Sermon Overview
Paul’s forced separation from the Thessalonians provided his opponents an opportunity to cast doubt on his love for them. By expressing his burden for the Thessalonians believers, Paul models two marks of a believer’s love for the church.
- Reluctance to Leave (2:17a)
- Effort to Return (2:17b-20)
- Desire to be Face to Face (2:17b-18a)
- Prevented to be Present (2:18b)
- Comforted by the Future (2:19-20)