1. I can't pass over these verses too quickly.

2. Because there is a lot more for us that is good...

3. It was not easy to be a Christian in Thessalonica, during the days that Paul was there.

4. Yet in the midst of difficulty, they experienced JOY . 1:6

5. Jesus said in John 16:33 "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

6. The first resource Christians have : vs. 13

I. GODS WORD IS WITHIN US...

A. The church had been founded on the Word of God. 1:6

B. The same Word that brings us salvation:

1. enables us to live for Jesus. Isn't that great...

2. and endure suffering for Jesus sake...

3. they had the right attitude towards the Word of God. That is important...

C. They appreciated the Word of God.

1. therefore they did not receive it as the word of men, but as the Word of God.

2. the way a person treats his Bible shows how he regards Jesus. Surprise???

3. The Bible is not just another book to mis-handle.

4. The Bible is Gods Word. [His Holy Word]

5. The Holy Spirit gave birth to Jesus through a holy woman. Lk.1:34-38

**..Some Questions here:

Would you rather have the Bible than have food?

Illustration: A young couple had a lovely boy,. The little boy wasn't getting what he needed. The Pastor visited them at home and found out the problem.

-His dad wanted more money, and worked overtime to get it.

-- His dad earned more money but never did get to keep it.

B. They appropriated the Word.

1. they heard the word, Yes they took the Word into their hearts and lives.

2. It became the opposite to their lives.

3. they meditated on the Word and the Holy Spirit to minister to them.

4. Meditation is the only way to appropriate the Word of God correctly.

C. They applied the Word of God seriously.

1. we must apply the Word in our lives, and be hearers and doers of the Word. Ja.1: 19-25...

2. God's commands are His enablements. Mk.3:1-5

3. the Word of God within us is a great source of power in times of testing.

II. GODS PEOPLE ARE ALL AROUND US VS. 14-16

A. Gods people suffer because they are Christians.

1. I have read of people being disowned by their family, because they became Christians.

2. or being by-passed for a job promotion, because they are a Christian.

3. this kind of suffering does hurt...

4. but other Christians are going through the same trials in life. We just don't know it.

5. Jesus said this would happen.

B. Paul encouraged the Thessalonians very much.

1. by assuring them that their experiences were not new, nor just on them alone.

2. The saints of God are saved to the Uttermost. Heb. 7:25

3. But lost sinners will experience the wrath of God to the uttermost.

C. There is one great value of the local church.

Listen now.

1. We should, can, and do stand together, in difficulties and trials.

2. and should encourage one another in the Lords work.

3. One reason Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonika was to encourage the believers there. 3:1-4, next chapter.

4. We need each other in the battles of life, folks.

III. GODS GLORY IS BEFORE US. 2. 17-20

A. Paul wanted to remain with the Thessalonians:

1. to help ground them in the most holy faith.

2. but Satan hindered him. vs. 18

B. But Paul looked ahead, and rejoiced...

1. for the best is yet to come for the Christians.

2. Paul looked ahead, and saw his friends in the presence of Jesus in glory.

C. Paul knew some Scriptural Truths.

1. he knew Jesus would return; ;and reward him for his faithfulness.

2. and on that day, the Saints from Thessalonika would bring glory to God, and joy to Pauls heart.

3. Jesus return, and this fact, that we shall one day stand before the Judgment seat of Jesus...

4. should motivate us to be faithful in spite of difficulties.

5. Paul said these Saints would be his crown when he met them at the Judgment seat of Christ.

6 * we will lose joy if we go to heaven empty handed.

7. Our motive for serving Jesus is love [should be love]

Conclusion:

1. Don't give up! Nor quit folks.

2. Lay hold of the Spiritual resources you have in Jesus.

3. You have the Word of God within you.

4. You have the people of God Around you.

5. You have the Glory of God before you.

Press On!!! Press On!!! Press On!!!