First Thessalonians Bible Study, Chapter 2:17 - 3:13, Double Commitment

1 Thessalonians Study, Chapter 2:17 – 3:13

Author: John Stott

Bobby Earls, Northgate Baptist Church, Florence, SC

August 9, 2020

(I did this study of 1 Thessalonians in part for my mother-in-law, Imogene Mobley Bolf. Imogene was teaching, with some difficulty, this study from John Stott to a ladies Sunday School class at the State Line Baptist Church in Gaffney, SC. I would complete the study and then send it to her by email to assist her in her teaching duties.)

Chapter 3: Double Commitment

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:17 – 3:13 (NIV)

17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy. 1 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain. 6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

1. What intense words reveal Paul’s feelings for the church in Thessalonica?

Answer: In verse 17, Paul calls the believers at Thessalonica brothers and sisters. They are like family members to Paul. He says he was orphaned when he was away from them. And in verse 19, Paul calls the Thessalonians his hope, joy, and crown in which he will glory when Christ returns.

2. How might Paul have kept himself from discouragement when he found his return to Thessalonica blocked?

Answer: Again, in verse 17 Paul says their separation was only temporary, for a short time and that it was only (in person, not in thought). Paul also knew they would be sending Timothy to minister to the Thessalonians in his absence, which he mentions in chapter 3:2, 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

3. What did Paul hope to receive (indirectly, through Timothy’s report) from the Thessalonians?

Answer: Paul was concerned how the Thessalonian believers were handling the persecution and struggle of faith as they awaited the return of Christ. Paul was relieved and overjoyed at the news Timothy brought back regarding the Thessalonian Christians’ faith remaining strong in Christ.

2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain. 6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.

4. Paul had tried to prepare the Thessalonians for meeting trials. How might his own words have strengthened him as he waited for news from Thessalonica?

Answer: Paul knew persecutions come to all who serve Christ. He also knew that faith in Christ helps believers to overcome every trial and persecution we face. Knowing these things Paul could have waited in confidence to hear Timothy’s report.

5. How do you interpret Paul’s statement that the Thessalonians would be his hope, joy and crown when Jesus returns?

Answer: Paul saw those he and his missionary team had reached for Christ in Thessalonica as his “hope, joy and crown” at the return of Christ, v. 19. Those we reach for Christ will be our reward as well when we stand before the Lord Jesus one day.

6. In the sense that Paul used the words, who is (or are) your own “hope, joy and crown”?

Answer: Hopefully, we all can rejoice in knowing our faithful witness has helped many come to faith in Christ. Certainly that should include our own immediate family members and other relatives. I thank God that he has enabled me to reach many with the Gospel for salvation in life.

7. Read 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13. Paul had endured a great deal in establishing the church in Thessalonica. Yet his letter overflows with gratitude. Specifically, what had he received from ministering to the people there?

Answer: Paul shared an intimate love for his fellow believers at Thessalonica. He longed to see them again and share in fellowship with them, 1 Thess. 3:6. He called them his “brothers and sisters” indicating that he regarded each one as a member of his very own spiritual family, 1 Thess. 3:7a. Their faith in Christ brought encouragement to Paul, 1 Thess. 3:7b. In 1 Thess. 3:9 Paul expresses both thankfulness and joy at the thought of the Thessalonian believers.

8. When Paul wrote that Timothy had just “brought good news,” the word he used was literally “evangelized.” This is the only time the word is used in the New Testament when it does not specifically refer to preaching of the gospel. Why would news of the Thessalonians’ faith and love spur Paul to make such a strong statement?

Answer: Perhaps Paul was making use of a “play on words” using the familiar Greek word for “good news” or “the gospel” which is euangelizo. Because of his great love for those with whom he had shared the good news or the gospel, Paul rejoiced all the more over the good news or the gospel he had heard about the Thessalonians faithful steadfastness.

9. How did Paul pray for the Thessalonians, and what does his prayer reveal about what he wanted for them?

Answer: Paul prayed earnestly or sincerely that he would see his fellow believers there at Thessalonica again soon. He desired to be with them and to strengthen their faith even more. 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

Then Paul closes this third chapter of 1Thessalonians with a beautiful benediction asking the Lord to make possible the opportunity to return to Thessalonica but he also prays for their love to abound for one another and for others as well. 11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

Finally he prays for God to strengthen their hearts to live blamelessly and holy before God in anticipation of the return of Christ. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

10. Consider people who minister to you, whether professionally or as laypeople or just friends. What might they be receiving from their ministry (beyond professional pay)?

Answer: The Scriptures remind us that it is better to give than receive and to serve rather than being served. Giving one’s life in ministry and caring for others has rewards that will live long past this lifetime. How do you measure the since of fulfillment, of joy, of love and encouragement one receives who offers himself in service to others?

11. What blessings have you received from ministering to other people?

Answer: Too many and far more than I deserve. (Thank you for the gifts you have so often shared with us! For Penny, myself and our family, we love you!)