August 27, 2012
PAYING IT FORWARD
1 Thessalonians 3
Liz White
Central Truth
God communicates His truth by His Spirit and through His people. As others observe our faithful living, they are encouraged to imitate our life. In turn, God strengthens our spirits as we see others living in His truth. Everyone benefits, and He is glorified.
Key Verse | 1 Thessalonians 3:11–12
Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you. (1 Thessalonians 3:11-12)
1 Thessalonians 3
1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker 1 3:2 Some manuscripts servant in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
Timothy's Encouraging Report
6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, 2 3:7 Or brothers and sisters in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?
11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
Dive Deeper | 1 Thessalonians 3
Though I was raised in a loving home by parents who were present and involved in my life, I did not grow up learning about Jesus. I grew up learning about human potential and social good. When I was a teenager, my heart longed for more. God revealed Himself to me and transformed the way that I understood life. There were several spiritual "fathers and mothers" who adopted me as a young believer. They encouraged me and strengthened my faith by their own faithful example and by their consistent concern for my spiritual growth. Having raised four children of my own, I am both grateful and indebted for the time, energy, sacrificial love, and fervent prayer that these mentors have lavished on my life.
In the same manner, Paul, along with Timothy and Silas, were wonderful examples of "spiritual parents" for the community of believers they led in Thessalonica. Paul lived out what he asked of his followers. He consistently proclaimed, "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1) He also provided a realistic picture of the sacrifice that living for Christ would involve: suffering and persecution. In addition, he continually expressed how much he cared for the Thessalonicans by affirming their progress in their faith and calling them his "glory and joy" (1 Thessalonians 2:20). Finally, he honestly conveyed his own doubts and fears regarding their welfare, their exposure to temptation, and that his own efforts might have been in vain.
The lives of these servant-leaders offer a vibrant example to me as I seek to "pay it forward" by lovingly leading others into a stronger faith. If I am following Jesus, my life can make a world of difference in someone else's. If I am living out the truth that was given to me in humility, honesty, and genuine care, then others will want to join me on that path. Their growth in the truth will increase my joy. Everyone benefits.
Discussion Questions
1. Who has had a profound impact on your spiritual journey? Write a letter of thanks or share a meal with them to express your appreciation.
2. Are you "paying it forward"? Are you imparting the things that God has accomplished in your life to another person, who in turn can minister to others?
3. What will others say about your responses to the challenges of life? Should people imitate your walk with the Lord?
WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY
August 27-31 (1 Thessalonians 3- 2 Thessalonians 2)
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18.
• Verse 12 talks about those who are leaders over you, guiding you in God's truth. Who are these people in your life? How do they guide you in God's truth?
• Who are the different people listed in verse 14 and how are you to care for each of them differently?
• Verse 16 calls you to "[r]ejoice always." Does this mean to always be happy? How can you be joyful even in hard situations?
• What does verse 17 call you to do? How do you keep praying even in the middle of your day while you are working or at school?
• And how can you be thankful always? Is it easy for you to be thankful even when things are really hard? What are some of the things going on in your life that are hard to be thankful for?
Activity: Have each person choose some of the leaders from your answer to the first question. Take time to pray for each of them. Then write them a thank-you note and include some encouraging verses.