1 ThessaloniansChapter 3

Overview

• Paul’s concern is shown for his brothers and sisters in Christ after he had to leave them rather quickly.

• Paul finds great joy in the report that he receives.

• Many other points can be taken from this chapter, but we will examine it from the standpoint of our relationships with our brethren.

Paul’s Concern for His Brethren (vs. 1-5)

• Notice some things about their situation: Paul was physically separated from them.

• Context – Acts 17:15• Sometimes people need personal attention – vs.

2• Personal attention was needed to establish and

encourage.– Establish – a young church – Col. 2:6-7– Encourage – they were experiencing tribulation.

• Even though they were “prepared” (vs. 4), Paul still sought to strengthen them further.

• Think about the strength that would have come from their experiences! (cf. 2 Tim. 3:12)

Questions

• When might our brothers and sisters in Christ need “personal attention”?

• How can we cultivate the same kind of concern that Paul had for his brethren?

• If it was not possible for a Christian to lose their soul in condemnation, why was Paul so concerned? (vs. 5; Heb. 6:6; 2 Peter 3:17)

Joy in Good News! (vs. 6-10)

• Timothy returned back to Paul with good news which comforted him. (cf. Acts 18:5 – Paul seems to be energized.)

• Paul was filled with new life (vs. 8).• Paul expresses endless thanksgiving

because of the joyful news (vs. 9). They were still faithful! (cf. Phil. 2:1-2, also 2 Jn. 4)

• Paul gained sincere enjoyment because of the faithfulness of other Christians

• Perfect what is lacking

Questions

• What did Paul find to be a source of great encouragement?

• How do we find joy in our brothers and sister’s faithfulness?

• What is the importance of face to face contact as expressed by Paul and the church in Thessalonica?

Paul’s Prayers (vs. 10-13)

• Prayed for God to allow him to see them, if it be His will.

• Prayed for Increase – of love, to each other and to all.

• Prayed for their continuing Growth – that they were established, and blameless at the coming of Christ – cf. 2:19-20

Questions

• What we can pray to see?• What can we pray to see

increase?• What can we pray to see grow?• What are some ways that God

would answer these prayers?• What is the importance of

finding Joy in our brethren?