Sustained Through Encouragement 1 Thess 3:1-13 SS Lesson for 06/20/2010 Devotional Scripture: Rom 15:1-6 OUTLINE INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW AND APPROACH TO LESSON LESSON INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator MAJOR THEME ANALYSIS MISSION OF ENCOURAGEMENT (1 THESS 3:1-5) To strengthen and encourage faith (1-2) Strengthen and encourage by being shielded by God (1 Peter 1:5) Strengthen and encourage by contending for the faith (Jude 1:3) Strengthen and encourage by relying on God regardless of the circumstances (2 Cor 1:8-9) Strengthen and encourage by keeping the faith to the finish (2 Tim 4:7) Strengthen and encourage through faith and actions working together to make faith complete (James 2:22) Strengthen and encourage by throwing off everything that hinders (Heb 12:1) Strengthen and encourage by confirming and proving God's trust (1 Cor 4:2) To know that Christians will suffer afflictions (3-4) Suffering to obtain perseverance, character and hope (Rom 5:3-5) Suffering to be imitators of Jesus (1 Thess 1:6) Suffering for the sake of the gospel (2 Tim 1:8-12) Suffering to participate in the suffering of Jesus (1 Peter 4:12-17) Suffering to have the same attitude as Jesus (1 Peter 4:1) Suffering because there is a better and lasting possession awaiting (Heb 10:34) To understand that Satan will tempt (5) Satan is always roaming around looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8) Satan, even when he leaves, will always return to tempt (Luke 11:24) Satan is the main adversary of our struggle (Eph 6:12) Satan wants to sift us like wheat (Luke 22:31-32) Satan knows his time is short (Rev 12:12) RESULT OF ENCOURAGEMENT (1 THESS 3:6-10) Faith and love (6-8) Faith and love comes from a pure heart and good conscience (1 Tim 1:5) God's love is perfected in us through faith (Gal 5:6) Faith and love by being on guard and doing everything in love (1 Cor 16:13-14) Experiencing the joy of the Word of Life through love and faith (1 Peter 1:8-9) Faith and love through the pursuit of righteousness, godliness, endurance and gentleness (1 Tim 6:11-13) Thanksgiving and prayer (9-10) Thanksgivings for the victory through Jesus (1 Cor 15:57) Thanksgivings for the inheritance (Col 1:12) Thanksgivings in all circumstances (1 Thess 5:18) Prayer that is continual (1 Thess 5:17) Prayer that waits in expectation (Ps 5:3) Prayer that has a heart devoted to it with thanksgiving (Col 4:2) GOAL OF ENCOURAGEMENT (1 THESS 3:11-13) God's direction (11) God's direction that is part of God's plan for our lives (Jer 29:11) God's direction into truth (John 16:13-15) God's direction by the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:18) Sustained Through Encouragement Page 1 of 10 SS Lesson for 06/20/2010
God's direction that represents we are a child of God (Rom 8:14) God's direction will always lead us in a straight path (Prov 3:5-6) God's direction places us where God wants, when He wants (1 Cor 12:18) Abounding love (12-13) Love that prompted God to provide Jesus as our sacrifice (John 3:16) Love that is incomparably rich (Eph 2:6-7) Love that God expressed in mercy (1 Tim 1:15-16) Love that is defined as Jesus laying down His life for us (1 John 3:16) Love that shows itself through living through Jesus (1 John 4:9-10) God's love brings answered prayers (John 16:26-27) CONCLUSION AND OTHER THOUGHTS CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE NIV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR PRACTICAL POINTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR HEART OF THE LESSON FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR Concern (1 Thess. 3:1-5) Encouragement (1 Thess. 3:6-10) Growth (1 Thess. 3:12-13) Sustained Through Encouragement Page 2 of 10 SS Lesson for 06/20/2010
Introduction Overview and Approach to Lesson The outline of the lesson came from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator. The lesson explains how Christians are Sustained through Encouragement. The study's aim is to realize that faith and love can deal with any opposition experienced by believers. The study's application is to develop spiritual tactics to use in facing worldly attacks. Lesson Introduction and Background From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary Cast Away or It s a Wonderful Life The movie Cast Away was a big hit a few years ago. It vividly depicted the struggles of a man left alone on a deserted island after an airplane crash. He struggled to survive, to find food, water, and shelter. But more than that, he struggled against his loneliness. Desperate for a friend, he began to speak to a volleyball as if it were a human being. Contrast that with the famous old movie It s a Wonderful Life. In that film the main character is also desperate. But he comes to appreciate how much his life is worth when he realizes the value of his relationships. No man is a failure who has friends is a famous line from the close of that movie. These movies ring true for audiences because they reflect a truth about how God made us. Human beings were made for relationships. When life is challenging, Christians can find encouragement from their sisters and brothers in the faith. Real Christian fellowship gives us comfort, example, support, and even correction. It restores our strength and keeps our minds and hearts set on the gospel that brought us together. That is the central idea of today s text. Lesson Background Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonians after a forced absence. Persecution had forced Paul to leave the city (Acts 17:1 10), and as his absence stretched on, it was clear that the church faced difficulties and uncertainties. Paul wrote the letter to address those issues. But Paul also wanted the young church to know that he, no less than they, was pained by his absence from them. Paul carried a deep burden for the welfare of these new converts. Wanting to know about their situation, Paul sent Timothy, his assistant in ministry, to visit the church and report back. So in 1 Thessalonians 3 Paul expresses his concern for the Thessalonians, his desire to be reunited with them, and his motivation for sending Timothy. But he also expresses the joy he experienced when Timothy returned with a good report. This passage raises some questions about the details in Acts. Some have even alleged that Luke is in error! In Acts 17:14, 15, Paul leaves Berea for Athens while Timothy and Silas stay behind with instructions to join him as soon as possible. But no mention is made of their arrival in Athens. Instead, Luke says they rejoin Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:5). The passage before us says Paul decided to be left by ourselves in Athens in order to send Timothy to Thessalonica. This makes us think Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica from Athens. This is entirely possible. The fact that Acts has no record of that is not really a problem. Timothy is not mentioned at all from the time he joins Paul s team in Acts 16:3 until the mention in Berea. He must have been with Paul in Philippi, where Luke tells of Paul and Silas s imprisonment, but Timothy is not mentioned (Acts 16:19 40). So he and Silas could have rejoined Paul in Athens and then returned to Thessalonica, Silas perhaps being sent to another Macedonian city such as Philippi. The two then rejoined Paul in Corinth, coming from Macedonia (Acts 18:5). Or the decision to be left by ourselves in Athens could have been made in Berea. Perhaps Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica and Silas to Philippi (or elsewhere in Macedonia) at the time he left for Athens. Paul s ministry in Athens was brief, so by the time the two coworkers got there, Paul had already gone to Corinth. Silas and Timothy then followed and joined him there. Either way, the integrity of Luke s account in Acts need not be questioned. Sustained Through Encouragement Page 3 of 10 SS Lesson for 06/20/2010
From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Christians are called upon to sustain each other through mutual encouragement. Our foremost commitment is to the Lord, but fulfilling that commitment involves encouraging each other. This is very evident in I Thessalonians 3. Paul and his coworkers were seriously concerned about the spiritual well-being Of the Thessalonian believers. They were young in their faith in Christ and enduring severe persecution. Would they stand firm or be drawn away from their profession of faith? This was the question that agitated the hearts of Paul and his companions, decision was made to send Timothy to Thessalonica to encourage these young believers to stand fast in their commitment to Christ. On his return, Timothy's report of the faith, love, and stability of the Thessalonian Christians caused Paul to be encouraged. There may be some people who actually like problems and discovering solutions to them. However, it would appear that most like to have things go smoothly, especially after making drastic alterations in their lifestyle. The new converts in Thessalonica had moved into their new Christian life and had to be fortified by veteran believers so that they could face the persecution that was sure to come. Acts 17:13-15 says that the brethren in Berea escorted Paul to Athens following Jewish persecution. He apparently was there alone until Silas and Timothy were able to rejoin him. This is supported by I Thessalonians 3:1. Timothy evidently had come to him there so that Paul could send him back to Thessalonica on a mission. Major Theme Analysis (Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV) Mission of Encouragement (1 Thess 3:1-5) 1 Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain. To strengthen and encourage faith (1-2) Strengthen and encourage by being shielded by God (1 Peter 1:5) 5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. Strengthen and encourage by contending for the faith (Jude 1:3) 3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. Strengthen and encourage by relying on God regardless of the circumstances (2 Cor 1:8-9) 8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. Strengthen and encourage by keeping the faith to the finish (2 Tim 4:7) 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Sustained Through Encouragement Page 4 of 10 SS Lesson for 06/20/2010
Strengthen and encourage through faith and actions working together to make faith complete (James 2:22) 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. Strengthen and encourage by throwing off everything that hinders (Heb 12:1) 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Strengthen and encourage by confirming and proving God's trust (1 Cor 4:2) 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. To know that Christians will suffer afflictions (3-4) Suffering to obtain perseverance, character and hope (Rom 5:3-5) 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Suffering to be imitators of Jesus (1 Thess 1:6) 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. Suffering for the sake of the gospel (2 Tim 1:8-12) 8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. Suffering to participate in the suffering of Jesus (1 Peter 4:12-17) 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? Suffering to have the same attitude as Jesus (1 Peter 4:1) 4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. Suffering because there is a better and lasting possession awaiting (Heb 10:34) 34 You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. Sustained Through Encouragement Page 5 of 10 SS Lesson for 06/20/2010
To understand that Satan will tempt (5) Satan is always roaming around looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8) 8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Satan, even when he leaves, will always return to tempt (Luke 11:24) 24 "When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' Satan is the main adversary of our struggle (Eph 6:12) 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Satan wants to sift us like wheat (Luke 22:31-32) 31 "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Satan knows his time is short (Rev 12:12) 12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short." Result of Encouragement (1 Thess 3:6-10) 6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you 7 therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith? Faith and love (6-8) Faith and love comes from a pure heart and good conscience (1 Tim 1:5) 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. God's love is perfected in us through faith (Gal 5:6) 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Faith and love by being on guard and doing everything in love (1 Cor 16:13-14) 13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14 Do everything in love. Experiencing the joy of the Word of Life through love and faith (1 Peter 1:8-9) 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Sustained Through Encouragement Page 6 of 10 SS Lesson for 06/20/2010
Faith and love through the pursuit of righteousness, godliness, endurance and gentleness (1 Tim 6:11-13) 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you Thanksgiving and prayer (9-10) Thanksgivings for the victory through Jesus (1 Cor 15:57) 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgivings for the inheritance (Col 1:12) 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Thanksgivings in all circumstances (1 Thess 5:18) 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Prayer that is continual (1 Thess 5:17) 17 pray continually; Prayer that waits in expectation (Ps 5:3) 3 In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Prayer that has a heart devoted to it with thanksgiving (Col 4:2) 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Goal of Encouragement (1 Thess 3:11-13) 11 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, 13 so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. God's direction (11) God's direction that is part of God's plan for our lives (Jer 29:11) 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. God's direction into truth (John 16:13-15) 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you. Sustained Through Encouragement Page 7 of 10 SS Lesson for 06/20/2010
God's direction by the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:18) 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. God's direction that represents we are a child of God (Rom 8:14) 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. God's direction will always lead us in a straight path (Prov 3:5-6) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. God's direction places us where God wants, when He wants (1 Cor 12:18) 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. Abounding love (12-13) Love that prompted God to provide Jesus as our sacrifice (John 3:16) 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Love that is incomparably rich (Eph 2:6-7) 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Love that God expressed in mercy (1 Tim 1:15-16) 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Love that is defined as Jesus laying down His life for us (1 John 3:16) 16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. Love that shows itself through living through Jesus (1 John 4:9-10) 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. God's love brings answered prayers (John 16:26-27) 26 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. Sustained Through Encouragement Page 8 of 10 SS Lesson for 06/20/2010
Conclusion and Other Thoughts Concluding Thoughts from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary Think about what have been some of the best experiences of your Christian life. Chances are good that they were experiences when you were actively working and sharing with other Christians. We naturally take encouragement and derive joy from our fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Paul and the Thessalonian Christians had the same experience. For them, separation was agony, but a report of steadfast faith was tremendous joy. In hard times, when we are discouraged or when we just feel empty, it is time for us to reconnect with the family of faith. When we keep those faith relationships strong, we will always know where to go for encouragement, where to find the joy of the Lord afresh. Concluding Thoughts from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator When we think of the Apostle Paul's ministry, our minds lock in on a man who was continually encouraging others (1 Thess. 3:2). Paul was so sensitive to the need for encouraging others because he often felt the need for encouragement in his own life (2 Cor. 7:6). Timely encouragement can be the difference between great achievement and great defeat. People who are into sports know the advantage of playing a game at home rather than on the road. The home-field advantage is huge because the hometown fans can cheer the home team on to a superior performance. Similarly, when the body of Christ gathers together for worship, it becomes the cheering squad that inspires those who are discouraged. How did Paul receive encouragement? First, he was encouraged in his life and ministry through the study of Scripture. He wrote, "For whatsoever : things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort (encouragement) of the scriptures might have hope" (Rom. 15:4). Surely Paul was speaking from his own experience. He had often drunk from the well of encouragement that he found in the Scriptures. Second, Paul received encouragement from intimate fellowship with the Lord Jesus. From a Roman dungeon Paul declared, "At my first answer (defense) no man stood with me, but all men forsook me:... Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me" (2 Tim. 4:16-17). Paul was encouraged through tasting the Lord's sweet presence. Third, Paul was lifted up by the timely visit of another believer. Paul praised Onesiphorus for refreshing his weary spirit by diligently searching for where he was incarcerated in Rome and ministering to his needs (2 Tim. 1:16-18). Finally, Paul was encouraged by hearing a good spiritual report about Christians who were a source of great concern. 1 Thess 3:7 tells why Paul was encouraged. The Thessalonians were going through severe tribulation (1 Thess. 3:4), which prompted Paul to be very concerned about their steadfastness. He feared that Satan would exploit their suffering and turn them away from the Lord. When not knowing how they were weathering the storm became too much for him to bear, he sent Timothy to learn of their spiritual condition (vs. 7). When Timothy returned with the good news that the Thessalonians were standing true to the Lord, Paul was elated. The spiritual steadfastness of the Thessalonians was a shot in the arm, and Paul was encouraged in the Lord. Today Satan watches for believers who are enduring painful circumstances and plants doubts in their hearts concerning the goodness of the Lord. He whispers in their ear, "If the Lord really loves you, why does He treat you this way?" Suffering believers need the same kind of prayer support that Paul gave the Thessalonians (I Thess. 3:10) so that they might be able to stand fast in the Lord. From this example, Christians should learn that a great way to encourage other believers, especially those who watch over their souls, is to stand firm in the Lord during hard times. Practical Points from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator 1. Even the Lord's most godly servants need support and encouragement (1 Thess. 3:1-2) 2. Suffering for our faith is not a punishment but an opportunity (vs. 3-4) 3. Our faithfulness amid suffering helps others endure suffering as well (vs. 5-7) 4. The best encouragement we can give to fellow believers is to stand fast in the Lord (vs. 8) 5. Desiring to fellowship with and help other Christians is a mark of mature faith (vs. 9-10) 6. Our prayers for others should focus on their growth in love and holiness (vs. 11-13) Sustained Through Encouragement Page 9 of 10 SS Lesson for 06/20/2010
Heart of the Lesson from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Through the pen of the Apostle Paul we see today in an even greater way his heart for the people he had led to the Lord and discipled at Thessalonica. The unbelieving Jews had induced a riot in the city against Paul and his helpers. As a result, he was forced to leave under cover of night, apparently after preaching in the city only a few short weeks. Could the fledgling church survive? Concern (1 Thess. 3:1-5) Although Paul could not return to Thessalonica, he was vitally concerned about the spiritual welfare of the believers there so much so that he sent Timothy, his brother in the Lord and fellow worker, to find out how they were maturing in their daily walk with the Lord. Paul's concern was that their afflictions, both social and economic, plus their spiritual challenges would cause them to be tempted by the evil one to fall away from following and living for Jesus Christ. Encouragement (1 Thess. 3:6-10) When Timothy returned to Paul, he related the good news that the Thessalonians were growing in faith and in love for the Lord. Timothy also told Paul that the Thessalonians thought of him and desired to see him. These words caused Paul to be comforted (which means to be encouraged, to be lifted in one's spirit) in the midst of his distress and challenges. That the believers of Thessalonica were standing fast in the Lord was a real boost to the Apostle Paul in his personal life and ministry. As Paul was encouraged by the good report brought to him, he could only give God praise and thanks. Paul experienced great joy in knowing that his spiritual children were walking in truth (cf. 3 John 1:4). Paul's praise to God caused him to pray that the Lord would in His time make it possible for him to visit the Thessalonian believers. His desire was to be able to encourage them to grow in the Lord even more. Their encouragement to Paul's faith caused him to want to return the favor. Growth (1 Thess. 3:12-13) Paul knew that the believers were far short of perfection. He encouraged the Thessalonians to continue to grow in love toward one another and toward those who were outside of Christ. This, of course, would all be the result of God's holy love, which would establish them before others without any offense. One reason the Thessalonians were to be growing in love for one another and for those outside of Jesus Christ was that Jesus Christ could return at any time. Since the Thessalonian believers knew that they would give an account of their lives before Christ, they were motivated, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to increase in their love for God, for other believers, and for those needing to know the Saviour. Do we show concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ? Is our love for them an example to those who do not know Christ personally? Do we encourage each other to grow in Him? Do we have joy in the Lord as we see others mature in Him? Is our love for Christ, for others who know the Lord, and for those outside of Christ increasing as we live in the light of Christ's imminent return? May it be so in the life of each of us to the glory of God. Sustained Through Encouragement Page 10 of 10 SS Lesson for 06/20/2010