March 15 = 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13

Paul’s Desire to Revisit the Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

Anxiety In Athens & Paul Sends Timothy to Thessalonica

1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Timothy’s Encouraging Positive Report

1 Thessalonians 3:6-10

Prayer for the Thessalonian Church

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

SECTION OUTLINE THREE (1 THESSALONIANS 3)

Paul talks more about his visit to the Thessalonians and rejoices over the good news Timothy has brought back to him about them.

I.    Paul’s Review (3:1–5): The apostle calls to remembrance events both during and after his previous visit to Thessalonica.

A.  The action during his visit (3:4): While he was with them, Paul warned the church that they could expect future persecution because of their faith in Christ; this soon came to pass.

B.  The action after his visit (3:1–3, 5)

1.   Where he was (3:1): He was in Athens, experiencing great concerns over the spiritual welfare of the church in Thessalonica.

2.   What he did (3:2–3, 5): He sent Timothy to minister to them.

II.   Paul’s Report (3:6–9)

A.  The return of Timothy (3:6): Paul informs them that Timothy has brought back the joyous news that they are growing in faith and love.

B.  The rejoicing of Paul (3:7–9): The apostle is greatly comforted by this news.

III.  Paul’s Request (3:10–13): Paul now lifts up a twofold prayer request.

A.  For himself (3:10–11): Paul asks God to permit him to visit the church again.

B.  For the church (3:12–13)

1.   That their love will both increase and overflow (3:12)

2.   That their hearts will be strengthened in matters of holiness (3:13)

 

 

OPEN:

• As a child, when and where did homesickness strike you the hardest? What did you do about it? 
• What room in your childhood home fills you with warm memories? What happened there?

DIG:

• Why do you think Paul called the Thessalonian church his "hope," "joy," and "crown"? 
• If Paul promised them trials and persecution when he was with them (1 Thessalonians 3:4), why is he writing to them about it now? 
• What in Timothy's report particularly encourages Paul? What does this tell you about Paul's desires and concerns for the Thessalonians? 
• What guidelines can you find in Paul's desires, concerns, and prayers for those who disciple new Christians today?

REFLECT:

• If someone were to tell you that God promises a trouble-free life to those who are true Christians, how would you respond? What are you struggling with most right now? 
• In what specific ways have you been encouraged by someone else's faith? Have you told them about it? 
• Which of Paul's prayer requests would you want someone to pray for you? Do likewise for someone in your small group.

LET HIM TAKE CARE OF IT

“May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another.” 1 Thessalonians 3:12

The real test of trust in any relationship is to be able to share our secrets and struggles, our inner fears and failures—intimacy based on honesty. It takes courage to be honest with God, and even more to be honest with one another.

The relationship between Adam and Eve is described in these words: “They were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” (Genesis 2:25) They were open and transparent with one another because there was nothing to hide or be ashamed of.

Perhaps you’ve been so hurt by a relationship and you’ve said, I will never trust anyone again. That’s because we’re not healed yet. To never trust again is like living in a tower. We’re safe from life’s threatening grasp, but we’re so detached from life that we lose consciousness of people, places, dates, and events. We talk only about the past because we stopped living years ago. Good news! “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

God’s healing process can set us free to taste life again, trust again, and live without fear. Don’t isolate, celebrate. Regardless of whether you’ve lost a marriage, a partnership, or a personal friend, you’re still alive! Are you ready to live, or are you going to continue rehearsing what no one, including you, can change—the past?

Thought of the Day: Some are graced to live alone and feel complete and fulfilled. If you are one of them, go for it! But if you’re not, trust God to bring the right person into your life at the right time.