God's Preserves

God’s Preserves

Text: But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. (2 Thess. 2:13-17 NIV)

Thematic Sentence: The Precious Fruit of the Gospel must be preserved through adherence to the truth and assistance from above.

I. Introduction:

II. Appreciate the Fruit of the Gospel: Believers Preserved through Salvation – Something to Crow About

A. A Believer is Cause For Gratitude

1. An Extension of God’s Family

2. An Expression of God’s Love

B. A Believer is Chosen by God

1. For a Salvation of Holiness by the Spirit

2. For a Salvation of Faith in the Truth

C. A Believer is Called by God

1. Called Through the Gospel Message

2. Called to the Glory of Christ

III. Adhere to the Truth of the Gospel: Believers Preserved from Deception – Something to Cling To.

A. Stubbornly Stick to the Gospel Truth

1. A Solid Stand

2. A Solid Grip

B. Strictly Stick to the Gospel Teaching

1. The Words of Truth Spoken

2. The Words of Truth Written

IV. Appeal for Aid from God: Believers Preserved through Connection – Someone to Turn To.

A. Connected to a Powerful Source

1. Our Living Lord

2. Our Loving Father

a) Who Loves His Children

b) Who Offers Us Grace

(1) Eternal Encouragement

(2) Good Hope

B. Connected for a Particular Purpose

1. For Encouragement of Heart

2. For Strength to Carry On

a) Every Good Work

b) Every Good Word

V. Conclusion: