How To Have A Spirit Of Power Amidst A Perverse, Distracting, And Intimidating World

Speaker: Toby Soechting

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 

INTRODUCTION:

1. In order to feel more positive about one’s life, one must first, be right with God, and second, be useful  for his neighbor’s sake (Mt. 22:39). 
2. There is great power in knowing that one’s labor  is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).
3. Making a difference  for others, makes a difference  for you!

DISCUSSION:  WE HAVE GREAT POWER WHEN WE --
I. INCREASE IN OUR LOVE OF OUR BRETHREN (vv. 9-10).

1. “Brotherly love” is a spiritual barometer of sorts.
2. “Love never fails” (1 Cor. 13:8).

II. ASPIRE TO LIVE A QUIET LIFE (v. 11).

1. “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life” (NIV).
2. Some need to hurry up and be quiet!
3. This is to be done in the context of persecution!

III. ARE READY TO WORK (v. 12).

1. From the beginning (cf. Gen. 3:17-19), work has been an important part of the solution for the curse of sin and death.
2. “And let our people also learn  to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful” (Titus 3:14).

IV. CONDUCT OURSELVES PROPERLY WITH THOSE OUTSIDE (v. 12).

1. If we have not love, unity, and empathy we have little chance of converting others.
2. Actions speaks louder than words (cf. James 1:22-25).

Conclusion:  Without Christ, it is impossible to approach life with a sense of power.  With Him, all things are possible.  

How To Have A Spirit Of Power