Encouragement For Believers 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 Read Text 17 Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again. 18 We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. 19 After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joy. A quick reminder of the events surronding His return.

Review Philippi – Prison Thessalonica – Riots, Driven out of town Berea – Success, until Jews from Thessalonica showed up to create havoc Athens – The Unknown God, small response Corinth – Thessalonians letter written after Timothy returns from visit to Thessalonica, reporting on the situation there, finally some encouragement

Thessalonica

Why Write? To express his delight at their steadfastness To encourage them to press on To establish his apostolic authority To correct sinful practices that were apparent To instruct them about the future regarding Christ’s return

Outline Review Why Write Paul’s desire to return Paul’s Joy Timothy’s mission and report Paul’s satisfaction Paul’s prayer

Paul’s Desire To Return He loved them as his little children 17 Mother, Father, Orphaned, in person not in thought (Phillips) Intense longing = lust

Satan Hindered Him Paul knew that Satan really existed Paul knew that Satan always opposes the work of God We don’t know how Paul was hindered, but we can be sure that Satan has not stopped his insidious activity in our lives. 18 Completely ignored in our culture. Very active God exploits Satan and uses the hindrance as a reason to inspire this important letter for us to grow by

Paul’s Joy His hope of reward at the Judgment Seat A crown of rejoicing His glory and joy… At Christ’s coming Crown of righteousness, life, glory. First mention of this important subject.

Outline of the End Times Rapture Judgement Seat of Christ Marriage Supper of the Lamb Christ returns with Church Great White Throne Satan in Pit Lake of Fire New Heaven and New Earth 7 years 1000 years Tribulation 7 Seals 7 Trumpets 7 Vials The Millennium The Church Age Outline of the End Times

Your Faith and Timothy’s Mission Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens, and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through 3:1-10 Great concern, wanted them strengthened and encouraged. We want this for all of you. We pray weekly for this. Paul was deeply concerned to the point of willing to be abandoned (alone) so they could be refreshed

Troubles But you know that we are destined for such troubles. Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come— and they did, as you well know. Prove the reality of our faith Now able to comfort others Develop the grace of endurance Vs 4 Suffering is part of the Christian life. Romans 5:3 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Troubles “It is the ever present temptation to swap loyalty to Christ for personal comfort, to by-pass the cross in pursuit of the crown” William MacDonald

Timothy’s Report They were standing true in their faith They were displaying the love of Christ 1 John 4:19 WE love because He first loved us Vs 5 & 6

Paul’s Satisfaction So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. Vs 7-10 great encouragement, it gives new life, like a cup of cold water on a scorching day, Great joy

Paul’s Prayer Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith. May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon.  And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen. There are always gaps in our faith need teaching and discipleship