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Bible Commentaries
1 Thessalonians 3

Luscombe's Commentary on Selected Books of the NTLuscombe's NT Commentary

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Verses 1-5

2. Timothy sent to help them, 3:1-5

1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;

2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. there unto: or, to sufferings, or, to persecution

discussion questions

1A. Where would you like to be left alone in the world? _____________________

1B. Have felt like you just could not stand it any more? _____________________

2A. What do you know about Timothy? ________

2B. What was his mission? __________________

3A. What would "move" one away from Christ? __

A. Examine the list given in Rom_8:37-39 .

B. Honestly, which of these things could send you away from Christ?

4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

discussion questions

4A. Would you rather know what to expect in the future? ___________________

4B. Study these passages which warn of danger.

A. Mat_10:16-22 .

B. Luk_21:12-17 .

C. 2Ti_3:12 .

D. 1Pe_4:12-14 .

5A. How could Paul learn of their faith? ________

A. What if someone came to Grundy Street to learn of our faith? ________

B. If you were sent on such a mission, what would you look for? ________

5B. What are the tools of Satan to tempt us? ___

5C. How could Paul feel that his labor was in vain? _______________________

Verses 6-10

3. Timothy's report, 3:6-10

6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also [to see] you:

7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:

8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

discussion questions

6A. If you were to report on the faith of this church, what would your report say?

6B. How is your memory?

A. What sermon topic did you hear last Sunday? ____________________

B. What was your Bible class studying last Wednesday night? _________

C. Do you remember the topic of this class last week? ________________

7A. How can one be comforted in time of affliction? ________________________

7B. List some ways we can "comfort" one another.

7C. How does their faith comfort Paul? ________

8A. What does stand "fast" mean? ___________

9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

discussion questions

9A. What is joy? _

A. Where does this joy come from? _____

B. How do get more of this joy? _________

C. Can we lose this joy? _______________

9B. Should Christians be happy? _____________

A. Is it OK to tell jokes? _______________

B. Should worship be a "joyous" celebration or "sober" funeral? _________

10A. How can one pray "always", never ceasing, night and day? _____________

A. Can you pray while driving a car? _____

B. What is required for us to pray without ceasing? __________________

10B. What is "perfect faith"? How is our faith perfected? ____________________

10C. SELF-EXAMINATION: What is lacking in your faith? __________________

Verses 11-13

E. Paul's prayer, 3:11-13

11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. direct: or, guide

12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all [men], even as we [do] toward you: 13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. saints: or, holy ones, or, angels

discussion questions

11A. Paul prayed that God would "direct" his way. We often pray for God to "guard, guide, and direct us." Are these proper requests to make in prayer?

11B. When God answers such a prayer, is this a miracle or providence? _______

12A. How can God help us to grow in love? _____

12B. What is the importance of the word "abound" in this verse? _____________

12C. Pay attention to WHOM this love should be directed.

A. One another. _____________________

[NOTE: See Joh_13:34 ; 1Pe_1:22 .]

B. All men.

[NOTE: See Gal_6:10 ; 2Pe_1:7 .]

13A. Is it possible to be "unblamable in holiness"? __

Bibliographical Information
Luscombe, Manly. "Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 3". Luscombe's Commentary on Selected Books of the NT. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/mlc/1-thessalonians-3.html. 2021.
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