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1Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 Be an Encourager

by fol CHURCH on September 13, 2019

This section is rather like a ‘I’m writing to you because’ part of the letter. Explaining what happened, to an extent affirming what has happened right down to the tough times they are facing. Affirming his love again AND the reality and quality of their faith. In the same way this is why we say the creed, this is why we learn scripture. There is value and encouragement in speaking out again what we already know - proclaiming the goodness of God, proclaiming lack of surprise when we encounter opposition. Proclaiming our determination to keep going in the face of difficulty.

What would it have been like to receive this letter? We aren’t very good at receiving praise, but Paul is so thankful for the life and faith of this little church. Paul describes to his readers how joyfully they received the good news and how great it was to hear back from Timothy that this church started in a vast city of 200 thousand people (about the size of Thetford) is more than surviving despite persecution.

He’s also keen to explain why they’ve not heard from him in person although I am quite sure Timothy explained the situation too. Paul had to leave but he doesn’t want them to feel abandoned, and again the language is that of parents and children ‘we were orphaned by being separated from you’ (2.17). He wants them to know the love he feels for them, they are his pride and joy ‘you are our glory and our joy’ 2.20. He loves this little church. They are the evidence that Paul has obeyed the commands of Jesus first given to him on the road to Damascus and repeated in the man from Macedonia dream.

Encouragement is important! Am I doing enough of it? Paul’s love for the Thessalonians challenges us.  God has called us to love and serve in the same way.  The love revealed in this letter is like the love of parents and children, but with a twist: Paul sees himself as a mum and a dad in the early part of Chapter 2 read yesterday but now he talks of ‘being orphaned’ by the separation... sometimes I act as parent to my brothers and sisters and sometimes they are parents to me. Do I know that level of love in my relationships in my church family? Do I need to be transformed and surrendered in this area?

 

 

 

 

 

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In my leadership roles, however small, can I use the example of Paul? Open, real and expecting to work for his own keep. Jesus, stir up these gifts in me, today!

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