Encouragement

II Thessalonians 1:1-12

Have you ever experienced a time when you were totally confused? Maybe when you are wakened from a deep sleep, or perhaps it is due to some medication that you have taken. It is a terrible feeling. Sometimes we are confused by wrong information; incorrect directions can create a state of confusion. It is frustrating and discouraging when we are trying to get somewhere.

Now, consider what it must be like to be confused spiritually. Perhaps having received incorrect instruction, but the result is similar. We can become discouraged and frustrated trying to figure out where to go and what to do. This is the condition of the believers in Thessalonica. Paul had established the local church there and had instructed them in how to live the Christian life. But there had been some folks who gave them misinformation. The people were confused.

Some believed that they were living in the time of tribulation; others believed that Christ's coming was so near that they quit their jobs and just sat around waiting on His return. This placed an additional burden on others within the church in caring for their physical needs. There was much confusion and frustration within this local church. So what did they need?

Paul had instructed them on how to live their lives in a manner that would be pleasing unto the Lord. He had given them everything they needed in order to abound in their walk. But like so many of us, they were not abounding…they were struggling. They needed encouragement!

I. The Encouragement of Praise. v1-4

II. The Encouragement of Promise. v5-10

III. The Encouragement of Prayer. v11-12

All of us need encouragement from time to time, but especially when we are going through some trials. We need to encourage one another.

Paul offered the believers in Thessalonica the encouragement of praise, promise, and prayers. What about us tonight? There are only two kinds of people here; those that need to be encouraged and those who need to be doing the encouraging! Which group are we in tonight?

(Heb 3:13) "But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."