Theological Proposition/Focus: God's model for spiritual growth is a discipleship model whereby just as a parent invests in their children so the spiritually mature invest in those less mature.

Homiletical Proposition/Application: We should express gratitude when we learn that those of the faith have faithfully endured.

Introduction: Memory verse - 1 Thess. 1:2

Image: Canceled plans can be a real bummer but that doesn't mean we should just give up.

Have you ever had plans canceled or radically changed at the last minute? My brother and his family are visiting with us today. They actually were slated to visit back in October but they day they were to drive out they became sick. We talked on the phone and decided it would be best to postpone. It was a real bummer, Emily had bought all sorts of food, we had planned out the visit but we ended up having to cancel. Nevertheless, we didn't give up and today after the service you should take a minute to introduce yourself to my brother and his family!

Setting the Stage:

Today in 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 we are going to see some details of Paul's canceled travel plans.

Recall that Paul and Silas had planted a church in Thessalonica but after things got out of control in the city they were forced to leave the city and head to Berea.

From Berea they went to Athens and from Athens to Corinth.

While in Corinth Paul labored but also, as we will see, Paul desired to return to Thessalonica in order to see how the new church was doing.

Unfortunately, Paul's best intentions went unrealized and Paul was forced to go with plan B and send Timothy on his behalf.

So, why did Paul care so much about returning to Thessalonica? the answer is Spiritual Legacy.

Paul loved his spiritual children, his spiritual legacy, and had an incredible desire to see them grow.

Subject: Spiritual Legacy

Preview: In 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 we are going to look at spiritual legacy, we will see that it is worth your investment, should never be taken for granted, brings real joy, and should be part of your prayer time.

Need: We live in a world that seems like it is busier than ever so we need to ask a hard question, what are you doing with your time?

Body

A spiritual legacy is the legacy worth your investment (2:17-20).

Paul's love for his spiritual children brought deep longing (17-18).

Paul recognized the reality of a future pinnacle event (19).

Paul understood what his future self would value (20).

Image: When I get older I am going to...

MTR: Consider your investments, do they reflect the reality of the future?

A spiritual legacy should never be taken for granted (3:1-5).

Paul understood that his spiritual children needed encouraging (1-2).

Paul was aware of the reality of trials and persecution (3-4).

Paul feared for the safety of his spiritual children (5).

Image: A Father's wisdom.

MTR: Consider those on whom you have an impact, who do you need to reach out to today?

A spiritual legacy can bring real joy (3:6-10).

Paul identified two sources of encouragement, faith and love (6-7).

Paul understood that true vicarious living was spiritual in nature (8).

Paul expressed gratitude for the joy of a spiritual legacy (9-10).

MTR: Take a minute and ask, who do I need to invest in so that I might experience the kind of joy?

A spiritual legacy is worth your prayers (3:11-13).

Paul prayed for the opportunity to be reunited with his spiritual children (11).

Paul prayed that his spiritual children would overflow with love (12).

Paul prayed that his spiritual children would live as God intends (13).

MTR: Take a minute right here and now and pray!

Conclusion:

Image:

1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13, Endurance: It's worthy of gratitude.

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