There’s great power in encouragement. * We’ve all encountered encouragers and discouragers. * While the discouragers drag us down, the encouragers lift us up. * Encouragers are the unsung heroes behind many accomplishments. * EX: The crowd at a sporting event. * A mother whose child is learning to walk. * A large gathering of believers (LifeLight).

Do you remember anyone who encouraged you? * Did it make a difference in your life? * I can remember some who were very discouraging, and others whom God seemed to send along at just the right time with a small dose of encouragement. * Some encouragement was heard. * Some encouragement came through what I saw and witnessed. * Some encouragement came directly from God’s intervening hand.

I want to be an encouragement to YOU! * You can make a difference in the life of another person. * Your words can encourage others. * People can learn from watching you. * They can see how you act and react. * You make the biggest difference when Jesus has made a difference in you. * It is possible because now God is working in you and He can work through you.

When We Stand Strong for God. * I. Others are Encouraged to Endure even in the Face of Suffering (Vv. 1-4). * II. It Demonstrates that God is Winning the War for Our Life (Vs. 5). * III. Our Faith Brings Great Joy to Fellow Believers (Vv. 6-10). * IV. God Honors Our Faith (Vv ).

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 (Page ) * 1 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 When we stand strong for God * 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 When we stand strong for God * 6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 When we stand strong for God * 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. * 11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 When we stand strong for God * 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. (NIV)

When we stand strong for God * I. Others are encouraged to endure even in the face of suffering (Vv. 1-4) * The Apostle Paul and his companions were facing trials. * Trials = thlipsis - primarily means “a pressing, pressure,” anything which burdens the spirit. —Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words * Paul didn’t want other believers to be “unsettled” because of their suffering.

Others are Encouraged to Endure Suffering * Unsettled = siano - to wag the tail of dogs —Strong's Greek & Hebrew Dictionary * Paul did not want the faith of other believers to waiver back and forth. * Could they trust God if even the leaders of the church were suffering? * Paul went on to state that “we were destined for them” (i.e. for trials). * God can use the trials of life as a part of His plan to grow you in your faith.

How God Uses Suffering: * To build character (James 1:2-4). * For perseverance (Romans 5:3-5). * Create sensitivity to others (2 Cor.1:3-4). * God may even use suffering to get your attention for you to rely upon Him. * Are you suffering? * Could it be that God wants you to trust Him with your pains and problems? * Are you willing to give it over to Him?

When we stand strong for God * I. Others are encouraged to endure even in the face of suffering (Vv. 1-4) * II. It demonstrates that God is winning the war for our life (Vs. 5). * The tempter (Satan) desires to destroy you. * God desires to develop you. * When trials come, you can be better or bitter. * Trials can weld you or cut you apart.

Is God winning the war in your life * Do trials cause you to grow closer to God? * OR have the difficulties of life caused you to dismiss God and to walk away from Him? * God is waiting for you to turn to Him. * Will you allow God to work? * Will you allow God to win? * EX: Dangerous Waters

When we stand strong for God * I. Others are encouraged to endure even in the face of suffering (Vv. 1-4) * II. It demonstrates that God is winning the war for our life (Vs. 5). * III. Our faith brings joy to fellow believers (Vv. 6-10). * When you follow Jesus, it is an incredible encouragement to other believers. * You inspire them to even greater depths of service for the Savior.

Bringing Joy to Other Believers * Vs. 6a “But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love.” * Vs. 7b “... We were encouraged about you because of your faith.” * Vs. 8 “For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.” * Vs. 9 “How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you.”

Bringing Joy to Other Believers * Is your walk of faith bringing joy to others? * Do others get exciting about following Jesus because of your faith? * EX: The Missing Lamps * If this is your first Sunday back to church for a while, please know that you have been missed. * God wants you to fellowship with others. * We want to fellowship with you. * You light up your area with your presence.

When we stand strong for God * I. Others are encouraged to endure even in the face of suffering (Vv. 1-4) * II. It demonstrates that God is winning the war for our life (Vs. 5). * III. Our faith brings joy to fellow believers (Vv. 6-10). * IV. God honors our faith (Vv ). * When we draw closer to God, He draws closer to us. * God will strengthen you in your faith.

God honors our faith. * Vs. 12 – Your love will increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else. * Vs. 13 – God will strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy. * Will you allow God to work in your life? * Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart? Will you let Him come in today? * Spend time with God, enjoying His presence. * Video: Coffee for Dad