Text(s): 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; 3:7-8, 12-13 NIV
In the Last Days:
- People will grow colder. (Matthew 24:12 NLT)
- Truth will be twisted. (1 Timothy 4:1 NLT)
- Faith will be tested. (Matthew 24:9-10 NLT)
How will we live for Jesus until He returns?
1. Speak Boldly: Declare Christ even when it costs you.
1 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results.
2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 NIV
Boldness doesn’t mean you’re never afraid.
It means your conviction is bigger than your fear.
2. Live Purely: Live to honor God, not to please people.
3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.
4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.
5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.
6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 NIV
The biggest danger to your faith is living for the approval of people.
3. Love Deeply: We don’t just share the gospel; we share our lives.
7 Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children,
8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 NIV
4. Endure Faithfully: Stand firm when the pressure is greatest.
7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 3:7-8 NIV
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:13 NIV
12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 NIV