These last two weeks, we've learned a lot from Paul's example. Two weeks ago, we saw in chapters 2-3 what it looks like to love others. This last week, we saw in 3:6-10 what it means to have eyes and ears for the grace of God in others. While Paul is so very different from us in terms of his capacity to explain the gospel and his role in the kingdom of God, we still have the ability to follow him and others who model these same characteristics.1 Thess 2:13 - 3:5... Joy
Paul's commitment to the kingdom of God was expressed in his love for others. Acts 16-17 tells us that Paul left Thessalonica abruptly and wasn't able to return. This could have left the church confused as to why Paul couldn't or wouldn't come have to visit them. However, in chapters 2-3 we get an insider's perspective on what motivated Paul during his departure from the church he loved and what he did in return. Although he wanted to be with them, he sent Timothy away- leaving Paul alone- to check on their well-being. All this was driven by a concern that the churhc would buckle under the afflictions they were suffering. In all this, we saw four evidences of Paul's love for this church: he made time for them (2:7-18), he took joy in them (2:19-20), he made sacrifices for them (3:1-2), and he showed concern for them (3:3-5).
- As you consider these examples of loving well, what stood out to you as ways you've been loved by others in this church? What about in your community group? (Take time to commend those who've shown you this kind of love.) In what ways did Paul's desire for the Thessalonians stir up your desire to meet regularly with others "face to face"? How can your group grow in strengthening those meetings? Paul sacrificed his partner in the ministry for the sake of helping others. What promises from God help you to have faith to make similar sacrifices for the good of others?
1 Thess 3:6-10... Affection
This last week, Jonathan did a wonderful job of highlighting Paul's role as a spiritual "birder"- one whose eyes and ears had been trained to notice and appreciate the active grace of God in others. We want to grow in a similar way- learning to drown out the background cluttering noises of sin and weakness while tuning our ears for the good news in others. In verse 6, we read that Paul received the good news from Timothy- the church was thriving! Thriving in their affection for Paul and in their dedication to Jesus... a dedication summed up by their "faith and love". This good news produced three things in Paul- (1) comfort in his afflictions, (2) thankfulness towards God, (3) joy in other's growth. Paul had to wait a while to receive news from Timothy- about a month. When it came, Paul was comforted and protected from self-pity about his circumstances. Paul was thankful to God and protected from self-congratulations. Paul was joyful and protected from a self-righteous criticism. What wonderful fruit... fruit we'd all like to enjoy in our lives as well.
- When we consider the fruit evident in Paul's life, it's easy to forget that Paul isn't saying he worked hard to be comforted, thankful, and joyful. Instead, Paul focused his ears on enjoying God's work in others and then God did this work in him! Jonathan asked us some good questions along these lines: Are we tuned in like Paul- listening for good news about others? Are we patient like Paul- willing to wait for good news? Are we humble like Paul- remembering that "Paul only plants, but God causes growth" (1 Cor 3)? Are we intentional like Paul- eager to direct our gratitude to God? Ultimately, are comfort, gratitude, and joy my experience in the midst of my family/church/marriage/job/etc? If not, what's preventing you from taking the next step in noticing God's grace in others?
- Jonathan ended with three suggestions: (1) embrace biblical expectations for others... simultaneously saints and sinners, (2) abandon unbiblical "litmus tests" of success and godliness... look for fruit of the Spirit and gifts of the Spirit, (3) remember that your "discernment" often masks your underlying pride. What is one way you'd like to grow in applying one of those suggestions?
Whew, that's a lot to ponder, but informed by a glorious reality- God is active in us because of Christ's work for us. So enjoy discussing how to apply God's Word. Hopefully, some of those thoughts above can serve you this week!
