·         We’re all to be model Christians that our friends and family could follow.

·         Homework for today how many times you see Paul say “you know” or “you remember”.

·         Remember what God has done in your life - journaling

1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2 We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you,

1 Corinthians 4:2 “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

·         Self-Sacrifice is required of a minister.

·         Ministers protect their people

·         It takes time to minister to people - you can't rush the process

1 Thessalonians 2:9-10 Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.

·         How about you?  Can you tell friends and family to follow you as you follow Christ?

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

·         Fathers, use your words

·         Who is following you?  Who do you exhort to follow God?

1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.

Acts 17:2-3 “As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said.”

·         It’s not enough to go to church … to know the stories … the Word becomes effective in you when you believe enough to confess Jesus as Lord. 

1 Thessalonians 2:14 For you, brothers, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own countrymen the same things those churches suffered from the Jews,

·         Don’t be surprised when persecution comes - Stand!

1 Thessalonians 2:15-20 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last. 17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

·         By making disciples you can have this crown Get to work!

·         Call or text YES to 321.574.6970 if you have chosen to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.