Sermons From First Thessalonians - Paul's Prayer For The Thessalonians (3:11-13)

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               "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS"

             Paul's Prayer For The Thessalonians (3:11-13)

INTRODUCTION

1. The first section of this epistle contain "apostolic reflections" in
   which Paul...
   a. Praised their wonderful reception of the gospel - 1Th 1:1-10
   b. Reviewed the nature of his ministry among them - 1Th 2:1-16
   c. Expressed his love and concern for their spiritual condition 
      - 1Th 2:17-3:10

2. This section ends with a prayer in their behalf - 1Th 3:11-13
   a. A common practice of Paul in his epistles - cf. Php 1:9-11; Col 1:
      9-12
   b. In which Paul expresses his desires regarding his brethren

3. In considering such prayers, I find it beneficial to remember that
   Paul wrote by inspiration...
   a. So he is not just expressing his own desires, but those of God's
      as well!
   b. In most cases, these prayers are just applicable to us today as
      they were for them!

[As we examine this prayer more closely, then, consider how elements of
"Paul's Prayer For The Thessalonians" might also be God's desire for us
today.  We first notice that Paul's prayer was that the Father and
Jesus might...]

I. DIRECT HIS WAY TO THEM (11)
  
   A. PAUL'S DESIRE TO SEE THEM...
      1. He had expressed this desire earlier - 1Th 2:17
      2. He had been hindered by Satan - 1Th 2:18

   B. PAUL'S PRAYER TO SEE THEM...
      1. Requesting aid from both the Father and Jesus
         a. Note the distinction between the Father and the Son - cf. 
            also 2Jn 9
         b. This implies the Trinity, the distinction between the 
            Persons of the Godhead
         c. Suggesting both joint and separate actions of the Father 
            and Son
      2. Implying belief in the providence of God
         a. That God could overcome the hindrance of Satan's efforts 
            - cf. 1Pe 5:8-10
         b. That God could provide safe travel if it be in accordance 
            to His will - cf. Ro 1:10

   C. GOD'S DESIRE FOR US...
      1. That we remember God's will in our prayers - 1Jn 5:14
      2. That we remember God's will in our planning - Jm 4:13-15

[As Paul desired to see his beloved brethren, so we should desire to
see our loved ones.  But in our planning and prayers to see them, let's
not forget the will of God!  Now consider how Paul prayed that the Lord
might...]

II. MAKE THEM INCREASE AND ABOUND (12)

   A. THROUGH THE WORKING OF GOD...
      1. Our spiritual growth involves the working of God - cf. Php 1:6
      2. He works in conjunction with our own efforts - cf. Php 2:12-13
      -- So let us pray as though it depends upon God, but work as 
         though it depends upon us!

   B. TO INCREASE AND ABOUND...
      1. Our spiritual growth is to be never-ending, always increasing 
         - cf. 2Pe 1:5-8; 3:18
      2. Our physical may grow old and slow down, but our inner man can 
         be renewed every day! - cf. 2Co 4:16
      -- Like the sun rising to reach its zenith, so our spiritual 
         growth should be marked by increasing and abundant progress! 
         - cf. Pr 4:18

   C. IN LOVE TO ONE ANOTHER AND TO ALL...
      1. Especially increasing and abounding in love
         a. Something the Thessalonians already possessed - 1Th 1:3
         b. Something the Thessalonians didn't really need to be told 
            - 1Th 4:9-10
         -- Yet we can never say that we cannot grow more - cf. Php 3:
            13-17
      2. Love not just for one another, i.e., our brethren, but for all
         men!
         a. It is easy to love our brethren
         b. But it is loving our enemies that we become like God! 
            - cf. Lk 6:32-35
      -- It is certainly God's desire for all His children to abound in
         love, and this should be the focus of many prayers - cf. Php 
         1:9

[And finally, we note in "Paul's Prayer For The Thessalonians" that the
Lord might...]

III. ESTABLISH THEIR HEARTS

   A. BLAMELESS IN HOLINESS...
      1. To be blameless is very reason Jesus gave Himself for us - Ep
         5:25-27
      2. Without holiness, we will not see the Lord - He 12:14
      -- While Jesus makes it possible through His blood, we must 
         cooperate as well - cf. 2Co 7:1

   B. BEFORE GOD AT THE COMING OF JESUS...
      1. Here is the "where" and "when" we must be blameless in 
         holiness
         a. Where - before God at the Judgment!
         b. When - when Jesus comes with all His saints (lit., holy 
            ones)!
      2. Note the following about the Lord's coming...
         a. This is the third time in three chapters that Paul refers 
            to this event - cf. 1Th 1:10; 2:19; 3:13
         b. While "saints" (holy ones) could refer to angels (cf. Mt 
            25:31), it may also include the redeemed (cf. 1Th 4:14)

CONCLUSION

1. From "Paul's Prayer For The Thessalonians", we have seen that it is
   appropriate...
   a. To seek God's providential guidance when we desire to see our 
      loved ones
   b. To pray for one another's spiritual growth and the Lord's 
      blessing

2. If we desire to see each other...
   a. In this life from time to time
   b. Increasing and abounding in love 
   c. Blameless in holiness in the presence of God at Christ's coming
   ...the "Paul's Prayer For The Thessalonians" is the sort of prayer
      that we should diligently offer for one another!
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