INTRODUCTION

1. The Faith of the Thessalonians

a) A genuine faith

b) A growing faith

c) A great faith

2. The Means to cultivate such an outstanding faith

a) God’s part

i) Through salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ

ii) Through the Spirit of God

iii) Through the Word of God

b) The part of God’s servants

i) The Apostles

ii) The pastors/ teachers

iii) Their lives

c) The part of the individual

i) Faith, Love, Hope

ii) Patience, Perseverance, Endurance

iii) Seeking to be established in the faith

 

THE PRACTICAL CHALLENGES OF LIFE

1. Disorderly brethren 2 Thessalonians 3:6-11

a) They do not work 2 Thessalonians 3:11b

b) They are busybodies 2 Thessalonians 3:11c

2. Dealing with such brethren

a) Withdraw from such brethren 2 Thessalonians 3:6

b) Remember good examples (Paul) 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9

3. The kind of admonishment to be given

a) Not as an enemy 2 Thessalonians 3:13a

b) But as a brother 2 Thessalonians 3:13b

 

CONFIDENCE OF STANDING FAST IN THE LORD

1. Confidence defined

a) Persuaded (Past)

i) Persuasion in the Lord

ii) Definite and deep

b) Persuaded (Present)

i) Certain

ii) Clear

2. Confidence expressed 2 Thessalonians 3:4

a) Spoken out-loud

b) Shared openly

3. Established Faith 2 Thessalonians 3:3

a) God will establish

b) God will guard

 

EVERY ENCOURAGEMENT TO STAND FAST

1. Not to grow weary in doing good 2 Thessalonians 3:13

a) All too easy to grow weary

b) Loss of spiritual sight

c) Loss of energy

2. The Peace of God 2 Thessalonians 3:16

a) Always

i) In the here and now

ii) In the future

b) In every way

i) Heart

ii) Mind

iii) Spirit

 

CONCLUSION

1. Our faith in the Lord

a) Genuine

b) Great

2. Our challenge to cultivate this faith in the Lord

a) Personal

b) As a Church

3. Features hoped for

a) An outstanding faith

b) A faith that reaches out to many

c) A faith that will bring glory to the Lord