Rev. Benjamin Flores gives today’s sermon based on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24. Read the English translation below.
View this special service in Spanish in service in its entirety:
LAC Regional Missionary Conference 2025
Remember, Repent, REJOICE
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
In the name of ✠ Jesus. Amen.
And the text that we have today is taken from the season of Advent, and what is Advent? That time in which we remember how the whole church, in prayer and continuous clamor, is waiting for the return of its Lord, there in the manger it passed for the first time, but now we await its second advent. And we know that this is not something reserved only for the season of Advent, but that it is a daily reality since the ascension of Christ to the right hand of the Father.
St. Paul had this in mind when he wrote to his young church in Thessalonica, fearing that, after their repentant departure and constant persecutions, they might have pushed them to abandon the Gospel. But [Paul] was greatly surprised because he heard that, among them, the seed of the gospel had found good soil, and had also taken good root.
At the same time, St. Paul is aware that the world’s attacks on them for the sake of the Gospel will persist, they will be tormented, mistreated, and many will see death1. That is why he reminds them that the sword they need to endure this battle is precisely the Gospel itself. For they had learned how the gifts of Christ, the word and the sacraments, had led them from darkness and idolatry, to become Sons of light2. They heard and believed that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was also for them and so in Faith and by grace they received forgiveness and eternal salvation from this same Jesus.
This is a clear feature with our work in the mission field, that, among our missions, what we teach and preach can be the source and sustainment for their lives. Well, we know well that we all face the same reality. Sometimes we romanticize the work in the mission a lot, not everything always goes well. Let us remember, the enemy continually opposes the gospel, so from the beginning he has not ceased to put up obstacles, to do everything possible to snatch and destroy the word of God3. And we undoubtedly receive these blows, sometimes there are frustrations, discouragement, things that do not work, health problems, family situations, death.
That is also why Paul’s concern to know how they were in Thessalonica was really genuine, for he had such love for them that he was very happy when he heard that the word of God and the message of salvation in Christ had been well guarded among them. Words that not only taught, but mainly comforted their lives in the midst of everything that was happening.
But is this [Jesus] who called, rescued, and saved us, about to return? It was an important question in the face of what was happening in Thessalonica, and we are not far from asking ourselves this same question. St. Paul is clear in his answer: “For you know perfectly well that the day of the Lord will come, as a thief in the night.4“ So, as we look forward to the day, be attentive and steadfast in what you have learned and received from the Lord5.
Peter would very aptly say, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.6“ For there is no greater promise and comfort than that which we have received, in the light of Our Lord Jesus. For it was He who experienced not only the rejection of the world, but also the wrath of God the Father for our sins. He did not avoid suffering, but, out of love for us, offered Himself to be hung on the cross, His sacrifice and His glorious resurrection achieved victory over the devil and death itself, in Him we have the promise of forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
Brethren, persecution, suffering, rejection, death is what the devil, the world, and sin have caused from the beginning, contrary to this message, and this will not stop happening. But remember what you have received to get through every battle, and every temptation. For you also, like all the saints, have been brought by baptism from darkness to light, and have been made children of light. How much more then can we see so clearly how the sweet words and promises of God in Christ Jesus produce even in the midst of pain, peace and comfort.
This role of Paul planting churches reminded me of those conversations I had with Micah when he had to leave Togo because of the invasion of the Muslims. Or I imagine our Pastor Ted, waiting for reports: How are my missionaries, and their churches? But I also believe that we all share this same feeling: How are my brother pastors and their churches, in Panama, in Cuba, in Puerto Rico, in the Dominican Republic? Dear brothers and sisters, to be able to hear from you, to be able to see you once again, we can only rejoice, because we hear that, among you, in spite of all the difficult situations that the devil puts before you, the Gospel has been kept and proclaimed among you.
We cannot fail to rejoice and thank God because I can see how His love and mercy through His Holy Spirit, has been taking care of you, comforting and strengthening you, that He continues to do great things through you as instruments and that by grace we can witness the fruits that the proclamation of Christ crucified produces. in your lives and in those who listen to you.
I pray that love for each other and for each other will continue to grow. Take care of one another, call attention to the idle, encourage those who are discouraged, support those who are weak, be patient with everyone7, with each other and with others. Let us not cease to pray without ceasing, “Thy kingdom come, and His will be done,” do not grieve the Holy Spirit, do not cease to proclaim the saving Gospel, and seek to be cautious and shun all evil.
As I said, the road will not be easy, Luther wrote it very well in our minor catechism. “So, attention, pastors and preachers! Our office has now become something different from what it was under the Pope; Now it has become a serious and saving profession. Therefore, it now involves much more work and effort, dangers and trials. Also, he gets little reward and appreciation in the world. But Christ Himself will be our reward if we work faithfully [Genesis 15:1].8“
Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye shall weep and mourn, and the world shall rejoice; but though you are sad, your sorrow shall be turned into joy… You too now have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy… These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have affliction; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.9
The One who calls them is faithful and will fulfill all of these.
Amen.
Pastor Benjamin Flores
LCMS Alliance Missionary in Belize
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1) 1Thess 4:13 / 1Thess 2:14-15
2) 1Thess 5:5 / Rom 13:12 / Jn 12:36
3) Mt 13:19
4) 1Thess 5:2
5) 1Thess 4:2 / Jn 8:31
6) Jn 6:68
7) 1 Thess 5:14
8) Preface to the Small Catechism
9) John 16:20; 22; 33
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