Session 4 1 Thessalonians 3:4-13
identify the transition word but in 1 Thessalonians 3:6
and then read aloud verses 6-10,
noticing the change in Paul’s perspective.
6 But now Timothy has come to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love.
He reported that you always have good memories of us and that you long to see us,
as we also long to see you.
7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and affliction,
we were encouraged about you through your faith.8 For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord.
9 How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience
before our God because of you,
10 as we pray very earnestly night and day
to see you face to face and to complete what is lacking in your faith?
review the passage from two standpoints:
Locate the phrase “stand firm” in verse 8
and note that it has military undertones.
Those who are standing firm refuse to retreat.
They understand that the battle is raging, but they will not give one inch to the enemy.
Emphasize that in the same way, this group of believers was standing firm in the Lord.
They were not going to allow temporary persecution to sway them in any manner.
Point out that “complete what is lacking” (v. 10)
refers to the need for continued spiritual growth.
The Greek wording implies a desire to strengthen and improve their spiritual condition,
not give them something that was being held back or missing.
The Thessalonians’ salvation was secure, but Paul was concerned about them conforming more closely to the image of Christ.
Paul and the Thessalonian believers had fought a battle and were still in the battle together.
Instead of pushing the two apart, as the enemy desired,
the battle was pulling them together.