Encouragement

Story/opening

talk about background of Paul’s journey to Thessalonica.

how Paul got to Philippi and the troubles he had that lead to his imprisonment - and results of faith for the jailer and his family

the background of Paul's time in Thessalonica - what he did, how long he spent and the trouble that followed him

Paul’s concerns

Paul is concerned about this new church, and he’s concerned about the rumors he is hearing about the difficulties they are going through so he sends Timothy to investigate and report back. its from this report, and his own memory of how it all began that he writes - from Corinth - to the church in Thessalonica.

a letter of encouragement. encouraging them to remain strong in their faith and grow in their pursuit of a godly life. As Paul encourages them - so is he encouraging us to do the same.

Problem

Encouragement is a vital part for life - they need it and we need it

with out it we can feel deflated/alone/perhaps even give up

with encouragement we feel lifted up/appreciated/conquer the world

danger in not using encouragement is that we can assume all is OK

Opportunity

Paul is making no assumptions here. he desperately wants to see this fellowship. the only way to encourage them at the moment is by letter.

Verse 1 - what a great way to start a letter. even though his time them was short, Paul affirms them by implying that they are no longer tied under the Greek mythology but are now embraced in the the family of the only living God.

then he says ‘I pray that God will be kind to you...’ kind as you transition/kind as you let go of the false culture/kind as you embrace this new and living way of life that has eternal rewards and will never die. and that God will not only be kind ‘ but give you peace’through it all

then he gives the ultimate encouragement - when we pray/when we talk to God we talk to Him about and thank Him for your faith. how the church began, the persecution, the breaking of culture ad traditional expectations. their faith is getting stronger despite all the conflicts/objections/distractions.

their eyes are still on Christ, because they have developed a love that pours out of their deepening faith. a love that says and shows - i do this/i say this because of Jesus/i’d rather give all that i have and even more if it would help someone else into the KOG.

Paul says we know this because of your firm hope in Jesus Christ

if someone said that to you - how would you feel

Reflection

someone once said ‘when we prayer with each other when we’re together we are affirming others faith, love, hope knowing that our good-news is a message of power in the Holy Spirit.

what would our fellowship look like if we followed that statement? affirming others faith/hope/love for God and others

what would it look like - if for a moment we encouraged each other for who they are in Christ?

take home

what is God calling you to do as you think about your brothers and sisters in this fellowship?