The First Epistle To The Thessalonians - Executable Outlines

INTRODUCTION
Paul’s Concern For His Brethren
1 Thessalonians 3:1-10
1. It is evident from this epistle that Paul loved his brethren...
a. In their presence, he treated them like a nursing mother and exhorted them like a caring father
- 1 Th 2:7,11
b. When absent from them, he longed to see them time and again - 1 Th 2:17-18
2. His concern for them is also evident as we continue our study of this epistle...
a. As we notice his anxiety over their faith - 1 Th 3:1-5
b. As we read of his joy in hearing of their steadfastness - 1 Th 3:6-10
3. What of our concern for one another? Are we troubled at all over the spiritual welfare of our
brethren?
[As we take a closer look at “Paul’s Concern For His Brethren”, perhaps there are things to be
learned that will ensure we have a proper concern for one another as well...]
I. PAUL’S CONCERN FOR HIS BRETHREN
Mark A. Copeland
A. IMPLIED BY HIS ANXIETY...
1. Paul was concerned about how they were holding up under tribulation - 1 Th 3:1-4
a. He did not want them to be shaken by them
b. He had even warned them when he was still with them
2. Paul was concerned about their faith - 1 Th 3:5
a. He was afraid that the tempter (Satan) might have tempted them
b. He was fearful that his labor might have been in vain
1) A concern expressed for churches in Galatia - Ga 2:2; 4:11
2) A concern expressed for brethren at Philippi - Ph 2:16
-- Note: if the doctrine “once saved, always saved” were true, why did Paul worry?
B. INSINUATED BY HIS HELP...
1. He sent Timothy, at expense to himself - 1 Ti 3:1-2
a. It meant being left in Athens alone
b. It meant being without the aid of a brother, a minister of God and fellow laborer in the
gospel of Christ
2. He sent Timothy for two reasons - 1 Ti 3:2,5
a. To establish and encourage them in their faith
b. To learn of the condition of their faith
-- Note again: if the doctrine “once saved, always saved” were true, why the need to hinder
the work at Athens by sending Timothy back to Thessalonica?
Sermons From First Thessalonians 28