God’s Faithfulness: The Process of Sanctification

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

The verb “sanctify” means to separate, to set oneself apart for the purpose of God.

Principles of the process of sanctification

1. Nature

2. Source

3. Extent

4. Goal

5. Culmination

6. Security

Faith Sustained By God’s Faithfulness

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Hew who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

Paul closes his letter to the Thessalonians by reminding them of God’s wonderful, unfailing faithfulness. In particular, Paul draws their attention to the faithfulness of God’s call upon their lives.

The faithfulness of God is demonstrated in three powerful ways:

• His genuineness – Always being true
• His veracity – Always telling the true
• His faithfulness – Always proving Himself true

“God’s call” is the phrase the Bible uses to describe the gracious and sovereign work of God, which brings us to “trusting in Christ” for our salvation. But we must also understand the goal of God’s call, which is to “be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Understanding what it means to be called by God is critical in order to fully know what it means to be a Christian. Not onlyh does it affect our understanding of how we became a Christian, but also our understanding of God’s purpose for us now and our hope for the future.

Paul wants to assure the Thessalonians that if the faithfulness of God can “Bring them to Christ” then certainly His faithfulness can preserve them for the day of Christ’s return.

How Does God’s Faithfulness Complete God’s Call?

• By faithfully sustaining and confirming our faith
• By faithfully leading us through the process of santification
• By faithfully presenting us complete, without blame before Christ.

By faithfully sustaining and confirming our faith

Why is faith in God, which should be easy, so difficult for us? (Like a monkey with his hand in the jar)

Who is the true hero of faith?

• Christ the Power of our faith – Hebrews 12:1-2
• Christ the Protector of our faith – Luke 22:31-32
• Christ the Perfector of their faith – Romans 4:19-22

Despise Not Prophecy!

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

When it came to spiritual gifts, Paul was thankful to God that he spoke in tongues more than all the Corinthians. Yet in the church, he would rather speak five words with understanding than 10,000 words in tongues. Why? So he could “build up” the church. (1 Corinthians 14:18-19). The key for the apostle Paul was always edification (1 Corinthians 14:5).

Clearing up misconceptions
In the New Testament the office and ministry of a Prophet is different than the spiritual gift of prophecy. “Prophets” often prophesy, but not everyone who prophesies is a “Prophet.”

Prophets in the Old Testament filled three important roles.
All heard from God
Some wrote what they heard
Some declared what they heard
(The major prophets did all three)

Three signs of false prophets (Deuteronomy 13:1-3; 18:18-20)
They falsely speak for God
They sometime perform signs and wonders
They don’t point you to Christ

Revelation that has been revealed by the Old Testament Prophets and New Testament. Apostles has now become canonized in Scripture. This form of special revelation is closed. The New Test. is our final authority and the gift of prophecy is under the authority of the Bible.

1. Prophecy is forth-telling  (preaching & teaching) (1 Corinthians 14:4, 6-7)
2. Prophecy can be fore-telling (predictive in nature) (Acts 11:27)
3. Prophecy can be personal (Acts 21:10)

The guiding principle to exercising all spiritual gifts is love! (1 Corinthians 13)

Despise Not!

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

19 Do not quench the Spirit.
20 Do not despise prophecies.
21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
22 Abstain from every form of evil.

Non-Charismatics (cessationists) …believe the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit, tongues and prophecy, healing, miracles, etc., functioned only in the early church and are not to be practiced today.

Charismatics …believe the supernatural gifts are given to every generation and should be practiced today according to the guidelines and principles of Scripture.

Packages of God’s truth always come wrapped in ribbons of great controversy. (Bob Mumford)

The value of the gift of tongues

1. It glorifies God in praise and worship.
He who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. (1 Corinthians 14:2; see Acts 2:11)

2. It builds up our spiritual man.
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself. (1 Corinthians 14:4)

3. It builds up the church.
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. (1 Corinthians 14:4-5)

4. It’s a sign to unbeliever.
Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers… (1 Corinthians 14:22; Isaiah 28:11)

John 7:37-39 Thirst! Come! Drink!
Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Pray Without Ceasing

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

“It is not in the moving of the lips that is the essence of prayer. It is in the elevation of the heart to God.” (J.B. Lightfoot)

The key to unceasing prayer is DEPENDENCE UPON GOD! When we are truly dependent on God, prayer is the normal response. No matter what happens, you recognize your complete dependence on God’s power and grace. Clearly, the text says that. This is a way of life, just like always rejoicing and always giving thanks; you are always praying. This is the will of God for you. And you respond because you understand that no matter what happens, you have reason to rejoice; you have reason to be thankful; you have reason to pray…because God overrules all the bad things to produce good.

Examples of unceasing prayer

Jesus (Luke 22:42)

The early church

The New Testament

Ways that God motivates us to pray!

1. God has sent us the Holy Spirit to lead us into intimate relationship through prayer.

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

2. God loves to deliver us from trouble.

Psalm 20:1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble…

3. God wants to give us compassion for the lost.

Romans 10:1 my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.”

Romans 9:1 -2 With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them.

Yielding To The Work of the Spirit

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

In these verses we find a list of staccato commands that the Apostle Paul gives to help us understand how we are to yield to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.

16 Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit.
20 Do not despise prophecies.
21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
22 Abstain from every form of evil.

I believe there is a beautiful connection in this list of commands and the key statement that ties them all together is verse 19 “Quench not the Spirit.” Not only does it reference the verses that follow, but it references the verses that precede it. And it also indicates the wonderful balance of the Spirit’s work and ministry in our lives 1) to develop our character through the fruit of the Spirit and 2) empower us for service with the gifts of the Spirit. The first three commands refer to the Spirit’s work of character transformation, and the last three refer to the Spirit’s release of supernatural gifts.

One of the main values to our Christian faith here at GracePoint is to live under the influence of the Holy Spirit’s transforming power. (Ephesians 5:18-21).

Wherever the Spirit of God is received for who He is and the work that He has been sent to do, there is always a two-fold work and manifestation of God.

1) Life and character transformation into the image of Christ
2) A release of the supernatural gifts that come from Christ Himself.

Yielding To The Fruit Of The Spirit

“Rejoice Always”
Christian joy is…
A command with no exceptions
A supernatural response
A response of our will

Christian joy is the emotion springing from the deep-down confidence in our life that God is in perfect control of everything and will bring from it our good for His glory.

Comfort The Fainthearted

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. (1 Thessalonians 5:14 The Message)

Every Church Needs A Strong Immune System

Medical science tells us that when a virus enters our physical body our immune system springs into action by sending out what are called “marker cells” to isolate the problem. These “marker cells” locate the virus and study it so they can identify it. Once they determine what it is, they send out a signal to the rest of the body for the other cells to come and surround it in order to neutralize it. In this way the body heals itself.

The Ministry of Encouragement!

The Greek word for “comfort” here means to encourage and it is made up of two words, meaning “near” and “speech.” So the idea is that of drawing along side the person, so we can get close enough to speak into their life and bring encouragement.

God is an Encourager

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

Learning to Encourage Like Jonathan (1 Samuel 23:13-18)

1. Everyone Needs Encouragement.
2. True Encouragement Is Hard Work.
3. Our Encouragement Should Always Be “IN GOD!”
4. The Best Encouragement Is Found In A Promise.

Ministering To Problems

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

The church is not a gallery for the exhibition of eminent Christians, but a school for the education of imperfect ones. (Henry Howard Beecher)

Christ offers hope for every person to grow and make progress. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 1:28)

Paul identifies five different areas of need in the Body of Christ. The wayward, the worried, the weak, the wearisome and the wicked

God provides great resources for our growth and health.

The Spirit empowered Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Gifted leaders (Eph. 4:11-12)

The Body of Christ (1 Thess. 5:14-15)

When it comes to ministry, one size does not fit all! (Jim Newsom)

Ministering to the Wayward

Warn “admonish” the wayward (vs. 14)

Be gentle in admonishment (Gal. 6:1-2)

Learn the skill of admonishment

Become wise in admonishment (Prov. 25:11)

Be patient in admonishment (Prov. 28:23)

A Call To Appreciation

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

Although the church in Thessalonica was just a few months old and lacked the direct involvement of Paul, Silas & Timothy, it is clear from these verses that a group of men from within the congregation was providing leadership. We are not sure whether these leaders were appointed by Paul before he had to flee the city because of persecution; or if these men simply began to assume the responsibilities of leadership, based on the Spirit’s prompting’s to meet the needs of the people as the church began to grow. But what is obvious is that some form of New Testament Church leadership is in place. Paul affirms their leadership and calls upon the congregation to recognize their work among them. These two verses are important because they outline the important relationship between the shepherds and sheep in God’s house. Nothing is more important to the spiritual progress of the church than a healthy relationship between the leaders and the congregation.

Shepherd’s Responsibilities

• Labor
• Leadership
• Instruction

Sheep’s Responsibilities

• Appreciation
• High esteem
• Love

God’s Blessing

• The Peace of God

“Mom’s Day Off” video illustration used during message from bluefish tv.

The Lord’s Name Is Captain

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: Joshua 5:13-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:8

When you study the names of the Lord you come to realize that a revelation of God’s name is also a revelation of His character. God’s name reveals all that He is and all that He is willing to be for us. The Bible is full of many names for God Joshua chapter 5 we come across a wonderful title that Scripture gives to the Son of God:  The Captain of the Host of the Lord (Joshua 5:14).

Jesus is our Captain!

For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the author (Greek word is archegos, meaning “leader or captain”) of their salvation perfect (complete) through sufferings (Hebrews 2:10).

Jesus is the Lord of Hosts, Jehovah Sabaoth (James 5:4)

1. Never go into battle without the Captain’s plan! Joshua 5:14  “I am at Your command,” Joshua said. “What do You want Your servant to do?”
2. Never go into battle without cultivating a heart of worship!Joshua 5:14  … And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped,
3. Never go into battle without complete surrender! Joshua 5:14…”What does my Lord say to His servant?”
4. Never go into battle without clothing yourself in armor! Joshua 5:15  Then the Commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Living And Walking As Sons of Light

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

When we come to these last two chapters of 1 Thessalonians, Paul focuses on two major events; The Rapture of the Church and the Day of the Lord. Having spoken about the Rapture in chapter 4, he begins to address the subject of “The Day of the Lord” which is the event of Christ’s coming the earth to judge the world. The purpose in writing about these dramatic events is to comfort the Thessalonians and give them security as to their eternal destiny. He addresses the security of the believer’s future through a series of contrasts. All of these contrasts serve to show the complete and total distinction that exists between believers and unbelievers and the implications it brings to bear upon our lives.

1. The contrast of knowledge and ignorance

1 Thessalonians 5:1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.

2. The contrast of expectancy and surprise

1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

3. The contrast of nature

1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

4. The contrast of behavior

1 Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

The Triumph Of The Resurrection

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

These Christians that Paul writes to believed Christ could come at any moment. But they were especially worried that their believing loved ones who had died, might be cheated out of eternity? Paul assures them of God’s two fold promise to both resurrect the dead and “catch away” those who are alive in Christ. He bases his assurance on two essential truths–Jesus’ death and His resurrection. In Christ’s death we have the triumph over sin, and in His resurrection we have the triumph over death.

1. The resurrection is a triumph over despair!
1 Thessalonians 4:13 “that you may not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.”
1 Corinthians 15:19 “If in this life only we have hop in Christ we are of all men the most to be pitied.”

2. The resurrection is a triumph over depravity!
1 Corinthians 15:3  “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,”
Romans 7:24-25 “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God-through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

3. The resurrection is a triumph over destiny!
2 Thessalonians 1:7 “…Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, and in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,”

What Does The Death of Christ Mean?

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-12; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

In  this  section  of  Paul’s  letter  to  the  Thessalonians  we  find  great promise and comfort concerning the return of Christ and hope of our future  glory.    These  Christians  believed  Christ  could  come  at  any moment.   But  they were especially worried  that  their believing  loved ones who had died, might be cheated out of eternity?   Paul assures them of God’s two fold promise to both resurrect the dead and “catch away”  those  who  alive  in  Christ.    He  bases  his  assurance  on  two essential truths–Jesus’ death and His resurrection.

1.  Jesus’  suffering  and  death  was  God’s  purpose for His life!
John  12:27-28  “Now My  soul  is  troubled, and what  shall  I  say? ‘Father,  save Me  from  this  hour’?  But  for  this  purpose  I  came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.”

2.    Jesus’  death  was  a  gross  act  of  injustice. He was murdered!
Act 4:27   “For  truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together.”
Isaiah 53:10 “Yet  it  pleased  the  LORD  to  bruise Him; He  has  put Him  to  grief”.

3.  His death became our sin substitute.  Jesus died for us!
Isaiah 53:6 “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—everyone—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

4.  Jesus  died  as  an  example  of  how  we  should live before God.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

A Call To Excellent Christianity (Part 2)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

In this section Paul gives us specific exhortations that direct believers toward spiritual excellence in their Christian walk.

1 Thessalonians 4:1 – “Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;” There are five key thoughts expressed in these opening verses that help us understand how we can excel in our Christian walk and bring pleasure to God.

Progress

Verse 1 – “that you should abound more and more,”

Priority

Verse 1 – “just as you received from us”

Power

Verse 1 – “we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus”

Principle

Verse 2 – “For you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.”

Purity

Verse 3 – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;”

Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.  (Westminster Shorter Catechism)

1. Know the will of God. Verse 3 – “For this is the will of God”
2. Learn “self control” Verse 4 – “that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,”
3. Don’t take advantage of others. Verse 6 – “that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all…“

A Call To Excellent Christianity (Part 1)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3

This introduces a new section in the epistle that carries through to the end of the letter. Paul gives us specific exhortations that direct believers toward spiritual excellence in their Christian walk.

1 Thessalonians 4:1 – “Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;“  It is this exhortation that the rest of letter is built upon. There are five key thoughts expressed in these opening verses that help us understand how we can excel in our Christian walk and bring pleasure to God.

Progress

Verse 1 – “that you should abound more and more,”

Priority

Verse 1 – ” just as you received from us”

Philippians 3:13-14 – “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Power

Verse 1 – “we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus”

By virtue of being “in Christ” our life is now totally immersed in all that Christ has accomplished on the Cross. So that our Christian walk and experience becomes an extension of God’s grace and power in our lives..

Principle

Verse 2 – “For you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.”

Purity

Verse 3 – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;”

Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.  (Westminster Shorter Catechism)

Standing Firm In The Faith

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10

In chapter 3 Paul’s concern is focused on the “faith” of the Thessalonians. Paul’s great desire was for all believers to being strong and stand firm in the faith. He wrote to the Colossians and said, “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7). The key word is “faith” and Paul mentions it five times in this passage.

1. He sacrificed and sent Timothy to them. 1 Thessalonians 3:1 – “Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone,”

2. In sending Timothy, he sent them the best. 1 Thessalonians 3:2 – “and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ,”

3. Timothy went to “strengthen and encourage.” 1 Thessalonians 3:2 – “…to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,”

4. Three components of powerful faith.

Knowledge
Acceptance
Trust

5. Faith strengthens us for two important things! 1 Thessalonians 3:3-5 – “that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.”

How Satan Hinders

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

When we come to this latter portion of chapter 2 we see Paul responding to a different criticism. Apparently some of his critics were saying, “Paul doesn’t really care, and the proof is that is that he’s never coming back.” In other words “He has deserted you.” And the reason is pretty obvious. You have to remember that he only left because he was forced out. In Acts chapter 17, we are told the Jews became jealous of Paul’s ministry and influence – and so they stirred up a riot. This is where we find we find that statement about the apostles. “These men who have upset the world have come here also.” And it is here, Paul illustrates two important aspects of effective ministry.

1. We must love God’s people

But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again…

“Taken away”

“in presence, not in heart”

“endeavored”

“more eagerly”

“see your face”

“with great desire”

2. Satan opposes God’s work

1 Thessalonians 2:18 …but Satan hindered us.

He hinders us in every opportunity (C.H. Spurgeon)

He hinders the church (Revelation 2-3)

He hinders leaders (Job 1; Peter Lk. 22:31; Paul 2 Corinthians 12)

He hinders the work of evangelism.

1st Morning: The Power of God’s Word Working in Our Lives

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received His message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the word of God – which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.

The Bible is not just any book. It is THE BOOK that gives life, creates faith, produces change, causes miracles, frightens the devil, heals our hearts, builds our character, gives us joy and peace, defeats temptation, is eternal, indestructible and is 100% reliable and without any error.

God’s Word doesn’t contain errors — but we sometimes make mistakes in our interpretation of His word. (The Children’s Bible In a Nutshell)

We need listening ears and receptive hearts! “To him who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:9 The Parable of the Sower)

Receptive hearts release the power of God’s Word. “the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

What does the Word of God accomplish?

• It cleanses us. Psalm 119:9
• It counsels us. v.24
• It strengthens us. v.28
• It brings us mercy. v.41
• It brings us joy! v.47
• It gives us hope. v.49
• It comforts our hearts. v.50
• It builds trust and faithfulness. vv.89-90
• It makes us wise. vv.97-100
• The Word of God working in us also guides us.

How People Grow/Caring For People

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:1-9, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Paul cared enough to reach people for Christ! (1 Thessalonians 2:1-6)

Paul cared enough to accept people! (1 Thessalonians 2:7-9)

Acceptance is key to our growth!

It empowers us to accept others

It frees us from “works and performance mentality”

It builds trust in relationships

It provides for healing and growth

Paul cared enough to challenge people! (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12)

“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13 NASB)

The example of Joshua and Moses (Joshua 1:1-9; Deuteronomy 31:6)

How do (fathers) leaders build strength and courage into their children?

A model of integrity!

You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; (1 Thessalonians 2:10)

A witness of life and words!

as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged* every one of you, as a father does his own children, (1 Thessalonians 2:11)

Fathers must be willing to say the hard things! Everyone one of us needs a few people to tell us the truth about our hearts and souls. We all have weak spots and blind spots that we cannot navigate on our own. We need someone to remind us of our deepest aspirations and values and to warn us when we may be getting off track. We need someone to help us question our motives and examine our hearts. We need someone to perform spiritual diagnosis on us when our hearts get hard and our vision gets dim.

Caring For People

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

How do people grow?

The sin model

The truth model

The experience model

The supernatural model

Paul believed in the power of care. “besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.” (2 Corrinthians 11:28 )

Paul cared enough to reach people for Christ! (1 Thessalonians 2:1-6) “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:7-8 )

Paul cared enough to accept people! (1 Thessalonians 2:7-9) …just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:4-6) Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. (Romans 15:7)

Paul cared enough to challenge people! (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12)

Waiting for Jesus: What Will Jesus Do Upon His Return?

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture: Isaiah 64:1-4

“For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)

Scripture repeatedly states that Jesus will return to earth suddenly and visibly in his glorified, resurrected body.

This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go. (Acts 1:11)

Jesus will judge everyone who has ever lived.

But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, (Romans 2:5)

Jesus will punish non-Christians in hell… And he will reward Christians in heaven…

…when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)

Jesus will lift the curse and all its affects.

“Consider the work of God; For who can make straight what He has made crooked?” (Ecclesiastes 7:13)

Jesus will restore perfect peace and harmony.

And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

How should we live until Jesus returns?

Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down! That the mountains might shake at Your presence— (Isaiah 64:1)

The Church Worthy of Thanksgiving (Part 2)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 1 Thessalonians 1:2

Marks worthy of thanksgiving!

Works produced by genuine faith!

Labor motivated by God’s love!

Endurance sustained by eternal hope!

A powerful message given by powerful preachers!

People who receive and welcome the Word of God

“having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,” (1 Thessalonians 1:6)

People who become immediate disciples!

“And you became followers of us and of the Lord,” 1 Thessalonians 1:6

People who become powerful examples!

“so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.” (1 Thessalonians 1:7-8

The Church Worthy of Thanksgiving (Part 1)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers… (1 Thessalonians 1:2 NKJVT)

“We must avoid the cynicism of our day! The church is like Noah’s Ark. If it weren’t for the storm outside, we couldn’t stand the stink inside.” Reinhold Niebuhr

Marks worthy of thanksgiving!

1. Works produced by genuine faith! remembering without ceasing your work of faith, 1 Thessalonians 1:3 NKJV

2. Labor motivated by God’s love! remembering without ceasing your … labor of love 1 Thessalonians 1:3 NKJV

3. Endurance sustained by eternal hope! remembering without ceasing your … patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 1:3 NKJV

4. A powerful message given by powerful preachers! For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 NKJV

Thessalonians: Church Planting

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Scripture Reference: Acts 17:1-10, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-6