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Long Narrative – Part Three
(Reference: Gorden Fee, “1 and 2 Thessalonians”)
Paul in the third part of the long narrative referred again to the Thessalonians as his brothers and sisters. He reminded them not only of their persecution but the persecution of the church in Judea. He reminded them of the failure of mankind who persecute Christians. Paul and Silas were hindered by Satan from getting back to the Thessalonians Church. But they shared how much they loved the Thessalonians. They also represented them as their “pride and joy.”
Once again, they continued to write of the hope in Christ’s second coming and that they are his “crown of boasting.” Meaning a crown of victory that’s worn around your neck. He envisioned the Thessalonians Church surrounding him like a crown.
Paul was presenting strong emotions towards the Thessalonians. All throughout the letter Paul was expressing his love towards them and admonishing the Thessalonians to endure the hardships and look to Jesus. He shared his own persecutions and that of others. When you are going through hardships in your life remember the lessons learned from the Thessalonians Church. Remember that Jesus first loved us. Hold on to Gods’ unchanging hand.
1 Thessalonians 2:14-20 (NLT) “And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last. Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again. We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. After all, what gives us hope and joy and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy.”
Questions to think about:
1. What does the Bible say about suffering for Christ?
2. Are there any Christians that are a good example in your life?
3. What are the hindrances keeping you from spreading the Gospel of Jesus? Think on what troubles Satan is trying to project into your life?
4. What did Paul say would be his “proud reward and crown” and his “pride and joy” when Jesus comes?
5. What do you think will be your pride and joy when standing before the Lord?
6. How do you endure in Christ?
6. What type of example did Paul and Silas become for the Thessalonians?
7. Do you identify with the Thessalonians and/or Paul and Silas?
8. Why did Paul say God calls you into his kingdom and glory? What does that really mean?
God Bless
Pastors Willie and Rochelle McIntosh
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