Cultural Challenge Jn. 17: in the world but not of the world Rm. 12:1-2 - not conformed to the world Work Ethic – want more ~ do less 2 Thes. 3:10 - no work, no eat Church is to do the Lord’s Work 1 Cor. 15:58 – abounding in the work

Doctrinal Challenge Religious world “salvation by faith alone” Luther – overreacted to doctrine of works Rom. 1:16-17 “the just shall live by faith” ONLY

Bible Emphasis

“sounded forth” the word - 1 Thess. 1:8 “sounding out as a trumpet” Great Commission Matt. 28:18-20 Mark 16:15-16

A loved one has died Died in Christ “Therefore comfort one another with these words” 1 Thess. 4:18

1 Thess.5:14 “warn those who are unruly” Military - out of rank – walking disorderly Gal. 6:1 “restore such an one in the spirit of meekness”

1 Thess.5:14 “comfort the fainthearted” Discouraged in Christian life “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Gal. 6:10

1 Thess.5:11 “comfort each other and edify one another” Edify – keep on building each other up spiritually

“Recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief.” Hebrews 13:17

Labor for the Lord is not in vain - 1 Cor.15:58 Christian life is one of faith Working for the Lord is a privilege to be enjoyed

The service of Jesus true pleasure affords, In Him there is joy without an alloy; ’Tis Heaven to trust Him and rest on His words; It pays to serve Jesus each day. Refrain: It pays to serve Jesus, it pays every day, It pays every step of the way, Though the pathway to glory may sometimes be drear, You’ll be happy each step of the way.

Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga Sunday Morning February 16, 2014