Summary: Paul bewails his absence among the Thessalonians even as he desires to be with them in 1 Thessalonians 2:17.

"Service and the Second Coming" - Part 11 of 13

1 Thessalonians 2:1-20

“Paul’s Crown In Them – Part a”

1 Thessalonians 2:17

I. Paul’s COURAGE before them. (vv. 1-4).

II. Paul’s COMMITMENT to them. (vv. 5-6)

III. Paul’s CARE for the Thessalonians. (vv. 7-9)

IV. Paul’s CONDUCT among them. (vv. 10-12)

V. Paul’s COMPASSION for them. (vv. 13-16)

VI. Paul’s CROWN in them. (vv. 17-20) Proverbs 12:4; 16:31; 17:6; Isaiah 62:3; Zechariah 9:16; Malachi 3:17; 1 Corinthians 9:25; Philippians 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10

1. His ABSENCE from them. (v. 17) Colossians 2:5-6; Luke 15:20; 2 Corinthians 13:10; Philippians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 5:6; Acts 17:10; Philippians 1:27; 2 Corinthians 10:1

A. He felt DEPRIVED as an orphan. (v. 17a) being bereaved; separated; (literally – to be made an orphan) Genesis 27:45; 2 Samuel 14:4-7; John 14:18

B. He made a DILIGENT effort to see them face to face. (v. 17b) Genesis 31:30; Romans 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 3:6, 10-11; Mark 15:14; 2 Corinthians 7:13; Galatians 1:14; Galatians 2:10; Ephesians 4:3; 2 Corinthians 1:11; 1 Corinthians 13:12

C. He had a great DESIRE to be in their presence. (v. 17c) Genesis 45:28; 48:11; 2 Samuel 13:39; Psalm 63:1; Luke 22:15; Romans 15:23; Philippians 1:22-26; Galatians 4:20; 2 Timothy 1:4