S2: 1 Thessalonians | Teaching Class - Chapter 3vv1-5 | How to Strengthen Faith

1. Faith gets stronger when we get upset2. Faith gets stronger when we actIntroduction, v1Paul’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’?1. Faith gets stronger when we get upset2. Faith gets stronger when we actA. SacrificeSending TimothyRiots last timeJealous Jews unlikely to be any less jealousTravel; time; energyB. RiskWhat if it does not work / rejected?Outcome uncertainIn the end this is our faith in actionApplicationsPray for one anotherTake action to strengthen and encourage on anotherDo so because of love, gently and with compassionDo not charge in, but do not stand by and watchSpeak 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, v5We have an opponent Not to be feared, but respectedJesus cared and acted - personal sacrifice for us…..“When God could stand it no longer…”Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm