Introduction: We are sometimes guilty of an “all or nothing” view of the Christian life. We are sometimes guilty of oversimplifying what the Christian life really involves. IN OUR VIEW, SOMEONE IS DOING GREAT — WHICH MEANS NO NOTICABLE AREAS OF CONCERN. OR SOMEONE IS DOING POORLY — BECAUSE WE ARE AWARE OF SOME AREAS OF CONCERN. The truth is, it is never that simple. Is it possible that a church can be doing well and yet still be facing some very serious challenges? Is it possible for a believer to be doing well, in an overall sense, and yet still be facing some significant spiritual struggles? The obvious answer from the book of 2 Thessalonians, is yes. In this letter we see a great joy in the apostle Paul over the good work that God has done in this church — INDEED, THE GOOD WORK THAT HE WAS DOING IN THIS CHURCH — and yet we also find him needing to address some very significant areas of confusion, and even some areas of correction. THIS CHURCH WAS IN MANY WAYS A MODEL CHURCH (vs.4). IT WAS A TESTIMONY TO GOD’S SAVING AND SUSTAINING WORK IN HIS PEOPLE, AND YET THEY STOOD IN NEED OF SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTION AND PROTECTION. That’s the Christian life — even at its very best. EVEN WHEN WE ARE SPIRITUALLY STRONG. EVEN WHEN WE ARE SPIRITUALLY MATURE. WE NEVER REACH A PLACE WHERE GOD’S GOOD WORK IS NOT BEING TESTED, AND WHERE GOD’S PEOPLE ARE NOT NEEDING TO GROW. What was true in Thessalonica is true of our church. What was true in the case of the Thessalonian believers is true for all of us. Most scholars believe that 2 Thessalonians was written very near to the time of the first letter. The subject matter is largely the same, the language is very similar, so that most believe that this letter was written from Corinth only a few months after the first letter. What it reveals is Paul giving additional instruction about many of the things that he had already addressed in the first letter. What it also reveals is that they had continued to struggle in some of the areas he had already addressed. They struggled in some doctrinal areas (eschatology), and some of that doctrinal confusion had led to BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS. It seems clear that their doctrinal struggle was due to the influence of false teachers. THIS CHURCH PROVES THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD’S WORK IN HIS PEOPLE, AND YET IT WAS A CHURCH STILL IN NEED OF SHEPHERDING AND PROTECTION. ONE OF THE WAYS THAT THIS CHURCH WAS CURRENTLY BEING TESTED WAS THE PAIN OF PERSECUTION. This was a suffering church, even while it was a model church. And tonight, that is what I want us to think about. I want us to think about two things that characterized this exemplary church, even while it was being tested. I. THIS EXEMPLARY CHURCH PROGRESSED DESPITE ITS TESTS (vs.3) The church at Thessalonica was in the proverbial crucible. They were in circumstances in which God allowed the heat to be turned up on His people. Churches never suffer by accident — God is sovereign. “THAT YOU ARE ENDURING (vs.4).” As Paul wrote this, they had already been tested. But as Paul wrote this they continued to be tested. And yet, the apostle is aware of good fruit. He is full of thanksgiving. What is he thankful for? What does he see? A. THANKS FOR AN INCREASING FAITH Your faith is growing ABUNDANTLY. One of the sovereign gifts imparted through suffering is the gift of circumstances in which the Word of God is proven true for us in demonstrable ways. Suffering is the stage on which God puts His glory on display. ESV 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at athe fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice ainsofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad bwhen his glory is revealed. 14 aIf you are insulted bfor the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory1 and of God rests upon you.