Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• Are you burdened about something at the moment?
• The apostle Paul was not burdened by being single, about his finances, about persecution
• The apostle Paul was most burdened by the care of all the churches
• He planted churches in all sorts of places
• He loved these people dearly
• When the church was weak it seemed to break his heart
• When a church was walking with the Lord, he rejoiced greatly (2:19-20)
• How important is the church to you and me?
• Do we have a burden for the people of God?
• Do we rejoice when we see people walking with God?
• Do we have grief when we see the people of God walking at a distance?
• Example of John Knox

Genuine Faith

• He had a burden to see genuine faith in the people of God
• There is a difference between real saving faith and human faith
• Consider the parable of the three soils [parable of the sower] - three types of people
• The faith is not saving faith - it dies and withers
• There is the good ground prepared by the Lord
• Paul had only spent only a short time in Thessalonica
• 3 Sabbaths - 3 weeks
• He had to escape satanic persecution
• He was sent on to Berea
• Paul was really concerned for them
• Paul was concerned that they might have genuine faith
• He was concerned his labour might have been in vain (v5)
• He didn't rashly believe but waited to see genuine faith
• Phil 2:16
• He wanted to see a vibrant and living church
• Paul did not want false converts
• Is that our burden - to see genuine faith?
• Paul was concerned with temptation
• Where there is genuine faith, the tempter comes to destroy
• Often with a new convert
• Often with false teachers
• Such often followed Paul
• Often fierce temptations
• Paul knew that the devil was 'like a roaring lion, seeking whom he can devour'
• Paul would pray night and day for these believers
• Paul was concerned about persecution
• Persecution could shake them - (v3)
• He forewarned them so when it came they knew it was of the Lord
• That God would build their faith
• Paul was was concerned they stand fast (v8)
• Do we weep and cry the people of God ravaged by satanic activity or falling into sin?

Growing in Faith

• Establishing the church
• Paul is writing this letter from Corinth
• He talks about when he was in Athens (having fled from Thessalonica and Berea)
• He sends Timothy back to the Thessalonians
• He is prepared to be alone
• He wanted to hear news of them
• He wanted Timothy to teach them, establish them (v1-2)
• Minister, brother, fellow labourer (v2)
• Encouraging the church
• Not just to establish but to encourage them also in their faith (v2)
• Consider Philemon and Barnabas
• Praying for the church - night and day
• Paul breaks into prayer (v11-13)
• Satan hindering him to visit
• Paul did not address satan directly
• He called on God to address the situation
• He had to be patient - it took 5 more years before he returned to Thessalonica

A Deepening Love

• Paul's prayer is very instructive (v11-13)
• Two subjects: God and Jesus (v11)
• God is Father (we are His children)
• Jesus is Lord
• The unity of Father and Son
• That the people would increase and abound in love
• What is your first prayer and biggest desire for other Christians?
• Paul's biggest concern was that they would grow
• He had heard a good report about their love (1:3, 3:6) - yet he prayed that their love would increase
• We should pray that our love would increase (4:9)
• Oh that our love would overflow
• A mature church is characterised by love
• Doctrine is essential
• It is no good having truth without grace
• Contrast to a weak church
• Paul's prayer was answered quickly - 2 Thess 1:3
• We need to pray that our love would increase
• Paul affirmed that he loved them
• Through love they would be established in God
• With blameless hearts and holiness before God
• Paul's prayer is that they would be ready for the Second Coming

Real Fellowship

• His longing was to see them, to enjoy mutual fellowship (2:17)
• Example of Missionary Trip in Brazil
• Paul had such a love for this people
• A mutual desire to see each other (v6)
• Do you have a desire to see people in the fellowship that you previously met with?
• Paul always desired to be with the people of God
• Paul wanted to be of benefit to them (v10)
• He wanted to help new/young Christians
• We are all part of the body - our desire should be to help each other
• Do we feel a mutual dependence on our brothers and sisters?
• Do we spend time praying for them?
• Do we spend time with them?
• Paul was a thankful minister
• Our vision is to equip the church to reach out