Message Notes

MORNING WORSHIP 20 SEPTEMBER 2020
Text: 1 Thessalonians 3
Title: Growing an unshakeable Faith

INTRODUCTION

1. Commencement of Faith

a) Humble

b) Heartening

2. Continuing development of Faith

a) Healthy and strong

b) Hugely significant

A FAITH-FELLOWSHIP DEVELOPMENT

1. Followers of us (1 Thessalonians 1:6a)

a) The Thessalonians were impacted by the Gospel

b) They were impressed by the lifestyle of Paul and his team

2. The brotherhood of faith (1 Thessalonians 2:1, 17)

a) They were called “brothers”

b) There was a spirit of brotherhood formed

3. Wonderful words of appreciation (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)

a) Our hope

b) Our joy

c) Our crown of rejoicing

d) Our glory

TIMOTHY SENT TO CHECK ON THE FAITH OF THE THESSALONIANS

1. Timothy was happily described as:

a) Our brother

b) A minister of God

c) Our fellow-labourer in the Gospel of Christ (1 Thessalonians 3:2a)

2. The Mission of Timothy

a) To establish the Faith of the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 3:2b)

b) To encourage them concerning the Faith (1 Thessalonians 3:2c)

3. The Report of Timothy

a) Good news (1 Thessalonians 3:6a)

b) Good Fruit

i) Faith

ii) Love (1 Thessalonians 3:6b)

c) Good memories
“Good remembrance of us” (1 Thessalonians 3:6c)

d) Good desire

i) “Greatly desiring to see us”

ii) “And we of you” (1 Thessalonians 3:6d)

NATURAL RESPONSE

1. Comfort felt
“We were comforted concerning you by your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:7)

a) Divine Comfort

b) Human Comfort

2. Commendation for standing fast
“For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 3:8)

a) Encouragement received
b) Encouragement given

3. Thanksgiving
“For what thanks can we render to God” (1 Thessalonians 3:9a)

a) Heartfelt thanks

b) Happy thanks

4. Joy
“The joy with which we rejoice” (1 Thessalonians 3:9b)

a) Joy received

b) Joy regenerated

5. Prayer
“Night and day praying exceedingly” (1 Thessalonians 3:10a)

a) Drawn to prayer

b) Driven to prayer

6. Special things prayed for

a) Another visit to Thessalonica
“That we may see you” (1 Thessalonians 3:10b)

b) Further instruction
“And perfect what is lacking in your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:10c)

OUR CHALLENGE

1. To grow in our faith

a) Genuinely

b) Growing steadily

c) Growing despite difficult circumstances

d) Growing significantly

2. To cultivate an unshakeable faith

a) One that has been tested and proven

b) One that surpasses expectation

c) One that brings great joy to the heart

d) One that brings honour and glory to God