Excel Still More
Mac begins by reading two familiar passages from 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11 and Hebrews 10, highlighting the similarities between them, specifically the themes of faith, hope, and love. He emphasizes the significance of the Lord's return being a foundational truth relevant to both new and seasoned believers.
Mac emphasizes the foundational truths of faith, hope, love, and salvation being applicable to everyone. He uses the example of Peter's call to follow Jesus, both at the beginning and end of his ministry, to illustrate the simplicity of God's foundational truths. He further stresses the importance of keeping the Lord's return in mind as a motivator and source of encouragement during difficult times.
Mac then provides historical context for the letters to the Thessalonians, explaining the challenges faced by early believers in Thessalonica, including persecution. He compares the persecution faced by the Thessalonians to the challenges faced by believers today, highlighting the relevance of the letters' message of encouragement and comfort. Mac transitions to focus on the first exhortation, which emphasizes personal relationship with the Lord. He highlights the importance of personal sanctification and resisting complacency, urging believers to "excel still more" in their walk with God. He emphasizes the need to stay alert, watchful, and sober, both spiritually and morally, while living in light of the Lord's return.
Outline:
- The Importance of Foundational Truths (Faith, Hope, Love, The Lord's Return)
- Historical Context of the Letters to the Thessalonians
- The First Exhortation: Personal Relationship with the Lord
- Excel Still More in Your Walk with God
- Stay Alert, Watchful, and Sober
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
