1 Thessalonians 3:1-13: Paul’s Heart for the Church
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INTRODUCTION:
Do you agree or disagree with these statements?
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“The Local Church is the hope for the world!” – Pastor Bill Hybels, Willow Creek
Church
“Apart from the church, there is no salvation!” – Tertullian, famous church father
SERMON NOTES:
Defining the Terms: What do we mean by the word “church”?
Church =/= Building
Church = People of God (who happen to meet in a building as a place of worship, ministry,
etc.)
1. Participating in the body of Christ helps give __________________________on
_____________ ______________.
2. Participating in the body of Christ provides ________________________ from the
___________________.
3. Participating in the body of Christ _________________________ what is
_______________________ in our ________________.
a) Our faith is designed by God to be ____________________________,
____________________________ and ________________________by others
b) Maturity of faith is marked by ________________________ & growing
__________________ for others growth
4. Participating in the body of Christ _________________________ ________ for the
___________________ of ____________________.
CONCLUSION: We are challenged today, once again, by Paul’s perspective on the church.
He gave his life to help others grow. Are we doing the same? Is the church something we commit
and belong to so we can help others be all they can be in Christ or are we just in it for ourselves?
End-Times Holiness: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 3:1-13: Paul’s Heart for the Church
Notes
Questions for Reflection:
1) “Apart from the church there is no salvation.”/ “The local church is the hope of
the world.” Do you agree or disagree with these statements? Why or why not?
2) A growing, maturing faith is evidenced by deeper commitment and a growing
concern for the maturing of the faith of others. Agree or disagree?
3) What keeps you fully investing yourself in following Paul’s example and give
your life to helping others grow and mature in their faith?