Sermons on 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20:

Imitators Not Pretenders Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Oct 14, 2020

Paul wanted to ensure the Thessalonians imitated the example he had lived before them, and most importantly, the example of Christ. Rather than pretending to emulate their faith, they were to actively live out their faith.

Imitators not Pretenders 1 Thessalonians 2: 10-13 As I studied this passage I was reminded of the need for sincerity and genuineness among the church. We live in a day plagued with hypocrisy. One of the most offered arguments against attending church in our generation is the presence of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:10-13

Denomination: Baptist

Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost Series

Contributed by David Grate on Oct 23, 2020

It is important to remember, when following the Revised Common Lectionary cycle, that this cycle and these readings do relate to each other.

It is important to remember, when following the Revised Common Lectionary cycle, that this cycle and these readings do relate to each other. This week, Miss Justine’s reading helped us to witness the peaceful passing of the first Hebrew leadership baton from Moses to Joshua, setting the stage for ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Stages Of Discipleship Series

Contributed by David Owens on Oct 26, 2020

It is God's will for people to progress through the stages of discipleship from being spiritually dead, to being a spiritual infant, child, young adult, and parent. We must be able to assess where we are and where others are in the process so we all can grow to maturity.

A. I like the story told of the little boy who was confused about something and said to his Bible class teacher: “There’s somethin’ I can’t figger out.” 1. The teacher said, “What is it, Joey?” 2. Joey said, “Well accordin’ to the Bible, the Children of Israel crossed the Red Sea, right?” a. “ ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16, 2 Timothy 2:2, Ephesians 2:1-3, 1 Peter 2:2-3, 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, 1 John 2:13-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Having Done All, Stand Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Oct 29, 2020

Not unlike other churches within the first century, Thessalonica faced much adversity and opposition. They were relentlessly attacked for their faith in Christ. However, Paul encouraged them to remain steadfast in the faith, standing firmly for the Lord.

Having Done All, Stand 1 Thessalonians 2: 14-16 It has been a few weeks since we began to study this powerful letter to the Thessalonian church. Our last encounter revealed Paul encouraging the church to be an imitator of Christ rather than a pretender of the faith. He exhorted them to a life ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16

Denomination: Baptist

The Master Motive Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 6, 2021

This is the secret of Paul’s constant drive, for even with all of his trials and frustrations, he could rejoice in the Lord always because his master motive was to please God

How should a Christian defend himself when his character and motives are attacked in an effort to belittle the Gospel which he proclaims? Paul had to face this question everywhere he went, for the Judaisers were hot on his trail trying to destroy the fruit of his labors. From the defensive nature ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4

An Apostolic Attitude Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 6, 2021

Success never went to Paul’s head. He could have stood on his dignity as an Apostle, and from a pedestal of superiority thrown his weight around, but he never did. Here again we see Paul’s absolute sincerity, for he knew he only had the position he did by the grace of God.

We have all heard it said that is doesn’t make any difference what you believe as long as you are sincere. This is true only if what you are talking about doesn’t make any difference. If you sincerely believe that white potatoes are better for you than red potatoes it will not make any great ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:5-6

God’s Gentleman Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 6, 2021

I am more convinced every day that true power is in gentleness. Like the silent gentle rays of the sun are the most potent factors in natural life, so the gentle kindness of the Christian is the most potent factor in spreading the spiritual life.

History is the record of the battle of competing ideas and philosophies that clash with one another in their effort to gain the allegiance of men. The whole world is under the pressure of such competing ideologies. Is theism or atheism the truth? Is liberalism or conservatism the way to go in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:7

Blameless Behavior Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 7, 2021

Looking back over this defense of Paul, it is no wonder he was used of God the way he was. His courage in severe struggle; his master motive of pleasing God; his attitude of complete sincerity and gentleness, and his blameless behavior all add up to one of the most Christ-like lives ever lived.

These 5 verses conclude Paul’s defense of himself to the Thessalonians, and in them we see clearly that one of the basic secrets of success is to love your work. Paul’s work was reaching people with the Gospel and seeing them mature in the Christian life. He loved this work more than life ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:8-12

Fruitful Frustration Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 7, 2021

To be human is to experience frustration. It is not sinful to be frustrated, for Jesus was sinless, but He did not escape frustration. He may have had more than His share even, for the more ideals and goals you have, the more you will be frustrated.

Joe Bayly had a change to stay in the luxurious Hilton Hotel in Chicago. It was going to be a treat of a retreat, but then he was hit again by the x-factor. That is what he calls Murphy's Law-the law that says, if anything can go wrong it will. The hot water in his room would not work. He was ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

Thank God It Works Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 7, 2021

The primary proof that the Bible is the Word of God is practical. All who truly believe it and have perfect confidence in it, experience its power.

In his book God’s Word In Man’s Language, Eugene Nida tells of young Belgian parachutist who was dropped into this country during World War II to work in the underground against the Germans. He was captured by the Gestapo and put in solitary confinement. In the cell next to him was a Belgian ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Fighting God Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 7, 2021

The prophets made it clear that God had a universal love, but the people paid no attention to the prophets. Having this attitude caused them to fail in being God’s servant in reaching the rest of mankind.

The first act of aggression by which one man attacked another with intent to kill was motivated by religious intolerance. Cain could not stand to see Abel in better harmony with God than himself, and the result was murder. This attitude of intolerance is found all through the Old Testament. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16

Satan’s Hindrance Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 7, 2021

Paul was no pessimist. He was hindered by Satan, but he never sat down and gave up. He didn’t get to do what he wanted, but Paul rejoiced in spite of his frustration because in spite of the hindrance he had perfect confidence that ultimate victory would be his.

Children are constantly coming up with that profound argument that they feel is an infallible guide to what ought to be-“But I wanna.” I remember explaining to Steven one time that we don’t always get to do what we want, and Cindy felt that was good advice. So the next time he was refused and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

Fooled By A Prophet Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 19, 2021

Prophetic messages on the Internet are abundant posing new challenges as well as possible benefits. Pastors must equip their congregations to test these messages using biblical principles. This series teaches principles for doing that. This message uses lessons from the story in 1 Kings 13.

Intro Last week we taught on the subject of testing prophecy. How do we know that a dream, a vision, a word that someone is sharing is truly from the Lord? And even if it is from the Lord, are we interpreting it correctly and applying it wisely. We found that all three aspects of a prophecy must ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-22, Hebrews 8:1-13, 1 Corinthians 14:1-40, Revelation 2:7-29, 2 Timothy 3:10, Acts 13:1-3, Acts 19:6, Hebrews 5:11, John 16:13-14, John 10:27, Jeremiah 31:31-34, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 2 Kings 23:15-18, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20, 1 Kings 13:1-34  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

The Bible: God’s Word For Our Day

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Apr 25, 2021

Today's Message looks at the Bible as being unique and one of a kind, and how it is both trustworthy and reliable, and then the blessing that come when we trust it with our lives.

The Bible: God’s Word for Our Day Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIvTrjYxmnw As most of you know, I’ve been working my way through the various doctrines of the Bible that have been the backbone of God’s remnant church, that is, the church that has continued to go back to the basics of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12, John 17:17, 2 Peter 2:21, 1 Thessalonians 2:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Foursquare

A Letter Of Encouragement- Be An Example Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on May 2, 2021

This is the 52nd sermon in the series "Action". This is the 2nd sermon from 1 Thessalonians.

Series: Action [#52] A LETTER OF ENCOURAGMENT- BE AN EXAMPLE 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20 Introduction: Paul continued to encourage the Church at Thessalonica. God uses people to bring the Gospel to the lost; but He also uses people to help mature the babies in Christ. Their growth was evident by ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20

Denomination: Baptist