From Thessalonians See Prepare to meet your God

From Thessalonians See “Prepare to meet your God！”

To Prepare ……… Because of expectancy！

What are you looking forward to？ A piece of cake right in front of your eyes？

OR … Waiting for His Son To descend from heaven！

Man’s problem：Our Passion for God is too weak — To be invited to a big banquet is a great honor to us, but joining praying meeting seems no big deal。We are elated when valued by certain people , but being accepted by God does not give us such joy。 Loss of respect from friends feels like a great shame to us, but loss of close fellowship with God doesn’t seem to matter。 《Finding God》p. 167 (paraphrase)

How the church should live in the days of the Lord’s imminent return！

Thessalonian Saints In Affliction A. Born in Tribulation

Thessalonian Saints In Affliction A. Born in Tribulation B. Growing in Persecution C. Living in Expectancy

Thessalonians – Main Message Points Session #1：Grow in spiritual quality by example and imitation Session #2：How the church can stand firm in afflictions Session #3： Church living while waiting for the Lord’s return

Grow in Spiritual Quality by Example and Imitation Ø Example and imitation I Thess. 1: 6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit. Ø Example, imitation in daily lives II Thess. 3: 7 For yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example. 。

Grow in Spiritual Quality by Example and Imitation Ø Manifest that we are chosen by God Ø I Thess. 1: 1 -4 Ø Build up 3 major spiritual qualities 1: 5 -10 Ø Work of faith —turned from idols Ø Labor of love—serve the living God Ø Steadfastness of hope—wait for His Son

Grow in Spiritual Quality by Example and Imitation Ø Manifest that we are chosen by God Ø Build up 3 major spiritual qualities 1: 5 -10 Ø Show self as a faithful servant Ø I Thess. 2: 1 -6 Manner、Message、Method ü Boldness in God 2: 2 ü Exhortation not from error、impurity、 deceit 2: 3 ü Speaking not to please men nor to seek glory from men 2: 6

Grow in Spiritual Quality by Example and Imitation Ø Care for with the heart of a father or mother Ø I Thess. 2: 7 -12 Ø Unhindered growth despite sufferings I Thess. 2: 13 -20 u Surround ourselves with the word of God。2: 13 * heard/received、accepted、performs/works u Endure hostility from enemy。2: 14 -16 u See the glory shining ahead。2: 17 -20 * Brothers and sisters standing firm is our crown of glory

Discipline Me No more just wanting to be free from earth’s bondage, Nor merely longing for heav’nly glory and joy, But Thy Church be the City shining as a lamp, And we be deemed worthy to go through fire for Thee, And at Thy victorious return, all Thy children Will then be our reward, glory, song, crown of joy.