Route 66 1 & 2 Thessalonians The Lord's Return & Our Great Hope

The Commendation for Growth & Endurance 1:1-10; 2 Thes. 1:1-5,11-12; 3:1-5  

-  They labored by faith and love

-  They received the Word

-  They followed their leaders

-  They persevered through suffering – inspired by hope

-  They were an example to other churches

-  They were transformed by the Gospel

The Considerable Connection in the Church 1 Thes. 2:1-3:13

-  Paul was completely committed to them   1 Thes. 2:1-7

-  Paul was deeply connected to them   1 Thes. 2:8

-  Paul was greatly concerned for them  1 Thes. 2:17-20

-  Paul was challenging to them   1 Thes 2:10-12

The Challenge to Sexual Purity  Read 1 Thes. 4:1-8

-  It Pleases God

-  It’s Obedience to the Lord

-  It Glorifies God

-  It keeps us from God’s judgment

-  It fulfills God’s plan

-  It stops us from rejecting God’s Spirit

The Certainty About Those Who’ve Already Died 1 Thes. 4:13-18

-  Revelation:  We have God’s truth

-  Return:  Christ is coming again

-  Resurrection:  Christian who’ve died will rise

-  Rapture:  Living Christians will be caught up

-  Reunion:  All Christians Forever with the Lord

-  Reminder:  Encourage others with these words

The Call to Work & Live Diligently  1 Thes. 4:9-12; 2 Thes. 3:6-15

  -  Love each other

-  Don’t take advantage of each other

-  Work hard

-  Lead a quiet life

-  Take care of yourself – mind your own business

-  Stay away from those who don’t

The Certainty About the Lord’s Day  Read 1 Thes. 5:1-11

-  The Day is coming

-  The Day is unknown

-  The Day will be sudden

-  The Day requires us to be prepared, alert and sober

-  The Day reminds us that we must live for Him

The Confirmation of His Coming – 2 Thes. 2:1-17

-  Rebellion of mankind

-  The Lawless One or the Anti-Christ will be revealed

-  The Holy Spirit ceases to restrain evil

-  People will be deceived 

- Christ will return and destroy him   

- We are secure

- We must stand firm