Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Togetherness: God’s Family Being God’s Church in a Desperate World – Part 3

17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.  1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

A. The Desire for Togetherness

1. Paul: 1 Thess. 2:17

2. Thessalonians: 1 Thess. 3:6

3. God: Jer. 31:33-34, Revelation 21:1-5

4. David: Psalm 63:1-3, Psalm 122:1

B. The Motive for Togetherness

1. Love: 1 Cor. 13:13

2. Personal Responsibility

3. God’s Glory

C. The Goals for Togetherness

1. Obeying the command to love one another

2. Obeying the command to encourage one another

TODAY

D. The Hindrance to Our Togetherness

1. Satan’s Malicious Intent in hindering our togetherness

a. Hinders the practice of love and encouraging one another

b. Hinders our being on mission together

2. Satan’s Malicious Tactics hindering our togetherness

a. Distraction: 2 Cor. 11:1-3, Gen. 3:17, 1 John 2:15-17

b. Disunity: 1 Cor. 1:10-13, 1 Cor. 3:1-9

c. Destruction: 1 Peter 5:8, Gal. 3:13-15