Mutual Encouragement

Introduction

Paul is writing this discourse to the Thessalonians from the city of Corinth after being drove from Thess, Bera, Athens and onto Corinth due to up rising. Further and Further away from his little baby christians. gives us some view of what happened. He sent Timothy to them to encourage and continue instructing them in the faith. Paul was fearful they had been pulled away from the faith and Paul was filled with fear and anxiety. VS 6 says BUT which is in contrast to vs 5

Timothy returns with Good news

Timothy has come from being with them and brought good news, (same word used for gospel) He may have used this wording to magnify the power of the gospel in the first place. The gospel is the reason the Thessalonians Christians are good new to Paul in the first place.

Their faith (standing fast in the Lord even though they were suffering afflictions and temptations from satan)

It is God who directs the direction of ministry

Their love- They loved Paul and wanted to see him just as much as he wanted to see them

Their faith and Love brought comfort to the apostle Paul and others. Even though Paul was also being afflicted and suffering. This GOOD news brought comfort to his anxieties.

2 Corinthians 11:28 ESV

And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.

vs 8 now we live, if you are standing fast, (since you are standing firm) . The verb stēkō is used repeatedly as a call for continued perseverance. The joyful life is affected by the lives of the other christians in Paul’s life.

2 corthinthians

It is God who directs the direction of ministry

How can he thank God enough for the joy that has been brought to his heart after this wonderful report regarding the Thessalonians- Faith in Jesus, steadiness in affliction and temptation, love for Paul and each other. Note here Paul’s thanks God for this fruit. Notice also the focus isn’t the affliction its the perseverance in-spite the affliction.

The verb stēkō is used repeatedly as a call for continued perseverance

Ministry is directed by God 10

Paul goes to God in prayer night and day

He prays earnestly, he stills desires to see them face to face and supply what may be lacking in their faith

He asks God to direct their way to them

Blameless in Holiness before God

Blameless in Holiness before God

Paul concludes his thanks giving and encouragement with a prayer. He says may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you. Stop for a moment and acknowledge the fact Jesus in placed in the same position as God the father. This means Jesus is God. It is only God who may direct the direction of human history.

He prays for them to increase and abound in love for each other and for all christians

He prays for their hearts to be Established, blameless in holiness before God who is omnipresent, omniscient. so now and when the Lord Jesus returns with all his people

Application

We as christians must understand our lives were designed by God to be shared with other people. We are the Body of Christ. We are his bride.

Our actions matter, we can have a positive affect on people or a negative affect. Look at this example in scripture, these christians brought great Joy to Paul who was one of their leaders.

This is God’s word, this means the example we have here also brought great Joy to GOD. The scripture reveals to us God’s nature, what pleases him and what displeases him. This mutual joy and encouragement brings God Joy.

Is the pattern of your life bringing joy to God, is the pattern bringing Joy to other Christians as they observe your faith and love?

Is there anyone one you are praying night and day for an opportunity to supply what is lacking in their faith?

Churches as built up and strengthened by standing firm in faith and love, or they are destroyed by superficial commitment and a hypocritical lifestyle. Are you part of building up and strengthening this church or destroying it?

Just as Paul prayed night and day, so should we. Join me in praying for you to be established in the faith, increasing and abounding in Love for God and others. In order to be blameless in holiness before God, you must first love God. Once you love God then you can love His people.

We need also to be more thankful for the victories in our lives and in our church. Please make a commitment to attend the weekly prayer meeting at least once a month. Our faith is demonstrated by action. Commit to being obedient to God, be part of building the church- not tearing it down.

4. We are a mutual encouragement to each other as we live out the christian life