Body: Thessalonians
(living together)

scripture: 1 Thess. 1:6-10

preface: By what authority did Paul teach these things? 1 Thess. 4:1-3a,8; 2 Thess. 3:6,12

introduction: We must be united in our work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope (1 Thess. 1:3).  Note that all three are active not passive.  See 1 Thess. 2:12, 3:8, 4:1

I. We must be united in our work of faith (1 Thess. 1:3) (with POWER 2-1:11)
   A. 1-2:3 exhort not from error, impurity or deceit
      1. 2-2:10-12
   B. 1-2:4 not pleasing men, but God
   C. 1-2:5 not with flattering speech
      1. 2-2:13-15
   D. 1-2:5 not with pretext of greed
   E. 1-2:6 not to seek glory from men
   F. 1-2:13 accept the word of God's message for what it really is: Word of God that PERFORMS ITS WORK in you who believe
   G. 2-1:3 their faith was greatly enlarged

II. We must be united in our labor of love (1 Thess. 1:3)
   A. 1-3:6 think kindly of each other
   B. 1-3:6 long to see each other
   C. 1-3:10 pray to see your face and complete what is lacking in your faith
   D. 1-4:9-12 love the brethren
      1. PRACTICE
      2. EXCELL
   E. 1-4:3-7 be morally upright
   F. 1-4:11 lead a quiet life
   G. 1-4:11 attend to your own business
   H. 1-4:11 work with your hands
      1. 2-3:6-8,10-13
   I. 1-4:12 behave properly toward outsiders
   J. 1-4:12 not  be in need
   K. 1-3:12 may the LORD CAUSE you to INCREASE and ABOUND in love for one another, and for all men
   L. 2-1:3 their love toward one another grew even greater

III. We must be united in our steadfastness of hope (1 Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 2:1-12)
   A. 1-4:13-18 all will rise again
      1. Christ rose again
      2. the dead in Christ will rise
      3. all will meet in the air
      4. comfort each other with these words
   B. 1-5:1-11 as to times and epochs...
      1. evil will lose (2-1:6-9)
      2. good will triumph (2-1:10)
      3. we must be with the good (2-1:11-12)
   C. 1-4:14 GOD will bring with Him

   D. 2-2:16-17 our LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF and GOD OUR FATHER, who HAS loved us and GIVEN us eternal comfort and good hope by grace.

conclusion: 1-5:12-28 live together, practicing these (1-5:23 GOD will santify)

this week: list something good about each member of the congregation

invitation: What is your faith?  What is your love?  What is your hope?  Do you believe in Jesus as the son of God?  Do you love God enough to keep His commandments?  Is your hope in the resurection?  If your answer to the first two is "Yes" but your reply to the third in "No," why not come and make the answer to all three "Yes" while we stand and sing.