L 1 Thessalonians 2:17 – 3:13 Lesson 4 Was Paul Codependent? Or Would Paul Twitter, Tweet and Text? 1 Thessalonians 2:17 – 3:13 June 27, 2010 Paul’s Epistles to the Thessalonians

I.Introduction to Lesson 4 A.Is Paul codependent (1 Thessalonians 3:8)? B.The importance of our text 1.Key verses: 1 Thess. 2:19-20; 3: Our text is the conclusion to Paul’s foundational basis for chapters 4 & 5 C.Our approach 1.Consider the context of our text 2.Look at each section of the text a.2:17-20 b.3:1-5 c.3: Trace the flow of Paul’s argument 4.Identify the thrust of Paul’s purpose in chapters 1-3 and pursue its application.

II.Our Text in Context A.Chapter 1: God is at work in Thessalonica (election evident in their faith, love, and hope) B.Chapters: 2-3: Paul’s love for the Thessalonians 1.While he was with them (2:1-12) 2.In his absence (2:17—3:13) 3.The immediate context (2:13-16) a.They became imitators of Paul (2:1-2) b.They became imitators of the Judean believers (2:14-16). c.Notice the common denominator of the two opponents (2:16). d.Notice the contrast of these opponents with Paul and his associates.

III.Absence made Paul’s heart grow fonder (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20) A.The question raised by Paul’s absence: “Does Paul really care about us?” (compare Exodus 32:1ff.; Romans 1:8-15; 2 Cor. 1:15—2:13) B.Paul’s absence is not voluntary, not wanted, no indication of an alienation of his affection 1.“Orphaned,” not just separated (2:17) 2.Greater desire now to be with them (2:17) 3.Tried to come several times, but Satan hindered (vs. 18) C.They are Paul’s treasure in heaven (2:19; compare Matt. 6:19-20; Luke 16:9) D.Paul’s glory and joy now, on earth (2:20)

IV.Paul cared enough to send the very best – Timothy (3:1-5). A.Paul’s concern: their perseverance in the faith in the midst of persecution and Satan’s temptation – a real danger B.Their troubles should not come as any surprise, for Paul had prepared them for persecution. C.Paul’s motivation: his love and concern D.Paul stays in Athens, sends Timothy 1.To strengthen & encourage them (3:1-2) 2.To find out about their faith (3:5) E.Paul’s sacrifice – remain alone (3:1; cf. Acts 19:22; Philippians 2:19-24)

V.Response to Timothy’s report (3:6-13) A.Paul’s own circumstances (verse 7; see 2 Cor. 7; 11:29-30) B.Timothy’s return and report (verse 6) C.The outcome: Paul reassured (verse 7) D.Paul is revived by the report (verse 8). E.Paul’s response: Prayer (verses 9-13) 1.Thanksgiving (verse 9) 2.Petition for God to facilitate a return to the Thessalonians (verses 10-11) 3.Petition for their growth in love (verse 12) 4.Petition for purity when they stand before God at the coming of the Lord Jesus (verse 13; compare Eph. 5:25-27; 2 Cor. 11:1-2).

VI.Conclusion and application A.The benefits of face to face fellowships B.The blessings resulting from Paul’s absence 1.The defeat of Satan’s purposes 2.Timothy’s growth in ministry 3.Paul’s epistles are written 4.The Thessalonians’ dependence on God, rather than on Paul C.The argument of chapters1-3 and their relation to chapters 4 and 5. 1.Doctrine is assumed, not ignored or denied 2.Not codependence, but interdependence expressed through love 3.Not experience alone, but experiencing God’s love through relationships

D.The highest motivation for obedience is not authority or fear, but love 1.Exodus 20:6; Deut. 5:10; 7:9; 11:1, 13; 30:15-18; Josh. 22:5; Neh. 1:5; Daniel 9:4 2.Matthew 22:36-40 (see Romans 13:8-10) 3.John 21 (“Do you love Me?”) 4.John 14:15, 21; 1 John 5:2-3; 2 John 1:6 5.1 Timothy 1:5 6.Revelation 2:2-7 (esp. v. 4) E.Love is experienced through... 1.The Word of God/doctrine (1 Tim. 1:5) 2.The work of Christ at Calvary (John 13:1; 15:13; Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:19) 3.The love of the people of God (John 13:35)

F.From our text, how will I know if I have God’s love for Him and for others? 1.My heavenly treasure will be people (Luke 6; 16; 1 Thes. 2:19-20) 2.By my concern for the spiritual well being of others/my grief regarding failure and my joy in their progress 3.By my attitudes and actions toward those who are not present 4.By my prayers offered for others 5.By the subordination of my interests to those of others (Philippians 2:1-8ff.)

Copyright © 2010 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPoint presentation of Lesson 4 in the series, Paul’s Epistles to the Thessalonians, prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for June 27, Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit.