Bible Readings:
Matthew 13:1-23
2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Sermon Outline:
2 Thessalonians 1:1–5 (NKJV)
1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,
4so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure,
5which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;
I Christian/Spiritual growth
Heb. 11
4 By faith Abel
5 By faith Enoch
7 By faith Noah
8 By faith Abraham
11 By faith Sarah
20 By faith Isaac
21 By faith Jacob
22 By faith Joseph
23 By faith Moses
31 By faith the harlot Rahab
Hebrews 12:1–3 (NKJV)
1Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
II Perseverance in hardship and persecution
III Assurance/Confirmation
1 Peter 4:14 (NKJV)
14If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
Matthew 5:11–12 (NKJV)
11“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
12Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.