Study 4: Face to Face

1 Thessalonians 2: 17 – 3:10

Big idea: God uses us in one another’s lives to encourage, while Satan wants to keep us apart and isolated during times of struggle.

Aim: to see the value of being encouraged by others and spending time with other believers when afflictions come our way.

1. In the pandemic, we experienced connecting via zoom rather than meeting face to face. While thankful we are/were still able to connect virtually, what are the advantages of meeting together physically when it is possible to do so?

The story so far:

The Thessalonian church began as believers genuinely responded to the gospel Paul had preached during a short visit (Acts 17). His time with them was painfully cut short as persecution kicked in and these young believers were left alone to face trials and hardships. Paul was concerned for them, that they would be persevering in their faith despite the situation and is eager to know how they are doing. So far in the letter, Paul has commended the Thessalonian church for how they have persevered under trial, and their faith has become known everywhere.

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10 (NIV)

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.

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 labours might have been in vain.

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

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.

First impressions

What strikes you about Paul’s feelings for the people in a church where he only spent a few short weeks?

Digging in

2. What was going on in Thessalonica as Paul writes to them (also see v ch1 v6 and ch2 v14)
3. What is mentioned about Satan’s role in their situation? (How would Paul know it was Satan?)
4. How was the church doing despite the separation? Why might this be?
5. What do you notice about how the situation affects Paul?

Talk:

Living it out

6. Trials are inevitable in the Christian life. What can we learn here about persevering in our faith when things get tough?
7. What can we learn about the challenges of seeing others go through tough times? What can we do in such situations?
8. How can we have joy as Paul does despite the circumstances?
9. Review the benefits of meeting face to face with believers in your life. How do we make the most of this and how do we make the most of times when this is not possible?

Pray

Use this passage to help you pray for those in times of trouble and those separated from church family.

Going further

How can you seek to encourage someone who is going through a difficult time?

What verses have you found encouraging to remember when things are hard?

Plan to meet up or send them a message to encourage them to persevere.

Read Hebrews 10:19-25 NIV

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,  and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

• What does this passage say?
• What timeless principle does it teach?
• How do I apply this to my life?