Who Are the last Ones Standing?

1 Thes. 3:1-13

• for new believers, Thessalonians found life even harder
• 1 Thes 3:8; who ARE the last ones standing??
• standing firm in times of trial; but some cave in to the pressure…

Characteristics:

• those who get above the shock of having challengers from which they thought salvation might rescue them
  • “wait, isn’t life supposed to get easier after accepting Christ?”; get blindsided
  • v3; trials: Paul discusses unsettlement so we won’t “return” our faith to God (ie. reject our faith)
    • Paul says we are destined for affliction, persecution…
  • who do we run to in times of need?
    • Mr. Rogers-type (happy go-lucky, “everything will be fiiiiiiiiiiiiiine”) vs someone who has suffered much (realistic)?
      • spur one another on…
• those who make the right choice between temptation and trust
  • Satan’s great @ spiritual espionage; will pounce on those in weakened state (to break you down)
    • temptation to give up and fall
    • discouragement…
  • v6; convinced to give in to faith; in times of trial, the Good News of Jesus is for you
    • your life is still Jesus’ show; trust Him.
  • v10; need equipping!!
    • 2 Tim 3:16; discipleship, correct what is off track…
• those who are moved from self-taking to love giving
  • v12; love increase
    • The 1-2 Punch: faith & love
  • we have spiritual bi-polarism; the constant up’s and down’s…
  • something unbelievers can’t manufacture: love for all people
  • self-centered = weak
• those who God has made His holy ones
  • v13; strengthen your heart
  • causes you to be blameless in holiness; set apart
  • suffering = preparation, practice
  • Holy ones = angels, believers
    • Big Hope: one day will be all about God & The Holy Ones
  • your faith & love NOW must overflow to stand strong against the storm

He who loves his dream of community more than the Christian community itself becomes a destroyer of the latter, even though his personal intention may be ever so honest… God hates visionary dreaming.

– Bonhoffer