Date: 12 Nov 2002
Time: 00:15:53
I'd like to use this passage to talk about the difference between flattery and encouragement. I think I'm on the right track that honest encouragement seeks to affirm what someone has done well, whereas flattery may or may not be true and is done for the flatterer's gain. Any thoughts? Rich in Bama
Date: 12 Nov 2002
Time: 07:56:35
Yes, Rich,
Sounds like a faithful track to follow with this text.
Michelle
Date: 12 Nov 2002
Time: 09:41:53
Rich,
I think the contrast between encouragement and flattery is very interesting. I think you've got some good things to say about the differences. I like them. I would add that encouragement also reminds people of the hope, purpose, and potential they have in Christ. However, do you think that encouragement alone is the main thrust of the passage? I would respectfully encourage you to also look at the reason why Paul is saying that the Thessalonians ought to be encouraging one another.
Other things that have jumped out at me from this passage is the contrast between "sleeping" and being "awake", being in the darkness vs. being in light, both in relation to the Second Coming. How do people "sleep" in regards to the Second Coming? What does our being awake look like? It seems to me that this being "awake" is not simply passive alertness, but active as evidenced by the accompanying instruction in v8 to "put on" specific armor. It has to do with consciously having certain attitudes.
EB in KY
Date: 13 Nov 2002
Time: 20:13:48
EB: True. Christians should stand firm and be encouraged as the Day of the Lord approaches. But rather than breathlessly saying, "Come now, Lord Jesus!" they instead say, "Wait a minute! Not now! I still have too much living left to do." We are, as Keith Green writes, "Asleep in the light." PastorBuzz in Tennessee
Date: 15 Nov 2002
Time: 16:12:00
Combine this with the Judges passage and Matthew on the talents and you have a humdinger of a sermon on prophecy (Deborah leading the people of Israel out of slavery into 40 years of peace, Matthew: Who God is to you), and taking risks (Matthew: investing talents; Thessalonians:putting on the armor of faith and the helmet of hope of salvation). R in Ontario
Date: 16 Nov 2002
Time: 00:23:05
Thanks for the comments and "encouragement". Your suggestions are well-taken and have provided some valuable insights that will help me with the message.--
Rich in Bama