A Blessing Indeed! Series

A Blessing Indeed!

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567

The Day of the Lord draws near, are you prepared to meet Him? As His faithful followers, we need not dread His return, for we walk in His light and know our destination. Yet, the contemplation of being judged for our deeds, both righteous and otherwise, weighs heavily on our hearts! Having been sealed by the Holy Spirit and having received every blessing in Jesus Christ our Lord, we simply do not have any excuse for not loving Him, the members of our church, and even our enemies. Surely those who are a masterpiece of God’s grace are willing to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, by inviting Him to transform and renew our minds daily? While we may falter against the relentless temptations of Satan, luring us towards the broad path of sin, surrender is not the answer. Instead, let us follow the example of Apostle Paul, fervently praying for the Lord's strength to fortify our hearts, enabling us to stand blameless in His presence. As the Lord prepares a place for us, eagerly anticipating His return, will we be found steadfast in faith when He and His angels come?

This was Paul’s prayer for the church of Thessalonica. Paul prayed that God would clear the way for him to visit the church that God the Father and Jesus His Son would strengthen their hearts so that they would be found blameless upon His return. Let’s dive into Paul’s prayer as found in 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13.

Clearing the Way

Paul prayed that our God and Father and our Lord Jesus might clear the way for us to come to you (verse 10). Paul's realization in his earnest prayers that the Satanic block hindering his return to Thessalonica could only be overcome with divine intervention underscores the depth of his spiritual struggle and the recognition of the opposing forces at play. This insight reflects Paul's profound reliance on the power of God to break through spiritual barriers, highlighting the centrality of faith and prayer in navigating adversities. “The Lord of the angelic hosts can break the satanic blockade whenever it pleases Him to do so.” What is also remarkable about Paul’s request is not just the absolute faith Paul has in God but also his view on the Lord Jesus Christ. Born into the Jewish faith and deeply ingrained in the steadfast traditions of monotheism, epitomized by the revered declaration of the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4, it is indeed striking to encounter the transformation of Saul, later known as Paul, the self-proclaimed "descendent from Pharisees" (Acts 23:6) and a zealous persecutor of Christ's followers. In one remarkable sentence, he professes a belief in the divine nature not only of God the Father but also of His Son, Jesus Christ. This profound shift reflects the magnitude of Paul's encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, an event that fundamentally altered his understanding of Christ’s identity. With the Lord’s words, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4), firmly intrenched in his soul Paul wrote to the church of Corinth, “yet there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live” (1 Corinthians 8:6). So, to the Father and the Son Paul makes his appeal for them to remove Satan’s blockade so that he might return to his family whom he dearly loved! Thankfully Paul’s prayer was answered but only in God’s time, five years later, was he permitted to return to Thessalonica!

Like Apostle Paul we are dependent on God to open and yes even sometimes close doors of ministry. This recognition underscores our acknowledgment of divine guidance and sovereignty over the paths we tread in serving others and spreading the message of faith. Just as Paul encountered both opportunities and obstacles in his missionary endeavors, we too navigate a journey where God's hand orchestrates the unfolding of events. Trusting in God's wisdom, we lean on Him for discernment and direction, knowing that He alone holds the keys to unlocking new opportunities for ministry and discerning when it is time to redirect our efforts elsewhere. “We are not architects of our kingdom; we are ambassadors for His kingdom. Kicking in doors that God is unwilling to open will only lead to disaster.” As we contemplate the allure of embarking on a new public ministry, especially one that promises success and potential spiritual renown within our community, it becomes imperative to discern whether it aligns with God's will. Amidst the temptation of spiritual notoriety, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to seeking God's guidance and ensuring that our endeavors are rooted in His purpose. Furthermore, as we embark on any new ministry, we must be prepared to engage in the good works that reflect the character and teachings of Christ. These actions should not serve to elevate ourselves but rather to glorify God the Father in heaven (Mathew 5:16), acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings and achievements. In doing so, we guard against the pitfalls of vanity and self-aggrandizement, instead channeling our efforts towards advancing God's kingdom and manifesting His love and grace in the world.