1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Q.1. What report from Timothy about the Thessalonians brought Paul such encouragement? – (1 Thes.3:6-8)
Paul had been afraid that Satan had tempted the converts to give up (1 Thes.3:5). However, Timothy reported that they were not only established in their faith and love, but also were very grateful for Paul’s sacrifices – for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith (1 Thes.3:7). To hear that they were standing firm in the faith made all his trials worthwhile (1 Thes.3:8).
Q.2. How did the success of his ministry stimulate his prayer life? What more did Paul desire for the Thessalonians? – (1 Thes.3:9-10)
All his epistles indicated that Paul and his team were sustained by prayer – as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face and may complete what is lacking in your faith (1 Thes.3:10). Timothy’s good report filled Paul with gratitude to God, for answering his pleas for the Thessalonians. He expressed his desire to make a return visit so that he might encourage them in their faith (1 Thes.3:9).
Q.3. What did Paul’s benediction indicate about God’s goal for the converts? What did it reveal about our dependence on God in ministry? – (1 Thes.3:11-13)
We are all totally dependent on the grace of God in ministry. It was not even in Paul’s power to reconnect with the Thessalonians (1 Thes.3:11). Paul explained God’s goal for the converts in great detail – 12 … to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; and to … 13 establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints (1 Thes.3:12-13). Before our conversion, our main preoccupation was with our own welfare. After conversion, our love should grow toward others. We should also increasingly live in such a way that glorify God. What increases our motivation toward holy living is the awareness that a Day of Reckoning is imminent – at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints (1 Thes.3:13).