What Now?

“WHAT NOW?” 1 Thessalonians

FBCF – 11/4/20 Refresh

Jon Daniels

INTRO – We are in the midst of a “what now” moment. Been experiencing a lot of these in recent days.

- Usually ask this question when you reach a point of no return in a situation or a relationship

Or we ask this question when we’ve really blown it & it seems like we don’t have any way to go forward.

- Roy Riegels – 1929 Rose Bowl – GA Tech vs Cal. Center Roy Riegels recovered punt for Cal & ran 65 yds in wrong direction before one of his own players tackled him on 1 yd line before he crossed the wrong goal line. Cal decided to punt rather risk a play that close to goal line. Tech blocked up for a safety, totally demoralizing the Golden Bears.

o Locker room at halftime – Roy sat in corner w/ towel over his head. Coach told team that same team that started 1st half would start 2nd half. Team left locker room. Roy stayed. Coach: “Roy, didn’t you hear me? Same team that started 1st half…” Roy: “I can’t, Coach. Embarrassed you, myself, this university. Can’t face that crowd again.” Coach: “Get up & go back out there. The game is only half over.” Even though Cal lost the game 8-7, Riegels played harder than he ever played, blocked a punt in 2nd half.

Riegels faced a “what now” decision in that locker room after making a horrible mistake that had some serious consequences & actually ended up costing his team the game. Tonight, you may find yourself in the middle of a “what now” situation. May be suffering through some of the consequences. Or may be facing some consequences that are coming. We’ve all been there & will be there again. So, let’s talk about how to move forward from a “what now” situation.

EXPLANATION – 1 Thessalonians written by Apostle Paul. One of his 1st letters. Wrote this letter to:

- Encourage new believers

- Give them assurance of eternal life

- Remind them of 2nd coming of Christ

- Challenge & encourage them to live a godly life

Some good stuff here that is definitely applicable to our lives today. Listen to some of the things that Paul write about as he challenges & encourages this church:

- Proclaims Christ to be Lord of all

- Proclaims the doctrine of the 2nd Coming

- Encourages believers who are facing persecution

- Warns against sexual impurity

- Gives practical advice on everyday behavior as a Christ-follower

- Strong evangelistic, missionary challenge

APPLICATION – 1 Thess. is a great letter for us in the “what now” moments of our lives.

What do we need to do in those “what now” moments?

Keep Trusting

That God hears our prayers – 1:2-3 – Prayer is a must in our “what now” moments. It should be our first response when we find ourself in a “what now” moment. It’s the means by which God acts in our lives.

- Matthew 21:22 – “Whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

- John 15:7 – “If you remain in me & my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, & it will be given you.”

That Jesus is coming again – 1:10; 4:15-18; 5:2 – This is our HOPE – our confident expectation! When you “wait,” you’re expecting something to happen – usually soon. That’s what the Thessalonian believers were expecting. How much more should you & I expect it since we are 2000 yrs farther along on God’s calendar? 1 Corinthians 15:52 – “…in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet…we shall be changed.”

That the Gospel is true – 2:4; 4:14; 5:9-11 – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, & forever (Hebrews 13:8). That means that, no matter what our “what now” moment looks like, Jesus is still in the business of saving lost souls & changing lives for all eternity.

- 2:4 – We need to speak it!

- 4:14 – We have to believe it!

- 5:9-10 – We need to rejoice in it b/c we are not “destined for wrath” – i.e., we don’t have an appointment w/ the wrath of God b/c Jesus kept that appointment for us! Listen to this:

o “When we really see the love of Christ for us – that He actually bore our sins & punishment on the cross – then we break before Him in humble adoration & love. Love floods us, for He did so much for us. We never have to die; we never have to bear the punishment of sin – all b/c He loved us. Therefore, our hearts reach out to Him broken & pouring love back to Him.” (The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible, Thessalonians-Philemon, p. 50)