Review of Thoughts & Themes of I Thessalonians

I Thess. 3:6-13 A Good Report (Message #7)

I. The Power of Faithful Lives (vs. 6-8)

• Paul was comforted by the report that Timothy brought back from the Thessalonians concerning their faith, love toward one another, and remembrance of those who had labored among them.
• The burdens of Paul seemed lighter when those under his spiritual watch care did well.
• The faithfulness of a young Christian can breathe life and vitality into a Christian who has labored long for the the Lord.

II. The Prayer of Fervid Leaders (vs. 9-11)

• The joy that Paul received from the good news concerning the Thessalonians only caused him to pray more fervently for God to let him return to Thessalonica.
• The reason for his desire to return was that he might perfect what was lacking in the faith of the Thessalonians.
• Paul knew that face to face teaching would be of great value to the believers in Thessalonica.
• Paul found great joy in teaching the Word of God to others.

III. The Purpose of Flourishing Love (vs. 12-13)

• True holiness is produced by an increased love for God and others.
• A growing love for God will continually deter me from doing things that displease Him.
• A growing love for others will continually deter me from doing things that hurt others.

I Thess. 4:1-12 The Will of God Concerning Sanctification (Preached on Sunday Morning Message # 8)

I. The Stated Will (vs. 1-4)

• Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to purge a born-again believer from the works of the flesh and to produce in the believer the fruit of the Spirit.
• We are saved for our good, but also for God's glory as we shew forth His praises.
• Salvation is only the beginning of what God intends to do in our lives.

II. The Sanctified Walk (vs. 9-12)

• The Christian life is a walk, not a sprint.
• Gal. 5:16-23 plainly describes the things that will be purged from us and the fruit that will be produced in us.
• We must honestly consider which describe our life more; works of the flesh or fruit of the Spirit.

III. The Spirit's Work (vs. 7-8)

• The spiritual manifestations of God's grace are not things we muster up in our own strength.
• Fruit is produced by the Vine.
• When a believer despises someone for challenging them to walk away from sin they are not despising the person, but God. (vs. 8)