Growth in the Midst Adversity
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4 Growing Faith Abounding Love Enduring Patience
While We Wait
1 Thessalonians 5:16-28God wills for us to grow in holiness. Train your heart (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Test truth claims (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22). Trust God’s faithfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). Team with the brethren (1 Thessalonians 5:25-28).
Responsibility in the Church
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 3 Aspects of Responsibility in the Church The responsibility of the shepherds to the sheep The responsibility of the sheep to the shepherds The responsibility of the sheep to the sheep
The Day of the Lord
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Live Expectantly… We have been informed about the Lord’s intervention (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3). We are children of the day (1 Thessalonians 5:4-8). We are destined for salvation from God’s wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11).
Grieving with Hope
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 3 Reasons for hope: Hope in the Resurrection of Christ. Hope of the Return of Christ. Hope of the Reunion of the Saints. Assurances for believers in the midst of grief: We know where they are. We know who they are with. We know we will see them again.
Sanctified Living
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 Sanctification through Brotherly Love Sanctification through Christian Lifestyle The Christian Lifestyle is demonstrated through Quiet Living The Christian Lifestyle minds its own business The Christian Lifestyle works diligently Brotherly Love and Quiet Living result in new converts
Sanctified Sexuality
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 Sexual Sanctification: Abstain from sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3) Learn how to control your body (1 Thessalonians 4:4) Refrain from wronging others (1 Thessalonians 4:6) We must obey God’s instruction on sexuality. Because Christ will judge us for taking advantage of others (1 Thessalonians 4:6). Because God’s will for us is holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:7). Because we reject God when we reject His will (1 Thessalonians 4:8).
On Mission in the Midst of Affliction
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 Being on mission binds you together. Being on mission makes you a target. Being on mission prepares you for Jesus’ coming. Exhortation to stand firm (1 Thessalonians 3:1-3) Expectation of affliction (1 Thessalonians 3:4-5) Encouragement in their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:6-13)
Sturdy Faith
1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 Don’t let your faith be shaken… God has spoken (13) God is watching (14-16a) God is working (16b)a. Unperceived Wrathb. Visitation Wrathc. Tribulation Wrathd. Damnation Wrath
A Model for our Ministry
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 We desire to be a church that: Glorifies God Supremely Proclaims Jesus Boldly Teaches Biblically Focuses Missionally Gathers Intentionally Multiplies Locally and Globally