Quick Review
Acts 17:1-12 describes the origin story of the church in Thessalonica. Some key takeouts:
3 Sabbath day sermons in which the Messiah was proclaimed.
The Jews were jealous and formed a “protest group” who mobbed Paul and his party and discouraged the people regarding his message.
Those who believed Paul’s teachings verified his teachings with the word of God.
Chapter 3 concludes Paul’s comments about the condition of the Thessalonian church. These beg12an in chapter 1 and were given more details in chapters 2 and 3.
In 1 Thessalonians chapter 3, Paul expresses his joy that the Thessalonians are enduring persecution faithfully, and he prays that they will continue to grow, with great words of encouragement. Paul tells the Thessalonian believers that he had sent Timothy from Athens to Thessalonica to continue encouraging them, and to learn how they were getting along in the Christian life.
Timothy had returned to Paul after visiting the Thessalonian church with good news. He reported that the congregation was doing well, and Paul wrote to encourage them even further. Timothy also reassured Paul that the Thessalonians had not believed the false rumours that had been spread about him. Timothy’s report encouraged Paul himself in the difficult experiences of his life in Corinth – this was good news for the apostle and filled him with joy and gratitude. But he wanted to see the Thessalonians again and was praying that this would happen for he believed he, as an apostle, could help them even further in their spiritual journey.
1 Thessalonians 3:1–5
Paul reminds Thessalonian believers that his sufferings were not unexpected but were predicted.
1 Thessalonians 2:18
Paul states that Timothy had returned with good news about the Thessalonian believers’ faith and love. Timothy had also told Paul that the believers shared fond memories of Paul and longed to see him again, just as he longed to see them. This corresponds to Paul’s earlier comment that he had only been prevented from visiting the Thessalonians by the interference of Satan.
1 Thessalonians 3:6–10
Timothy’s positive report helped Paul cope with his afflictions. Paul indicates he has great joy in knowing the believers at Thessalonica were doing well spiritually. He says he is praying around the clock to see them face-to-face and to address any deficiencies in their faith. Some of those concerns, at least, Paul will discuss in chapters 4 and 5.
The Purpose of this Message …
Paul wanted the Thessalonian church to grow in love for one another and for those beyond the church for love is an essential indication that they were Christ-followers.
Paul gave himself as an example of how they should love. In this way, God could set them apart from the sin and selfishness of the world as they grew in holiness in preparation for Jesus’ return.
Open in Prayer
Pray for revelation of the word and the presence of God on your heart and tongue. Close prayer by thanking God for the people who have encouraged you in your faith.
Scriptures
1. Acts 17:1-12
2. 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
3. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7
4. 2 Corinthians 8: 1-13
Open your mind and heart as you read these passages of Scripture aloud and then again quietly to yourself. Listen for God’s word to you.
Insights from Ian’s Sermon
We encounter God through the perseverance of Paul under discouragement and persecution. (see 2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
Courage is the partner of perseverance
There are 3 sources of Perseverance:
1. A CLEAR AND COMPELLING VISION
Love… God’s abundant love must overflow to others, even those who are your enemies / who persecute or discourage you.
2. An ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE
Sometimes discouragement, suffering and adversity can be an opportunity for growth in your relationship with God. Be grateful …. NOT for the adversity or suffering BUT, give thanks and be grateful IN and THROUGH the adversity.
3. We are BETTER TOGETHER
Perseverance comes from being ‘in it” with others. We receive encouragement from example and from support. “If you want to go fast, go alone… If you want to go further, go together”.
Icebreaker:
· Who has experienced that place in your life where – it had just been too much to consider going on… you’re ready to give up? Tell us your story…. How did you resurface? What happened that pulled you through? Who “happened” to be there when you needed support and encouragement?
· Who has encouraged you most in your faith? Has Gracepoint offered encouragement to you?
Application:
Self-reflection
· If people who influenced you in your faith saw your life today – would they recognise the changes in your faith journey? (Would they be glad with your progress or sad at your falling away?)
· How involved are you? What is God calling you to do to be involved in these ministries at the beginning of this year? How do you feel about this? What excites you/holds you back?
· Paul gave himself as an example for the Thessalonian church to follow in regard to the love they showed one another and others. Who would you choose as an example to follow in your world? How would you feel about giving yourself as an example to others?
Application to Life
· Where do you believe people falter easily? (Why do people find perseverance so difficult?)
· What does Gracepoint do to encourage the spread of “God’s love” in Jesus’ Name? (How aware are you of these activities?)
· How can you encourage other churches to persevere and have courage through challenging situations? (How can the insights from Ian’s sermon help us in this regard?)
· In our conflicted world, and the global, divided “church”, how can you encourage believers with your prayers? How do we / or can we encourage them to seek the truth in the WORD (as opposed to mass media sources)?
· How can the group help to persevere through any struggles you may have expressed during your discussions?
· How can you be an encouragement; as an individual, AND as a group to others.
Prayer
Before you close in prayer, take time to consider who you know, who God is putting on your heart for encouragement to persevere more actively, …
Then, pray for one another to have the heart and the courage to …
· persevere through trying and adverse times that you are experiencing
· encourage others (those identified), the way Paul encourages the Thessalonians e.g.
- those struggling to separate the influences of worldly ways from God’s way, and
- those struggling with understanding God’s purpose and path for them.
Service
Continue to encourage one another and others during this month as you follow Christ’s way.
Bibliography https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/1-thessalonians-3/
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