1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:05,420 Please open your Bible at 1st Thessalonians. In chapter 4, we’re continuing our series 2 00:00:05,720 –> 00:00:12,080 living like there’s no tomorrow and today we come to the subject of the urgency of willing work and 3 00:00:12,600 –> 00:00:14,380 It’s a theme that i think is 4 00:00:14,380 –> 00:00:20,180 Obviously appropriate for us today as we celebrate the service that so many within the congregation 5 00:00:20,500 –> 00:00:27,480 Give week by week and throughout the year in the life and Ministry of this church. I tell you for me 6 00:00:27,480 –> 00:00:28,820 It is a joy 7 00:00:28,820 –> 00:00:34,900 Every morning to come in here and to see on the monitors the listing that often goes to more than one screen of 8 00:00:35,000 –> 00:00:39,060 Things that are going on in any one day in the life of this church 9 00:00:39,779 –> 00:00:47,580 Ministry to smaller groups and to larger groups and training courses and ministry to children and to young people and to folks of all 10 00:00:47,580 –> 00:00:49,020 adult ages 11 00:00:49,020 –> 00:00:54,040 Ministries of compassion and of evangelism and of world outreach. It goes on and it goes on 12 00:00:54,200 –> 00:00:55,840 I spoke the other 13 00:00:55,840 –> 00:01:01,840 week just a few weeks ago to someone in the foyer who was a visitor for the first time and I knew she was a 14 00:01:01,840 –> 00:01:07,139 Visitor for the first time because she said to me now you’re the pastor it must be really quiet 15 00:01:07,680 –> 00:01:11,160 working here during the week and I said 16 00:01:11,160 –> 00:01:16,059 oh that couldn’t be further from the truth and the reality is that 17 00:01:16,620 –> 00:01:18,620 ministry happens in 18 00:01:19,360 –> 00:01:20,660 multiple ways 19 00:01:20,660 –> 00:01:23,699 Because God has placed it into the hearts of 20 00:01:23,779 –> 00:01:27,040 many many people to make it happen 21 00:01:27,040 –> 00:01:32,519 And this is a gift from God which we cherish and for which we thank him 22 00:01:32,879 –> 00:01:40,660 Today if you walk around this building on any given day during the week you will find people somewhere around who are further 23 00:01:40,940 –> 00:01:47,800 practicing painting repairing cleaning restocking printing mailing or whatever it is and 24 00:01:48,180 –> 00:01:50,180 in the mercy of God 25 00:01:50,320 –> 00:01:54,820 Ministry multiplies because God has placed it in the hearts of his people 26 00:01:55,000 –> 00:01:58,680 That’s one reason why it’s a good thing that we come to this theme of work 27 00:01:59,320 –> 00:02:04,620 second good reason for us to look at the theme of work as we come to it in the Bible today is that this is 28 00:02:04,639 –> 00:02:06,639 father’s day and 29 00:02:06,699 –> 00:02:08,380 most dads 30 00:02:08,380 –> 00:02:10,380 Spend most of their time 31 00:02:10,460 –> 00:02:12,779 engaged in some kind of work and 32 00:02:14,419 –> 00:02:17,139 The question is what does the Bible have to say about that? 33 00:02:17,880 –> 00:02:20,880 What place does your working life? 34 00:02:21,699 –> 00:02:24,740 have in the purpose and the plan of 35 00:02:25,339 –> 00:02:26,960 God and 36 00:02:26,960 –> 00:02:33,440 There are some very wonderful and important things that the Bible has to teach us about that and we find them right here in this 37 00:02:33,440 –> 00:02:36,660 Letter of Thessalonians as we’ve come to it this morning 38 00:02:37,059 –> 00:02:39,020 Let me give a kind of broad introduction 39 00:02:39,020 –> 00:02:41,339 Simply by saying this that there are probably two 40 00:02:41,339 –> 00:02:47,220 common errors that are made in the way that many people think about work 41 00:02:47,220 –> 00:02:50,880 The first is what we might call the secularized view 42 00:02:50,880 –> 00:02:52,880 which is that work is simply a means of 43 00:02:53,059 –> 00:02:57,919 getting money that you go to work in order to be able to support yourself and your family and 44 00:02:58,100 –> 00:03:02,259 Indeed, that is a worthy thing to do but the question is is that all that it is? 45 00:03:03,600 –> 00:03:07,660 every week there are folks buying lottery tickets and 46 00:03:08,179 –> 00:03:13,139 In their minds is this thought if I win the lottery I don’t need to work anymore 47 00:03:14,179 –> 00:03:17,860 And so what they’re thinking is that the only purpose of work is 48 00:03:18,800 –> 00:03:24,800 To get money. And if I had money I wouldn’t need to work. Now is that all that work is or does it have some intrinsic? 49 00:03:25,160 –> 00:03:29,899 Value within itself is it something more we’re going to see that it certainly is 50 00:03:31,059 –> 00:03:32,460 then there’s a 51 00:03:32,460 –> 00:03:35,520 Second error that some folks fall into and I called that the 52 00:03:35,960 –> 00:03:40,520 spiritualized view and that is the one that you hear sometimes among some Christians that 53 00:03:40,919 –> 00:03:44,179 Work is wonderful because it’s a great opportunity to share the gospel 54 00:03:44,699 –> 00:03:48,479 And of course that is true. We are salt and light in the world 55 00:03:49,039 –> 00:03:51,039 But do you really think? 56 00:03:52,080 –> 00:03:54,820 That God sits as it were yawning 57 00:03:55,279 –> 00:04:00,600 bored in heaven while you’re cutting checks and doing deals and teaching kids and 58 00:04:01,059 –> 00:04:04,339 serving customers or whatever it is and that only 59 00:04:05,000 –> 00:04:10,440 When you engage in a conversation about the gospel does a little red light go on in heaven and God kind of comes as it 60 00:04:10,440 –> 00:04:15,740 Were to attention and and says oh he’s done something useful today, that’s excellent. I mean, really 61 00:04:17,760 –> 00:04:23,579 Does God care about the work that you do now the problem with this secular 62 00:04:24,579 –> 00:04:31,179 And with the spiritualized misunderstanding is that they both see work nearly as a means to an end 63 00:04:31,720 –> 00:04:35,320 the secular end being money the spiritual end being evangelism 64 00:04:36,239 –> 00:04:39,940 But neither have really grasped the biblical principle that work has 65 00:04:40,459 –> 00:04:46,239 intrinsic value and worth that God dignifies it and that it is part of His great blessing and 66 00:04:46,619 –> 00:04:52,980 Purpose for our lives. Remember that the gift of work came before the fall in the Bible not after 67 00:04:53,579 –> 00:04:56,420 So I want us to grasp a biblical view of work 68 00:04:56,420 –> 00:05:01,799 I want to paint a couple of things from the broad picture in the Bible first and then to focus in on 69 00:05:02,100 –> 00:05:06,700 Thessalonians, let’s begin with the broad before we focus in your work 70 00:05:07,220 –> 00:05:11,940 Reflects the image of God and that gives it great dignity 71 00:05:13,079 –> 00:05:16,720 Now the first thing that we learn about God in the Bible is that he is a worker 72 00:05:17,720 –> 00:05:19,679 in the beginning 73 00:05:19,679 –> 00:05:21,320 God 74 00:05:21,320 –> 00:05:23,760 created the heavens and the Earth 75 00:05:24,540 –> 00:05:29,899 And here’s something very wonderful. The Bible says that he did this in two ways. It’s described in two ways 76 00:05:30,320 –> 00:05:34,940 the songs say that the earth is the work of his hands and 77 00:05:36,480 –> 00:05:42,040 Genesis and in other places of the Bible tells us that the world was created by the word of his mouth 78 00:05:42,600 –> 00:05:48,760 So by the work of his hands, he dignifies forever all manual labor 79 00:05:49,559 –> 00:05:55,339 And by the word of his mouth he dignifies forever what we call in our culture 80 00:05:56,019 –> 00:05:58,000 professional work 81 00:05:58,000 –> 00:06:00,000 Whatever your work is 82 00:06:00,679 –> 00:06:07,160 Work that is given by God within this created order is a wonderful reflection of his own 83 00:06:07,579 –> 00:06:13,100 It is part of the stamp of being made in the image of God 84 00:06:13,119 –> 00:06:19,739 It has therefore inherent dignity and value. It is a gift from the Lord 85 00:06:20,679 –> 00:06:24,940 Now not only is your work a reflection of the image of God 86 00:06:25,359 –> 00:06:28,480 But secondly big picture your work 87 00:06:29,160 –> 00:06:34,079 Fulfills a calling from God it fulfills a calling from God 88 00:06:34,640 –> 00:06:37,279 Now again going right back to the beginning of the Bible 89 00:06:37,920 –> 00:06:45,459 Remember that God planted a garden and then he put Adam in charge of it giving him 90 00:06:46,040 –> 00:06:48,779 responsibility for cultivating what God had made and 91 00:06:49,820 –> 00:06:53,440 Right from the beginning you see there’s very wonderful principle in the Bible 92 00:06:53,980 –> 00:06:57,779 That God intends that there should be a partnership between him 93 00:06:58,019 –> 00:07:03,619 Us in regards to his creative work, and we’ll see in the Bible also in 94 00:07:04,000 –> 00:07:07,019 relation to the work of the gospel as well I 95 00:07:07,839 –> 00:07:09,739 love the story of 96 00:07:09,739 –> 00:07:11,739 the old gardener 97 00:07:11,760 –> 00:07:13,760 who had worked for years 98 00:07:14,239 –> 00:07:16,579 cultivating a beautiful garden and 99 00:07:18,299 –> 00:07:24,540 One day his pastor visited and this man has great joy in showing his pastor 100 00:07:24,920 –> 00:07:29,140 All of the flowers and the shrubs and naming them all and 101 00:07:29,380 –> 00:07:35,160 The pastor was very very taken with this lifted in his spirit and began to speak about the glory of God 102 00:07:35,239 –> 00:07:39,179 And he said isn’t it wonderful that God makes all these things grow 103 00:07:39,179 –> 00:07:41,859 And the beauty and diversity of their color and so forth 104 00:07:41,859 –> 00:07:42,140 and 105 00:07:42,140 –> 00:07:45,079 The old man was beginning to get a little bit 106 00:07:45,079 –> 00:07:51,980 Hurt by the fact that God was getting all the credit for the garden that he had worked on so many years 107 00:07:52,679 –> 00:07:54,679 and so he said to the pastor 108 00:07:55,200 –> 00:07:57,200 When I just want you to know 109 00:07:57,380 –> 00:08:01,000 This garden wasn’t up too much when God had it all to himself 110 00:08:04,859 –> 00:08:09,059 Now there’s a very profound point in that God could have made 111 00:08:10,140 –> 00:08:12,140 self-sustaining gardens 112 00:08:12,200 –> 00:08:14,200 But he didn’t 113 00:08:14,440 –> 00:08:20,880 His creative purpose, you see was not just that we should be observers of his work but 114 00:08:21,500 –> 00:08:25,279 Participants in it, that’s the key principle and we learn it right from the creation 115 00:08:26,339 –> 00:08:32,539 He ordered the world in this way and he created you and me in this way so that we should not simply be observers 116 00:08:32,700 –> 00:08:35,200 But participants in his work 117 00:08:36,340 –> 00:08:41,020 So he plants a garden and he places it under the care of a gardener 118 00:08:41,179 –> 00:08:47,500 He creates a human life. And what does he do he places the life of that child in the arms of a mother? 119 00:08:48,219 –> 00:08:52,320 He sends his son into the world so that there should be a gospel. What does he do? 120 00:08:52,340 –> 00:08:55,979 He trusts that gospel to his church so that we may bring it to the world 121 00:08:56,140 –> 00:09:01,799 Because we are not to be observers only of the work of God, but we are to be participants in it 122 00:09:02,580 –> 00:09:06,799 Which is why Paul says, so wonderfully in the New Testament. We are 123 00:09:07,539 –> 00:09:14,400 God’s fellow workers, and that applies not only in terms of the ministry that we have in the church 124 00:09:14,719 –> 00:09:18,799 What a marvelous privilege that is to be fellow workers with God in ministry 125 00:09:19,320 –> 00:09:24,719 But it is also true of whatever work God has assigned to you in the created order 126 00:09:26,419 –> 00:09:28,960 So you see how does God protect us? 127 00:09:30,359 –> 00:09:32,359 through policemen and 128 00:09:32,820 –> 00:09:38,859 Through firemen. Thank God for their calling and their participation in the works of God 129 00:09:40,080 –> 00:09:40,960 Think about it 130 00:09:41,000 –> 00:09:44,460 God provides for our education how through teachers and professors 131 00:09:45,340 –> 00:09:48,940 God provides for our health how through nurses and doctors 132 00:09:49,460 –> 00:09:54,460 God provides for our food how through farmers and all those folks who work in grocery stores 133 00:09:55,020 –> 00:09:58,479 God provides for our homes how through builders and 134 00:09:59,299 –> 00:10:04,599 Electricians and through plumbers and guys who do drywall. Thank God for these guys 135 00:10:05,359 –> 00:10:07,359 God 136 00:10:07,919 –> 00:10:16,140 Provides for our pleasure and for our joy through folks who work in the parks department recreation sports the art music and travel agents 137 00:10:19,000 –> 00:10:21,000 Participants in the work of God 138 00:10:21,940 –> 00:10:28,380 Not observers only but partners God’s fellow 139 00:10:29,380 –> 00:10:30,580 Workers 140 00:10:30,580 –> 00:10:33,799 Now you can extend the list, but you get the point 141 00:10:34,479 –> 00:10:36,280 once you see 142 00:10:36,280 –> 00:10:42,039 That’s what you have been called by God to do within the created order as well as the work of the church 143 00:10:42,059 –> 00:10:47,380 That the whole of your life is a participation in the work of God and an advancing of his purpose 144 00:10:47,380 –> 00:10:54,580 It will lift your whole perspective as you drive in the car to your workplace as you go about your daily 145 00:10:54,940 –> 00:11:00,979 Responsibilities whether they be paid or whether they be unpaid. This is the work that God has given me 146 00:11:02,299 –> 00:11:04,299 to do 147 00:11:04,840 –> 00:11:06,840 So choose your work carefully 148 00:11:08,380 –> 00:11:14,380 It’s a great morning for dads and kids to be sitting side by side in the church on Father’s Day 149 00:11:15,539 –> 00:11:17,539 Choose your work carefully 150 00:11:17,979 –> 00:11:21,679 In reflecting on this a lot. We’ve been talking about it in our home 151 00:11:22,520 –> 00:11:26,500 How do you choose your work, how do you discern what it is God wants you to do 152 00:11:28,539 –> 00:11:30,539 Well look at your gifts 153 00:11:31,559 –> 00:11:34,039 See God has made you good at some things and 154 00:11:34,919 –> 00:11:41,940 that wasn’t by accident you talk about it comes to me naturally what you mean is that God enabled you to do that and 155 00:11:42,739 –> 00:11:48,080 He didn’t give gifts at random. He enabled you to do what you can do. Well, so 156 00:11:48,539 –> 00:11:51,299 So watch that observe that and follow that 157 00:11:52,539 –> 00:11:54,280 Keep an eye on capacity 158 00:11:54,280 –> 00:12:01,299 there’s an important principle here Jesus told a story about a King who gave equal amounts of money to ten servants and 159 00:12:01,820 –> 00:12:05,940 Then they invested the money and when the King came back. He gave 160 00:12:06,679 –> 00:12:14,080 Responsibility according to the capacity that each of them had demonstrated so one had gained a hundred percent return 161 00:12:14,260 –> 00:12:17,099 And the king gave him charge over ten cities 162 00:12:17,260 –> 00:12:23,599 And other have gained 50% return and the king gave him charge over five cities why the difference because they’ve both been faithful 163 00:12:24,619 –> 00:12:27,520 while they had demonstrated different capacities and 164 00:12:28,640 –> 00:12:35,760 The right work for you will stretch your capacity and you will grow by pursuing it, but it will match the capacity 165 00:12:36,900 –> 00:12:42,760 That God has given to you that he has trusted to you and therefore that he calls you to use there 166 00:12:42,840 –> 00:12:44,599 There is a fit 167 00:12:44,599 –> 00:12:52,599 That comes in working life that is part of the matching of God’s creation in you and his providence his purpose 168 00:12:53,159 –> 00:12:54,719 for your life 169 00:12:54,719 –> 00:12:56,900 And then there’s the whole issue of joy 170 00:12:58,599 –> 00:12:59,940 That which 171 00:12:59,940 –> 00:13:06,020 Delights the heart and it’s worth keeping an eye on that, you know, it’s came up in our home just this week 172 00:13:06,020 –> 00:13:08,640 I have my son’s permission to relate it but 173 00:13:09,239 –> 00:13:12,020 I’ve enjoyed some great conversations over these last 174 00:13:12,460 –> 00:13:17,859 Weeks as Karen has with our younger boy. David about what he should be pursuing in life 175 00:13:18,000 –> 00:13:20,000 He’s just a freshman at college 176 00:13:20,239 –> 00:13:25,500 he’s good at math and he’s decided to major in economics and I asked one of the 177 00:13:26,099 –> 00:13:32,099 Business guys in the church, you know, what should I do to encourage a freshman at college who is 178 00:13:32,659 –> 00:13:35,679 Becoming interested in economics and he said to me 179 00:13:36,799 –> 00:13:40,679 Get him the Wall Street Journal and tell them to read it everyday for three years 180 00:13:43,020 –> 00:13:45,340 So we have a chat and I said, you know 181 00:13:45,340 –> 00:13:48,979 Do you want to do this and I’ll subscribe to the Wall Street Journal if you want to read it 182 00:13:49,119 –> 00:13:52,619 so we did and it came for the first time this week into our house and 183 00:13:53,419 –> 00:13:58,239 I came home about 1030 one evening this last week and found David here 184 00:13:59,219 –> 00:14:01,219 buried in the newspaper 185 00:14:01,739 –> 00:14:05,320 And he can have popped his head over the newspaper and he said dad I 186 00:14:06,020 –> 00:14:08,020 love this I 187 00:14:08,580 –> 00:14:12,739 Love this and you know, we had a great conversation because 188 00:14:14,219 –> 00:14:18,820 To me that was another indication that he was following the right track 189 00:14:19,780 –> 00:14:27,039 There’s something within the heart that responds to this and God has put it there these things aren’t by accident 190 00:14:28,059 –> 00:14:29,580 so 191 00:14:29,580 –> 00:14:35,099 Your work is as a wonderful thing and part of God’s purpose for your life. It’s a reflection of his image 192 00:14:35,700 –> 00:14:39,520 Calling and a pursuit of his purpose. So choose it carefully and 193 00:14:40,419 –> 00:14:42,919 watch in relation to gifts and 194 00:14:43,780 –> 00:14:45,619 capacity and 195 00:14:45,619 –> 00:14:51,679 Also in relation to the joys of your heart and pursue it under the blessing of God 196 00:14:53,400 –> 00:14:58,919 Now I want us to focus in more clearly at this point on first Thessalonians because beyond these general 197 00:14:59,260 –> 00:15:03,059 Principles about work that we derive from the Bible. There is some wonderful 198 00:15:03,760 –> 00:15:08,299 Wonderful specific teaching about working life here in this passage 199 00:15:08,679 –> 00:15:11,280 We’ve seen that your work reflects the image of God 200 00:15:11,419 –> 00:15:18,979 We’ve seen that your work fulfills a calling from God and I want us to see from Thessalonians that your work 201 00:15:19,619 –> 00:15:21,979 Expresses the love of God 202 00:15:22,700 –> 00:15:27,700 Not to say that this was something that came to me fresh this week as I wrestled with this passage 203 00:15:27,700 –> 00:15:29,700 I had never noticed before 204 00:15:29,940 –> 00:15:34,979 The strong connection that Paul makes between work and love 205 00:15:36,099 –> 00:15:41,719 I mean would you put these two naturally together love and work? 206 00:15:42,979 –> 00:15:50,359 Well, I want you to notice in first Thessalonians chapter 4 in verse 9 and 10. That’s exactly what happens verse 9 207 00:15:51,840 –> 00:15:53,859 about brotherly love 208 00:15:54,979 –> 00:15:57,099 We do not need to write to you 209 00:15:57,820 –> 00:16:01,760 For you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other 210 00:16:03,000 –> 00:16:07,200 Then verse 11 he goes on to say work with your hands 211 00:16:07,580 –> 00:16:10,280 So that you will not be dependent on anybody 212 00:16:10,979 –> 00:16:14,380 You put these two together and the flow of thought is very clear 213 00:16:14,679 –> 00:16:17,239 That it is an expression of love that I provide 214 00:16:17,479 –> 00:16:23,479 For myself and those who are trusted to me and that that should be part of my Christian goal and my ambition 215 00:16:23,739 –> 00:16:26,479 My work therefore is an expression of love 216 00:16:27,479 –> 00:16:30,320 Now if that was all it was we might pass over the point 217 00:16:30,659 –> 00:16:38,580 But once you notice it you’ll find it’s everywhere in Thessalonians. Look back to chapter 1 and verse 3 chapter 1 and verse 3 218 00:16:41,200 –> 00:16:47,359 And Paul’s describing here the first effects of the gospel when it came powerfully to these people 219 00:16:47,580 –> 00:16:53,520 and he says we continually remember before our God and father your work produced by faith and what your 220 00:16:54,179 –> 00:16:55,960 labor 221 00:16:55,960 –> 00:16:57,440 prompted by 222 00:16:57,440 –> 00:16:59,159 love 223 00:16:59,159 –> 00:17:00,679 see 224 00:17:00,679 –> 00:17:07,180 Love is born in the heart of a Christian believer, and what comes out of that love is what hard work labor 225 00:17:08,180 –> 00:17:09,680 work and love 226 00:17:09,680 –> 00:17:10,520 or 227 00:17:10,520 –> 00:17:15,800 Look at chapter 2 and verses 8 & 9 and you see it in Paul’s own example verse 8 228 00:17:15,939 –> 00:17:17,680 We loved you 229 00:17:17,680 –> 00:17:21,459 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share not only the gospel 230 00:17:21,819 –> 00:17:27,800 And what flows out of that verse 9 surely you remember brothers our toil and our hardship 231 00:17:27,839 –> 00:17:32,239 we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone or 232 00:17:33,699 –> 00:17:37,839 If you look at chapter 5 & verse 13 you’ll see it again 233 00:17:40,020 –> 00:17:42,719 He’s talking about those who work hard among you 234 00:17:43,280 –> 00:17:49,260 chapter 5 & verse 13 hold them in the highest regard in love and there’s love again because 235 00:17:49,380 –> 00:17:51,459 Because of what their work 236 00:17:52,479 –> 00:17:54,479 their work 237 00:17:55,060 –> 00:17:58,579 So Paul is joining together two things that are not always 238 00:17:58,900 –> 00:18:01,380 Close in our minds and in our hearts 239 00:18:01,380 –> 00:18:06,699 it came to me with fresh power to see this that God’s calling to work is an 240 00:18:07,060 –> 00:18:11,359 Expression in the life of a Christian believer of the love that he places within 241 00:18:12,339 –> 00:18:14,339 our hearts 242 00:18:14,599 –> 00:18:15,180 I 243 00:18:15,239 –> 00:18:21,800 Want to try and apply that this morning in three particular ways how work and love fit together 244 00:18:21,959 –> 00:18:23,959 That’s the key point here 245 00:18:25,119 –> 00:18:27,099 This is the first 246 00:18:27,099 –> 00:18:28,479 love 247 00:18:28,479 –> 00:18:30,180 works 248 00:18:30,180 –> 00:18:32,140 for the good of 249 00:18:32,140 –> 00:18:34,140 others 250 00:18:34,380 –> 00:18:40,260 Now if you want to get a snapshot of Bible teaching about how to do well in your job 251 00:18:40,260 –> 00:18:47,619 You can’t do better than 1st Thessalonians 4 and verse 11 and 12 252 00:18:49,000 –> 00:18:52,119 Paul describes here a working style 253 00:18:53,020 –> 00:18:59,939 that will enable you to have the respect that’s the word he uses of your colleagues in the workplace and 254 00:19:00,640 –> 00:19:02,439 Will ensure 255 00:19:02,439 –> 00:19:06,780 Normally that you are able to hold and retain and succeed in a job 256 00:19:07,119 –> 00:19:12,800 So that you will be able to provide for yourself and for others and not become dependent on others 257 00:19:12,800 –> 00:19:16,099 So that’s the whole point of what he is saying here in this verse 258 00:19:16,099 –> 00:19:18,680 If you’re not to be dependent on others 259 00:19:18,719 –> 00:19:20,719 Then you need to be able to be successful 260 00:19:21,140 –> 00:19:26,180 In the work that God has given you to do and he’s going to describe precisely what that looks like 261 00:19:27,760 –> 00:19:29,760 Three things very clearly in this verse 262 00:19:30,959 –> 00:19:32,959 Look at it right there in the Bible 263 00:19:33,479 –> 00:19:36,199 Make it verse 11 your ambition to lead 264 00:19:37,640 –> 00:19:44,219 A quiet life and you’ll notice from verse 12. He’s talking about your ordinary daily life. He’s talking here about the workplace 265 00:19:45,739 –> 00:19:49,640 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life work 266 00:19:50,939 –> 00:19:52,939 Quietly 267 00:19:52,959 –> 00:19:55,260 Now just think about your work 268 00:19:56,780 –> 00:19:58,780 In any workplace 269 00:20:00,000 –> 00:20:04,699 There are some folks who can’t do a thing without making a fuss, you know that 270 00:20:05,380 –> 00:20:07,380 Recognize that 271 00:20:07,739 –> 00:20:14,140 The simplest thing they’ve got to draw attention to what they’re doing and usually how difficult it was what an effort 272 00:20:14,140 –> 00:20:17,500 It was for them actually to do this. They have to make a fuss 273 00:20:18,619 –> 00:20:19,780 and 274 00:20:19,780 –> 00:20:23,020 Paul’s saying here in regard to working life if 275 00:20:23,380 –> 00:20:26,180 You want to win the respect of your colleagues in the workplace? 276 00:20:26,739 –> 00:20:32,280 respect is the issue if you want not to be dependent on other people in other words if you want to succeed in your job 277 00:20:32,280 –> 00:20:36,579 To hold the job and do well in a job then here’s the first principle work quietly 278 00:20:37,260 –> 00:20:42,260 will make a big fuss in the workplace about everything that you do and 279 00:20:43,160 –> 00:20:47,099 That is a fundamental Christian principle in the whole of life 280 00:20:48,520 –> 00:20:51,079 Remember that Jesus noted on one occasion 281 00:20:51,439 –> 00:20:58,619 that people liked to draw attention to what they were doing when they prayed when they gave and when they fasted and 282 00:20:58,819 –> 00:21:00,040 And 283 00:21:00,040 –> 00:21:02,439 Particularly when they fasted they had long faces 284 00:21:02,439 –> 00:21:06,680 You know the kind of person that pulls long faces because they’re looking for sympathy from you 285 00:21:07,339 –> 00:21:09,339 Now Paul saying don’t do that 286 00:21:10,060 –> 00:21:16,800 Don’t be the kind of man or woman in the workplace who is constantly drawing attention to yourself 287 00:21:17,819 –> 00:21:20,839 by the way, in which you engage in your work 288 00:21:20,959 –> 00:21:22,959 You 289 00:21:23,219 –> 00:21:25,219 See think about it a 290 00:21:25,560 –> 00:21:32,160 Christian is a person who does not need to be constantly thanked for what he does 291 00:21:32,839 –> 00:21:34,160 that 292 00:21:34,160 –> 00:21:36,680 We should be those who thank others 293 00:21:38,040 –> 00:21:44,439 But we should not be those who walk around through life feeling that we need to be thanked and appreciated 294 00:21:44,439 –> 00:21:47,140 Oh and affirmed all the time in order to keep us going 295 00:21:47,699 –> 00:21:54,439 Why? Because our father sees what is done in secret and he will reward us openly 296 00:21:55,060 –> 00:21:58,020 If you know that it will liberate you 297 00:21:59,459 –> 00:22:05,939 From the chronic work pattern that is always having to draw attention to what I’ve done 298 00:22:07,099 –> 00:22:08,020 and 299 00:22:08,020 –> 00:22:08,500 quickly 300 00:22:08,500 –> 00:22:13,520 if you follow that path will lose you the respect of other people because they will tired of it and 301 00:22:13,800 –> 00:22:18,439 Eventually, they will think you know, this place would be better without him or without her 302 00:22:19,859 –> 00:22:22,959 So work quietly if you want to succeed in your job 303 00:22:24,239 –> 00:22:32,020 Remember it was said of Jesus of Jesus. He will not cry out or raise his voice in the streets 304 00:22:34,880 –> 00:22:39,319 Remember him telling the leper not to go and report about his healing to the crowds 305 00:22:40,040 –> 00:22:45,140 Or Jesus sending the crowds outside of the home of Jairus while he was raising 306 00:22:46,040 –> 00:22:48,040 Jairus young daughter 307 00:22:49,280 –> 00:22:51,280 Work quietly 308 00:22:52,280 –> 00:22:55,979 For as a Christian believer you do not need to be 309 00:22:56,300 –> 00:23:03,280 Attracting attention to yourself or what you’re doing all the time in the workplace and God will honor the quietness of your works biblical 310 00:23:03,280 –> 00:23:05,099 principle 311 00:23:05,099 –> 00:23:06,560 second 312 00:23:06,560 –> 00:23:08,339 Work peacefully 313 00:23:08,719 –> 00:23:12,219 work peacefully make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and 314 00:23:13,079 –> 00:23:15,079 To mind your own business 315 00:23:16,140 –> 00:23:18,859 Now I have underlined that phrase in my Bible 316 00:23:19,760 –> 00:23:21,760 biblical principle for working life 317 00:23:22,439 –> 00:23:24,439 mind your own 318 00:23:25,140 –> 00:23:27,140 business 319 00:23:27,599 –> 00:23:32,040 Now in any workplace there is usually some element of intrigue 320 00:23:33,819 –> 00:23:36,380 Office politics, right and 321 00:23:36,380 –> 00:23:41,800 And you know what? It’s like who has said what and to whom 322 00:23:42,979 –> 00:23:45,439 What’s happening about this person’s work? 323 00:23:46,699 –> 00:23:53,859 Why has the manager made that particular decision and why is he on that project and not her and so forth and so on 324 00:23:55,219 –> 00:23:58,020 now here’s the biblical principle and 325 00:23:58,739 –> 00:24:03,339 As we take it seriously, it will feed into success in your working life 326 00:24:04,339 –> 00:24:07,359 Mind your own business it’s the Word of God 327 00:24:09,540 –> 00:24:11,540 in any workplace 328 00:24:12,060 –> 00:24:14,979 There are folks who have a kind of nose for trouble 329 00:24:15,079 –> 00:24:20,319 you know they kind of smell it out, and they’re drawn to trouble like bees to honey, and 330 00:24:20,900 –> 00:24:22,900 You know what happens eventually 331 00:24:24,260 –> 00:24:26,260 They become a bit of a pain 332 00:24:26,739 –> 00:24:27,839 they 333 00:24:27,839 –> 00:24:30,140 Lose the respect of others 334 00:24:30,939 –> 00:24:32,939 Which is what Paul’s talking about here 335 00:24:33,880 –> 00:24:37,079 Eventually others on the team say it’s be a better place without him 336 00:24:38,780 –> 00:24:42,819 So if you want to succeed if you want to be someone who holds a job 337 00:24:42,819 –> 00:24:48,760 Well and is blessed with success within this sphere and honors the Lord Jesus Christ 338 00:24:49,000 –> 00:24:51,500 Pursue your work quietly you don’t need to keep attracting 339 00:24:52,099 –> 00:24:56,079 Attention to yourself and just mind your own business and work peacefully 340 00:24:57,140 –> 00:25:03,300 Do your own work remember the example of Jesus on this two brothers come to him and one of them’s complaining 341 00:25:03,359 –> 00:25:09,579 about an inheritance how many family disputes that are over money that is left and 342 00:25:09,760 –> 00:25:11,760 This man says to Jesus can you persuade? 343 00:25:12,339 –> 00:25:16,599 My brother to divide the inheritance with me, and you know what Jesus said 344 00:25:17,359 –> 00:25:21,020 Who made me an arbiter between you? 345 00:25:22,140 –> 00:25:24,140 Jesus said it’s not my business 346 00:25:25,979 –> 00:25:27,979 It is not your calling 347 00:25:28,560 –> 00:25:33,500 To sort out every problem that exists in the world or in the workplace 348 00:25:35,000 –> 00:25:38,819 Mind your own business but mind your own business 349 00:25:41,099 –> 00:25:43,800 There are no perfect working environments and 350 00:25:44,380 –> 00:25:51,800 the kind of person who is always trying to sort everyone else out will not have the respect of others and 351 00:25:52,060 –> 00:25:53,780 And 352 00:25:53,780 –> 00:25:57,719 Paul’s commending to us the kind of life that will not only succeed 353 00:25:58,459 –> 00:26:02,020 But the kind of life that will glorify God and that means working 354 00:26:02,900 –> 00:26:04,000 quietly 355 00:26:04,000 –> 00:26:06,000 It means working peacefully 356 00:26:06,020 –> 00:26:11,819 Thirdly it means working productively look still at this verse make it your ambition to work with your hands 357 00:26:12,380 –> 00:26:14,380 just as we 358 00:26:14,560 –> 00:26:16,560 told you 359 00:26:16,819 –> 00:26:20,500 Now just as we told you isn’t that interesting 360 00:26:21,800 –> 00:26:26,239 So teaching about the importance of being a provider 361 00:26:27,500 –> 00:26:29,739 Was part of the foundational 362 00:26:30,979 –> 00:26:34,199 Christian teaching delivered by the Apostle Paul just as we told you 363 00:26:35,099 –> 00:26:38,979 we taught about the value of work and of 364 00:26:39,579 –> 00:26:42,880 independence and of not being dependent on 365 00:26:43,699 –> 00:26:45,699 others 366 00:26:46,040 –> 00:26:51,219 So it’s very clear from reading Thessalonians and especially from reading the second letter 367 00:26:51,800 –> 00:26:58,060 But there were some people in the church who just plain were work shy. There are folks like that don’t like to work and 368 00:27:00,520 –> 00:27:07,020 Paul describes them here as the idle folks who are idle and he uses that phrase in chapter 5 and verse 369 00:27:07,160 –> 00:27:12,819 14 and he also uses it three times in second Thessalonians chapter 3 and 370 00:27:15,079 –> 00:27:19,160 Paul is commending throughout these letters the value of working hard 371 00:27:20,060 –> 00:27:26,319 Especially as he’s speaking to those who have a tendency to be slackers or to be idle 372 00:27:27,439 –> 00:27:33,939 now you only need to look at the example of Paul and Jesus to see that 373 00:27:34,479 –> 00:27:39,739 Hard work is a virtue and that laziness is advice 374 00:27:41,119 –> 00:27:43,819 Think of the life of Jesus really think about this 375 00:27:45,239 –> 00:27:47,239 days of 376 00:27:47,479 –> 00:27:49,479 Ministry 377 00:27:50,000 –> 00:27:52,459 Intense prolonged sessions of prayer 378 00:27:54,319 –> 00:27:58,119 Miles and miles and miles of travel by foot 379 00:28:01,459 –> 00:28:08,800 Constant demands from crowds of people even when he was trying to protect some time for himself, which he needed to do 380 00:28:10,640 –> 00:28:16,479 See the Lord Jesus Christ in your mind’s eye lying asleep in the boat 381 00:28:17,760 –> 00:28:19,760 exhausted and 382 00:28:20,459 –> 00:28:21,780 He is exhausted 383 00:28:21,780 –> 00:28:24,579 To the glory of God see some folks have the idea 384 00:28:25,239 –> 00:28:27,939 That if you ever get yourself a little bit overtired 385 00:28:28,219 –> 00:28:30,439 That somehow there’s something wrong in your life 386 00:28:30,439 –> 00:28:34,300 Where’d you get that from and how do you equate that with the perfection of the life of Jesus? 387 00:28:36,079 –> 00:28:38,140 He’s exhausted to the glory of God 388 00:28:39,439 –> 00:28:43,500 he has given of himself in something great and 389 00:28:44,339 –> 00:28:46,900 Worked in its very nature is the expenditure 390 00:28:46,900 –> 00:28:49,800 of energy and effort and exertion 391 00:28:50,520 –> 00:28:56,780 it takes something from a man or from a woman and it’s a glorious thing it’s a reflection of 392 00:28:57,560 –> 00:28:59,920 The calling of God in our lives 393 00:29:00,920 –> 00:29:04,300 And you see the same in the Apostle Paul chapter 2 in verse 9 394 00:29:04,300 –> 00:29:09,520 Do you remember brothers are toil and our hardship we work night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone? 395 00:29:09,520 –> 00:29:14,719 Let’s work of planting the churchful Paul was hard work and he gave himself to it 396 00:29:15,339 –> 00:29:19,959 So the principle that we’re learning here in relation to all working life 397 00:29:20,400 –> 00:29:25,020 Whether it be paid work or whether it be working which we volunteer is to aim to be productive 398 00:29:26,739 –> 00:29:31,020 Aim in your work to be a person who’s known for getting it done 399 00:29:32,380 –> 00:29:35,180 Aim to be a person who is reliable 400 00:29:36,699 –> 00:29:38,699 Deliver good work 401 00:29:39,060 –> 00:29:41,060 Well done on 402 00:29:41,060 –> 00:29:44,300 time to the glory of God 403 00:29:45,219 –> 00:29:52,479 And what Paula’s saying is that if you pursue these things you will have the respect of other people you’ll win their respect 404 00:29:52,479 –> 00:29:56,719 See, there’s a kind of respect that is due because we’re created in the image of God 405 00:29:56,780 –> 00:30:01,859 There’s a kind of respect that is earned and that’s what Paul talks about here 406 00:30:01,920 –> 00:30:07,839 You win the respect of others and others will be so glad 407 00:30:08,780 –> 00:30:13,819 That they have the privilege and the joy of serving alongside of you 408 00:30:15,339 –> 00:30:19,900 So the bible is fool then of teaching about our working life 409 00:30:20,119 –> 00:30:28,180 This largest part of so many of our lives to be lived to the glory of God and to be understood as an expression 410 00:30:28,459 –> 00:30:29,660 of 411 00:30:29,660 –> 00:30:31,060 love 412 00:30:31,060 –> 00:30:37,160 It’s love that works quietly and love that works peacefully and love that works productively 413 00:30:37,160 –> 00:30:40,880 It is love that says I’m going to go into my work today 414 00:30:40,880 –> 00:30:44,599 And I’m going to put in a good day, and I’m going to accomplish something 415 00:30:44,619 –> 00:30:48,439 I’m going to seek to accomplish something useful and significant for others 416 00:30:48,439 –> 00:30:53,140 So that others will thank God for the work that he has enabled me to do 417 00:30:53,859 –> 00:30:56,599 And all this to the glory of God’s a wonderful thing 418 00:30:59,660 –> 00:31:06,819 So love working for the good of others 419 00:31:08,160 –> 00:31:12,140 Now, here’s a second and a rather different application 420 00:31:12,140 –> 00:31:16,920 that I think is important for us from these verses that are before us today 421 00:31:18,079 –> 00:31:23,619 Love not only works for the good of others 422 00:31:23,619 –> 00:31:30,160 But love discerns how best to serve others 423 00:31:30,160 –> 00:31:36,420 Now this is very important in the workplace as it is important in family life 424 00:31:38,020 –> 00:31:42,719 And it speaks directly to attention that I think many of us experience 425 00:31:42,719 –> 00:31:47,880 and its attention perhaps not often addressed from the Bible 426 00:31:47,880 –> 00:31:54,319 Here you are a Christian and you have a heart of love 427 00:31:54,319 –> 00:31:58,939 Paul says in chapter 4 in verse 9 that we’ve been taught by God 428 00:31:58,939 –> 00:32:02,540 Love, the spirit of love dwells within us 429 00:32:02,540 –> 00:32:04,540 If you’re a Christian you have compassion 430 00:32:05,219 –> 00:32:08,060 Here you are a Christian guy runninga business 431 00:32:08,060 –> 00:32:10,880 Christian woman running a business 432 00:32:10,880 –> 00:32:14,260 and you’re running a business, not a charity 433 00:32:14,260 –> 00:32:17,400 And you have people who are accountable to you 434 00:32:17,400 –> 00:32:19,020 And sometimes they’d do marvellous work 435 00:32:19,020 –> 00:32:23,020 and sometimes they’d do work that’s not so good 436 00:32:23,020 –> 00:32:26,020 And you find yourself very very torn by all of that 437 00:32:26,020 –> 00:32:29,959 because you have this impulse to love 438 00:32:29,959 –> 00:32:33,900 But you have responsibilities in relation to work 439 00:32:34,680 –> 00:32:37,680 And how do you tie these things together? 440 00:32:37,680 –> 00:32:39,319 How do love and work tie together? 441 00:32:39,319 –> 00:32:42,819 That’s what we’re at right here in Thessalonians 442 00:32:42,819 –> 00:32:47,880 Now these are very very diffcult and practical decisions 443 00:32:47,880 –> 00:32:50,040 and they relate to family life as well 444 00:32:50,040 –> 00:32:52,699 I mean how many have been in a situation 445 00:32:52,699 –> 00:32:54,939 where there’s a friend or a family member 446 00:32:54,939 –> 00:32:56,599 and they’ve got themselves into debt 447 00:32:56,599 –> 00:33:00,579 or they’ve got themselves into some difficulty 448 00:33:00,579 –> 00:33:03,459 and you helped them out last time 449 00:33:03,459 –> 00:33:05,500 and you helped them out the time before 450 00:33:05,500 –> 00:33:09,079 but this is now the fifth time 451 00:33:09,079 –> 00:33:11,140 and your question is 452 00:33:11,140 –> 00:33:14,619 am I actually helping by helping 453 00:33:14,619 –> 00:33:18,300 or am I actually making it worse by helping? 454 00:33:18,300 –> 00:33:25,119 And compassion and the responsibilities related to work 455 00:33:25,119 –> 00:33:28,859 pull apart in your mind 456 00:33:28,859 –> 00:33:30,780 and it’s not easy to know 457 00:33:31,260 –> 00:33:34,479 these kinds of things. 458 00:33:34,479 –> 00:33:36,599 Now, there are no easy answers 459 00:33:36,599 –> 00:33:38,040 but God has given us two wonderful gifts. 460 00:33:38,040 –> 00:33:40,040 The first, of course, is the gift or the impulse 461 00:33:40,040 –> 00:33:41,660 of his spirit. 462 00:33:41,660 –> 00:33:43,760 Paul’s talking about this when he says that 463 00:33:43,760 –> 00:33:46,300 love is within us because we have been taught 464 00:33:46,300 –> 00:33:48,520 by God, chapter 4 and verse 9. 465 00:33:48,520 –> 00:33:51,459 Don’t underestimate the value 466 00:33:51,459 –> 00:33:55,439 of the spirits prompting in your heart. 467 00:33:55,439 –> 00:33:59,020 You know, most weeks 468 00:33:59,459 –> 00:34:03,979 I have the privilege of someone asking a question 469 00:34:03,979 –> 00:34:06,000 about a difficult practical decision 470 00:34:06,000 –> 00:34:07,839 to which there’s no easy answer. 471 00:34:07,839 –> 00:34:09,540 Pastor, you know, I’m wondering 472 00:34:09,540 –> 00:34:11,620 what I should do about this. 473 00:34:13,340 –> 00:34:15,340 And quite often, I’ll tell you honestly, 474 00:34:15,340 –> 00:34:18,540 I will say, you know, what in your heart of hearts 475 00:34:18,540 –> 00:34:21,939 do you think that you should do? 476 00:34:21,939 –> 00:34:24,979 And they’ll say, well, in my heart of hearts, 477 00:34:24,979 –> 00:34:25,959 this is what I think. 478 00:34:25,959 –> 00:34:28,179 And nine times out of ten I find myself saying, 479 00:34:28,239 –> 00:34:31,760 you know, the Holy Spirit has already guided you 480 00:34:31,760 –> 00:34:36,260 and your impulse seems good and wise to me, pursue it. 481 00:34:37,120 –> 00:34:38,320 And that’s the gift of God. 482 00:34:38,320 –> 00:34:40,120 The spirit of God lives within you. 483 00:34:40,120 –> 00:34:42,959 Now, learn to have some confidence 484 00:34:42,959 –> 00:34:46,479 in the torturous decisions of life. 485 00:34:46,479 –> 00:34:50,620 In the impulse of the spirit, you have been taught by God. 486 00:34:51,719 –> 00:34:53,560 And we should not underestimate that. 487 00:34:55,199 –> 00:34:57,760 Thank God that he didn’t give us a library of books 488 00:34:57,860 –> 00:35:00,000 of detailed instructions for every situation 489 00:35:00,000 –> 00:35:01,459 in family and in the workplace. 490 00:35:01,459 –> 00:35:03,600 The world couldn’t contain the library. 491 00:35:04,760 –> 00:35:07,120 But he has given you his spirit, he’s with you. 492 00:35:08,060 –> 00:35:11,000 Now, remember that along with the impulse of the spirit, 493 00:35:11,000 –> 00:35:13,179 we’re given the guidance of the word of God, 494 00:35:13,179 –> 00:35:15,520 the instruction of the word. 495 00:35:15,520 –> 00:35:18,639 And it is the same spirit who lives within you 496 00:35:18,639 –> 00:35:22,560 who is the spirit who gave and breathed out the scriptures. 497 00:35:22,560 –> 00:35:25,459 And so, whenever you are trying to make a decision 498 00:35:25,459 –> 00:35:28,739 and discern in a difficult practical choice 499 00:35:28,739 –> 00:35:31,340 then it’s always good to check the impulse of your heart 500 00:35:31,340 –> 00:35:32,919 against the word of God 501 00:35:32,919 –> 00:35:35,479 because the spirit never contradicts himself. 502 00:35:35,479 –> 00:35:39,000 And right here in this passage, 503 00:35:39,000 –> 00:35:42,639 we are given some very clear biblical instruction 504 00:35:42,639 –> 00:35:46,959 about how to help different kinds of people, 505 00:35:46,959 –> 00:35:50,840 how love serves different kinds of people. 506 00:35:50,840 –> 00:35:52,479 And this relates to the workplace 507 00:35:52,479 –> 00:35:56,780 as much as it relates to the family or the church. 508 00:35:56,780 –> 00:35:59,120 Now want to draw your attention then 509 00:35:59,120 –> 00:36:04,120 to chapter five and verse 14, where Paul lays this out. 510 00:36:06,139 –> 00:36:09,020 “‘We urge you, brothers, 511 00:36:09,939 –> 00:36:13,219 “‘warn those who are idle, 512 00:36:13,219 –> 00:36:15,979 “‘encourage the timid, 513 00:36:15,979 –> 00:36:19,320 “‘and help the weak.’” 514 00:36:20,000 –> 00:36:20,860 Help the weak. 515 00:36:22,260 –> 00:36:24,699 Now, this is telling us something very important 516 00:36:24,699 –> 00:36:27,739 in terms of how love serves other people. 517 00:36:27,739 –> 00:36:29,860 You don’t treat everybody the same. 518 00:36:31,580 –> 00:36:34,080 The idea that you somehow relate to everybody 519 00:36:34,080 –> 00:36:36,060 in the same way is a complete mistake. 520 00:36:37,540 –> 00:36:42,540 Paul is saying here that wise leadership within a family, 521 00:36:43,300 –> 00:36:45,600 two different children who are very different, 522 00:36:46,439 –> 00:36:49,379 and in the workplace with different folks, 523 00:36:50,219 –> 00:36:54,060 within the church, you relate in different ways 524 00:36:54,060 –> 00:36:58,560 according to discernment of a particular condition, 525 00:36:58,560 –> 00:37:01,040 and he gives three examples. 526 00:37:01,040 –> 00:37:02,699 Here’s someone who’s weak. 527 00:37:03,760 –> 00:37:06,679 Now, that means, honestly, they are not in a position 528 00:37:06,679 –> 00:37:09,840 to get themselves out of the situation that they’re in. 529 00:37:09,840 –> 00:37:12,000 What does love do then? 530 00:37:13,399 –> 00:37:15,020 Love helps them. 531 00:37:15,919 –> 00:37:17,020 Love helps them, 532 00:37:18,860 –> 00:37:21,500 but here’s another person who is timid. 533 00:37:21,500 –> 00:37:23,540 Now, that’s a very different situation. 534 00:37:23,540 –> 00:37:26,620 This is someone who does have capacity to do something, 535 00:37:26,620 –> 00:37:29,280 but they lack confidence. 536 00:37:30,580 –> 00:37:33,100 Now, what does love do with regard to the son 537 00:37:33,100 –> 00:37:35,179 or the daughter or the person in the workplace 538 00:37:35,179 –> 00:37:38,239 who can do something but they lack confidence? 539 00:37:39,139 –> 00:37:41,239 Well, you see, the last thing in the world you should do 540 00:37:41,239 –> 00:37:42,959 is help them, 541 00:37:42,959 –> 00:37:43,780 because, if you help them, 542 00:37:44,260 –> 00:37:46,320 you say, Oh, here, I’ll do this for you. 543 00:37:46,320 –> 00:37:49,479 You merely reinforce their timidity, 544 00:37:49,479 –> 00:37:50,820 their lack of confidence. 545 00:37:51,800 –> 00:37:54,199 You don’t help in that situation, you encourage. 546 00:37:54,199 –> 00:37:56,560 You say, Now, look, you’re going to do this 547 00:37:56,560 –> 00:37:59,600 and you can do this and I’m gonna stand with you, 548 00:37:59,600 –> 00:38:01,600 but you’re gonna be the one who does it. 549 00:38:02,580 –> 00:38:04,179 And I’m gonna be the cheerleader for you 550 00:38:04,179 –> 00:38:06,260 as you step up to the plate. 551 00:38:06,260 –> 00:38:09,260 Love encourages the timid. 552 00:38:10,540 –> 00:38:13,280 Here’s another person, very, very different situation. 553 00:38:14,120 –> 00:38:16,000 A son or a daughter or someone 554 00:38:16,000 –> 00:38:17,800 in the workplace who’s idle. 555 00:38:19,520 –> 00:38:21,320 And the last thing in the world you should do 556 00:38:21,320 –> 00:38:25,179 is help the idle because that merely reinforces 557 00:38:25,179 –> 00:38:27,459 dependence and makes their idleness worse. 558 00:38:27,459 –> 00:38:29,939 The last thing you should do is to encourage the idle. 559 00:38:29,939 –> 00:38:32,060 What do you do with the idle? 560 00:38:32,060 –> 00:38:33,600 You warn the idle. 561 00:38:33,600 –> 00:38:34,479 You warn the idol. 562 00:38:35,399 –> 00:38:37,080 You say to someone who is unwilling 563 00:38:37,080 –> 00:38:40,040 to take any responsibility in their own life, 564 00:38:40,919 –> 00:38:44,560 no look and love says this. 565 00:38:45,540 –> 00:38:47,879 If you’re not prepared to take responsibility here, 566 00:38:47,879 –> 00:38:49,719 don’t look to me to bail you out. 567 00:38:50,659 –> 00:38:52,639 Don’t expect me to pick up the slack. 568 00:38:52,639 –> 00:38:54,959 If you help the idle, you encourage the idle, 569 00:38:54,959 –> 00:38:56,860 you reinforce the idleness. 570 00:38:58,239 –> 00:39:00,600 So this is where the gift of the Spirit 571 00:39:00,600 –> 00:39:02,320 together with the guidance of the Word 572 00:39:02,320 –> 00:39:05,639 is such a rich treasure for God’s people. 573 00:39:06,639 –> 00:39:11,639 Love discerns how to serve others 574 00:39:13,100 –> 00:39:14,899 and as we walk with the Lord 575 00:39:14,899 –> 00:39:18,199 and as we feed the truth of the Scripture into our minds, 576 00:39:18,199 –> 00:39:21,179 he will help us in the difficult decisions 577 00:39:21,179 –> 00:39:22,500 of practical life. 578 00:39:23,340 –> 00:39:26,500 Love and work tied together. 579 00:39:26,500 –> 00:39:28,419 Love works for the good of others, 580 00:39:28,419 –> 00:39:32,120 love discerns how to serve others 581 00:39:32,419 –> 00:39:34,639 and here’s the very last thing, 582 00:39:34,639 –> 00:39:39,639 love appreciates the work of others. 583 00:39:39,899 –> 00:39:42,340 Love appreciates the work of others. 584 00:39:42,340 –> 00:39:44,020 Chapter 5 and verse 12. 585 00:39:44,879 –> 00:39:47,520 We ask you brothers to respect those 586 00:39:47,520 –> 00:39:48,899 who work hard among you, 587 00:39:48,899 –> 00:39:51,080 who are over you in the Lord and admonish you. 588 00:39:51,080 –> 00:39:54,840 Hold them in the highest regard in love 589 00:39:54,840 –> 00:39:57,899 because of their work. 590 00:39:58,699 –> 00:40:03,699 What do we owe to those who work hard? 591 00:40:05,260 –> 00:40:10,260 We owe them respect and we owe it to them 592 00:40:10,979 –> 00:40:13,260 to hold them in the highest regard 593 00:40:13,260 –> 00:40:18,040 in love because of their work. 594 00:40:19,600 –> 00:40:21,919 Let me say on Father’s Day to dads 595 00:40:21,919 –> 00:40:24,020 this word of encouragement. 596 00:40:24,020 –> 00:40:29,020 It is an awesome thing to be a provider. 597 00:40:30,639 –> 00:40:33,360 It is a glorious thing to be a provider. 598 00:40:35,560 –> 00:40:38,659 It is a godlike thing to be a provider, 599 00:40:40,040 –> 00:40:43,280 and when you get into your car or you get into the train 600 00:40:43,280 –> 00:40:45,699 or whatever that is for you to engage in 601 00:40:45,699 –> 00:40:49,760 the means by which you sustain yourself and others, 602 00:40:49,760 –> 00:40:52,860 let your spirit be lifted by the fact 603 00:40:52,860 –> 00:40:55,820 that this is a godlike thing to do. 604 00:40:55,820 –> 00:40:58,580 It is worthy of the highest respect 605 00:40:58,580 –> 00:41:02,479 and worthy of being held in love and affection. 606 00:41:04,540 –> 00:41:08,159 Let me say this word to kids and students 607 00:41:08,159 –> 00:41:13,179 and to all of us whose parents are still alive. 608 00:41:13,179 –> 00:41:15,860 We have the opportunity to express gratitude. 609 00:41:17,300 –> 00:41:19,939 Think of those who provide for you now, 610 00:41:20,739 –> 00:41:25,459 honor your father and your mother work hard 611 00:41:26,459 –> 00:41:31,159 so that you should have home and food and clothes 612 00:41:31,159 –> 00:41:34,280 and respect them. 613 00:41:34,280 –> 00:41:35,620 That’s what Paul says here. 614 00:41:36,739 –> 00:41:39,439 Honor your father and mother. 615 00:41:41,540 –> 00:41:44,860 Hold them in the highest regard, 616 00:41:44,860 –> 00:41:46,399 in love, 617 00:41:47,540 –> 00:41:49,580 because of 618 00:41:50,000 –> 00:41:52,179 their work. 619 00:41:53,159 –> 00:41:56,219 Thank God for the benefit that comes 620 00:41:56,219 –> 00:42:00,360 from the work of others into your life 621 00:42:00,360 –> 00:42:03,280 as a child, as a young person. 622 00:42:05,159 –> 00:42:07,379 And as you cast back in your own mind 623 00:42:07,379 –> 00:42:10,020 and recall the blessing of the work of others 624 00:42:10,020 –> 00:42:11,580 that has come into your life, 625 00:42:11,580 –> 00:42:14,620 thank God and praise him for it, 626 00:42:14,620 –> 00:42:17,439 especially today, but every day. 627 00:42:18,419 –> 00:42:19,959 And then here’s the last thing. 628 00:42:19,959 –> 00:42:21,959 Notice that Paul is speaking specifically 629 00:42:21,959 –> 00:42:24,000 about those who work hard in the church. 630 00:42:25,000 –> 00:42:29,600 Verse 12, we’re to respect and hold in the highest regard 631 00:42:29,600 –> 00:42:32,060 those who work hard among you. 632 00:42:32,060 –> 00:42:36,459 He’s talking about those who serve volunteers in the church. 633 00:42:37,860 –> 00:42:41,100 Love appreciates the work of others. 634 00:42:41,979 –> 00:42:46,219 Someone cleaned out the pew 635 00:42:47,179 –> 00:42:50,080 that you’re sitting in today, this week. 636 00:42:51,340 –> 00:42:53,840 Just restocked what’s there, 637 00:42:53,840 –> 00:42:55,540 and it was a volunteer who came in. 638 00:42:56,620 –> 00:42:57,919 It happens every week. 639 00:42:57,919 –> 00:43:02,199 Someone teaches your child in Sunday school 640 00:43:02,199 –> 00:43:04,139 and spends two, three, maybe more hours 641 00:43:04,139 –> 00:43:08,979 preparing a lesson so that your child may know more 642 00:43:09,080 –> 00:43:11,739 of the blessing of God and the truth of the gospel. 643 00:43:12,800 –> 00:43:14,620 There are a thousand ways in which 644 00:43:14,620 –> 00:43:16,820 we benefit from the ministry of others, 645 00:43:16,820 –> 00:43:19,419 and as a body, we are to be thankful, 646 00:43:19,419 –> 00:43:21,300 we are to say thank you 647 00:43:22,580 –> 00:43:26,659 to those whose ministry blesses us, 648 00:43:27,459 –> 00:43:30,080 and we are to hold them in the highest regard, 649 00:43:30,080 –> 00:43:34,020 in love because of their work. 650 00:43:34,959 –> 00:43:38,159 And as we benefit 651 00:43:38,159 –> 00:43:39,419 from the ministry of others, 652 00:43:39,419 –> 00:43:40,860 and as we think today about the way 653 00:43:40,860 –> 00:43:42,459 in which God’s blessing pours 654 00:43:42,459 –> 00:43:45,379 into our lives because of what others do freely, 655 00:43:45,379 –> 00:43:46,899 the question for us, obviously, 656 00:43:46,899 –> 00:43:49,000 is then, what am I now going to do 657 00:43:49,000 –> 00:43:51,260 for the good and for the benefit of others? 658 00:43:51,260 –> 00:43:53,899 Where will you take responsibility? 659 00:43:53,899 –> 00:43:56,780 Where will you say you can count on me 660 00:43:56,780 –> 00:43:58,580 as that, for that? 661 00:43:58,580 –> 00:44:00,600 It’s a godlike thing to do. 662 00:44:01,399 –> 00:44:06,399 And love appreciates the work of others. 663 00:44:11,159 –> 00:44:13,780 And as we think about the work of others 664 00:44:13,780 –> 00:44:15,679 that’s benefited us, 665 00:44:15,679 –> 00:44:18,399 I find my mind going 666 00:44:18,399 –> 00:44:22,520 to the one whose work benefited me 667 00:44:22,520 –> 00:44:24,959 more than anything a father or a mother 668 00:44:24,959 –> 00:44:26,479 or a pastor or a volunteer 669 00:44:26,479 –> 00:44:29,419 or a friend or a colleague could ever do. 670 00:44:29,419 –> 00:44:33,159 The one whose labor was under a cross 671 00:44:34,060 –> 00:44:37,860 and he came to help to save 672 00:44:37,860 –> 00:44:42,000 because I could not get out of the predicament 673 00:44:42,000 –> 00:44:45,260 I was in that would leave me bankrupt before God. 674 00:44:45,260 –> 00:44:48,939 I’m thinking of Jesus Christ and His work. 675 00:44:50,020 –> 00:44:53,179 Brothers and sisters, let us hold Christ 676 00:44:54,459 –> 00:44:56,879 in the highest regard. 677 00:44:57,800 –> 00:45:01,760 In love because of His work 678 00:45:02,620 –> 00:45:05,040 and let us then by His Spirit 679 00:45:05,040 –> 00:45:08,899 serve Him and one another. 680 00:45:08,899 –> 00:45:10,000 Let’s pray together. 681 00:45:10,000 –> 00:45:12,540 Father, thank you. 682 00:45:12,540 –> 00:45:15,100 That your great purpose is not for a narrow band 683 00:45:15,100 –> 00:45:19,780 of our lives but rather for the breadth 684 00:45:19,780 –> 00:45:22,479 of the whole of our lives that is swept up 685 00:45:22,479 –> 00:45:25,139 in your great and eternal purpose. 686 00:45:26,060 –> 00:45:28,679 We bless you for the privilege 687 00:45:28,679 –> 00:45:30,860 and bring you our thanks and praise 688 00:45:30,860 –> 00:45:32,540 in Jesus’ name. 689 00:45:32,540 –> 00:45:34,040 Amen.