Read 1 Thessalonians 3
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20thessalonians%203&version=NIV
Paul continues the description of his deep affection for the Thessalonians. That affection motivated his sharing of the Gospel with them and was expressed in the relationship he developed with church and individuals (chap. 2). That love continues to motivate Paul and in fact stimulated him to send Timothy to check on their progress (3:1–5). What’s more, Timothy’s report gave, and continues to give, Paul a thrill of joy (vv. 6–9). It also stimulated him to pray for them even more earnestly (v. 10) and to wish for them that overflowing love and inner strength which will keep the church blameless and holy till Jesus comes (vv. 11–13).
Discussion question
What in Timothy’s report was particularly encouraging to Paul (6-8)? What does it tell you about Paul’s desires and concerns for the Thessalonians?
Personal reflection
How has the tempter (satan) kept you from being an effective Christian or kept you from witnessing for God? How can you change those temptations?
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I think that Paul was most encouraged by the fact that their faith was still strong. It shows us that Paul was most concerned that the seed he had planted was growing and thriving and not being choked out by everyday trials and tribulations.
ReplyDeleteHow do you witness about the love of God with all of the evil in the world?
ReplyDeleteGood question and one that people have been struggling for a long time. But because there is much evil in the world, that is why we should be a witness about the love of God. If all believers would be an example of Christ I think there would be less evil or sin. I am sad to say there are a lot of believers out there that you can't tell by there actions that they are believers. We often get caught up in the world too easily.
ReplyDeleteAnybody else have an answer for anonymous
I think Paul was especially encouraged that their faith continued to be strong even though they saw that Paul and others had been persecuted. Scott hit it on the head when he said that the seed that had been planted was still thriving even though there are trials that everyone goes through on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteMy answer to Anonymous' question is that Christians need to model God's love in the world every day to counteract the evil that is going on in the world. Even though evil is rampant and discouraging, just think how much more discouraging it would be if the Christians did not exhibit God's love.
I think Paul was pleased with Timothy's news. They were standing firm in the lord. I think he was worried that they would fall to the evil of the world. He was excited that their faith was strong & alive.
ReplyDeleteTimothy reported that the Thessalonians were steadfast in the faith and longed to see them.
ReplyDeleteFor Anonymous I can only attest to what God has done for me and to what His Word says He has done for the world. I have been seen through and rescued from some really bad situations. Unfortunately, as long as Satan is in the world, evil will always be there. We just have to remain faithful, show God's love in every way we can, and one day God will triumph over Satan and put an end to evil. Won't that be lovely!
Thanks for all of the feedback. I was at a loss to witness to a friend that posed a question about why God would allow some of the evils that occur in this world. I know we are given the freedom of choice for a reason but when that choice hurts someone else...
ReplyDeleteThe following quote was at the bottom of a Turning Point message today:
Our vision of God must be controlled not by what we see in the world but by what Scripture authorizes us to believe.
Iain H. Murray