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1 Thessalonians 3_6-13 - Session 6.pdf
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Encouragement At Last (vv. 6–8)
1 Thessalonians 3:6 – Black
- Timothy’s return brought Paul the reassurance he longed for.
- Report contained “good tidings” of their faith and love.
- Despite persecution, they had not abandoned belief.
- Their affection for Paul remained strong.
- They desired to see him as much as he desired to see them.
- News was a great relief—Paul feared his labor might be in vain.
- Word Study: “Good tidings” (εὐαγγελίζω / euangelizō)
- Root of English “evangelize,” “evangelical.”
- Compound: eu (“good”) + angellō (“announce, bring news”).
- Basic meaning: “to announce good news.”
- Related term: euangelion = “gospel.”
- Old English gōdspel (“good story/news”) → evolved into “gospel.”
1 Thessalonians 3:7–8 – Black
- Their perseverance gave Paul comfort in his own afflictions.
- “Now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.”
- Their faith renewed his vitality.
- Their perseverance confirmed his ministry was fruitful.
- Their endurance proved God’s sustaining work and made his sacrifices worthwhile.
Paul’s Thanksgiving and Desire for Their Maturity (vv. 9–10)
1 Thessalonians 3:9 – Black
- Paul shifts from relief to thanksgiving.
- Rhetorical question: what thanks could adequately express his joy before God?
- Joy rooted in their steadfast faith, not mere personal comfort.
- Thanksgiving is God-centered—overflowing into worship.
1 Thessalonians 3:10 – Black
- Constant prayer “night and day” for reunion with them.
- Desire: to “perfect that which is lacking” in their faith.
- Greek katartizō = to complete, arrange, shape into final form.
- Not merely adding knowledge, but shaping into a finished work.
- Goal: Thessalonians become spiritually well-formed—
- Grounded in doctrine
- Steadfast in hope
- Reflecting Christ’s character