Thriving in Chaotic Times: Sacrifical Love: I Thess. 2:17-3:13

I. Paul’s Serious Situation: 2:17-20

A. Paul compares his being taken away to being orphaned. It’s the same Greek word. He feels like he has abandoned them.

B. While he is with them in spirit, he earnestly wants to see them face to face. But Satan is hindering him. We don’t know how, but he is. Paul is aggravated, yet hoping in Jesus.

C. His hope in Jesus, is that if he never sees them again this side of Heaven, he would see them at the rapture. Paul expected to see the return of Christ in his lifetime. (Mario Nunez from Fresno, CA ex).

II. Paul’s Selfless Sacrifice: 3:1-8

A. Paul was kicked out of Berea, because of the Jews from Thessalonica came down. Paul goes to Athens, and then send Timothy to them, not only to check on them, but to strengthen them. A similar word is used of Aaron and Hur.

Exodus 17:12 NASB95

But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set.

B. Paul was alone in Athens for a while. He really could have used to help and companionship of Timothy. It is a huge comfort, to know you’re not alone, so for Paul to give up his “true son in the faith” was a big sacrifice.

C. He knew that they were suffering affliction, but couldn’t be there with them, so it was hard for him. (Covid hospital shutdown/pastoring ex).

D. In order to make sure that they were indeed in the faith, Timothy encouraged both the Thessalonians and Paul.

III. Paul’s Successful Set Up vs. 9-13

A. Paul rejoiced in the good news Timothy brought. Yet he still longed to finish getting the church set up in the faith. Yahweh answered that prayer.

Acts 20:1 NASB95

After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and when he had exhorted them and taken his leave of them, he left to go to Macedonia.

B. In the meantime he would have to trust God to grow them. It was out of his hands, but not God’s .

C. What they had learned from Paul, Silas, and Timothy wasn’t in theory only. It was in action. Love is a verb. Paul lived it out in front of and for the Thessalonians. Now they would continue to live it out for each other, and sometime later Paul.