Striving Together in the Faith

Striving Together in the Faith 1 Thessalonians 3:9– 13 Historical Context The Gospel Delivered (Acts 17:1–9) • Paul declared the gospel both Jews and Greeks (1–4). • Jealous leaders raised a mob against Paul (5–9). The Gospel Confirmed (1 Thessalonians 3:6-8) • Timothy brought a good report of their faith (6). • Paul received comfort in his affliction (7–8). Deep Joy at Others’ Faith (9) Paul is full of joy because of their faith. • Superlative: “all the joy in which we rejoice” (comfort, 7) • Personal: “for you…for your sake” (their faith, 7– 8) Paul cannot express adequate thanksgiving. • Necessary: “how can we repay God for such joy!” • Godward: “return to God…before our God” • Rhetorical: deep joy has no equal response Firm Commitment to Others’ Faith (10) • • • • Constant: “pray night and day” Urgent: as earnestly as possible (cf. Eph 3:20) Personal: face-to-face visit (cf. 2:17) Focused: remedy areas where they yet lack in the Faith • Involves correction (e.g., 4:3–12; 5:1–11) • Involves instruction (4:13–18; 5:1–11) Rich Prayers for Others’ Faith (11–13) Paul prays for his own personal ministry to them (11) • Trinitarian: to the Father and the Son (see Deut 6:4) • Request: “clear the way for us” (see 2:18) Paul prays for their growth in love-filled holiness (12– 13) • God must act: “may he cause you to…” • Result: spilling-over love for each other (see 4:9–12) • End: blameless (outward) in holiness (before God) • Trinitarian: (Lord God/Jesus) will come (cf. Zech 14:5) How to Pray 1 Thessalonians 3:9–13 1. Joyfully thank God for his work in others 2. Partake in God’s present work in others 3. Pray for God’s future work in others Striving Together in the Faith 1 Thessalonians 3:9–13