11/16/25 SERMON NOTES 1THESSALONIANS - WEEK4 | Tyler Kirby

Psalm 115:1 NLT “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name goes all the glory…”

1John 4:4 NLT “the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world."

Joshua 1:9 NIV “Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

1Thes.3:1-2 NIV

“1So when we could stand it no longer … 2We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3so that no one would be unsettled (to be so emotionally disturbed as to give up one’s beliefs) by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them.

     Nigeria

     -7000 Christians have died since the first of this year.

     -18,000 churches have been burned. 

     -100,000 Christians have been killed since 2009.

          All of this by the hands of Radical Islamic terrorist (Muslim extremists)

      When you decide to become a disciple of Christ, trouble will eventually follow. 

2Timothy 3:12 NIV “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 

Philippians 1:29 NLT “For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him.”

1Peter 4:12,13 NLT “12Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13Instead, be very glad - for these trials make you partners with Christ in His suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to all the world."

1Thes.3:4-5 NIV 4In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain. 

     The fish has no one to blame but itself for getting hooked. 

James 1:14 NIV “…each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.”

1Thes.3:6-7 NIV 6But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 

     Is your life encouraging others because they see your faith in action?

1Thes.3:8-10 NIV 8For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

Paul’s prayer: 

1Thes.3:11 NIV 11Now may our God and Father Himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.

1. Christian community

Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV “24And let us consider (think carefully and intentionally) how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, (‘spur’ - to sharpen; to stimulate; to provoke - inspire spiritual action) 25not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day (The 2nd coming of Christ) approaching.” 

For the true disciple of Jesus…this weekly gathering should be a spiritual discipline, not an option

1Thes.3:12 NIV 12May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

2. Other’s focused NOT of self-centered 

1Thes.3:13 NIV 13May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones. 

3. Walking in righteousness

2Tim.2:22 NLT “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” 

Matt.6:33 NLT “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”