Page 22 - Pauline Epistles Student Textbook

toward even those who are slandering you or are the cause for your persecutions. But Paul
encouraged them that the only way that they were to be considered holy at the Parousia was to
continue to rehearse love which God was going to continue to increase in them if the apostles’
prayers were going to be answered.

There was a live connection between the new converts at Thessalonica and the apostles. Initially,
there was a connection in the heart (1 Thess. 2:17; cf.3:6). That is, both parties were greatly longing
to see each other face to face with a view to encourage one another concerning their walk with
Jesus Christ. The ground for this longing for each other finds its source in God. God allowed the
apostles to evangelize among them. These apostles conducted themselves out of reverence for
Christ. Then, the gift of salvation was honored and received. The new converts continued to honor
that gift by means of the application of the apostolic teaching, which was working in them (1 Thess.
2:13). The apostles continued to offer apostolic teaching to them to whom they were like father and
mother. Secondly, things did not end at connection in the spirit. But since their great desire was
unstoppable, they finally sent someone to meet them in order to display more apostolic teaching.

4.1. Let’s Practice this Lesson…

1. Briefly explain some of the reasons for the communication between the believers at
Thessalonica and the apostles.

2. How did the apostles demonstrate their longing for the Believers at Thessalonica (1
Thess. 2:17-18; 3:2)?

3. Explain how the apostles responded to Timothy’s report concerning the believers at Thessalonica
(1 Thess. 3:6-10).

4.2. Let’s Personalize this Lesson…

Activities: In which area do you think you were not doing well in connecting with
church members/new converts? What were some of the causes that allowed you not
to do well? How are you going to modify this area this time and integrate it in your
ministry and now, how are you going to avoid those areas that caused you not to do
well last time?

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