Tag Archives: 1 Thessalonians 3

Sermon Outlines

Paul’s Care for the Church (1 Thessalonians 3:1-13)

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Paul's Care for the Church (1 Thessalonians 3:1-13)

(1 Thessalonians 3:1-13)

I. Paul’s concern for the young church (3:1-5)

    A. Persecution had forced Paul and Silas to leave the city (Acts 17:5-10)
    B. Timothy was sent back to comfort the afflicted (3:1-3)
    C. Preparation and comfort (3:4-5; 2 Timothy 3:12; John 15:19; 1 Peter 5:8; Galatians 4:11; Philippians 2:16)

II. Timothy’s good report (3:6-10)

    A. We can find encouragement in the faith of others (3:6-8; 1 Corinthians 15:58)
    B. Paul found joy in his brethren, even if they were not yet what they should be (3:9-10)

III. Paul’s prayer (3:11-13)

    A. Paul prayed that he could return to Thessalonica (3:11), and he did! (Acts 20:1ff)
    B. Paul prayed for an abundant increase in love (3:12)

      1. Toward each other (4:9-10; 1 John 2:9-11; 3:10-12, 16, 23; 4:7-11; 5:1-2)
      2. Toward all men (Luke 6:32-36; Galatians 6:10)

    C. The ultimate goal: appear blameless in holiness before God at Jesus’ coming (3:13)

Daily Devotional

Read the New Testament in a year, one chapter a day, five days a week

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Day 120/260: Read 1 Thessalonians 3

Is the Christian life easy? If you listen to some of the popular televangelists of today, you might think so. But the Scriptures paint a much different story.

Paul warned the brethren in Thessalonica that they would face difficulty in this life. “For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.”

Similarly, he wrote to Timothy, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).

This was not some new doctrine that Paul concocted. It was preached by the Lord Himself during His earthly ministry! “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake” (Matthew 5:10-11).

It should surprise no one when a person walks away from the faith if they were promised an easy life. Jesus doesn’t promise an easy life; rather He promises the tools to deal with the tough times when they come (Matthew 11:28-30).

Memory (Recite to a friend without looking)

Colossians 3:1. If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Pray

Pray for the guidance of God through the storms of life.