NOT KNOWING CREATES URGENCY

1 THESSALONIANS 2: 17 - 20 & CHAPTER 3

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

[17] But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought ), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. [18] For we wanted to come to you---certainly I, Paul, did, again and again---but Satan blocked our way. [19] For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? [20] Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

What is an orphan?

Merriam Webster:

Orphaned means deprived of parents by death, or left without care, support, or a connection.

• Paul was taken away from the Thessalonian CHURCH / BELIEVERS.

• Read: Acts 17:5-11

• Jealousy, hate, evil.

• PAUL AND Silas were preaching and teaching the Gospel. (The story of Jesus).

• Some evil hate-filled Jews didn't approve of these prophets that were telling the Jews about Jesus who claimed to be the SON OF GOD and EQUAL WITH GOD.

• So they hired some rable-rousers / thugs to cause an uproar and rioting. (Much like today). Evil hates the truth! Evil always tries to make good look bad.

• Paul and Silas were forced out of the city.

• At the time of this writing they are in Corinth.

• Paul really wanted to go visit the believers in Thessalonica.

• But Satan prevented it. Not just once, but several times.

• It is not known what this satanic hindrance was, but Paul knew it was from Satan.

• He used the term "for a short time". He is in no way counting out God's control.

• Hindrances and all, Paul never gives up. He stays "POSITIVE".

• In fact, the Thessalonian CHURCH is Paul's crowning glory.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

[3] So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. [2] We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God's service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, [3] so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. [4] In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. [5] For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

• Paul realized that he could not get away to go to Thessalonica.

• So, he sent his adopted son in Christ. Timothy.

• Timothy was sent to minister or serve the Thessalonian CHURCH.

• He was to provide strength and courage, to endure the persecution they were under.

• The word "unsettled" or "shaken" actually refers to a dog "wagging" it's tail.

• A form of flattery. Satan is trying to flatter you into thinking it would be good to follow an easier way. No more persecution if you just go back to the old ways.

• Affliction is guaranteed if you persist in following Jesus. Get used to it!

• God uses our afflictions to make us strong because we depend on HIM more.

Timothy reports to Paul about the status of the Thessalonian CHURCH.

The Church is:

1. Standing firm.

2. Much faith and love.

3. Even under stress and persecution from Satan.

• Paul is very encouraged.

• He says that he can now, "REALLY LIVE" because of their standing firm.

• Wow! LIFE IS GOOD! My labor has not been in vain.

• He encourages them to be found blameless and holy when they stand before GOD.⁹

THOUGHTS

1. Be on guard and trust Jesus with "everything".

2. Live a JOYFUL life! Be excited. It encourages other believers. Non-believers are drawn to Jesus by our witness.

3. LOVE each other. No mater what. It brings Glory to GOD!