Doug Schorle 02-20-2022 // The Hope for the Persecuted Church; 1 Thessalonians 2:14-3:13

As Paul continues his letter to the church in Thessalonica, he calls to mind the sufferings this young church endured at the hands of their own countrymen, just as the churches in Judea suffered at the hands of their Jewish kinsmen.  Because of such suffering, Paul feared this young church might fall away.  This deep concern caused him to send Timothy from Athens into Thessalonica to see how they fared.  And the news coming from this church couldn't give Paul any more joy.  Rather than faltering, this church was vibrant and thriving; an example to the churches in Greece.

Paul, in his letter, also answers his critics.  In today's lesson we see what appears to be a charge that he was insincere in regards to his concern for this church.  Paul's response gives us three lessons for the believer today:

1. The Destiny of the Believer
2. The Duty of the Believer
3. And the Hope of the Believer

Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  May you be encouraged through the teaching of God's Word.