Bible Readings:
Acts 19:1-22; 20:1-6
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13
Sermon Outline:
1 Thessalonians 2:17–20 (NKJV)
17But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.
18Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.
19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
20For you are our glory and joy.
I A yearning heart
1 Thessalonians 3:1–5 (NKJV)
1Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone,
2and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,
3that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.
4For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.
5For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.
II On bended knees
1 Thessalonians 2:18 (NKJV)
18Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.
1 Thessalonians 3:5 (NKJV)
5For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.
III Specific things Paul prayed for
1 Thessalonians 3:9–10 (NKJV)
9For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God,
10night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith?
1 Thessalonians 2:19 (NKJV)
19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
1 Thessalonians 3:12–13 (NKJV)
12And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you,
13so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.