I Thessalonians

    II.  The Passionate Work     Chapter TWO

A.  Through Sufferings     Verses 1,2

     It just doesn't seem right that righteous servants should encounter rigorous sufferings!?  Paul mentions the previous sufferings they had encountered and the fact that they were even shamefully treated at Philippi.  So, we immediately learn that, even though we are actively engaged in the Kingdom work of God, we will definitely face opposition and obstacles in this world.  Job 14:1  John 16:33  Psalms 46:1   I feel like we do not need to enter a lengthy discussion on the fact of sufferings.  They are inevitable, inescapable and unavoidable!  Troubles will find the Christian and the non-Christian, the male or female, the rich or the poor, the educated or the uneducated, the young and the old, the spiritual and the carnal. It makes no difference to trouble who you are because sooner or later we will all be overtaken by sufferings.  Although this may not seem right, nevertheless, it is the factual truth about life. Notice however, what we have entitled these opening two verses:  THROUGH Sufferings.  Psalms 23:4   Yes, we will find ourselves in the valley of shadows but we must never forget that we are, with the company of our Shepard, passing through these sufferings.  Therefore, within these calamities, contentions and crisis' of life, may we never lose sight of the fact that we will be seen through them by our Lord.  This gives us confidence to continue forward and never look back!  In the past we will find lurking the very source of our pain but up ahead is the eternal alleviation of our pain!!  Which direction would you rather pursue?  That's exactly right, the only real direction for the Child of God is onward and upward!  Philippians 3:13  It is key that we learn to press onward, looking upward and realizing that our help is inward. God is with us!!  Isaiah 41:10  This fact gives us deep and abiding inner peace.  It is Divine peace that provides such assurance of heart to propel us forward through life.  The source of this propulsion is the very power of the Holy Spirit.  Peace and power are definitely needed to realize purpose in life. The greater the purpose the greater the power and determination is to be actively engaged in pursuing that purpose.  In Paul's case, his purpose was far more powerful than any opposition including sufferings.   

B.  With Sincerity    Verses 3-7

C.  By Sacrifice    Verses  8-11

D.  In Spirituality   Verses 12,13

E.  By Separation   Verses  14-17

F.  With Strength   Verse 18

G.  As Soul Winners   Verses 19,20   

         III.  The Prepared Way    Chapter THREE

A.   A Way of Affliction   Verses 1-4

B.  A Way of Assurance   Verses 5-8

C.  A Way of Affection   Verses 9-11

D.  A Way of Abundance   Verses 12, 13

 IV.  The Perpetual Walk   Chapter FOUR

A.  Growth in the Spirit of God    Verses 1-8 

B.  Grace from the Study of God   Verses 9-11

C.  Glory through the Strength of God     Verses 12-14

D.  Guaranteed by the Scriptures of God   Verses 15-18

  V.  The Persistent Watch   Chapter FIVE

A.  In Light   Verses 1-7

B. Through Life   Verses 8-10

C. By Labor   Verses 11-15

D. With Lessons   Verses 16-28