1 Thessalonians 2:17  But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, [18] because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. [19] For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? [20] For you are our glory and joy.
3:1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, [2] and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, [3] that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. [4] For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. [5] For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

The spiritual warfare behind the physical realities of your life is where the real battle lies. Be ready.  
     I. The first battlefront: Paul’s struggle with Satan hindering him
   II. The second battlefront: Thessalonians struggle with the tempter tempting them
   III. 10 Devices of Satan and Precious Remedies Against Them
        A. Allowing passions to reign → Know yourself & starve sinful desires 
        B. Overthrowing pure doctrine → Fill your mind with Scripture 
        C. Exploiting hardship and weakness → Trust God rather than your impulses 
        D. Working false security → Practice the means of grace (word, sacrament, prayer, fellowship)  
        E. Presenting the bait, hiding the hook → Think clearly about consequences  
        F. Suggesting repentance is easy (delay) → Make much of repentance now  
        G. Painting God with Satan’s colors → Cultivate a deeper love for God  
        H. Making spiritual duties feel burdensome → Delight in the means of grace practiced faithfully  
        I. Keeping believers in doubt and despair → Look to Christ, not inward  
        J. Suggesting your graces are counterfeit → Rest in Christ’s sufficiency