2010-02-14
1 Thessalonians: The Fire in Thessalonica
Steve Lane

A. Introduction/Review
Paul came through Thessalonica on his second missionary journey, around 50 A.D.
Faith, love and hope.
Don't live in the grey zone.
Motive and method of being a model.
A glimpse into the ministry of Paul. He was like a mother, a father and a friend.
But we must also share the gospel and our lives as well.
God's Word, friendship, growth in love and faith, prayer, eternal focus, spiritual warfare.
Something was happening with these people and this church.
(See 1 Thessalonians 1: 2 - 10)

B. The Word of God and Faith
(1 Thessalonians 2: 13)
Prayer, Word of God, relationship, yet looking to God and His Word -- not man.
We have this red-hot fire of a church with embers flying out and starting other fires.
Are you praying that for this church? Paul, Silas and Timothy were praying earnestly.
Is the Word of God changing you in the way it changed them?

C. Persecuting and Spiritual Warfare
(1 Thessalonians 2: 14 - 16)

Paul told them it would not be easy -- that it would be a ferocious spiritual battle.

Satan could do nothing to put out the power of the gospel, but...
1 Thessalonians 5: 8
The faith, love and hope also protected them from the assaults of the enemy.

D. God-centered friendships
(1 Thessalonians 2: 17 - 18)

Paul had the perfect mix of temporal and eternal in his friendships.
Philippians 2: 19 - 21 Paul had genuine, heartfelt love, but a rightly focused friendship.
Not trying to pull more out of any relationship than God intended.

E. Eternally Focused Friendship
(1 Thessalonians 2: 19 - 20)

Where our works are evaluated - not judgment of sin - not condemnation.
1 John 2: 28
Paul feels this will be a time of joy and victory for them and him together.
2 Corinthians 5: 10

F. God-focused, Heartfelt Friendship
(1 Thessalonians 3: 1 - 2)

G. Trials, Persecution and Spiritual Warfare
(1 Thessalonians 3: 3 - 5)

H. Paul, Silas and Timothy Encouraged by their Continued Growth in Faith and Love
(1 Thessalonians 3: 6 - 7)

Selfishness is the opposite of love.

I. Eternally Focused and Looking Forward to that Day
(1 Thessalonians 3: 9)

J. Earnest Prayer for the Body
(1 Thessalonians 3: 10)

K. Friendship, Overflowing Love of Christ, Living with Eternity in View
(1 Thessalonians 3: 11 - 13)

When Jesus shows up: parousia

L. Conclusion

This church was on fire and spreading - they were believing God's Word.

Will you live by faith? Will you:
Read, pray, meditate, apply faith, obey ==> Fruit