”How to Help One Another’s Faith” | 1 Thess 3:1-5 | Malcolm Cox

Introduction, v1
Paul’s emotional state because suffering mentioned 2:14ff
“We could stand it not longer”
What kinds of things make you say something like, “I can’t stand it any longer!”?
What are the things, as a Christian, that make you act because you can ‘stand it no longer’?

Faith gets stronger when we get upset

Faith gets stronger when we act
A. Sacrifice
Sending Timothy
Riots last time
Jealous Jews unlikely to be any less jealous
Travel; time; energy

B. Risk
What if it does not work / rejected?
Outcome uncertain
In the end this is our faith in action

Applications
Pray for one another
Take action to strengthen and encourage on another
Do so because of love, gently and with compassion
Do not charge in, but do not stand by and watch
Speak truth: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body.” (Ephesians 4:25 NIV11)

Conclusion, v5
We have an opponent
Not to be feared, but respected
Jesus cared and acted - personal sacrifice for us…..
“When God could stand it no longer…”

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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

God bless, Malcolm