to teach them more about living as a Christian.

2.         That their love for one another and others would increase.

3.         That God would strengthen their hearts (faith) so they would be ready to meet Jesus when he returns.

            Again Paul sets a high standard when it comes to praying for our Christian brothers and sisters.  Far to often when I pray for others it has to deal with some problem or illness that has become a part of their lives.

            There is nothing wrong with such prayers, but Paul shows us something greater that our Christian brothers and sisters need … love for others and a strong faith.  Paul’s model for prayer places the focus on spiritual needs more than physical needs.

CONCLUSION

            We call ourselves the Five Forks Brethren in Christ Church and we sometimes call one another brother or sister.  This morning we have looked at a model for Christian brotherhood based on the Apostle Paul’s example.

            That model looks like this …

                        Get involved – reach out – leave your comfort zone

                        A concern that prompts us to act to deny self

            If you have received Jesus as your Lord, you be your own judge this morning.  Are there areas of brotherhood where you can improve?  If so, are you willing to deny yourself and allow God’s Spirit to be your guide?

            The strength of our brotherhood depends on how each of us choose to live our lives.