(1 Thessalonians 2:13-20)

I. The effective Word of God (2:13)

A. The proper reception: “not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God”
B. God’s Word produces faith (Romans 10:17), possesses the power to save (Romans 1:16; James 1:21), leads to the new birth (1 Peter 1:22-23), sanctifies the believer (John 17:17)
C. Do we treasure the Word like Paul, like the church in Thessalonica, and like the inspired poet of Israel did? (Psalm 19:7-11)

II. The example of endurance in persecution (2:14-16)

A. We should be encouraged by the perseverance of our brethren (2:14)
B. The sins of the Jews summarized (2:15-16)
C. We must continue to boldly proclaim the gospel, regardless of what the government or the culture wants

III. The eager desire for fellowship (2:17-20)

A. Paul’s care and prayer for the church (2:17; 2 Corinthians 11:28; Colossians 2:5)
B. The opposition of Satan (2:18; 1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7)
C. What was Paul’s hope, joy, and crown of rejoicing? What is ours? (2:19-20; Matthew 6:19-21, 33; Col. 3:1-4)

(1 Thessalonians 2:1-12)

I. The example of the teacher

A. Perseverance in the face of persecution (2:1-2; cf. Acts 16)
B. Integrity of the delivery of the message (2:3)
C. With an eye to pleasing God, not man (2:4-6; cf. Colossians 3:22-25)

II. The embrace of a mother

A. Gentleness (2:7)
B. Sharing life as “dear” family members (2:8-9; cf. 1 Timothy 5:1-2)

III. The encouragement of a father

A. Paul’s behavior: devout, just, blameless (2:10; cf. 1 Peter 1:13-16)
B. Exhorting, comforting, and charging the church (2:11)
C. Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk! (2:12; cf. Ephesians 4:1-6)