Introduction

• Acts 17:1-9 – Paul’s trip to Thessalonica. He seems to have written I and II Thessalonians to the church from Corinth soon after he had visited the Thessalonians.

“to strengthen and encourage you”

• I Thessalonians 3:1-5
• Paul was writing to strengthen and encourage them. This is so important for Christians. The weak Christians are the ones Satan targets the most. Every Christian in every congregation can benefit from encouragement.

“good news of your faith and love”

• I Thessalonians 3:6-8
• I Thessalonians 1:2-3 – Do we have the right attitude about praying for our brethren?
• I Thessalonians 2:17-20 – Paul was looking forward to seeing them at the judgment!
• II Corinthians 11:23-29 – What occupied Paul’s mind? What were his emotions like?
• Philippians 1:6-8 – Could I sincerely write this to someone?
• III John 1:4

“complete what is lacking in your faith”

• I Thessalonians 3:9-10 – Paul wanted their faith to be fully functional.
• Luke 6:40
• II Peter 1:5-11
• Luke 18:18-23 – Jesus challenges us to give up our most preferred sin.
• Completing our faith is about fixing the most difficult sins – not the ones that are easiest to avoid.
• Revelation 2:4-5 – God wants us to grow!