What is life all about! – 1 Thess 3:12-23

Theme:  There is a future hope for the church and the believer in the second coming of Christ.

Survey:  The church was founded by Paul on his second missionary journey.  It was composed of Christians, Jews and Greeks.  There was much persecution in the city and the church was suffering.  Someone had also said that the Lord Jesus Christ had come back; the church was also idle because of the loss of loved ones.  Paul wanted to unite the believers.  He wanted the church to know that Christ had not come and to give them teaching on the second coming.  He wanted them to watch and to have their hearts prepared for this great event.

1 Thessalonians  Emphasizes:

1.  Believers should not be discouraged over the loss of a loved one because they are

     Going to see them again.

2.  Do not be idle and do not return to the heathen voices.

3.  He encourages them to be in unity and to defend the faith.  Do not lose heart in the

     Midst of persecution.

4.  To exhort the church to be pure, full of brotherly love and daily walk for the Lord.

5.  To comfort and to encourage.  To be prepared for the advent of Christ and to give

     Scriptural teaching on the second coming.

6.  Orderly conduct in the assembly and daily life.

1 Thess 3:12-13 – What is Life all about?

1.       Having your love increase and overflow for each other.

2.       Loving everyone.  It must however be demonstrated first In the church.

3.       Strengthening all in their hearts.

4.       Living blameless.

5.       Living holy in the presence of God the Father.

6.       Continuing in this process until the Lord Jesus comes back with His holy ones.