Introduction:     The Apostle wasn’t satisfied just to see people saved he wanted to see them established in the faith! Some Christians cannot stand in the day of trouble because they haven’t stayed in one place long enough to develop a root system. One of the first ways you’ll know that someone is getting away from God is when they stop coming to Church. We all struggle with the enemy ( 2:18 ), as we advance there are obstacles in the way. He wants you to get weary, to give up, and go back. Here in verse 1 Paul deals with some of these obstacles. There are 3 common obstacles that will undo a Christian.

I.          FRUSTRATIONS  (VV.1-2)

            A.        Because Of The Response To Our Message  (v.1)  (Acts 17:16 -32)

            B.        Because Of Disrupted Plans  (v.2)  “comfort” = to encourage
(Satan’s plan was to keep Paul from encouraging the saints at Thessalonica so they would give up. But, Satan cannot stop God’s plan, (expound!) I believe God is growing young Timothy here.)

II.         AFFLICTIONS  (V.3-4)

            A.        Are So Deceptive  “moved” = to wag (as a dog its tail) Use of charm.
(It is wrong to give up on God because of afflictions)

            B.        Are A Tool  (To develop character and faith)
“appointed” = (W. E. Vines, “Not an ultimate destiny, but a temporary experience ordained as a means to an end.”) When afflictions come don’t be surprised. They are temporary and they have a purpose.

III.       TEMPTATIONS  (V.5-6) 
“vain” = useless – Not that the ministry was useless, but that if they allowed the Devil to talk them out of what was being said (or taught) it would be ineffective or useless in their lives! Notice:

            A.        The Tempter

            B.         His Tactics

            C.        The Tragedy

            D.        The Triumph  (v.6)

Conclusion:       Lost friend, refuse to be distracted any longer. Come to Jesus and be saved now! Saint of God, trust Jesus for the power to overcome these obstacles and live for Him!