Scripture Reading: Acts 17:1–4

Introduction

A. If you are fully satisfied with everything in your life, you are most fortunate, but the truth is that probably all of us would change some things if we could.

B. When circumstances arise that challenge our faith, we may find that this is precisely when our faith can grow the most.

Discussion

I. This was a hard time for the church.

A. This was a very young group of believers that still had a lot to learn (Acts 17:1–4; 1 Thessalonians 4:15; 5:1–2).

B. This was all the harder because they had been cut off from Paul (Acts 17:5–9; 1 Thessalonians 2:17–18).

C. If this weren’t enough, they were also suffering great persecution (1 Thessalonians 2:14–15; 3:1–5).

II. What could help this church survive these trials?

A. They had some outstanding examples and instructions to follow (1 Thessalonians 2:2, 10–15; 4:1–12).

B. They needed mutual encouragement (1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14; 4:18).

C. They needed to remember what they had accepted (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

D. They needed to keep their eye on the goal (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:15–18).

E. They needed to remember who they were (1 Thessalonians 5:4–9).

Conclusion

A. Our enemy is still seeking to destroy us, but it is within our power (with God’s help) to overcome him (James 4:7–8).

B. No matter what you may be going through right now, your faith has the potential not only to survive, but to grow and flourish!