Have You Experienced The Deliberate Love Of God? (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5a)
GIST: God loves on purpose, and He demonstrates that through the spread of the Gospel.
This morning, we’re continuing our study through the letter of 1 Thessalonians, and, for the first time, we’re going to cover more than one verse! I mean, technically, we’re walking through a verse and a half, and it’s still only one sentence, but… ☺️.
So far, we have seen Paul writing to a group of believers who have been transformed by a relationship with Jesus. He has thanked God for this (and their fellowship) and prayed for them—specifically mentioning that they have a vibrancy about their faith. Then, he says this→
“For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.”
The message today dives into some waters that came sometimes be a bit murky, so let’s just plunge right in! ☺️ Here’s our gist: God loves on purpose, and He demonstrates that through the spread of the Gospel.
I. God Loves On Purpose
“For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you…”
Chosen? In my experience, this concept of God’s election has been one of the most hotly debated topics amongst Christians and one of the teachings most ridiculed by those looking for something to critique. I’ve been on the receiving end of passionate appeals from both sides. In fact, the topic has sometimes become so polarizing, you might be tempted to tune me out before this sermon even starts! ☺️ Bear with me for just a second. I promise, I’m not trying to start any fights here.
This truth as laid out again and again in Scripture was never meant to divide. It was never meant to become a soapbox or pet topic for merely intellectual debates either. In fact, Paul mentions it in his opening remarks to this incredibly new group of believers in Thessalonica because it’s supposed to point to… amazing love.
Look at the context here. Paul says he knows they are loved because God chose them. That choosing word is where the debates begin to rage. However, I feel this is largely because we cannot view the concept of choice apart from our own human selfishness. My choices can’t be separated from my desire for some things and some people over others for reasons that, often, are tied very closely to my emotional preferences. My choices aren’t equally loving, or equally just, or equally anything. In fact, my choices will never be holier than my deeply flawed character—neither will yours. Thankfully, we’re not God.
See, God’s choices are a reflection of His character too. His character that is always loving, and always faithful, and always just. That means any choosing He does must be a form of decision making alien to our natures.
Still yet, it’s no less deliberate. We’re going to look at a way this love is demonstrated to us in a second, but before we do, let’s just camp out with what should be a life-shaking revelation: the God of the universe loves you on purpose! Contrary to being a source of unnecessary strife, this doctrine should remind you there is One—the One—who wants to walk with you and who cares enough to not only wipe your tears but to also point you away from all that causes them as He draws you into His marvelous grace and abundant life. Yes, this will pull you away from so much our world pushes as good, but it will also pull you into the arms of the Savior who chooses to love you! See, He loves you on purpose, and He loves you to a purpose—saving grace.
Why diminish that choice of love? Can’t we rejoice while we rest in that mercy instead?
II. Demonstrates That Through The Spread Of The Gospel
“...because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.”
Ok, so God—who is perfectly just, holy, and compassionate in all He does— chooses to love us. Now, look at how Paul tells us this love is, in part, put on display: God demonstrates His love by bringing His message of rescue in a way that makes a life-altering, heart-transforming difference.
Notice the message comes to us “in word”. I know the verse actually says not in word only, but the implication is that words were involved; they just weren’t alone! That’s cool, but how does this point to love? Well, first off, it shows He cares enough to bring us His message. This isn’t some clandestine operation about which only the truly privileged are apprised. Jesus’ gospel isn’t top-secret information. This message of hope is for the whole world to hear. Remember, Jesus wasn’t obligated to save us. It is His act of love “that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Moreover, the fact this message is shared by people at all is a sign of God’s love. Jesus changes the hearts of His messengers. Otherwise, this would never happen because it doesn’t come naturally for most (if any) of us. Still, even with the resistance from outside forces and our own fear-driven unwillingness, the Gospel has continued to spread from person to person for thousands of years. Why? Because being transformed by love motivates you to love in ways outside your comfort zone. God uses broken people to point to His amazing grace by opening their mouths and sharing His word.
However, those words are not alone, so what comes with them? Power. Specifically, the power of God. Paul is very clear: the impact didn’t rest on the cleverness of his voice. It was God working through His message making a difference. And that difference was and is transformative because it’s the direct work of the Holy Spirit. In fact, that’s how salvation happens. The Holy Spirit reveals the truth of Jesus to us, convicts us of sin, calls us to salvation, and comforts us as we walk the path to which He leads. Why? Again, because of love!
That sentence then ends with “and with full conviction.” There are two main interpretations of to what or to whom this conviction is referring. I think it is probably both. Paul was full of conviction when he spoke, and the listeners were fully convinced by what God revealed to them. Again, and I know this is probably starting to sound broken-recordish, but all of this is the result of God’s deliberate love for us.
Ok, on to some→
TAKEAWAYS
Rejoice in His deliberate love.
Be part of His love distribution plan! If God’s love is demonstrated through His word being shared, shouldn’t we want to be part of that process? You don’t have to be a theologian to share the love of Jesus. You just need to open your mouth and share the truth that brings hope—His amazing grace. Remember, it is the power of the Holy Spirit that does the saving. Yes, we should model the transformative impact of His amazing grace, but we should also… say something!
Remember, He loves you so much He pours out His truth for you! Do you realize this? It’s true.
No comments:
Post a Comment