Now We Live

I. Be Encouraged by Spiritual Faithfulness (vv. 6-9)

What encourages you? (polls, money, sports, health?) Paul was encouraged by spiritual fruit: the Thessalonians' faith and love.

“For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?” (1 Thess. 2:19-20)

Paul had endured a hard stretch:

• Shamefully treated in Philippi (1 Thess. 2:2)
• Driven out of Thessalonica after weeks
• Forced from Berea when opposition followed
• Limited response in Athens; sent Timothy back to check on the churches (3:1-5)
• Arrived in Corinth weak and fearful (1 Cor. 2:3; Acts 18:1-5)

Just when he felt like a failure, news of the Thessalonians’ steadfastness lifted him.

Application: Are you spiritually invested in others the way Paul was? Can you say, “Now I live, if you are standing fast in the Lord”?

II. Encourage Others Toward Spiritual Faithfulness (vv. 10-13)

Paul prayed night and day that he might see them and supply what was lacking in their faith. He longed to build them up.

The marks of a life changed by Jesus, a spiritually faithful life, are the same triad that runs through the letter:

• Faith — new foundation. Jesus is the center. Saving faith works (James 2).
• Love — new lifestyle. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples” (John 13:35).
• Hope — new direction. Eyes on the coming of Christ; living for eternity (Col. 3:1-4).

Supporting threads: 1 Thess. 1:3; 5:8; 1 Cor. 13:13; 1 Pet. 1:21-22; Col. 1:4-5.

Application: Who are you encouraging toward spiritual faithfulness? Who will look more like Jesus in six months because of you?

Conclusion

What are you living for?
What truly encourages your heart?
Are you being an encouragement to others?

Homework: Hebrews 10:19-25 — Read, Reflect, Respond, Rest.