”Supporting those who Suffer” | 1 Thess 2:13-20 | Malcolm Cox

Introduction, vv13 

1. How to handle suffering, vv13-16 
A. Fallen world 
B. Some prefer darkness 
C. How we grow 

2. How to handle it when people we love suffer, vv17-20 
A. We feel their pain 
B. We make significant efforts 
C. We trust God 

Conclusion, vv19-20  

“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19 NIV11)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2–4 NIV11)

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1–3 NIV11)

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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 

God bless, Malcolm