Rejoicing with crowns

Paul was torn way (orphaned) brothers term of love. His family was torn apart. Family imagery. Departure was under duress. NIV says thought the lit is in heart

They longed eagerly with great desire (emotionally charged languages) He wanted the to know His absence was not a result of indifference. (The we wanted) his crew but the say I Paul with emesis.

They tried to return on several occasions with intense longing. He knew these Christians needed to be cared for and feed as spiritual children. He was hindered by satan.

Coming rewards

For what is our hope or Joy or crown of boasting retorical question. The fruit, Paul thanked God for in the Thessalonians produced Hope, and Joy in Paul. Paul did not run in vain. The mission was not empty 2:1 Hope was the Thessalonians would preserver

Paul knew the mission of his life. He was running the race for the crown. (wreath giving to athletes for winning a race)

Jesus coming, Paul knew Jesus will return and the race would be over. He knew Jesus will reward His people. Boasting (glorying)

Application

Sometimes circumstances will come to pass that are out of our control. Like being torn from away from people, a house, a job. How do you handle it? Paul was under duress for sure. His heart was with his baby church.

Paul loved these baby disciples of Christ. Do you love anyone in your life you are walking next too this much? Is your life shared with others.

Who hindered Paul? Did God? if God is in control over all things? Its clear who Paul placed the blame on. Satan not God. God permitted the circumstances but Satan worked through even men in macadonia. 1. Satan opposes you 2. Do you know this 3. How do you respond?

Perseverance is a mark of a maturing Christian. Paul tried again and again. He didn’t give up at the first sign of opposition.

He eventually had to go to plan B and send Timothy to them to establish what was lacking. A theme throughout this letter is Paul’s Joy. You see Paul trusted God to do what God does.

Do you? Paul didn’t get down and quite or blame God. Paul trusted God would protect the Thessalonians and produce fruit and work that he began in them. He says the same thing about the Philippians. Phill 1:6

We need to read the bible and do what it says. Let God do what God does when things are out of our control. Why was Paul giving the Thessalonians so much of the background story? He was combating the skeptics but also building their faith. Trials strengthen faith

vs 19 The hope Do you have hope and Joy in making disciples? In producing fruit for God as you submit to His will as Roman 12:2 says as a living sacrifice

Why did Paul have so much Joy, hope and why would Paul be boasting? Paul knew these people were lost on their way to hell, an eternal fire of God’s wrath. But the heard the glorious Gospel of Christ and turned from idols to serve the living God. The word boasting before the Lord is an arrogant bragging. The word is glorying in, rejoicing, so filled with spinning Joy because these people who were once in darkness were now children of light.

This is why we must be part of what God is doing. Saving souls from God’s wrath, being part of the work of Christ in the Gospel. The gospel continues to save and we get to be part of it.

Conclusion

Thing happen that are out of our control. How we respond will define your faith.

Satan opposes all that God is doing. We must not be ignorant to his schemes. Pray God will make you wise and discern satan at work. Fight him with faith and truth which is God’s word

Run the race to win the crown. Jesus is coming, time is short. Live you whole life for Him. Hear his call well done good and faithful servant. Love God and love people. You do this with actions.

Aim to have spiritual children, when Jesus comes will there be any spiritual Children there. Will you have cared and nurtured anyone in the faith. I hope so! I hope and pray you are being equipped to go into this world and make disciples. Be available and God will use you