Friendship – Longing to Share - 1 Thessalonians

First Thoughts

It’s not too difficult to accumulate hundreds of ‘friends’ on Facebook, even though studies suggest that we have never felt more lonely as a society. But friendship takes us to the heart of the biblical story – in a God who not only restores us to himself, but places us in relationship with others in the body of Christ. Deep friendships are formed over time through sharing life together, its highs and its lows. It’s that sort of commitment that allows us to be strong – together – in the face of struggles and opposition, and to make a difference in the places to which God has called us. Paul’s language in this passage is the sort that was used between friends expressing their feelings for each other and their commitment to each other. It allows us to plot something of what Christian friendship looks like, and what might be involved in a community that takes seriously the call to be devoted to one another.

Read – 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 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.

1 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 labours might have been in vain.

6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

Focus on the Theme

1. Think about your friendships with others past and present. What is it that has made them work well? What are the qualities that make for good friendships?

What Does the Bible Say?

2. What evidence do we find in this passage about the strength of Paul’s love for the Thessalonians (2:17-18, 20; 3:2, 5, 10)?

3. What does this passage reveal about the way Satan works (2:18; 3:5)?

4. To what extent does Paul seem to view suffering as part of normal Christian experience (3:3-4, and see 1:6 and 2:14)? To what extent do we share his perspective?

5. What are Paul’s priorities for the Thessalonians as expressed in his prayer for them (3:11-13)?

Going Deeper

6. How do Matthew 5:11-12, Acts 5:41-42, and 1 Peter 2:19-24 add to what Paul says about persecution in 1 Thessalonians?

7. As time allows, take a look at some other prayers of Paul (e.g., Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:9-14; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12). How do they compare with what Paul prays for in 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13?

Living it Out

8. How does this passage help us get a proper perspective on the opposition we might face as Christians and how we respond to it?

9. In what ways could the example of Paul’s depth of love and concern for the Thessalonians shape the relationships we have with each other?

10. What practical ideas emerge from this passage that can help you become even better at expressing love and committed friendship within your church or small group?

Prayer Time

Split into twos or threes in the group. Pray for each other using the words and ideas of 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13. Commit to praying for the other person or people throughout the next week.