Goodbye?
Speaker: Brian Tung
Date: 27th April 2014
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13
00:00:00 --> 00:00:03 Good morning. It's an absolute privilege to be here this morning,
00:00:04 --> 00:00:09 let alone seeing Adam and Brenda and Benjamin and their family.
00:00:10 --> 00:00:16 I remember very clearly the time when Adam became a follower of Jesus.
00:00:18 --> 00:00:21 It was through an Introducing God course.
00:00:21 --> 00:00:23 His cousin brought him along.
00:00:23 --> 00:00:32 And it's one of those things that really make ministry that sort of delight and joy.
00:00:32 --> 00:00:38 So I'm really, really happy to be here to be sharing this with you.
00:00:40 --> 00:00:44 As Steve mentioned, this is going to be our last Sunday here.
00:00:45 --> 00:00:49 And I have to say out front, I'm terrible at saying goodbye.
00:00:50 --> 00:00:51 Really, really terrible. I hate it.
00:00:51 --> 00:00:54 I don't know what to say and how to say it.
00:00:55 --> 00:00:58 I'm told again and again that I'm emotionally stunted.
00:01:00 --> 00:01:03 Not just terrible at expressing it.
00:01:04 --> 00:01:08 My daughter says when I want to cry, I can't cry, so I just look angry.
00:01:09 --> 00:01:12 So if I look angry today, it's because I'm trying to cry.
00:01:15 --> 00:01:17 But I do feel something.
00:01:17 --> 00:01:29 I've chosen to share from 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 to chapter 3 because it expresses emotions in a way that I wish I could.
00:01:31 --> 00:01:34 But it's also about separation and grief.
00:01:35 --> 00:01:40 It's written by a pastor to people who are a deed to him that he's been ministering to.
00:01:40 --> 00:01:48 And most importantly, I think the passage gives us a perspective that's sort of beyond ourselves.
00:01:50 --> 00:01:58 Not just my perspective or your perspective, but God's perspective on things like separation and grief.
00:01:58 --> 00:02:08 And it is my prayer and hope that we will both be learning from this something of great value and lasting value.
00:02:09 --> 00:02:13 And above all, that we would give glory to God that he alone is worthy.
00:02:13 --> 00:02:17 As we begin, will you join me in prayer?
00:02:20 --> 00:02:24 Gracious and loving Heavenly Father, thank you for your word.
00:02:24 --> 00:02:29 That is more than just the word of men, but word that can give life.
00:02:29 --> 00:02:36 And I pray especially that you might save me from saying things just to please men.
00:02:37 --> 00:02:44 And for us as well too, that you might save us from just hearing things that simply please us.
00:02:44 --> 00:02:50 That I may speak and that we may hear that which is pleasing to you only.
00:02:50 --> 00:02:53 You who alone knows our hearts.
00:02:54 --> 00:02:55 And we pray this in Jesus' name.
00:02:56 --> 00:02:56 Amen.
00:02:56 --> 00:02:56 Amen.
00:02:57 --> 00:03:00 So this is a little bit weird for me as well too, preaching in English.
00:03:00 --> 00:03:03 So I've got to get used to that.
00:03:05 --> 00:03:13 Just by way of background, very quickly, the Thessalonians is sort of located in modern-day Turkey.
00:03:13 --> 00:03:22 The church that this letter was addressed to is a tiny little church and very young, but very vibrant.
00:03:22 --> 00:03:26 Known for their faith, their hope and their love.
00:03:27 --> 00:03:30 Known in the sense that other churches were copying them.
00:03:30 --> 00:03:36 And yet, it's a church that is very needy and vulnerable.
00:03:37 --> 00:03:42 It's only been in existence for a few months by the time Paul was writing to them.
00:03:42 --> 00:03:45 Paul himself planted that church.
00:03:45 --> 00:03:54 And he's been with them only for a few weeks before he was suddenly and violently forced out.
00:03:54 --> 00:04:03 The church, as I mentioned, as far as we could tell, was quite a small church, possibly only 40 or 50 people.
00:04:03 --> 00:04:09 You can imagine they had no building to meet in or permanent building.
00:04:09 --> 00:04:11 They had no governance structure.
00:04:11 --> 00:04:12 There was no parish council.
00:04:13 --> 00:04:13 There was no budget.
00:04:14 --> 00:04:15 There was no support, no recognition.
00:04:15 --> 00:04:21 In fact, Christianity itself was a foreign thing to the city.
00:04:22 --> 00:04:28 What they had instead was hostility and suspicion and afflictions.
00:04:29 --> 00:04:33 So you could sort of picture the situation that they were in.
00:04:33 --> 00:04:41 There's no guarantee, in fact, very high likelihood that they would not survive for a young church.
00:04:41 --> 00:04:46 But what they did have as well, too, was in Paul, a very impressive pastor.
00:04:47 --> 00:04:52 I just want to make it very clear in choosing in this passage, I'm not claiming to be Paul.
00:04:53 --> 00:04:59 I wish I was even one-tenth the man that he was to his church.
00:04:59 --> 00:05:05 He was deeply committed to his flock, apparently at great personal cost.
00:05:05 --> 00:05:07 He labored for them night and day.
00:05:07 --> 00:05:09 He prayed for them night and day.
00:05:09 --> 00:05:14 They were all he could think about all the time.
00:05:15 --> 00:05:19 For we find out today that the church wasn't just a job to him.
00:05:20 --> 00:05:21 They weren't just clients.
00:05:21 --> 00:05:24 They were as dear to him as his children.
00:05:26 --> 00:05:30 Circumstances were such that he had to lead them very suddenly, very unexpectedly.
00:05:32 --> 00:05:36 And although he wished to, they may not see each other again.
00:05:36 --> 00:05:48 So our passage begin today by Paul making very clear that although they have been separated physically face to face,
00:05:48 --> 00:05:52 they have never left his heart and his mind.
00:05:53 --> 00:05:58 If you're following in your Bible, he says that in verses 17 and 18.
00:05:58 --> 00:05:59 Let me read that to you.
00:05:59 --> 00:06:29 Paul says,
00:06:29 --> 00:06:39 Paul continues to have the Thessalonians in his thinking, in his prayers and in his plans.
00:06:39 --> 00:06:43 He used very strong words when he says this.
00:06:43 --> 00:06:48 He longs to see them, but it hasn't been possible.
00:06:48 --> 00:06:54 That is the nature of our world, of our age.
00:06:55 --> 00:06:57 It is one of separation.
00:06:57 --> 00:07:00 For social reasons, we separate.
00:07:01 --> 00:07:08 For economic necessity, as we change jobs, sometimes even within the church, there is disagreement.
00:07:08 --> 00:07:14 And sometimes we separate because life just got busy or get busy.
00:07:15 --> 00:07:17 Circumstances change.
00:07:17 --> 00:07:18 Maybe it's sickness.
00:07:18 --> 00:07:25 But ultimately, of course, in this age and in this world, we are ultimately separated by death.
00:07:25 --> 00:07:41 Although, Paul says, they're separated by distance, and no doubt both Paul and the Thessalonians would have other relationships and people that they must now focus their attention on,
00:07:41 --> 00:07:46 they remained in each other's thinking, particularly for Paul.
00:07:46 --> 00:07:50 And this is the aspect of the relationship that I want to draw your attention to.
00:07:51 --> 00:07:59 There is a dimension in the relationship that I think we can learn from today.
00:07:59 --> 00:08:03 And we can read it in verses 19 and 20.
00:08:04 --> 00:08:06 Why does Paul want to see them?
00:08:06 --> 00:08:08 Why does he long to see them?
00:08:08 --> 00:08:10 He says in verse 19,
00:08:10 --> 00:08:16 What is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming?
00:08:18 --> 00:08:19 Is it not you?
00:08:19 --> 00:08:22 For you are our glory and joy.
00:08:24 --> 00:08:25 Paul says,
00:08:25 --> 00:08:26 You are you.
00:08:26 --> 00:08:31 This is a follower of Jesus, an apostle of the Lord Jesus.
00:08:32 --> 00:08:34 Not Jesus, not God.
00:08:34 --> 00:08:39 You are our hope, our glory, our crown of boasting.
00:08:39 --> 00:08:40 That's what you are.
00:08:41 --> 00:08:44 You represent to me what life is all about.
00:08:45 --> 00:08:52 It's already more remarkable when you remember that they had only known each other for a very short time.
00:08:52 --> 00:09:00 For what they have, this dimension of their relationship is a gift.
00:09:02 --> 00:09:04 It is a gift from God.
00:09:05 --> 00:09:09 Like all our relationship in the Lord Jesus Christ.
00:09:10 --> 00:09:15 They were brought together, not by accident, not by fate.
00:09:15 --> 00:09:19 They did not choose one another.
00:09:20 --> 00:09:27 What they have together was planned by God before the beginning of the world.
00:09:27 --> 00:09:32 God had brought them together in the Lord Jesus.
00:09:32 --> 00:09:40 And as we read the New Testament, we see that that is how God has planned things.
00:09:40 --> 00:09:48 This is how he's gone about saving the world, making a kingdom, making a people holy and fit for him and his world.
00:09:48 --> 00:09:51 He pulled together all sorts of people.
00:09:53 --> 00:09:55 Smart people, not so smart people.
00:09:56 --> 00:09:59 Sociable people, not so sociable people.
00:09:59 --> 00:10:09 And he patiently and he mercifully and he graciously make something of this people.
00:10:10 --> 00:10:18 What he doesn't do is to preselect people who have an aptitude to get along well and enjoy the same things.
00:10:20 --> 00:10:27 I'm sort of stunned, always, by what we have.
00:10:27 --> 00:10:30 What Christians have.
00:10:31 --> 00:10:36 For our relationship is so unnatural.
00:10:40 --> 00:10:45 We are not brought together as people who have something in common.
00:10:46 --> 00:10:47 Except the Lord Jesus Christ.
00:10:48 --> 00:10:51 Our relationship is supernatural.
00:10:51 --> 00:10:51 Supernatural.
00:10:54 --> 00:10:58 Supernatural not because our relationship exceeds our expectations.
00:11:00 --> 00:11:11 For if you have belonged to a church for any period of time, you know that church experience often is the opposite of our expectations.
00:11:11 --> 00:11:22 And I am certain, perhaps less so in this congregation, because I spend more time with the other congregation, that I have disappointed many expectations.
00:11:24 --> 00:11:32 Our relationship is supernatural because it is completely other than and outside our expectations.
00:11:34 --> 00:11:35 God has brought us together.
00:11:35 --> 00:11:38 You and I relate to one another through Jesus.
00:11:38 --> 00:11:40 You relate to one another through Jesus.
00:11:41 --> 00:11:45 This also means that nothing can take us apart.
00:11:48 --> 00:11:49 Not even distance.
00:11:51 --> 00:11:52 Not even forgetfulness.
00:11:53 --> 00:11:54 Not even dementia.
00:11:55 --> 00:11:56 Not even death.
00:11:56 --> 00:11:57 Not even death.
00:11:57 --> 00:11:58 Not even death.
00:11:58 --> 00:12:00 For God will bring us home.
00:12:01 --> 00:12:01 Together.
00:12:03 --> 00:12:07 In fact, what Paul says, this is the other dimension of this relationship.
00:12:07 --> 00:12:14 What we have is the only thing that will survive into eternity.
00:12:16 --> 00:12:25 Really, one thing that tests the quality of things in this world of friendship is time.
00:12:26 --> 00:12:27 And we know that.
00:12:28 --> 00:12:33 My oldest daughter is completely distraught about moving from the area because she has to leave behind all her friends.
00:12:34 --> 00:12:41 And I don't want to question the quality of her friendships or her friends' commitment to her.
00:12:42 --> 00:12:46 But my wife and I often say to her, well, we'll see.
00:12:46 --> 00:12:53 You know, when you move, after a few months, after a few years, you will know who your real friends are.
00:12:54 --> 00:13:00 And in this world, the thing that will test the quality of things is time.
00:13:00 --> 00:13:17 And all the things that we spend our time and energy and our life investing into, you know, wealth, security, reputation, happiness, friendship.
00:13:17 --> 00:13:26 I wonder if you ever consider how many of those things will survive into the future.
00:13:27 --> 00:13:31 Or maybe you don't care because, you know, you won't survive into the future.
00:13:31 --> 00:13:41 Well, when Jesus returns and Paul will stand before him, he posed the question, well, what will remain?
00:13:42 --> 00:13:44 What will stand the test of time?
00:13:44 --> 00:13:53 What thing of value in his life would he have before God's throne on the last day?
00:13:53 --> 00:13:56 What will be his crowning glory?
00:13:56 --> 00:14:02 The thing that he will boast in and be most proud of, that he will show to his Lord?
00:14:02 --> 00:14:06 The thing that he has to show for his life's work.
00:14:09 --> 00:14:10 What would be yours?
00:14:14 --> 00:14:19 Paul understands that it is them, the Thessalonians.
00:14:19 --> 00:14:25 This is why the Thessalonians is what life is about for Paul.
00:14:28 --> 00:14:30 He invests in them.
00:14:31 --> 00:14:42 His ambition for them is for each and every single one of them to turn to God from the idols to serve the true and living God.
00:14:42 --> 00:14:59 He wants, more than anything else, for his brothers and sisters to reach the end that the gospel has started.
00:15:00 --> 00:15:09 And he wants to reach the end with them, together with them, rejoicing in the relationship that has brought them there.
00:15:09 --> 00:15:20 Again, as I think about my last four or five years here in St. Paul's and then the nine years that I've been in Chastwood,
00:15:21 --> 00:15:24 I ask myself, well, what is my crowning glory?
00:15:24 --> 00:15:27 What do I have to show for my nine years in Chastwood?
00:15:27 --> 00:15:41 What would I have left in the future, you know, when I stand before the Lord and to account for this period in my life?
00:15:43 --> 00:15:45 Paul would say it is you.
00:15:47 --> 00:15:48 Hopefully.
00:15:48 --> 00:15:53 You are my glory.
00:15:54 --> 00:15:55 You are my hope.
00:15:55 --> 00:15:57 You are my crown of boasting.
00:15:59 --> 00:16:07 And at that time, the significance of our work, the labor of our hands in this life, will be all to see.
00:16:09 --> 00:16:09 Conclusion.
00:16:09 --> 00:16:09 Conclusion.
00:16:10 --> 00:16:17 I think, as I was thinking about this morning, I actually think ministers are the luckiest people in the world.
00:16:18 --> 00:16:19 Luckiest.
00:16:20 --> 00:16:22 But as Christians, we don't believe in luck, so.
00:16:24 --> 00:16:25 The most blessed people.
00:16:27 --> 00:16:30 I think Christians are the luckiest people in the world.
00:16:31 --> 00:16:33 For what can stand the test of time?
00:16:33 --> 00:16:39 The economic downturns or the market corrections.
00:16:41 --> 00:16:48 In a moment, in a day, all that we have given our life to can be taken away.
00:16:50 --> 00:16:55 A careless or insensitive word, as we know, can destroy a friendship.
00:16:57 --> 00:16:59 Or perhaps even a marriage.
00:16:59 --> 00:17:08 But what we have, the Bible assures us, will stand the test of time.
00:17:09 --> 00:17:11 For this is something that is created by God.
00:17:12 --> 00:17:13 Maintained by God.
00:17:14 --> 00:17:16 Given to us by God.
00:17:17 --> 00:17:17 As a gift.
00:17:18 --> 00:17:22 It is one thing of value that cannot diminish or fade.
00:17:23 --> 00:17:28 In fact, will grow and flourish over time.
00:17:29 --> 00:17:38 And God uses every step, every moment, every situation, everyone along in our journey.
00:17:39 --> 00:17:42 To bring us to that final goal.
00:17:42 --> 00:17:52 It is, I think, something worth investing your life into.
00:17:54 --> 00:17:55 I don't know.
00:17:55 --> 00:17:56 I don't know all of you.
00:17:56 --> 00:17:59 Some of you may not have this.
00:18:01 --> 00:18:04 Some of you might have been investing your life into something else.
00:18:05 --> 00:18:07 Or too busy to think about it.
00:18:07 --> 00:18:13 But let me suggest to you, if what Paul is claiming is true, and I believe it is true because of Jesus,
00:18:14 --> 00:18:18 it is something worth for you to look into.
00:18:18 --> 00:18:23 For everybody else.
00:18:24 --> 00:18:25 Well, for everyone.
00:18:26 --> 00:18:29 I want to thank God for you.
00:18:29 --> 00:18:34 For entrusting yourselves to me.
00:18:34 --> 00:18:35 To my care.
00:18:37 --> 00:18:38 Unworthy as I am.
00:18:39 --> 00:18:44 For I am conscious, as all the ministers in this church and everywhere of the gospel are.
00:18:45 --> 00:18:53 Of the many others who are more gifted, more passionate, more gentle, more intelligent, more humble, and more godly than I am.
00:18:53 --> 00:18:56 Thank you for bearing with me and being patient with me.
00:18:57 --> 00:18:59 Giving as much as receiving.
00:19:00 --> 00:19:02 I want to thank God for you.
00:19:02 --> 00:19:03 For the things that I have learned.
00:19:04 --> 00:19:06 For the joy that I have experienced.
00:19:06 --> 00:19:07 That you have brought for me.
00:19:08 --> 00:19:09 For the work that we have done together.
00:19:11 --> 00:19:15 And I do look forward to the day when we stand before our Lord Jesus Christ rejoicing.
00:19:16 --> 00:19:18 For the season that we have had together.
00:19:18 --> 00:19:21 For the relationship that has brought us there.
00:19:21 --> 00:19:24 Paul would go on to say.
00:19:25 --> 00:19:26 He cannot thank God enough.
00:19:27 --> 00:19:29 When he hears the good news.
00:19:29 --> 00:19:32 Of their patient enduring in faith.
00:19:33 --> 00:19:34 There is never a time.
00:19:35 --> 00:19:35 He says.
00:19:36 --> 00:19:37 That I can thank God enough.
00:19:38 --> 00:19:39 For the Thessalonians.
00:19:40 --> 00:19:42 And I feel the same way.
00:19:43 --> 00:19:46 As I see the evidence of your faith and hope and love.
00:19:48 --> 00:19:50 It brings joy and hope.
00:19:51 --> 00:19:54 And it spur on my own faith.
00:19:54 --> 00:19:57 And thank you for making me part of this church.
00:19:57 --> 00:19:59 We might be apart for a little while.
00:20:00 --> 00:20:01 But one day.
00:20:02 --> 00:20:03 We will be together.
00:20:04 --> 00:20:05 In the meantime.
00:20:06 --> 00:20:08 There is still a race to be run.
00:20:08 --> 00:20:09 There is work to be done.
00:20:10 --> 00:20:12 And there is a city to be won.
00:20:12 --> 00:20:13 For the Lord Jesus Christ.
00:20:14 --> 00:20:15 His love to proclaim.
00:20:16 --> 00:20:17 You see when Paul wrote these things.
00:20:17 --> 00:20:21 He is not just articulating his emotions to these people.
00:20:21 --> 00:20:21 Although he was.
00:20:23 --> 00:20:25 He is encouraging them.
00:20:25 --> 00:20:27 He is expressing his love.
00:20:28 --> 00:20:32 So that they can follow his example.
00:20:32 --> 00:20:35 They are to imitate him.
00:20:37 --> 00:20:40 And I want more than anything else.
00:20:40 --> 00:20:42 For you to follow Paul's example of love.
00:20:42 --> 00:20:48 This supernatural love.
00:20:48 --> 00:20:55 I am the pastor of the Chinese congregation.
00:20:56 --> 00:21:00 So I am particularly emotional about them.
00:21:00 --> 00:21:05 It feels much more strongly.
00:21:05 --> 00:21:08 That I am almost like a parent.
00:21:08 --> 00:21:09 Leaving behind a child.
00:21:10 --> 00:21:11 Or children.
00:21:12 --> 00:21:14 Let me encourage you.
00:21:14 --> 00:21:15 Exhort you.
00:21:15 --> 00:21:16 Passionately.
00:21:16 --> 00:21:18 Call upon you.
00:21:18 --> 00:21:18 This congregation.
00:21:19 --> 00:21:19 To love them.
00:21:21 --> 00:21:23 With this sort of love.
00:21:25 --> 00:21:25 You know.
00:21:25 --> 00:21:26 Make it your life.
00:21:26 --> 00:21:27 Life ends.
00:21:27 --> 00:21:28 I mean love one another too.
00:21:29 --> 00:21:30 But love them.
00:21:34 --> 00:21:35 Make it your life ambition.
00:21:37 --> 00:21:39 To stand with them.
00:21:39 --> 00:21:40 Pray for them.
00:21:40 --> 00:21:41 Help them grow.
00:21:43 --> 00:21:44 Don't condescend to them.
00:21:45 --> 00:21:47 Treat them as fellow sons and daughters.
00:21:48 --> 00:21:51 Take responsibility for their well-being.
00:21:52 --> 00:21:54 And love the whole of Chesswood.
00:21:54 --> 00:22:00 There is a city who does not know the Lord Jesus Christ.
00:22:01 --> 00:22:02 I am sure that you do.
00:22:05 --> 00:22:06 In the meantime.
00:22:07 --> 00:22:09 I will entrust you to our great God in prayer.
00:22:10 --> 00:22:13 And I pray that you will entrust me as well too.
00:22:14 --> 00:22:17 And may the Lord who make your love increase and overflow for each other.
00:22:18 --> 00:22:19 And for everyone else.
00:22:19 --> 00:22:21 May he strengthen your heart.
00:22:21 --> 00:22:24 So that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God.
00:22:25 --> 00:22:26 And Father when our Lord Jesus comes.
00:22:27 --> 00:22:29 With all his holy ones.
00:22:30 --> 00:22:30 Amen.
00:22:30 --> 00:22:30 Amen.