Paul’s Hope and Joy (v. 6-10)

• Timothy Brings an Encouraging Report (v. 6)
  • 1 Thess. 3:4-5
• The Effects of this News on Paul and his companions (v. 7-10)
  • Comforted in distress (v. 7)
    • Cf. Prov. 25:25
  • “For now we live. . .” (v. 8)
  • Inexpressible rejoicing (v. 9)
  • Intense desire to come and finish their work (v. 10)

Paul’s Prayer for the Thessalonian Church (v. 11-13)

• Reunion (v. 11)
• Increase in Love (v. 12)
• Hearts Blameless in Holiness (v. 13)

So What?

• We have hope in Christ, because God is faithful to preserve his people, and to sanctify his people gradually until the Lord returns.
  • The despair of thinking our growth in our discipleship depends on us
    • Increase in love
    • Established hearts in holiness
  • The hope of the promise of Progressive Sanctification