Introduction
A banker who occasionally went to church approached the pastor after a service he’d happened to attend. “You’re always preaching about faith. Why don’t you preach something more practical?” he complained. Not long after the encounter, the pastor was down at the bank while people were making a run on the bank. They were demanding their money, alarmed and suspicious because of rumors that had been circulated. The banker was going from one to another of the panicked people telling them that everything was right with the bank. There was nothing wrong, he assured them. Touching him on the shoulder, the pastor asked what was wrong. “Why,” the banker replied, “there’s nothing wrong, but these people have lost faith in the bank. Their confidence is shaken. I would be much obliged if there was anything you could do to restore their confidence.” “What about faith?” the pastor asked. “I thought you wanted something more practical than faith.” The banker quickly retracted his words. “I remember it very well, and I take it all back. There is nothing so fundamental to the business and commercial life of our nation as faith.” Paul recognized that faith is the foundation for all of life. Our actions are based on what we truly believe – especially in times of trial. That is why he was so excited when Timothy came back from Thessalonica with a report that the faith of those Christians was standing strong through trials. Their love and steadfastness proved that their faith was genuine, and it brought him incredible joy. Study 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13, and learn more about faith, love, and joy and how they can change your life.
Observation
Pray
Before studying these verses, ask the Lord to open your heart and mind to them.
Read Focus Verses
As you read 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13, try to notice which words are repeated and form the central theme of the passage around which the rest of it is built.
Keywords - Faith, Love, Joy
Marking the words faith, love, and joy through these verses will help you visualize the keywords.
Themes
Mark the words faith, love, and joy in 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13.
Context
Let's back up a few verses and find our place in the story Paul is recounting of His time with the Thessalonians. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12.
More Context
Now go to 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5.
In Your Words
In your words, what has happened up to the point in the story recounted in today's passage?
Now What?
What happened next according to verses 6-7?
Who?
Who had been sent to check on the Thessalonians and brought back the encouraging report?
Good News
What is the first thing Paul rejoices in about these believers according to verse 6?
Remembering
What else is he glad of in verse 6?
Comfort
What brought Paul and his companions comfort in the midst of their troubles?
Thanks
Why is Paul giving God thanks for these believers according to verse 9?
Prayer
What is his prayer according to verse 10?
Abounding
What does Paul want them to abound in?
Result
According to verse 13, what will be the result of them abounding in love?
Coming Again
Who is coming?
Interpretation
What is Faith?
In Hebrews 11:1, God defines faith.
In Real Life
Hebrews 11:13 shows us what faith looked like in real life.
Without Faith
Hebrews 11:6 tells us why it is critical to have faith.
Faith's Basis
Galatians 5:6 tells us what is at the root of faith.
Not Enough
James 2:19 tells us that belief that God exists is not the same as faith.
Not Seen
The definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 focuses on what is not seen. Romans 8:24-25 Explains why.
Source
Galatians 5:22-23 reveals the source of true faith.
Faith
Taking into consideration what the Bible teaches about faith, how would you define faith in your own words?
Seeing Faith
James tells us that it is easy to identify whether or not we have faith. Read James 2:14-26
Living Faith
True faith is evidenced by actions. What kind of actions does biblical faith take?
Love
1 John 4:7-11 tells us a lot about love.
Without Love
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 explains why love is so important.
Love's Place
Notice love's place among the virtues in 1 Corinthians 13:13
True Love
According to the Bible, what is love and why is it so important?
Answered
In 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 we see that Paul's prayer for these believers to have abundant love was answered.
Comforted
With this understanding of faith and love, why did the faith and love of the Thessalonian believers bring such comfort to Paul?
Full Joy
In John 15:11 Jesus speaks our joy being full.
No Greater Joy
3 John 1:4 speaks of the same kind of joy Paul experienced when he heard Timothy's report of the Thessalonians faith and love.
Joy
Why do faith and love and the faith and love of other believers bring Christians joy?
Holiness
Notice how important holiness is in Hebrews 12:14.
I Am Holy
1 Peter 1:15-16 commands holiness and explains why it is so important to God.
Able to Keep You
Christians are commanded and responsible to be holy. Jude 1:24-25 tells us who ultimately makes and keeps the holy.
Holy
What does verse 13 mean when Paul prays that the Lord will establish these Christians' hearts unblameable in holiness before God?
Travel Plans
Notice how strongly Paul states his desire to see these Christians again in 1 Thessalonians 2:17.
Desire
Throughout Scripture this desire of Christians to be together is emphasized. When will this desire be fulfilled?
He's Coming
In 2 Peter 3:9-14 we see how we should respond to the glorious promise that Jesus is coming again.
Reponses
How should a Christian respond to the promise that Jesus is coming again?
Even So, Come!
The whole Bible ends on the hopeful note of Jesus' soon return. Join the prayer in Revelation 22:20.
Application
Faith
Do you have true faith - a firm conviction and personal acceptance of everything God has said and promised? Are there things you need to believe even though you cannot see them? What are some ways your faith should be visible in your life today?
Love
How did reading the Bible's definition of love challenge you to love someone today?
Holiness
In what specific ways is God calling you to be holy today?
Wrapup
Closing
We hope this study has helped you understand the power of faith, love, and joy and how they can change your life.
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