Date: Sunday, February 5, 2017
Series Description:
The Thessalonians are commended for their faith, especially in the midst of opposition and tribulation. Paul is genuinely concerned about their spiritual growth and maturing, wanting them to “excel still more” in their faith and in their love for one another. Paul exhorts the Thessalonian believers to remain faithful, and continue to work diligently. These are the very things that we also should take to heart in the midst of the world we live in today.
Sermon Description: Paul continues with his prayer of thanksgiving for the Thessalonian believers. He already expressed in verses 2-3 of how he gave thanks to God as he continually remembered them in prayer for their diligence in following Christ. In verses 4-10, Paul takes delight in the fact that these Thessalonian believers are loved by God and are chosen by Him, and expounds upon their work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope that was made known to the people in that region and beyond.