What Brings Praise and Thanksgiving to a Pastor?

SERIES: FELLOWSHIP OF THE SPIRIT’S SWORD

MESSAGE: What Brings Praise and Thanksgiving to a Pastor?

TEXT: 2 Thessalonians 1:1–4

DATE: November 12, 2023

MESSAGE BY: Pastor Tim Lewis

1. Their faith is growing. (V. 3a)

1. Their faith was tested and proven.
   (Rom. 5:3–5; 1 Thes. 3:10)

2. Their faith was genuine and evident.
   (Heb. 6:1; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 1:5–6, 3:18)

2. Their love was abounding. (V. 3b)
   (1 Thes. 3:12)

1. Faith exercised in suffering produces love. 
   (Gal. 5:6)

2. Love is how we interact with one another. 
   (Eph. 5:1–2; Col. 3:12–14; 1 John 4:16)

3. Their patience was increasing. (V. 4)

1. Trials in life bring perseverance.
   (Rom. 5:3; Job 5:17, 23:10; 2 Cor. 4:17; Heb. 12:11)

2. God uses the trials to grow us and to help us.
   (Rom. 5:4–5)

3. God never wastes suffering. 
   (James 1:1–4)

4. Their testimony was helping others. (V. 4a)

1. Your suffering with faith is a testimony to others.

2. Your strength and comfort from God helps you help others. (2 Cor. 1:4–5)