1 thess.3.11-13.3 Wishes to Grow By
3 Wishes to Grow By
1 Thess. 3:11-13
this is Paul's prayer for those believers:
He finishes his prayer begun in 1:2 and he asks for three things
This is his wish list for them to grow in their . . .
1. Dependence on the power of God--God would clear the way [Divine power]- that God would direct him to them for the express purpose of .
He realizes that it is God who has to work in His power for him to reconnect with them in person.
Notice who he addresses it speaks of the Trinity
God, Our Father
The Lord Jesus
The Lord - possibly the Holy Spirit considering that the word Lord in v.13 refers to Jesus and in verse 11. But not connected in v.12 to Him specifically.
This speaks at the very least of the deity of Jesus Christ.
kateuthúnōo; fut. kateuthunó̄, from katá (2596), an intens., down, and euthúnōo (2116), to direct. To guide straight towards or upon something. Generally, it means to guide or direct one’s way or journey to a place (1 Thess. 3:11). Symbolically in Luke 1:79, directing the feet in the way of peace; the hearts, in 2 Thess. 3:5; Sept.: Ps. 5:8; 2 Chr. 12:14; 19:3.
Zodhiates, S. (2000, c1992, c1993). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.) (G2720). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.
thus, the idea of God removing obstacles, hindrances
2 thess. 3:5 "May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ."
But the apostle knew that in God we live, and move, and have our being,
Henry, M. (1996, c1991). Matthew Henry's commentary on the whole Bible : Complete and unabridged in one volume (1 Th 3:11). Peabody: Hendrickson.
2. Their love for others, v.12
inwardly (one another)
outwardly (the lost)
that their love would increase and overflow=growth that produces an abundance.
pleonázōo; fut. pleonásōo, from pleíōon (4119), more. To have or cause to have much, or more than enough. Except in 2 Pet. 1:8, the word occurs only in the Pauline epistles, as do the deriv. pleonektéōo (4122), to be covetous, and pleonéktēes (4123), one who holds or desires more, covetous.
Zodhiates, S. (2000, c1992, c1993). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.) (G4121). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.
The word abound has to do with overflowing a container.
It pictures then a believer who is a picture of sacrificial love. he bleeds love all over.
Rom. 13 love is the primary virtue, see also 1 Cor. 13
3. grow in holiness, v.13
“Blameless” (amemptous) is a concept descriptive of something or someone judged acceptable before God in sacrificial worship. “Holy” (hagiōosunēe) is a noun describing the state of that which is sanctified (hagiadzōo) or consecrated as God’s special possession.
Martin, D. M. (2001, c1995). Vol. 33: 1, 2 Thessalonians (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (113). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Paul's wishful prayer is that they would display the character of God in their lives.
The two phrases “in the presence of our God and Father” and “when our Lord Jesus comes” are parallel, both looking to the parousia
Martin, D. M. (2001, c1995). Vol. 33: 1, 2 Thessalonians (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (114). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Conclusion
Paul's prayer is that God when the Lord returns He would find the believers at Thessalonica abounding and growing in holiness, love and fellowship with one another.
That we would be displaying the Character of God trusting His power to carry out His work, Love towards others and Holiness in lifestyle.
