Yearning for the Thessalonians

Context

In chapters 1 & 2, Paul expressed his pastoral concerns for the church. He expressed

He was encouraged by what he heard about them

He longed to be with them and he loved them dearly with the affection of a mother and a father

He reminded them of his willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the gospel and their reception of it

He wanted them to know he was in prayer for them.

And as we have noted in the before, because of his abrupt exit from the city, and the potential disruption his return to the city would cause, he sent Timothy to find out how they were doing, and that’s where we will pick up tonight:

1 Thessalonians 3:1–13 ESV

Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 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. 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. But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

The Occasion for the Report (1-5)

Cope with anxiety (1)

Question: What caused Paul & co.’s agony?

My experience dropping Jacqueline off at college

The agony of separation between a spiritual parent and his children. Paul referenced this in 2:17

2. To strengthen the believers (2-4)

establish: strengthen their resolution

exhort: earnestly support and encourage

that no one be moved: showing submission or fear

Question: What concern is represented in what Timothy was sent to Thessalonica to do?

end of v. 2: in your faith - Paul’s concern was a spiritual one.

destined: authoritative appointment

Question: Why would knowing that Paul’s suffering in ministry was ordained by God strengthen them in their suffering?

Acts 9:16 ESV

For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

3. Launch a counter attack (5)

tempter: Satan

Question: In 2:18, Satan is referenced as a hinderer. Why is Paul referring to Stan as a tempter here?

Question: What does Paul’s fear suggest about Satan?

The Content of the Report (6-8)

1. Satan’s plans failed (6-7)

Their faith & love was evident

Their affection for Paul was strong

Their testimony brought comfort to others

2. The Thessalonians are stable (8)

standing fast in the Lord

Question: What are the evidences that someone is standing fast in the Lord?

standing firm in the community of faith

Philippians 1:27 (ESV)

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

standing firm in doctrine

2 Thessalonians 2:15 ESV

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

The Encouragement from the Report (9-13)

Joy as a result of progress in the faith

Question: There is a connection between Christian joy and the progress of others in the faith in Scripture. How does this connection impact your desire for joy in life?

3 John 4 ESV

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

2. Sincere encouragement

Question: What does Paul mean by “supply what is lacking in your faith”?

not a criticism

issues that need to be addressed which will be in more detail in chapters 4 & 5.

3. Prayer for more and greater love (11-13)

Paul continues to pray that God will enable them to see each other again.

He also continues to pray that their love will increase for one another and for all.

Question: Paul already encouraged this church regarding the example of love that they are to others (see 1 Thess 1:7-8), so why does he encourage them to increase in their love for each other and others?

He also prays for their readiness for Christ’s return

hearts will be established as blameless in holiness

references a concern for their condition before God

to be strengthened in their standing before God

Christ is coming back and we will stand before Him. This is sobering and encouraging all at the same time. We will get much more into the return of Christ in the next 2 chapters.