He is Coming! 1 Thessalonians 2

Intro

spending the summer in Thessalonians

last week

short time in the city, yet the gospel had a major impact

though persecution comes, hold on to your hope

Jesus will return and the hardship will end

chapter 2, persecution isn’t ending, but hold on the memory of their time together

Next: Chapter 2

1 Thessalonians 2:1–12 ESV

For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

Follow Paul’s Example

Sounds like Paul spent a lifetime with the church

Anyone who has gone of 4th musketeer knows you don’t need a lot of time to make lifelong bond

make the most of the time you have

Paul’s example; holy blameless, righteous, caring, encouraging, comforting, and charging

who’s example are you following?

who are you setting an example for?

set for the next section of chapter 2...

1 Thessalonians 2:13–16 ESV

And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!

Persecution isn’t New, but is Expected

persecution major theme

as long as people have stood for truth, there has been persecution

prophets were killed, Jesus was killed

hold on to and live by all of God’s word, not just the parts that tickle our ears

people will live by their own truths, not THE truth

judgment is coming, but when...

1 Thessalonians 2:17–20 ESV

But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.

What Will You be Proud of Before Christ?

vision books want you to think of your tombstone

Paul is thinking about standing before Christ

Paul is proud of what was accomplished in Thessalonica

For me, starts with, “Well done, good and faithful servant”

My family, the church and minstry we did

only going to happen if we live for it, work for it

don’t settle for just getting in, but aim high

Let’s Pray