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

Today

C. The Goals for Togetherness

1. Obeying the command to love one another

a. Modeled by the Apostle Paul

– A nursing mother: 1 Thess. 2:7-8

– A laboring servant: 1 Thess. 2:9

b. Modeled by the Thessalonians

– Present and growing: 1 Thess. 3:12

– Present and impartial: 1 Thess. 4:9-10

2. Obeying the command to encourage one another

– Warning of Neglect: Heb. 3:12-14

– Importance of Obeying: Heb. 10:24-25

a. Modeled by the Apostle Paul

– An instructing father: I Thess. 2:11-12

b. Modeled by the Thessalonians: 1 Thess. 4:18

– Encouraging words of eternal togetherness: 1 Thess. 4:13-17

– Encouragement of final deliverance: 1 Thess. 5:11, 1 Thess. 5:1-10