1 Thessalonians 3

1 Thessalonians 3 (NIV)

3 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each otherand for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Fatherwhen our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

Observation Questions

Where did Paul and Silas stay? (verse 1)

When was Timothy sent to the Thessalonians? (verse 1-3)

Why was Timothy sent to the Thessalonians? (verse 2-3)

What did Paul, Silas, and Timothy say would happen and did? (verse 4)

Why could Paul stand it no longer? (verse 5)

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

What news did Timothy bring with him when he returned from the Thessalonians? (verse 6)

Why were Paul, Silas, and Timothy encouraged? (verse 7)

What did the Thessalonians standing firm in the Lord do for Paul, Silas, and Timothy? (verse 8)

When do Paul, Silas, and Timothy pray most earnestly that they may see the Thessalonians again? (verse 10)

What do Paul, Silas, and Timothy want to supply? (verse 10)

Who makes love increase and overflow? (verse 12)

Who strengthens hearts? (verses 12-13)

Interpretation

What was Paul, Silas, and Timothy's reaction to this new Joy? (verse 9)

Who has the ability to clear the way? (verse 11)

Application

Pray this for Someone

Lord, make love increase and overflow in _______ 

Strengthen their heart so that they will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones.