06 I Thessalonians 2:13-16 Not An Empty Visit Part 3

December 14, 2025

Chris Freeman

Title: “Not An Empty Visit” Part 3 Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 FCF: We often struggle identifying true faith in contrast to non-saving faith. Prop: Because only true faith saves, we must ensure we have received Jesus Christ in true faith. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 1 Thessalonians chapter 2. In a moment we’ll read from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 1. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Today we will conclude the thought that Paul began with in chapter 2. However, keen observers might have noticed that there is a significant amount of overlap between chapter 1 and what we’ve discussed in chapter 2 so far. Indeed, if you took it upon yourself to set the two chapters side by side and drew lines or highlighted with different colors themes that are saying the same things with different words – you could illustrate this quite clearly. I won’t impose that upon you – but if you are up for the challenge, I’m sure it would be profitable to you. Chapter 2 has largely been put to the Thessalonians in order to prove to them that the mission to their city was one that proved to be fruitless. Paul began by stating that they know it was not in vain because it was God’s Gospel at work. He continued by saying that they know it was not in vain because they conducted themselves like a family. Today, Paul will conclude his assurance to them, in that they know it was not in vain because it rendered familiar results both positively and negatively. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Holy Father, You have revealed Yourself to us Your people through the Word, our Lord Jesus Christ. He has come to us, as God With Us. He has come to us to save us from sin, death, hell, the devil, and the kingdom of darkness. You have freed us from the tyranny of our own wisdom and enabled us to believe in You the giver of life. God give us eyes to behold the truth of Your word this morning as we see what makes true faith and what awaits us if we are without it. May we take the words of hope and warning today in faith, and may it have the effect upon us You desire. We pray this in Jesus’ name – Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “Faith that saves has one distinguishing quality; saving faith is a faith that produces obedience, it is a faith that brings about a way of life.” Billy Graham “A man at his wit’s end is not at his faith’s end.” Matthew Henry “The function of faith is to turn God’s promises into facts.” J. Oswald Chambers Let these thoughts wash over you as we embark on the truth of the passage this morning. I.) True faith produces belief in God’s Word and suffering for Christ, so we must ensure we have received Jesus Christ in true faith. (13-14) a. [Slide 3] 13 - And for this reason we also thank God without ceasing that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also is at work in you who believe. i. It takes two sides to make a visit profitable. ii. Paul has, in the first twelve verses, explained how he and his companions did their part to produce a successful and fruitful mission among them. iii. They took God’s gospel and gave it to them without unseemly methods or greedy motives. iv. They adopted them as family and loved them accordingly. They cared for them like parents, both supplying what they needed to grow and thrive and teaching them to live a life worthy of God’s Kingdom. v. But all of this would have been for nothing if the message was ineffective to produce any kind of spiritual change in them. vi. In fact, without God’s empowering the message of His gospel, the Thessalonians would never have heard it as His Word. vii. So Paul gives thanks once again, without ceasing, to God, that the Thessalonians responded to the message the way they did. viii. Going back to chapter 1 verse 4-5, we see that Paul expresses similar thoughts. ix. He is thanking God because he is confident that the Thessalonian believers were elect of God. x. Why? xi. Primarily because of how the gospel came to them. xii. Not in word only (ie words of men only) but in the power of the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. xiii. Paul’s thanksgiving here is expressed in more detail. xiv. What does it mean that the gospel came in power, in the Spirit, and with full conviction? xv. It means they responded in true faith. Well, how do they know they have true faith? There are two examples in this text. xvi. First, that they believed the content of the message as though it were from God and second, that they received the power of the message. 1. The content of the message, if received in true faith, must be from God. a. The evangelists were demonstrating holy, righteous, and blameless lifestyles and exhorting, encouraging and insisting that the Thessalonians do the same. b. All of this is couched in the idea that a Kingdom is coming where Christ reigns over all, and demands purest devotion and worship. c. The same Lord who died to save them from their sins, will one day return to judge the living and the dead. He will restore His people and make them to rule with Him in that Kingdom. d. If someone receives this in true faith – they must conclude it is from God. e. Paul reveals in a later letter that the Word of God is hidden from those who are without God’s Spirit. God’s Spirit must do a work in an unbeliever in order to enable them to understand and believe what the Word of God teaches. f. So, we say that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God… which is true. But hearing the Word of God to the point of understanding that it is from God and even what that message means – all comes through the power of the Holy Spirit. g. We call this step in the salvation process – regeneration. And although the bible does not explicitly teach that it precedes faith, the scriptures clearly teach that God must do something to enable a person to believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. And He must do this to bring them out of their spiritually dead state. Since this is what regeneration is, it is safe for us to conclude that it must precede faith. h. Paul alludes to this here – in that the Thessalonians did not perceive this as a message from men – but they took what the evangelists said as the very words of God. A conclusion they could not have arrived at without the power of the Holy Spirit – which Paul said in chapter 1, did happen when the gospel came to them. 2. The second way we know they responded in true faith, is by the powerful result of that message being received. a. To those who truly believe, the Word of God produces an effect. b. We should expect the Word of God, preached, taught, read, heard, studied, mediated on, memorized, and illustrated to have a powerful effect upon those who are truly God’s people. c. Warnings about sin and falling away, and pursuing righteousness, and loving God and others – should have a distinct influence over the hearts of those who are God’s people. d. It is a predictable outcome that if absent calls into question the very legitimacy of our faith. xvii. So how specifically were the Thessalonians powerfully affected by the Word they received from God? b. [Slide 4] 14 - For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also suffered the same things at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, i. Paul calls out their suffering in the same way that the first members of the church suffered. ii. In fact, he uses the word – imitate again. iii. This also goes back to chapter 1 verse 6. iv. They became imitators of Christ and the evangelists by receiving the word with affliction. v. Paul again denotes that Christians are the same no matter where they are. Whether in Judea or Macedonia. They are also the same no matter WHEN they are. Whether at Pentecost in the formation of the church or now. vi. There are general markers that are common among all those who receive true faith. vii. In this example, Paul points to how on the day of Pentecost, believers on Christ suffered great persecution at the hands of fellow countrymen who rejected the gospel. viii. In a similar way, the Thessalonians are being treated quite poorly by their neighbors, family, friends, and others in the city who rejected the gospel message. ix. Being persecuted by unbelievers who are among those closest to you is one way that the legitimacy of your faith is demonstrated. c. [Slide 5] Summary of the Point: Paul’s primary point in this chapter so far has been to verify that the mission they had among the Thessalonians only a few months previous, was not an empty and fruitless mission. Countering the claims of their fellow residents of Thessalonica, Paul knows it wasn’t fruitless because they spoke God’s gospel with confidence and for His approval. He also knows it wasn’t fruitless because they felt a familial connection to the Thessalonians. And finally, they know it wasn’t a fruitless mission because it produced predictable results in the city. The first result is regarding those who received the gospel message. Because they received this message in true faith, they were convinced it was a message from God and were changed by this message to the extent that they endured suffering for Christ’s name. True faith produces belief in God’s Word and a willingness, and even a joy to endure suffering for Christ’s sake. This would be very encouraging to the Thessalonians, to know that these seasoned believers were confident in their faith. But our application must cautiously approach this. We must begin rather with a need for us to make sure that we have received true faith in Jesus Christ. Then and only then can we be assured and take comfort in the apostle’s words. Transition: [Slide 6 (blank)] But what other predictable result comes when the gospel of Jesus Christ is truly received by a group of people? In what else does Paul draw confidence that the Thessalonian mission was not fruitless? II.) Without true faith it is impossible to please God or be at peace with Him or mankind, so we must ensure we have received Jesus Christ in true faith. (15-16) a. [Slide 7] 15 - who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, i. Paul now embarks upon what seems like a rabbit trail. ii. He seeks to expand upon the behavior of the Jewish people who have so opposed the gospel message and have had a history of opposing God’s word in general. iii. Here he says that these same Jews who persecuted their own countrymen for believing on Jesus, are the ones who killed the Lord Jesus and their own prophets. iv. Paul again uses familial or collective language. Obviously, the same people who killed Jesus could not be the ones who killed all the prophets down through their history. And most likely they are not the same ones who drove Paul or the apostles out of Judea. v. Instead, Paul refers to a branch of Israel that has been cut off. vi. Paul is not being antisemitic here. He is merely pointing out a group of people who although having the racial privilege of being God’s portion, have continued to reject Him as their King and Lord. vii. They are following in an unfortunate history of the Jewish people who strayed from Yahweh both in worship and in conduct to kill their own prophets and those God has sent to speak the truth to them. viii. The crown jewel in this ungodly behavior is, of course, the murder of their own Messiah and God – Jesus of Nazareth. ix. They continued their work of unbelief with Paul and his companions. b. [Slide 8] and drove us out, i. This could be referring to several instances where the Jews drove Paul or Christ’s other servants out of certain places. ii. The “us” here could simply refer to Jewish believers, or may even refer to the evangelists themselves. iii. In any case – he points to the majority opposition of the Jewish people to receive their own Messiah or any who preach in His name. c. [Slide 9] and do not please God, i. Since Jesus is God’s Messiah, His Servant, the Son of Man that the Ancient of Days will lift up to occupy the same throne as Yahweh… ii. You cannot oppose Christ or Christ’s followers without also opposing God. iii. It is impossible for any to please God without first believing on Jesus Christ. iv. All the effort put in keeping the law, even if it were successful, would fail to please God if the person did not put their faith in Christ alone. v. And so, these Jews, in spite of being God’s portion and part of Abraham’s line, cannot please God and oppose His Son or His Son’s Bride, at the same time. vi. But not only are they opposed to God… d. [Slide 10] and are hostile to all men, i. In opposing Christ, the Savior of the world, it is also impossible to love others. ii. To reject Christ is to render yourself unable to truly love other human beings. iii. Why? iv. Because Christ is the hope of the nations. Christ is the King of Kings. Christ is the Bright and Morning Star. Christ is the Lord of Light. v. As Psalm 2 says, we must kiss the Son lest He be angry. vi. All nations must bow to His rule. All nations have hope only in His rule. vii. All nations who do not hope in Him, will cease to exist. viii. And so, to oppose Christ is to oppose the only hope the nations have. ix. The most hateful thing you can do to humanity is to reject His Messiah and harm His Son’s Bride. x. Our culture says the most loving thing you can do is to be tolerant and accepting to all faiths. xi. The truth could not be more opposed to this thought. xii. The exclusivity of Christ as Savior and Lord of all, is the way we establish peace with all men. Peace only comes by the Exclusive rule of Christ alone. xiii. Next, Paul specifically calls out in what way the Jews were hostile to all men… e. [Slide 11] 16 - hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved; i. To hinder the gospel message from going out to the nations is to hate the nations. ii. To stop the message of Christ crucified for sinners is to hate sinners and desire their eternal judgment. iii. The salvation of every man’s soul rests in the work of Christ, alone. iv. And to prevent this message from going to all men – is to hate all men. v. No, telling people they are sinners and they need a Savior is not hateful, or unkind. It is the most loving thing we could do. But do you know what is truly hateful and hostile? Doing what you can to prevent others hearing the exclusive gospel of Jesus Christ. vi. Suggesting there are many paths to God through many religions, is the most hateful and hostile thing you could ever tell someone. vii. Since the Jews have opposed God, and man in this way… what is the result? f. [Slide 12] with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. i. Their sins have come to completion. ii. There is a call back here to the ban God put on the Canaanite nations before Israel entered into the promised land. iii. God speaks of the sins of the people who lived in the land as filling up a cup. Or coming to completion. iv. Jesus spoke to the Pharisees in a similar way, telling them that they are filling up the cup of their judgment. v. Like when you cook rice on a stove top… vi. The starches in the rice react to the boiling water and produce bubbles. And those bubbles if not kept in check with rise to the top and overflow. vii. Burnt rice water on a glass stove top is one mess you don’t want to have to clean up – Not that I know from experience 😊 viii. In a similar way – the sins of the Unbelieving Jewish people are rising up to the breaking point. ix. How terrible it is that Paul refers now to his own countrymen in language that was once used of the child-sacrificing-Canaanites. x. But the greatest shock is yet to come. g. [Slide 13] But wrath has come upon them to the utmost. i. This is a debated phrase and difficult to interpret. ii. There are basically two thoughts and one of these includes both ideas. iii. Paul is using a rhetorical technique to emphasize the certainty of a future event by putting it in the past tense. iv. It is obvious that the wrath of God has only been fully poured out on 1 person so far in the history of the world. That is – Jesus Christ. v. Christ bore the full wrath of God on the cross for His people. vi. But one day, all those who endure in unbelief and sin, will experience the wrath of God in full. They will, forever, experience the second death which is the lake of fire. vii. Paul is so certain that this will be the outcome for all who persist in opposing Christ – that he uses the past tense to speak of the certainty to this end. viii. But another aspect of this is that God’s wrath can be poured out in an already but not yet kind of way. In Romans 1, we see how God allows people to sin and do what they wish, which is identified there as God’s wrath. ix. So, in a way, God’s wrath has already come upon them, in that He has allowed them to continue in their unbelief and their hatred of His people – which will guarantee their eventual judgment. x. And thus, we now see why Paul goes into detail concerning those Jews who opposed those early Christians. xi. This is a large illustration to show the Thessalonians that opposition to Christ and His church is a COMMON and EXPECTED response from those who endure in unbelief. xii. Paul is reminding the Thessalonians that the same will be true of all their fellow countrymen who are persecuting them and their Lord. They too will have the wrath of God come upon them unto the very end. h. [Slide 14] Summary of the Point: And so Paul is certain that their mission there was not fruitless because it rendered the results that are common when God’s gospel is received in a city. Not just that those with true faith believe God’s Word and suffer for Christ, but also that those who do NOT receive truth faith actively stand in opposition to God, to their fellow man, and are and will inherit God’s wrath should they continue. Again, this provides some sense of comfort to believers suffering under the hatred and persecution of those who despise them for their faith. That justice will one day reign. But for us, this is putting the cart before the horse. We must first be sure that we have received Jesus Christ by true faith. Conclusion: So CBC, what broad concepts have we learned today which inform or correct what we believe and shape and guide how we live? Broad concepts of Faith and Practice: [Slide 15] The Word of God shall not return unto the Lord void. We have heard this verse quoted many times. It is typically said in comfort to evangelists who have preached yet another gospel message to a loved one who has yet to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. And indeed, that is an appropriate use of the text. But might I suggest to you, that Isaiah 55:11 does not mean that God’s Word will eventually save someone. Rather, that every time God’s Word is preached, it accomplishes the purpose for which it was given. In this text we see two purposes for the Word of God. Both purposes are common outcomes of the Word of God when it is preached in the power of God. First, we see that when the Lord’s Word is given to those who have been given true faith, it produces a belief in God’s Word and suffering for His name. One great verse that encapsulates this well is from another of Paul’s letters. Philippians 1:29 which says – “For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” In this text we see God granting to those who receive Christ by true faith both the ability to believe in Him and to suffer for His sake. This is the common experience of all true believers. But what is another purpose of the Word of God? Here in this text we see that one purpose is also to harden the hearts of those who do not have true faith. This ultimately leads to war with God and with man and eventually a disastrous end in fiery judgment. A verse that speaks to this is Hebrews 11:6 - “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who draws near to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” These are both purposes that the Word of God accomplishes. This serves then as a caution to us that we must examine ourselves to see what response we have given to the Word of God. Do we possess true faith? But let me break down these broad ideas into more specific things we can apply to ourselves today. 1.) [Slide 16] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that without true faith in Jesus Christ alone, it is impossible to please God. a. As the Hebrews text affirms, and as this text shows us, without true faith in Jesus Christ, you are not able to please God. b. Many of the people Paul referenced here were devout Jews who had their religion engraved upon every aspect of their culture. c. From infancy, the traditions and laws of Moses completely surrounded and encased the Jewish life, especially Jews who lived in Judea. d. Many of those who killed Jesus were devout keepers of the Mosaic law, tithing even down to the spices in their cupboards. e. In the Old Testament, despite worshipping other gods and living in debauchery and hatred toward fellow men, the Israelite people often continued to make sacrifices and keep rituals to Yahweh. f. So much so that God declared through a prophet – “I am sick of your rituals and sacrifices. They detest me. I desire your heart.” g. What we see in scripture and in the beauty of the New Covenant and the coming of Jesus the Messiah, is that it has always been about faith. Trusting what God says and trusting God with your life. h. That trust shifts to the person and work of Jesus Christ – the culmination of God’s redemptive work to mankind. i. But it has always been about faith. Hebrews 11 proves that to us. j. God looks at faith – trusting Him and trusting to the point of obedience even when it doesn’t make sense – and God counts that faith as acceptable to Him. k. Today, the object of our faith is not merely in what God has said and what God has done – but what Christ has done to free us from sin and death. l. So much so – that without the author and perfector of our faith – without holding on to Him and Him alone by faith and faith alone – it is impossible to please God. m. Go to church, read your bible, give to the poor, save the planet, defend the disenfranchised, harbor the outcast, live purely – do all this but without faith alone in Christ alone – all your efforts are filthy rags. They are empty and hollow. And they count for nothing. n. Pleasing God cannot be accomplished by any human who has sinned. o. Faith is placing all our hope in one who never sinned but obeyed our God and suffered for sinners. p. That is why we cannot please God without faith in Christ. 2.) [Slide 17] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that the unbelievers who know us best will hate us for what we are becoming in Christ. a. This isn’t new information. b. This isn’t earth shattering. c. In the Old Testament it was Esau’s family that persecuted the Israelites. d. It was Joseph’s brothers who sold him into slavery. e. It was Jacob’s uncle who tricked him into marrying the woman he didn’t want. f. It was Abel’s brother who murdered him in cold blood. g. Jesus said that he did not come to bring peace but a sword. He said that children would turn their parents into the authorities. Brothers and sisters would rise up against each other. Fathers would betray sons. Husbands would betray wives. h. It has ALWAYS been this way. i. Last week we talked about how the church is a family. We said that this family is closer than blood relatives could ever be. j. This is a correlating teaching. k. There is no relation close enough to bridge the gap formed between a child of light and a child of darkness. l. Love your unbelieving family and friends. Pray for them. But know that they will no doubt be the ones who seek your destruction if they are hardened to the gospel’s light. m. Those that dwell in darkness hate the light. And they will hate any who bring the light to them. 3.) [Slide 18] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don’t naturally do or aren’t currently doing?” We must test our faith to see if it is true faith. a. In this text, Paul assures the Thessalonians that the mission there was a fruitful mission. b. It was fruitful because they received God’s message in true faith. c. True faith is defined, not by the content of what is believed, but by the characteristics of one who possess it. d. First, we see that hearing the teachings of Scripture not as merely true, and not as the words of men, but as the Word of God is one important indicator that you have true faith. i. There are many works of truth you could consult today. You could consult a text book on various subjects. Chief among them as grounds for absolute truth – is Mathematics. ii. Where science, history, current events, geography, and grammar can fluctuate and turn and spin and shift, Mathematics stays the course. There are laws in mathematics that cannot be questioned. Things that always happen. iii. You could consult many sources of reputable people with many letters behind their name. iv. But you cannot have true faith and approach the Holy Scriptures in the same way. v. Although men penned the words – God inspired the text. Although always true, it is truth spoken by God Himself. vi. When you see the scriptures in this way – not as a collection of wise words of wise men – but as the very infallible, inspired, words of a Holy God written to sinful men – that is one evidence that your heart has been cultivated, warmed, and reborn by the power of the Holy Spirit. vii. What was the first thing that the devil attacked in the garden? Was it not the words of God? viii. If we have been recovered from Adam’s sin, we will see these words as God’s Words. e. Second, we see that the Word of God greatly affects and always produces change and growth in those who are believers. i. God’s Word is AT WORK in those who believe. It is active. It is powerful. It moves us. ii. Sharpen your ears now. And pay attention. For the word of God has been preached to you. iii. If you are truly His child and have received Him by true faith – His Word is AT WORK in you. iv. Although the preacher be boring, although the air be cold and stale, although the pew be warm and inviting, although the cares of the world be pressing upon you – if you are truly His child – You hear the call of His voice. You know the sound of His Word. And you feel its power moving you to change. v. But my friends – if the words of holy scripture do not move you, they do not stir you, they do not prick you, they do not change you – perhaps you are dead. Perhaps true faith has not come to you. f. And finally, we see that enduring suffering, at every level, for Christ’s sake, is evidence of someone possessing saving faith. i. Although our heart aches at the thought of our unbelieving loved ones hating us so much as to seek our demise because of our conformity to Christ – we can draw this little solace. ii. That suffering for the name of Jesus Christ is proof in itself that we have true faith. iii. And I see no limits here. No thresholds. iv. The nearest we can discover by historical record, shows that the Thessalonians were probably not being beaten or cast into prison. They were probably not being killed for their faith. But they were being ostracized, marginalized, and humiliated for their faith. v. They were being boxed out of their normal lives and cut off from their normal relations because they had received true faith. vi. And so, we need not seek our physical harm or death in order to have this evidence of true faith in our hearts. vii. But when others scoff at you, give you jeering looks, or roll their eyes at your fanatical love for Jesus – this my friends is evidence that you have true faith. Especially when you endure it and stay the course. g. These three evidences are not all there are – but they are all that are in the text and all we have time for this morning. If you desire more assurances and evidences, I suggest you read the book of 1 John and/or go back and listen to the sermon series I preached a few years ago on 1 John. 4.) [Slide 19] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God’s wrath is certain and that God’s wrath is already being poured out on unbelievers. a. Paul deals with two groups of people in this text. Two families. b. By birth he is related more closely to the second group, but by faith He is truly bound to the first. c. The first is the Thessalonian believers. Who are dear to him. Who he sees as family. d. The second are the unbelieving Jews who have rejected and killed their own Messiah and continued to oppose the gospel of Jesus Christ. e. On this second group he assures that they continue to fill up the cup of their sin and that the wrath due to them has been doled out unto the end. f. Let it be a warning to all who do not have true faith in Jesus – that because you cannot please God or be at peace with men – you are filling up the measure of your sins which will be poured out one day on your own head. g. God’s wrath will not be quenched as you endure the full weight of His righteous Justice upon you for your sins against Him, chief among them the rejection of His Son as your King and Savior. h. But not only will that justice be one day meted out to you. But even today – unbelievers are given over to their sin as an act of God’s wrath. i. Even today God’s wrath is being poured out on those who obstinately endure in unbelief. j. Indeed, the think tanks and echo chambers of ungodliness are permitted and cultivated by the hand of God’s wrath to allow the wisdom of men to continue to condemn themselves to His holy Justice. k. God never guarantees that you will have one more chance to believe. Indeed, He does the opposite. As your unbelief endures – your judgment increases. Day by day you succumb to his permissive hand to allow even more judgment to be heaped upon you. l. His wrath is not only the fire… it is the heat. It is not only the destruction, it is the calm before the storm too. m. As low tide must precede high tide – so God’s wrath that ends in a shout begins with a whisper. 5.) [Slide 20] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that it is loving to tolerate and accept faiths contrary to the gospel. a. What a foolish idea that has crept into our culture. b. Tolerance and acceptance has been equated with love. c. What a foolish thought. d. Is it loving to allow someone to walk off a cliff because they are sure they can fly? e. Is it loving to allow someone to drink antifreeze because they are sure it is Mountain Dew? f. Is it loving to allow someone to point a gun to their head because they are sure it isn’t loaded? g. NO! It is the opposite of loving. h. Yet we are to tolerate people believing in Allah, The Buddha, pagan gods, or even in themselves or no god at all? i. This is loving? No. It is not loving at all. j. But take heed all men… 6.) [Slide 21] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” The Lord Jesus Christ is the hope of nations. a. Why do the nations rage? Why do they plot in vain? b. The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against Yahweh and against His Son Jesus Christ. c. They say – There is no God. Let us break the cords of Christendom from us. Let us reject the fantasy of a risen Jesus who is God. Surely we are wise and can govern ourselves! d. But God in heaven laughs at their foolishness. He mocks them. e. When He speaks in His anger he terrifies them. f. He has warned them that He has installed His King in Zion on His Holy Mountain. g. For today He has begotten a Holy Son who will be given the nations as His inheritance. All the ends of the earth will be His possession. He will break the nations with a rod of iron and will shatter them like a clay pot. h. So now, oh kings and nations of the earth – if you want to show true wisdom… you should take this warning. i. Serve Yahweh with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son of God – Jesus Christ the Righteous One. j. If you do not, He will be full of wrath and you will perish in His wake. k. Take heed – His wrath may soon be ignited. l. But how blessed are all who take refuge in Him. m. He is the hope of nations. n. But now a question to you this morning. 7.) [Slide 22] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” Do you possess true faith in Jesus Christ? a. Oh dear sinner – today you have heard the gospel full of warnings and promises. You have heard of the wrath of God and the hope of the nations. b. What will you do? c. Take note of this my dear sinner. And do not delay. Seek the Lord Jesus to be Your Lord and to save you from the wrath to come. For He has already endured the fullness of God’s wrath for sinners d. Without Him, it is impossible to please God. You cannot stand before Him and claim anything to your credit – for nothing but faith and devotion to His Son will matter in the end. For indeed, it is His Son who will judge the nations. e. And He will do so by 1 standard… Is your name written in the book of life? f. Oh dear sinner… Do not delay. Pay homage to the Son – trust in Him alone…take refuge in Him alone… and know the blessing He brings. g. If you desire to have this Savior and Lord for yourself, please talk to me or an Elder of our church after the service. [Slide 23 (end)] Let me close with a word of prayer by the Reformer Balthasar Hubmaier – A man who was burned to death and his wife drowned for believing in the baptism of believers alone. Father, I believe in Jesus Christ, your only begotten Son, our Lord. And I believe that he for my sake has redeemed me before you for the fall. I believe he made peace between you and me, a poor sinner. I believe that by his obedience he obtained again for me the heirship that was lost. I see in his sent holy word that Christ has again given me power to become your child in faith. I hope in him and trust him wholly. He will not let the saving and comforting name of Jesus be lost on me, a miserable sinner. For I believe he is Christ-true God and man. He will redeem me from all my sins! It is in His name I pray this, Amen. Benediction: May He who is ris'n with healing in His wings, Who brings light and life to all, Who was born that man no more die; Restore to you the joy of your salvation and sustain you with a willing spirit. Until we meet again – Go in peace.