1 Thessalonians 3 -Part 5

Chapter 3 of 1 Thessalonians can be divided into four sections.

vs 1-5 - Timothy’s Mission

vs 6-8 - Timothy’s Report

vs 9-10 - Paul’s Response

vs 11-13 - Paul’s Prayer

Timothy’s Mission

1 Thessalonians 3:1–5

Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we decided to be left alone in Athens; 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the sake of your faith, 3 so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions. Indeed, you yourselves know that this is what we are destined for. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we were to suffer persecution; so it turned out, as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith; I was afraid that somehow the tempter had tempted you and that our labor had been in vain.

We have already discussed why Timothy was sent back to Thessalonica already but we see here where it is stated.

Reason for Mission - Paul wanted to know who they were doing.

to get the full impact of the first vs of chapter three we need to read in with the end of chapter 2

1 Thess 2:17-3:2

17 As for us, brothers and sisters, when, for a short time, we were made orphans by being separated from you—in person, not in heart—we longed with great eagerness to see you face to face. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, wanted to again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 Yes, you are our glory and joy! 3 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we decided to be left alone in Athens; 2 and we sent Timothy

Purpose for Mission - Timothy was suppose to

strengthen them

encourage them in their faith.

keep them from being shaken by the troubles

they were destined for such troubles

they were warned the troubles would come

the troubles did come

3. Paul reiterates his his longing to hear from them and sends Timothy, even thought it means being alone in Athens.

Reflexion Question: Are we passionate about the people we know to see how they are doing in their relationship with God?

Timothy’s Report

1 Thessalonians 3:6–8

6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us—just as we long to see you. 7 For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. 8 For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord.

vs. 6 - Upon Timothy’s return Paul is pleased with the good report

good news of your faith and love

Paul sent timothy to inquire about their faith and found not only faith but love (christian conduct).

always remember us kindly

long to see us, as we long to see you

vs. 7 - their faith brings encouragement to Paul in the midst of his distress and persecution.

vs. 8 - we get to experience the true christian life when you continue to stand firm in the Lord

There is true joy when those we pour our lives into stand firm in the Lord.

Reflexion Question: To what extent are we concerned about those we invest in and their relationship with God?

Paul’s Response

1 Thessalonians 3:9–10

9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

Paul’s thankfulness and Joy is all focused on God!

Earnest prayer goes forth so the could be reunited.

The desire is not only to see them but also

to restore whatever they have lost in their faith, another idea for this is “complete what is lacking.”

Paul had to leave Thessalonica unexpectedly and so he wants to return and finish his work.

Reflexion Question: Do we celebrate with those who show victory in their spiritual lives? Do we encourage them to grow, how?

Paul’s Prayer

1 Thessalonians 3:11–13

11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. 13 And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

There are several things Paul prays for in this prayer…

Direction from God the Father and our Lord Jesus

make them increase and abound in love for each other

God’s strength in their hearts in holiness for the purpose of being blameless before the Father and Jesus who is returning (along with his people, the saints).