Future Glory | Present Trial: 1 Thess. 3:6-10
1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 :: Steadfast Conviction
Our teaching series is into chapter 3 of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian church but we aren’t quite done with his introduction. So much does he have to say about the church, his prayers for them, their struggles, their history and his role and place that the typically short introductory words of Paul take up three chapters here. Yet do not let the word “introduction” steal any of the due weight and import in these amazing texts. All of them are full of truth and relevance.
Paul continues by reporting on Timothy’s report of the life and faith of the church. He calls it “good news.”
“Timothy brought good news, where the verb is that generally used for ‘preach the gospel’; it shows how remarkably Paul had been affected by Timothy’s news. This seems to be the only place in the New Testament where the word is used of any other news than God’s saving work.”—Leon Morris
Paul reports that Timothy’s account of their faith, love and kind thoughts toward he and his companions (which address the potential slander and accusations addressed in 2;1-12) are the cause of great joy and comfort.
“His concern throughout has had to do with whether the persecution and slander might have caused their faith to be shaken and their love to have diminished.” Gordon Fee
Obviously, that was not the case. They stood firm and were standing firm. Overall, the bulk of chapter 3 brings the long introduction to a fitting conclusion. There is story, flow, context, geography, travel logs, gratitude and prayer.
“From this passage (vv. 1-10), one can learn much about Paul both as a person and as a ‘pastor.’ On the personal side, this section is full of ‘friendship’ motifs, as understood by ancient standards. Thus, even though they are his ‘disciples,’ as it were, he treats them in this letter altogether as his friends. Here in particular, therefore, those who have roles of church leadership can learn much about the true nature of such a relationship. This is not the apostle exercising ‘authority’ over, but a friend coming ‘alongside,’ showing genuine concern for their welfare in Christ. At the same time, he demonstrates that ‘feelings’ regarding friends are a genuine part of such relationships. Paul here exhibits none of the aloofness that has often characterized what has come to be called “christian ministry,” which seems too often to fall short of the apostolic kind.”—Gordon Fee
All of this brings its grace and truth to bear on the situation and need of the moment, which was true for the Thessalonian church, for Paul and his companions, as well as for us. The need of our particular moment is heavy too. Unstable times require steadfast conviction, especially on the part of Jesus-followers, not simply exit strategies.
Group Discussion Questions:
Our teaching series is into chapter 3 of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian church but we aren’t quite done with his introduction. So much does he have to say about the church, his prayers for them, their struggles, their history and his role and place that the typically short introductory words of Paul take up three chapters here. Yet do not let the word “introduction” steal any of the due weight and import in these amazing texts. All of them are full of truth and relevance.
Paul continues by reporting on Timothy’s report of the life and faith of the church. He calls it “good news.”
“Timothy brought good news, where the verb is that generally used for ‘preach the gospel’; it shows how remarkably Paul had been affected by Timothy’s news. This seems to be the only place in the New Testament where the word is used of any other news than God’s saving work.”—Leon Morris
Paul reports that Timothy’s account of their faith, love and kind thoughts toward he and his companions (which address the potential slander and accusations addressed in 2;1-12) are the cause of great joy and comfort.
“His concern throughout has had to do with whether the persecution and slander might have caused their faith to be shaken and their love to have diminished.” Gordon Fee
Obviously, that was not the case. They stood firm and were standing firm. Overall, the bulk of chapter 3 brings the long introduction to a fitting conclusion. There is story, flow, context, geography, travel logs, gratitude and prayer.
“From this passage (vv. 1-10), one can learn much about Paul both as a person and as a ‘pastor.’ On the personal side, this section is full of ‘friendship’ motifs, as understood by ancient standards. Thus, even though they are his ‘disciples,’ as it were, he treats them in this letter altogether as his friends. Here in particular, therefore, those who have roles of church leadership can learn much about the true nature of such a relationship. This is not the apostle exercising ‘authority’ over, but a friend coming ‘alongside,’ showing genuine concern for their welfare in Christ. At the same time, he demonstrates that ‘feelings’ regarding friends are a genuine part of such relationships. Paul here exhibits none of the aloofness that has often characterized what has come to be called “christian ministry,” which seems too often to fall short of the apostolic kind.”—Gordon Fee
All of this brings its grace and truth to bear on the situation and need of the moment, which was true for the Thessalonian church, for Paul and his companions, as well as for us. The need of our particular moment is heavy too. Unstable times require steadfast conviction, especially on the part of Jesus-followers, not simply exit strategies.
Group Discussion Questions:
- Reread 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10 and rephrase it in your own words. Share your thoughts with the group.
- Why was Paul so grateful and joyful with Timothy’s report of the church? How can you relate?
- What does it mean to stand firm in the Lord?
- The sermon identified three spheres or directions in which we are called to stand firm. The first is “of your faith,” or Godward. How does a Jesus follower stand firm in their faith?
- What are some of the challenges to standing firm in the faith that you have experienced or are experiencing now?
- The second realm or direction is “of your love.” It’s likely that Paul means the church members love for one another. How does a Jesus follower stand firm in their love for one another?
- What are some of the common challenges or obstacles to this persevering love? What are some difficulties you’ve faced?
- The third realm or direction is toward outsiders, or shall we say in a “missional” direction. Paul bears this out in his prayer at the end of chapter 3 even more. How does a Jesus follower stand firm in their faithful engagement with those outside of the church?
- What are the three main obstacles or challenges, in your opinion, to this kind of engagement? What is it so difficult to stand firm in this arena?
- Paul ends (v.9-10) with an incredible note of joy and gratitude. End your discussion time by sharing what you are recently grateful for and where you have experienced God’s joy. Then close in a time of prayer.
Posted in Sermon Notes