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WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO WHEN WE HAVE UNEXPECTED DELAYS IN LIFE? We have learned that the theme of this book is EXPECTANT LIVING – A life awaiting Christ that pleases Him. In 5 chapters Paul gives the five aspects of this kind of living.
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1. Ch. 1 – It starts by being BORN RIGHT and thus he teaches there are those elements of true saving faith.
2. Ch. 2 focuses upon being NURTURED or DISCIPLED RIGHT.
3. Now our text this evening bridges the nurturing and leads us to the 3rd chapterās theme, BEING ANCHORED RIGHT.
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Paul wants to teach nurturing by example and to help the saints to be firmly grounded or anchored. The Apostle gives us a slice out of his very personal life and shows us his activities while on standby – what he did while he was WAITING. Have you ever thought of how valuable those unplanned times of unexpected waiting can become?
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-It’s when someone doesnāt show up for the appointment times.
-When your car isnāt repaired by when you were told.
– It’s those layovers at airport times.
– Sometimes it’s a hospital and doctor’s waiting room times.
– It’s waiting to get picked up at work or school times.
– Just plain old waiting time that Paul models the best use of.
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Now let’s set the scene. In I Th. 2:17, it says Paul was bereft awhile, then in 3:1, he was left at Athens alone. So as we start this section remember, Paul left Thessalonica and was in Athens alone.
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Turn to Acts 17 and letās see the big picture of I Thessalonians and Acts.
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ā¢ v. 1 Came to Thessalonica.
ā¢ v. 10 Sent away amid problems
ā¢ v. 16 Paul waiting
ā¢ v. 17-34 Paul ministering
ā¢ 18:1 goes to Corinth
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Now back to I Thessalonians.
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The setting is, Paul is WAITING at Athens – He MINISTERS – Done – goes to Corinth.
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This passage 2:17-3:10 is his testimony to them of what a spiritual giant does and what we should emulate… seven pursuits of godly men and women in their spare time.
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Paul directs his heart and mind toward his ministry to these saints… Things he did while waiting and out of their presence.
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What a blessed endeavor to model in our lives… use those spare time thoughts for God!
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REMEMBER, WE ARE READING THEIR LETTER!