1 Thessalonians 3

I. Timothy sent to strengthen the church. Vs. 1-10

A. Paul could not go to Thessalonica. Vs. 1

B. Paul would stay alone in Athens. Vs. 1

C. Timothy is sent to Thessalonica. Vs. 2

1. A brother in the faith. Vs. 2

2. A minister of God. Vs. 2

3. A fellow laborer in the Gospel of Christ. Vs. 2

D. Timothy would teach and comfort them concerning their faith. Vs. 2

E. Persecutions could weaken their faith if they were not taught in the Word of God. Vs. 3-4

F. They could be tempted by the tempter and have their faith weakened. Vs. 5

II. Timothy’s report to Paul. Vs. 6

A. Their faith was strong. Vs. 6

B. Their charity was generous. Vs. 6

C. They wanted Paul to come back. Vs. 6

III. Paul was strengthened by the church at Thessalonica. Vs. 7-10

A. Paul was comforted by their faith. Vs. 7

B. Paul could continue his missionary work as long as they were faithful in their faith. Vs. 8

C. Paul gave thanks to God for them. Vs. 9

D. Paul rejoiced because of them. Vs. 9

E. Paul prayed day and night that he could return to them. Vs. 10

IV. Prayer for the church. Vs. 11-13

A. That he would return to them. Vs. 11

B. That they would increase and abound in love one toward another and to all men. Vs. 12

C. That at the coming of Jesus they would be blameless and righteous. Vs. 13

D. Jesus will return with all his saints. Vs. 13