Philippians 2:1-11

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

In Thessalonica there was a double question lingering in the air—“(1) Was Paul an authentic gospel messenger, and (2) had the Thessalonians really received the authentic gospel message?” In Chapter 1, Paul pastored the Thessalonians by answering—“Here is how you can know if you’ve received the authentic gospel message.” With that question answered Paul continues in Chapter 2 to shepherd these Believers by answering the other question still lingering in the air—“How can I know if I’m being pastored by an authentic gospel messenger?” Just like last week, this is where these verses talk to us today. They show us not only how a pastor is to act but also give us assurance that we are being led by an authentic gospel messenger.

1 Thessalonians 1:4-10

The church in Thessalonica was known as a people marked by faith, love, and hope. But there is something else that could also be concretely known about this brand new church, they were a people loved and chosen by God. This they could know and Paul wanted them to have this assurance. It’s this very point which speaks to us today. For it’s not only the Thessalonians but people like you and me who ask the question—“How can I know I am loved and chosen by God?” What is the evidence that I have had a genuine salvation experience? With great enthusiasm and much encouragement, Paul takes us by the hand and reveals how receiving and being changed by the gospel shows that you are loved and chosen by God.

Philippians 1:1-11

Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thessalonians 1:1

From Luke’s account in Acts 17 we are able to trace the contours of the Thessalonian church which led Paul to write this letter. This was a young church filled with new Christians needing encouragement in knowing how to grow in their faith in Christ, so Paul writes to that end. This was also a church which right from the start faced hostility and needed to be strengthened by remembering where their strength to endure comes from—God himself and the hope of the future return of Jesus. The needs of the Thessalonian church are no different from our little church which makes this letter ring with importance. Just as the Thessalonians needed to know, so we need to know and remember that—God longs for His people to grow and He will protect that gospel growth.

John 15:1-8

Luke 2:1-20

John 1:14-18

To what extent was God willing to go so that you and I might know, prepare for, and receive Jesus? Just how serious was God the Father about adopting born again sinners into His family? Answer—Christmas serious! And if you were to ask God—“Where’s the proof? Prove to us how serious you are about Christmas,” He’d say “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” didn’t He? I’m this serious about Christmas. This right here is pure invitation and it’s an invitation to behold Incarnate Deity lying in the manger. Main Idea: The proof of Christmas centers on the Bethlehem Baby—Come and behold him!

John 1:9-13

After inviting us to know Jesus and prepare for Jesus, we now come to a key moment in John’s introduction—will we receive Jesus or reject Jesus. Many reject; few receive, but oh the privilege that comes with receiving and believing on Jesus—He gives US the right to become children of God! What sin dead sinners need is to be born of God so that we might receive and believe on Jesus. This is at the heart of Christmas—the Bethlehem Baby was born to die that I may be born of God—have I received him? That’s the question.

John 1:6-9

As John continues to flood the Christmas story with the colors of glory, he turns our attention to the man, John the Baptist. God sent a messenger and the Baptist was the man. His aim was to put the spotlight solely on THE Light, Jesus the Word. In the fulness of time this herald came to tell us the long promised light of the world was here so that we might be prepared for Jesus. Main Idea—The Christmas Child is the long promised light of the world, am I prepared for him?