STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

Strength in Numbers

Series: “The Gathering” part 2

Sunday, September 13, 2021

Dr. Chris Vaught, Sr. Pastor

1 Thessalonians 2: 1-19

1. We are STRONGER TOGETHER – 

vs. 1-2— For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our visit with you was not without result. On the contrary, after we had previously suffered and were treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition.

2. We Strengthen One Another by…

 vs. 3-12— For our exhortation didn’t come from error or impurity or an intent to deceive. Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts. For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy motives —God is our witness — and we didn’t seek glory from people, either from you or from others. Although we could have been a burden as Christ’s apostles, instead we were gentle among you, as a nurse nurtures her own children. We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you remember our labor and hardship, brothers and sisters. Working night and day so that we would not burden any of you, we preached God’s gospel to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how devoutly, righteously, and blamelessly we conducted ourselves with you believers. As you know, like a father with his own children, we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

      a. We LOVE with PURE MOVTIVES – vs. 3-8

      b. Like a mother, we offer SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT– vs. 7-8

                 i. MILK – (1 Peter 2:2)

              ii. MEAT – (1 Corinthians 3: 1-4; Hebrews 5: 11-14)

            iii. BREAD – (Matthew 4:4)

            iv. HONEY – (Psalm 119: 103)

     c. Like a father, we lead with TENDER CARE – vs. 8-14

            i. We LABOR for one another

           ii. We set the EXAMPLE for one another

          iii. We MOTIVATE one another

           iv. We SACRIFICE for one another

The Big Take-Away:

      Our crowning achievement is presenting one another to Jesus  HEALTHY and HOLY !  vs. 14-19

1 Thessalonians 2: 14-19— This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is, the word of God, which also works effectively in you who believe. For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, since you have also suffered the same things from people of your own country, just as they did from the Jews who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us. They displease God and are hostile to everyone, by keeping us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. As a result, they are constantly filling up their sins to the limit, and wrath has overtaken them at last. But as for us, brothers and sisters, after we were forced to leave you for a short time (in person, not in heart), we greatly desired and made every effort to return and see you face to face. So we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you? Indeed you are our glory and joy!

We strengthen one another to IMITATE Jesus, ENDURE for Jesus and REJOICE in the presence of Jesus!

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If you are ready to receive Jesus as Savior and make Him the Lord of your life, just pray something like this:

Jesus, I’m giving up control of my life.  Please forgive me of my sins and take control. I ask You to be the Lord of my life. I believe You died for my sins, rose from the dead, and are coming back someday. I want to live my life for You. Thank You for giving me another chance to make things right.  AMEN

If you prayed that prayer, please text the word “NEXT” to 573-340-4037.