Paul Needed Friends…and So Do We

Paul Needed Friends…and So Do We
I Thessalonians 3:1-13  |  Pastor Terry Wilcox

Paul was “A man of steel and velvet”

1. His effort to strengthen their faith and encourage their hearts – I Thessalonians 3:1-4
   ”Encourage” is translation of the Greek “parakeleo” which was used by Jesus John 14:16
   I Thessalonians 3:1-2 alludes to Paul’s “velvet”

   I Thessalonians 3:3-4 – Is it a burden or a cross?
   John 16:33
   Romans 8:28

2. Paul’s primary concern was for his friends’ spiritual well-being – I Thessalonians 3:5-8
   Beware of the tempter – Matthew 4:3; Genesis 3; Acts 5:3; I Peter 5:8; James 1:13-15
   Their faith was visible
3. Their joy was his joy – I Thessalonians 3:9-10
   God is the source and sustainer of life in the Christian community.
4. Paul’s prayer for his friends – I Thessalonians 3:11-13
   Prayer pulls Christians together.
   In I Thessalonians 3:11 the Greek word for “direct” is singular (so what?).
   I Thessalonians 3:12 the Greek “agape” is self-sacrificing love.
   In scripture the “heart” is reference to our capacity to think, feel, and make decisions.
   Holiness is to be set apart by God for His service.
   It is to live our lives so as to reflect God’s glory, rather than conforming to the ways of the world.
   Romans 12:1-2

Personal Notes