THE CHURCH IN ACCELERATION 1 Thess 1 1

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THE CHURCH IN ACCELERATION 1 Thess. 1: 1 -10

THE CHURCH IN ACCELERATION 1 THESSALONIANS 1: 1 -10 1 Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. 2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia — your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead — Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

ACCELERATION – • Increase in the rate or speed of something. • is the act of increasing speed • Acceleration comes from the Latin word accelerationem, which means "a hastening. “ • When you hasten, you hurry, so acceleration is a speeding-up. • Maybe you are walking to an appointment and realize you will be late. You pick up your pace — that's acceleration.

• in physics, acceleration is a vehicle’s capacity to gain speed within a short time

• ACCELERATE • giving up of high speed within a short period of time • Speed up • CHURCH- ekklesia • group of people called out from the world to serve the living God • The called out ones

BACKGROUD OF THE CHURCH OF THESALONIKA

THESSALONICA: THE CITY AND THE CHURCH • Thessalonica was a busy seaport city at the head of the Thermaic Gulf. • It was an important communication and trade center, located at the junction of the great Egnatian Way and the road leading north to the Danube. • It was the largest city in Macedonia and was also the capital of its province.

• The background of the Thessalonian church is found in Ac 17: 1– 9. • Since Paul began his ministry there in the Jewish synagogue, it is reasonable to assume that the new church included some Jews. • However, 1: 9– 10; Ac 17: 4 seem to indicate that the church was largely Gentile in membership.

• Purpose • Paul had left Thessalonica abruptly (see Ac 17: 5– 10) after a rather brief stay. • Recent converts from paganism (1: 9) were thus left with little external support in the midst of persecution. • Paul’s purpose in writing this letter was • to encourage the new converts in their trials (3: 3– 5), • to give instruction concerning godly living (4: 1– 12) and • to give assurance concerning the future of believers who die before Christ returns (4: 13– 18;

PROVISION FOR AN ACCELERATED CHURCH

PROVISION FOR AN ACCELERATED CHURCH v. 1 Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. • 2 PROVISSIONS 1. GRACE - Heb. (CHESED) • This word speaks of deliverance from enemies, affliction, or adversity. • It also denotes enablement, daily guidance, forgiveness, and preservation.

• GRACE – HOW DO THEOLOGIANS DEFINE IT? • Grace means God’s love in action towards men who merited the opposite of love. • Grace means God moving heaven and earth to save sinners who could not lift a finger to save themselves. • Grace means God sending His only Son to descend into hell on the cross so that we guilty ones might be reconciled to God and received into heaven.

• "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2: 8 -10). "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1: 17). "For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!" (Romans 5: 17

• "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. • There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus" (Romans 3: 22 -24). "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace" (Ephesians 1: 7).

• ‘(God) hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him’" (2 Corinthians 5: 21). 1 • Grace may be defined as the unmerited or undeserving favor of God to those who are under condemnation. " – Enns 2

2. PEACE • In English, the word "peace" conjures up a passive picture, one showing an absence of civil disturbance or hostilities, or a personality free from internal and external strife • Heb. “SHALOM” 1. wholeness of life or body (i. e. , health) 2. right relationship or harmony between two parties or people, often established by a covenant (see "covenant of peace" in Num 25: 12 -13 ; Isa 54: 10 ; Ezek 34: 25 -26 ) and, when related to Yahweh, the covenant was renewed or maintained with a "peace offering" 3. prosperity, success, or fulfillment (see Lev 26: 3 -9) 4. victory over one's enemies or absence of war.

• Shalom was used in both greetings and farewells. • It was meant to act as a blessing on the one to whom it was spoken: • "May your life be filled with health, prosperity, and victory. " • As an adjective, it expressed completeness and safety.

DESCRIPTION OF AN ACCELERATED CHURCH

DESCRIPTION OF AN ACCELERATED CHURCH 1. THE CAUSE OF THANKSGIVING – V. 2 • 1 Th. 1: 2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.

DESCRIPTION OF AN ACCELERATED CHURCH 2. WORTH MENTIONING CHURCH IN PRAYER – V. 2 • 1 Th. 1: 2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.

DESCRIPTION OF AN ACCELERATED CHURCH 3. A CHURCH W/ FAITH THAT PRODUCES WORK – v. 3 A • 1 Th. 1: 3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

• Paul contrasts faith to works: • Ephesians 2: 8– 9, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…not by works, so that no one can boast. ” • Faith produces works” is Paul’s slogan when it comes how justified Christians live. • Immediately after arguing that we are justified through faith not work, Paul writes: For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (2: 10).

• Faith produces action • Rom. 1: 5 Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. • 2 Th. 1: 11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfil every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith

• The faith of the believers of Thesalonica had produce true repentance • When they turned to God, they turned away from idols. V. 9 • Paul views thesalonian’s repentance as a result of their faith

DESCRIPTION OF AN ACCELERATED CHURCH 4. A CHURCH THAT SERVES BECAUSE OF LOVE – V. 3 B • 1 Th. 1: 3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. • The Greek word for “labor” is kopos. • it refers to “toil” • It means strenuous effort to the point of fatigue & even exhaustion • In Amp. translation “service motivated by love. • Thesalonians’ love for God resulted in service in the midst of persecution

DESCRIPTION OF AN ACCELERATED CHURCH 5. A CHURCH THAT ENDURES BECAUSE OF HOPE – V. 3 C • 1 Th. 1: 3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. • The Greek word for “endurance” is hupomonē, which derives from the two words for “remain” and “under. ” • When trouble comes, Christians can remain under it without being crushed by it because of their hope. • Hebrews 12: 2 says “For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame. ” • Christians must follow his example. • Christ is our example and hope. FAITH WORKS. LOVE LABORS. HOPE ENDURES.

DESCRIPTION OF AN ACCELERATED CHURCH 6. LOVED, CHOSEN/SAVED BY GOD CHURCH – V. 4 • 1 Th. 1: 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, • 1 Th. 1: 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

DESCRIPTION OF AN ACCELERATED CHURCH 7. A GOSPEL CENTERED CHURCH – V. 5 • 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, • 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. • 6 b in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. • 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. • 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia — your faith in God has become known everywhere.

DESCRIPTION OF AN ACCELERATED CHURCH 7. A GOSPEL CENTERED CHURCH – V. 5 a. The gospel came to them – v. 5 a b. The gospel is not just mere word but with power, w/ H. S. & conviction– v. 5 b c. They received the gospel in spite of suffering – v. 6 b d. They lived the gospel – became a model to all believers–v. 7 e. They shared the gospel - v. 8

a. THE GOSPEL CAME TO THEM – V. 5 A • Ro. 10: 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. ” [Joel 2: 32] • Ro. 10: 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? • Ro. 10: 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” [Isaiah 52: 7]

b) THE GOSPEL IS NOT JUST MERE WORDS BUT WITH POWER, W/ H. S. & CONVICTION– V. 5 B • Ro. 15: 18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done — • Ro. 15: 19 by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit.

C. THEY RECEIVED THE TRUE GOSPEL • The true gospel is the good news that God saves sinners. • Man is by nature sinful and separated from God with no hope of remedying that situation. • But God, by His power, provided the means of man’s redemption in the death, burial and resurrection of the Savior, Jesus Christ. • The word “gospel” literally means “good news. ”

• But to truly comprehend how good this news is, we must first understand the bad news. • As a result of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3: 6), every part of man—his mind, will, emotions and flesh—have been corrupted by sin. • Because of man’s sinful nature, he does not and cannot seek God. • He has no desire to come to God and, in fact, his mind is hostile toward God (Romans 8: 7).

• God has declared that man’s sin dooms him to an eternity in hell, separated from God. • It is in hell that man pays the penalty of sin against a holy and righteous God. • This would be bad news indeed if there were no remedy.

• But in the gospel, God, in His mercy, has provided that remedy, a substitute for us— Jesus Christ—who came to pay the penalty for our sin by His sacrifice on the cross. • This is the essence of the gospel which Paul preached to the Corinthians.

• In 1 Corinthians 15: 2 -4, he explains the three elements of the gospel—the death, burial and resurrection of Christ on our behalf. • Our old nature died with Christ on the cross and was buried with Him. • Then we were resurrected with Him to a new life (Romans 6: 4 -8). • Paul tells us to “hold firmly” to this true gospel, the only one which saves.

• Believing in any other gospel is to believe in vain. • In Romans 1: 16 -17, Paul also declares that the true gospel is the “power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” • It means that salvation is not achieved by man’s efforts, but by the grace of God through the gift of faith (Ephesians 2: 8 -9).

d)THEY LIVED THE GOSPEL – BECAME A MODEL TO ALL BELIEVERS – V. 7 • "What does it mean that our lives should be a testimony for Jesus? “ • The “testimony for Jesus” in view here would be a lifestyle and words that openly acknowledge our personal experience of following Jesus Christ.

• A testimony must be public because its purpose is to tell others what has taken place. • In the Christian experience, our regeneration should be a testament (evidence) to other people that Jesus is alive and is changing lives. • We testify by our words and actions. If our lives are a testimony for Jesus Christ, then they should be reflections of Christ as we “follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2: 21).

e) THEY SHARED THE GOSPEL - V. 8 • May 28, 2016 - is a world outreach day • A day to evangelize the world • HOW TO SHARE THE GOSPEL • Pray first • Share your experience with Jesus (testify) ü Share your life before you accepted Christ in your heart ü Share how did you receive Christ in your heart ü Share what happen to your life after you received Christ in your heart ü Challenge them for commitment • DO IT WITH SENCERITY

REASONS WHY WE SHARE THE GOSPEL 1. Because Jesus shared the gospel too • Mt. 4: 17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. ” 2. Because the harvest is great • Mt. 9: 37 -38 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. ”

REASONS WHY WE SHARE THE GOSPEL 3. Because the laborers are few • Mt. 9: 37 -38 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. ” 4. Because of the great commission • Mk. 16: 15 -16 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

REASONS WHY WE SHARE THE GOSPEL 5. Because of the unfulfilled prophesies concerning Jesus’ return • Mt. 24: 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

REASONS WHY WE SHARE THE GOSPEL 6. Because God will hold us accountable • Ez. 3: 17 -19 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to a wicked man, ‘You will surely die, ’ and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself. • Ez. 33: 6 -8 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes the life of one of them, that man will be taken away because of his sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood. ’ “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die, ’ and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood.

REASONS WHY WE SHARE THE GOSPEL 7. Because of what we have experience – • Mt. 10: 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

EVANGELISM EXPLOSION METHOD

Then I have

DESCRIPTION OF AN ACCELERATED CHURCH 8. A CHURCH THAT FOLLOWS THE EXAMPLE OF THEIR OF JESUS & THERE LEADERS – V. 5 C, 6 • V. 5 c, 6 a …You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; - NIV • V. 5 c, 6 a …as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, - KJV • 1 Cor. 11: 1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ

THERE ARE FOUR DIFFERENT TYPES OF “FOLLOWING” MENTIONED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT: 1. Pursue: • The first type of “follow” is the Greek word “dioko” which means “to pursue, to seek after eagerly” • This is used primarily for following after, in the chasing sense or pursuing after virtue and good things. • We are not to pursue after a man, but rather we are to pursue after godly traits.

2. Imitate • The second type of “follow” comes from the Greek “mimeomai” or “mimetes” which means “to mimic” or “imitate” or an “imitator”. • V. 5 c, 6 a …You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; - NIV • 1 Cor. 11: 1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ • The Greek meaning is, “Follow my example or imitate me as I follow Christ’s example and imitate him. ”

3. Follow From Behind • The third type of “follow” comes from the Greek word “opiso” which means “to the back”. • This can also mean, “to join one’s party”. • “Opiso” is commonly translated as “walk after”, “come after” or “go after” someone or something. • This word fits the concept we have today of following someone in the corporate, political or military realm • It appears that this type of “following” is only appropriate when it is Jesus we are “following”!

4. Walk With Me • There is another aspect that is overwhelmingly emphasized in the scriptures which is the final and fourth type of “follow”. • It comes from the Greek word “akoloutheo” which means “to be in the same way with, to accompany”. • This signifies a “come with me” or “walk with me” approach. • Jesus Christ used this quite often when talking to his disciples and others: • Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead - Matt. 8: 22 • “And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him - Matt. 9: 9 • “And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him - Mark 1: 18

• Jesus was not asking for his disciples to just get behind him or the cause that he stood for as if to join his political party. • He was desiring them to accompany him, to walk with him or to go in the same way as he was going. • we shouldn’t just get behind him like dutiful little subjects. We should walk with him and accompany him!

1 Thes. 1: 4 -8 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia — your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,

WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST?

1. TO FOLLOW CHRIST MEANS THAT WE IMITATE THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST. • Everything that Jesus did and said, that’s what Paul wanted to do and say. • The church benefitted from his godly example: • Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ - 1 Corinthians 11: 1 • What would Jesus do, that’s what we want to do.

2. TO FOLLOW CHRIST MEANS THAT WE PURSUE THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST. • We want to know Christ better and better each day. • Not just a set of facts about Christ, but Christ Himself. • Philippians 3: 10 -11 “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead“

3. TO FOLLOW CHRIST MEANS THAT CHRIST IS OUR FOCUS, OUR GOAL, AND OUR CHIEF DESIRE. • Christ is the center point of our mind, heart, body and soul. • Everything that we do, we do for Christ’s glory. • As we run the “race marked out for us, ” we lay aside the entangling sin and worldly distractions, “fixing our eyes on Jesus” Hebrews 12: 1 -2 • He is our life.

4. TO FOLLOW CHRIST MEANS THAT WE ARE WILLING TO GIVE UP ANYTHING THAT PREVENTS US FROM HAVING CHRIST. • Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him” Philippians 3: 7 -9 “ • We cling to the promise of our Lord in Mark 10: 29 -30 that our sacrifices for Jesus’ sake will be repaid a hundredfold. • “I tell you the truth, ” Jesus replied, “no-one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age and in the age to come, eternal life.

FOLLOWING JESUS • Lk. 9: 23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me

FOLLOWING JESUS • TO FOLLOW JESUS IS A MATTER OF DECISION – • "If any man will. . . "

FOLLOWING JESUS • TO FOLLOW JESUS IS A MATTER OF DIRECTION – • ". . . come after me. . . "

FOLLOWING JESUS • TO FOLLOW JESUS IS A MATTER OF DENIAL – • ". . . let him deny himself. . . "

FOLLOWING JESUS • TO FOLLOW JESUS IS A MATTER OF DEATH – • ". . . and take up his cross daily. . . " (Galatians 2: 20)

FOLLOWING JESUS • TO FOLLOW JESUS IS A MATTER OF DEVOTION – • ". . . and follow me. "

THE BLESSINGS OF FOLLOWING THE LORD Mark 10: 17 -30 • 17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher, ” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life? ” • 18 “Why do you call me good? ” Jesus answered. “No-one is good — except God alone. • 19 You know the commandments: `Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honour your father and mother. ’“ • 20 “Teacher, ” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy. ”

THE BLESSINGS OF FOLLOWING THE LORD Mark 10: 17 -30 • 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack, ” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. ” • 22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. • 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” • 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! • 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. ”

THE BLESSINGS OF FOLLOWING THE LORD Mark 10: 17 -30 • 26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved? ” • 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God. ” • 28 Peter said to him, “We have left everything to follow you!” • 29 “I tell you the truth, ” Jesus replied, “no-one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel • 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields — and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.

THE BLESSINGS OF FOLLOWING THE LORD Mark 10: 17 -30 1. FOLLOWING THE LORD MAY CAUSE YOU TO LEAVE WHAT’S COMFORTABLE. • 22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. • 28 Peter said to him, “We have left everything to follow you!” • Following Jesus may mean leaving: Your Home: • Following Jesus may mean leaving: Your Family • Your response to His call may mean distancing yourself from those who have no passion for the Lord. • It can also mean that for a time you won’t be able to live near family members who share your love for Jesus but who also affirm His will as to a location is what matters most! • Following Jesus may mean leaving: Your occupation.

THE BLESSINGS OF FOLLOWING THE LORD MARK 10: 17 -30 2. FOLLOWING THE LORD ALWAYS INVOLVES HIS CARE AND HIS BLESSINGS! • 29 “I tell you the truth, ” Jesus replied, “no-one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel • 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields — and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. • Jesus is assuring Peter and all believers that when a life is invested in the Lord, that life then becomes his concern and with concern comes His provision! • The blessings of God on believers here in this life are an encouragement to continue trusting him in spite of the difficulties.

THE BLESSINGS OF FOLLOWING THE LORD MARK 10: 17 -30 • It is true that the world hates us; • Jesus warned that this would be the case. • But though the world hates us and wishes us harm, it is evident that God loves us and wishes us good. • Every day we see further evidence of God’s favor. • So we will trust him to do us the further good of seeing us through these temptations and bringing us safe to heaven. "

THE BLESSINGS OF FOLLOWING THE LORD MARK 10: 17 -30 3. FOLLOWING THE LORD WILL ULTIMATELY LEAD TO HEAVEN. • Eternal life! Life that never ends! Abundant life! • Titus 3: 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs, having the hope of eternal life • 1 John 2: 25 And this is what he promised us — even eternal life • 1 John 5: 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

Luke 9: 23 • And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me

WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST?

IMITATORS OF GOD Ephesians 5: 1 -2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

IMITATORS OF GOD Ephesians 5: 1 -2 I. TO IMITATE GOD, ONE MUST EVIDENCE A GOD-LIKE CHARACTERISTICS IN THEIR DAILY LIFE a. Universally generous: "…for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. " Matthew 5: 45 • kay siya nagapasubang sa iyang Adlaw sa ibabaw sa mga dautan ug sa ibabaw sa mga maayo, ug nagpadalag ulan ngadto sa mga matarung ug sa mga dili matarung.

IMITATORS OF GOD Ephesians 5: 1 -2 I. TO IMITATE GOD, ONE MUST EVIDENCE A GOD-LIKE CHARACTERISTICS IN THEIR DAILY LIFE b. Universally compassionate: "The Lord is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. " II Peter 3: 9 • hinonoa siya mapailubon kaninyo, nga wala magtinguha nga adunay mahanaw kondili nga ang tanan managpakakab-ot unta sa paghinulsol.

IMITATORS OF GOD Ephesians 5: 1 -2 I. TO IMITATE GOD, ONE MUST EVIDENCE GOD-LIKE CHARACTERISTICS IN THEIR DAILY LIFE c. Forgiving: "For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and abundant in mercy unto all those who call upon Thee. " Ps. 86: 5 • Kay ikaw, Oh Ginoo, maayo man, ug andam sa pagpasaylo, Ug madagayaon sa mahigugmaong-kalolot alang niadtong tanan nga nanagsapit kanimo.

IMITATORS OF GOD Ephesians 5: 1 -2 I. TO IMITATE GOD, ONE MUST EVIDENCE GOD-LIKE CHARACTERISTICS IN THEIR DAILY LIFE d. Rewarding when deserving: "But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. " Mat. 6: 3 -4 • 3 Apan ikaw, sa magahatag kag limos, ayaw pahibaloa ang kamot mong wala sa gibuhat sa kamot mong too, 4 aron matago ang imong limos; ug ang imong Amahan nga nagatan-aw sa tago magabalus kanimo.

IMITATORS OF GOD Ephesians 5: 1 -2 II. IN IMITATING GOD, WE BECOME EXAMPLES TO OTHER BELIEVERS: I Timothy 4: 12 "…be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. “ a. In word: "Buy truth, and do not sell it. " Prov. 23: 23 b. In conduct: "That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. " Col. 1: 10 c. In love: "…and walk in love as Christ also has loved us…" Eph. 1: 2

IMITATORS OF GOD Ephesians 5: 1 -2 II. IN IMITATING GOD, WE BECOME EXAMPLES TO OTHER BELIEVERS: I Tim. 4: 12 "…be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. “ d. In spirit: "And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke. " Acts 6: 10 e. In faith: "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other. " II Thess. 1: 3 f. In purity: "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart. " I Peter 1: 22.

IMITATORS OF GOD Ephesians 5: 1 -2 III. BY IMITATING GOD, WE POSITION OURSELVES FOR GREAT BLESSING. a. Consider the great blessings that are promised to us as we live in accordance to God’s will for our lives. Psalms 1: 1 -3 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. ”

FOLLOWING JESUS Luke 9: 23 • And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me

FOLLOWING JESUS 1. TO FOLLOW JESUS IS A MATTER OF DECISION • "If any man will. . . "

FOLLOWING JESUS 2. TO FOLLOW JESUS IS A MATTER OF DIRECTION • ". . . come after me. . . "

FOLLOWING JESUS 3. TO FOLLOW JESUS IS A MATTER OF DENIAL • ". . . let him deny himself. . . "

FOLLOWING JESUS 4. TO FOLLOW JESUS IS A MATTER OF DEATH • ". . . and take up his cross daily. . . " • Galatians 2: 20 - I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me

FOLLOWING JESUS 5. TO FOLLOW JESUS IS A MATTER OF DEVOTION • ". . . and follow me. "

WHAT EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD KNOW IN REGARD TO GOD 1. EVERY BELIEVER OF GOD SHOULD KNOW THAT GOD DESIRES US TO GIVE OURSELVES TOTALLY TO HIM • Rom. 12: 1 - Busa, mga igsoon, tungod sa dakong kaluoy nga gipakita sa Dios kanato, hangyoon ko kamo sa pagtugyan sa inyong kaugalingon ngadto sa Dios ingon nga buhing halad, balaan ug makapahimuot kaniya. Mao kini ang matuod nga pagsimba nga angay ninyong ihalad.

WHAT EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD KNOW IN REGARD TO GOD 2. EVERY SHOULD KNOW THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US A NEW SPIRIT THAT IS BENT TOWARD GOD & AWAY FROM SIN WHICH DESIRES TO PLEASE HIM Ezek. 36: 26 -27 26 Hatagan ko kamog bag-ong kasing ug bag-ong espiritu ug kuhaon ko ang inyong kasing nga gahi sama sa bato ug ilisan ko kinig kasing nga masinugtanon. 27 Ihatag ko kaninyo ang akong espiritu ug himoon ko kamong masinugtanon sa akong mga gimbut-an ug mga lagda.

WHAT EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD KNOW IN REGARD TO GOD 3. EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD KNOW THAT GOD DESIRES US TO LIVE A LIFE OF OBEDIENCE TO HIS WORD • John 14: 15 kon nahigugma kamo kanako, tumana ninyo ang akong mga sugo • Acts 13: 22 sa dihang gipapahawa siya sa trono, si David gihimo sa Dios nga ilang hari. Kini ang giingon sa Dios mahitungod kaniya, ‘Nakita ko nga si David nga anak ni Jesse usa ka tawo nga nakapahimuot kanako ug mobuhat sa tanan nga isugo ko kaniya.

THE PRIORITIES OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS Matthew 4: 1 -10 • 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. • 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. • 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread. ” • 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ’“ [Deut. 8: 3]

THE PRIORITIES OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS Matthew 4: 1 -11 • 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. • 6 “If you are the Son of God, ” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “`He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. ’“ [Psalm 91: 11, 12] • 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: `Do not put the Lord your God to the test. ’“ [Deut. 6: 16]

THE PRIORITIES OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS Matthew 4: 1 -11 • 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. • 9 “All this I will give you, ” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me. ” • 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: `Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only. ’“ [Deut. 6: 13]

THE PRIORITIES OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS Matthew 4: 1 -10 • 1 Unya gidala si Jesus sa Espiritu Santo ngadto sa dapit nga awaaw aron tintalon sa Yawa. • 2 Didto nagpuasa si Jesus sulod sa 40 ka adlaw ug 40 ka gabii ug unya gigutom siya. • 3 Ug miduol kaniya ang Yawa nga nag-ingon, “Anak ka man kaha sa Dios, himoang pan kining mga bato. ” • 4 Mitubag si Jesus, “Ang Kasulatan nag-ingon, ‘Ang tawo mabuhi dili sa pan lamang, kondili sa matag pulong usab nga isulti sa Dios. ’ ”

THE PRIORITIES OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS Matthew 4: 1 -10 • 5 Unya gidala si Jesus sa Yawa ngadto sa Jerusalem, ang Balaang Siyudad, ug gipatindog siya sa kinatas-ang bahin sa Templo • 6 ug giingnan, “Anak ka man kaha sa Dios, ambak ngadto sa ubos kay nag-ingon man ang Kasulatan: ‘Ang Dios magsugo sa iyang mga anghel pagbantay kanimo; sapnayon ka nila aron dili maigo sa bato bisan gani ang imong tiil. ’ ” • 7 Si Jesus mitubag, “Apan nag-ingon usab ang Kasulatan, ‘Ayaw tintala ang Ginoo nga imong Dios. ’ ”

THE PRIORITIES OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS Matthew 4: 1 -10 • 8 Unya gidala si Jesus sa Yawa ngadto sa usa ka habog kaayong bukid ug gipakita kaniya ang tanang gingharian sa kalibotan ug ang ilang kaanindot. • 9 Ang Yawa miingon, “Ihatag ko kanimo kining tanan kon moluhod ka ug mosimba kanako. ” • 10 Mitubag si Jesus, “Pahawa, Satanas! Ang Kasulatan nag-ingon, ‘Simbaha ang Ginoo nga imong Dios ug siya lamang alagari!’ ”

THE PRIORITIES OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS Matthew 4: 1 -11 • When Jesus was tempted He showed to us what should be our priorities • He did not yield to temptation, but kept His priorities straight.

THE PRIORITIES OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS Matthew 4: 1 -11 1. THE PRIORITY OF THE WORD – v. 3 -4 §God’s Word is more important than physical comfort

THE PRIORITIES OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS Matthew 4: 1 -11 1. THE PRIORITY OF THE WORD – v. 3 -4 • BECAUSE HE IS OUR GOD – LET US ALLOW HIM TO TEACH US HIS DECREES! üPsalms 119: 12 - Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees • BECAUSE HE HAS FORGIVEN US –– LET US ALLOW HIM TO TEACH US HIS DECREES! üPsalms 119: 26 -I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. • BECAUSE WE WANT TO OBEY HIM – – LET US ALLOW HIM TO TEACH US HIS DECREES! üPsalms 119: 33 -34 -Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. üPs. 119: 34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.

THE PRIORITIES OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS Matthew 4: 1 -11 1. THE PRIORITY OF THE WORD – v. 3 -4 • BECAUSE HE LOVES US – LET US ALLOW HIM TO TEACH US HIS DECREES! üPsalms 119: 64 - The earth is filled with your love, O LORD; teach me your decrees. • BECAUSE HE IS GOOD –– LET US ALLOW HIM TO TEACH US HIS DECREES! üPsalms 119: 68 - You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. • BECAUSE WE WANT HIS APPROVAL – LET US ALLOW HIM TO TEACH US HIS DECREES! ü Psalms 119: 135 -Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me

THE PRIORITIES OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS Matthew 4: 1 -11 2. THE PRIORITY OF THE WALK – v. 5 -7 • It is more important to please God than the pleasure of sinful lifestyle. • if we are going to walk the way God wants us to walk, it requires certain kinds of behavior

üWe are to walk in newness of life. • Romans 6: 4 Tungod niini, sa pagbunyag kanato gilubong kita uban kaniya ug miambit sa iyang kamatayon aron ingon nga si Cristo gibanhaw sa mahimayaong gahom sa Amahan, kita usab angay nga magkinabuhi sa bag-ong kinabuhi. üWe are to walk in the Spirit. • Galatians 5: 16 Kini ang akong isulti kaninyo: paharia ang Espiritu sa inyong kinabuhi ug ayaw tumani ang mga tinguha sa lawasnong kaibog. üWe are to walk in love. • Ephesians 5: 2 Magkinabuhi kamo diha sa gugma sama nga gihigugma kita ni Cristo ug gitugyan ang iyang kinabuhi alang kanato sama sa mahumot nga halad-sinunog nga makapahimuot sa Dios.

THE PRIORITIES OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS Matthew 4: 1 -11 3. THE PRIORITY OF WORSHIP – v. 9 -10 • It is more important to worship God than to worship anything else.

DESCRIPTION OF AN ACCELERATED CHURCH 9. A MODEL CHURCH – V. 7 • 1 Th. 1: 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

DESCRIPTION OF AN ACCELERATED CHURCH 10. A HOSPITABLE CHURCH – v. 9 a • v. 8 b, 9 a …Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us.

DESCRIPTION OF AN ACCELERATED CHURCH 11. A CHURCH THAT WORSHIPS THE TRUE GOD • v. 9 b -…They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

HOW PRAISE BRINGS BLESSING TO US

DESCRIPTION OF AN ACCELERATED CHURCH 12. A WAITING CHURCH – V. 10 • 1 Th. 1: 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead — Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. HOW TO ACCELERATE God’s provision must be claimed Having a lifestyle that is commendable The evidence of our faith must be seen Servant hood must be a way of life Fruit of the Holy Spirit must be visible Great commission must be obeyed True Christian living must be demonstrated Worship must be remarkable Patience is develop while waiting for His return

The result of an accelerated church • People will enjoy the services extended by the church • People will come to know Christ bec. Of the gospel shared • Growth is noticeable • Worship is uplifting • The holy spirit’s working is visible • Patience is develop while waiting Christ’s return

• THE PROMISE OF HIS RETURN üJn 14: 1 -3 üActs 1 • HOW JESUS WILL RETURN üunexpectedly üLike a lightening üIn the way that He left üWith great power & glory üIn full view of all