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  • Mark 1:1-8 Preparing The Way

    Mark 1:1-8 Preparing The Way

    Warm up question:

    How would we prepare for a very important guest?

    Let’s read the passage with the following questions in mind:

    1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

    “Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
    who will prepare your way,
    3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
    ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
    make his paths straight,’”

    4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

    Mark 1:1-8 ESV

    What does it say?　

    To simply summarize this new passage:

    • This book is about Jesus Christ who is the Son of God.
    • There were prophecies that one who come before Him as a messenger.
    • John the Baptist was that messenger

    What does it mean?

    ● Introduction to The Gospel of Mark

    The author is anonymous. But traditionally, it was thought that it was written by John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. He was later a helper to Peter. So, it was thought that John Mark later wrote down Peter’s account. Some consider this to be the earliest of the four gospels (about 55 AD).

    So, why are there four gospels anyway? There is a longer answer for this but to keep it short… Each gospel seems to be was written for different audiences (Jew, Greeks, Romans, etc) Each gospel has a special focus and emphasizes the same events in different ways. This different perspectives from each author create a deeper and more three dimensional view than only one account.

    Gospel of Mark is a fast moving account of Jesus’ ministry as an adult; beginning with His baptism. It seems that the book was written for people not very familiar with Jewish customs; like the Romans and eventually us today.

    ● Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

    So, what is the first, main focus in Mark? Mark doesn’t pull any punches. He tells us in the first verse: Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Adam, the first man, was made by God but this is not the same as being a natural son. The title Son of God speaks to Jesus’ nature as God’s begotten (not made) Son. It also expresses Jesus’ holiness and justice. This title also reflects Jesus’ heavenly kingly authority as God’s chosen Messiah. In addition, there is deeper implications for Jesus being this redeeming king; I hope to talk about later.

    ● Kingly Herald

    Who will announce the coming of this Messiah? Verse 2 and 3 say that prophecies from Isaiah (and also Malachi) long ago would confirm His arrival. That confirmation would be a messenger proclaiming the redeeming king is soon to arrive and preparing the way for His coming. In a way, this is not so uncommon for us today.

    For example, if Emperor Akihito or Prime Minister Abe decided to visit this area, what would you expect to happen prior to their visit? There would be general press releases and nation news reports made far in advance. Most likely an appointed official would come to verify that the preparations here were properly done. This official might make sure that announcements were sent out and that the general area would be cleaned; special areas prepared; any worrisome obstacles removed, etc.

    However, instead of press releases weeks or months before, Jesus’ arrival was prophesied centuries before. Instead of an appointed government official, God selected a man called John the Baptist. And his preparations were unlike any an official for a government leader would perform.

    ● John the Baptist’s credentials as God’s appointed messenger

    We read in other Gospels the remarkable details of the birth of John the Baptist who was born a few month before Jesus (Luke 1:57). This fulfilling the prophecy that he would come before the Messiah (v 2). He had learned to live in the desolate places from a young age (Luke 1:80). However, here Mark jumps right into his appearing as an adult.

    His unusual clothing (v 6) were made from materials found easily in the desert. Although strange to us, they were not unheard of at the time. It distinguished him as prophet, since a great prophet Elijah once wore the same outfit (2 King 1:8).

    His food of locust and wild honey. He didn’t eat anything grown; only that could be found in the wild (v 6). So, he relied solely on God even for his food. Because of this, he could not be bought off by man.

    As he come to the people to proclaim his message; the prophecy was fulfilled that one would come from the wilderness. (v 3)

    ● What was John’s message?

    As the prophecies also foretold, “Prepare the way of the Lord.” He as “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Let’s break this down in and explain each part. “Repentance” is the turning away from our sins and turning to God. Publicly confessing that we sinned and renounce it. “Baptism” was an act of cleansing with water. This represented the forgiveness from God to those who believed and acted.

    God was using John in amazing ways to remove obstacles in people’s hearts and preparing for the coming of the Messiah. All around a steady stream of people from Judea, including the city dwellers from Jerusalem, were flocking to the Jordan River to hear this message of repentance. They were confessing their sins and be baptized. (v 5) Hallelujah! What an incredible time it must have been!

    ● The One that is coming

    However, as much as God was doing through John, he also preached that He was not the Messiah. John went so far to say that he was unworthy untie the Messiah’s sandal. The untying of sandals was done before a house guest entered the bath. This task was performed by the youngest or lowest slave in the house. John’s reminded them that he was only baptizing with water. Water works well to wash off dirt but baptism of water does not wash sin; it’s symbolic. But the One who is coming would baptize with something very real and powerful.

    What can cleanse our heart of sin? What can remove our guilt and shame?What is the only thing that can make us accept and pure before a holy God? John tells us that it is Holy Spirit; the third person of God Himself. Who on Earth has the authority to baptize in such a way? Only Jesus, the Son of God. This was John’s message to the world: Proclaiming the coming Messiah.

    What does it matter?

    What an remarkable man, John the Baptist! Even Jesus agrees with this. Listen to what He said when talking about John: “Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist…” (Matthew 11:11a). Amazing. If only there were people like him among us today… don’t you think?

    Now keep reading… “…Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:11b) This means that in these days, anyone who believes and follows Jesus is even greater than this amazing man, John the Baptist!

    Wait, how could such a things be possible? Honestly, I don’t feel like I’m greater than John the Baptist. Do you? First, remember as we said, The Gospel of Mark emphases that Jesus is the Son of God. This royal and holy title is very fitting for God’s begotten son. However, listen to this remarkable claim in the Gospel of John: But to all who did receive him [Jesus], who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12~13 ESV)

    Amazingly, because of Jesus’ great sacrifice on the Cross, God now has given even us the right to have the title of sons and daughters of God; when we believe in him. As we learned in our earlier study of Colossians 1: the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:26-27). The mystery of the Gospel is Christ in us which is the hope of glory! Therefore as Christians (like John the Baptist did at the Jordan), it is our calling and our joy to share this Good News that we know to those around us; preparing them for their own encounter with Jesus.

    As always, it is a matter of putting our complete trust and faith in Jesus to do that. Will you pray with me about that today?

  • Jesus, The Unexpected Gift

    Jesus, The Unexpected Gift

    Thanks for joining our Christmas Celebration.

    So, what do you like about Christmas? Chicken dinner? Parties? Cake? Presents?

    Ah, presents! OK, what is the best present you’ve ever received? Either for Christmas or Birthday? In your home, who gets presents on Christmas? Probably children right? In Japan and around the world, there is also a custom of gift-giving to others during Christmas-time.

    My Story – Unwanted Gifts

    When I was a kid, our custom was for all the family members give presents to each other on Christmas day. Of course, I loved getting toys and candy as Christmas gifts. But my aunts and uncles would always give very practical presents instead; like pajamas or a hairbrush. Actually, I had this one aunt who would only give me socks; every year, just socks. They weren’t cool socks. Not Christmas socks. Not even dinosaur socks. Just plain white socks. Very boring. I’m embarrassed to say that I was never very joyful when opening her presents. Do you ever get presents like that?

    Anyway, let’s get this Christmas Celebration started with a song…

    Song: Joy to the World

    What is Christmas?

    Have you ever wondered… why do people around the world celebrate Christmas? So, what did Christmas originally represent? It is to celebrate the birth of Jesus long, long time ago. Honestly, we don’t know exactly what day Jesus was born. So, long ago people picked December 25th to celebrate it. But the story surrounding Jesus’ birth is remarkable. Let’s watch this reading of a book drawn by Koga Youko-san about that first Christmas…

    That First Christmas

    Some of you remember this story? Yes, it’s a very famous. Because it talks about this remarkable person, Jesus. Who is Jesus’ Father? Mary & Joseph were married. But the story tells that God, the Creator of Everything, is Jesus’ Father. That means, Jesus is the Son of God. But he also had a human mother, Mary, so that he could be born just like us. Mary was a normal young lady and maybe from a poor family. So, Jesus sometimes also called himself, the Son of Man. Being the Son of God and the Son of Man is pretty remarkable.

    Birthday Celebration

    Hey, did people celebrate when you were born? I’m sure there was. You’re parents and family must have been so happy to see you. They probably called family and friends, posted photos on Facebook, etc. I can see the parents nod their heads; it’s true!

    God did the the same kind of thing but in a unique way. He sent his special messengers, angels, to tell the good news. Who heard this special invitation to visit the baby Jesus? A group of shepherds out in a field taking care of their sheep. What were the angels rejoicing and telling the shepherds? Jesus is promised Savior and King.

    About Jesus’ Birth

    Talking about Jesus’ birth… Who here was born in a hospital? That’s most of us right? A few might have an incredible story of being born somewhere else. Like at home or even somewhere on the way to the hospital.

    Jesus’ birth crib was even more unique; a manger. What’s a manger? I don’t see them in Kyotanabe these days. It’s an open contained made of stone or wood that is used to hold hay for animals like sheep and donkeys…not a very nice place for a baby though.

    When the shepherds arrived, they must have been surprised what they saw. Jesus was proclaimed to them as the Kings of all kings by the Angels. But here was a baby. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes; not in a royal robe. He was laying in a manger, not a kingly bed. This was in a small country village and not a powerful lofty palace. So, the shepherds left rejoicing God and wondering what this all meant.

    Song: Angels We’ve Heard On High

    What were the first Christmas presents?

    Do you get presents when you were born? What about on your birthday? Of course, right? Jesus did too … Wise men from afar, who were possibly kings in their own countries. It took them a long time to travel to and find baby Jesus. So, they probably missed the first Christmas. But when they found Him, they gave him three gifts that in the ancient world were fit for a king or even a God. This cherished gifts were given to represent the fact that God had given the world an even more precious gift by Jesus coming to live among us. So, maybe the reason for a global custom of gift-giving on Christmas is to remind us of Jesus, God’s gift to the world.

    My Story – Part 2

    Since we’re talking about Christmas gifts again, I can’t help but think of my aunt. It’s real a shame that I didn’t appreciate her gifts as a kid. But you know what, I probably wore those socks everyday. Ironically, as an adult, if my family asks what they can give me as a gift… Honestly, I ask for socks… Yeap. Sure, they might not seem fun but they keep my feet dry and warm. And that’s pretty important these days. Funny how what we feel we want the most, isn’t often what we actually need the most.

    Jesus, The Unexpected Gift

    It seems to me that God’s gift to us can sometimes looks like those gift of socks. Jesus is God’s gift to the world, but He wasn’t what many people wanted Him to be at the time. Back then, people of Israel were waiting for the anointed king and savior that God had promised them centuries before. And many expecting this promised king to save them by lead an charging army that would throw out the Roman conquerors that had been oppressing them.

    The nature of Jesus’ birth fulfilled the prophecies that Jesus was this anointed one God had promised. But it turned out, Jesus just wasn’t what most people were expecting. Actually, Jesus is much more than they could have ever expected.

    Conclusion

    To wrap up… Jesus was born as a baby; just like us. But His birth and life proved that He is the Son of God, the Savior and King of all, and the most precious gift God has to give to us. When Jesus grew up, he would live an amazing life. He would perform many miracles like healings; even raising the dead. He would be a powerful teacher and tell everyone about the Kingdom of Heaven.

    And most important thing He did was something that surprised everyone around Him. He choose to take on the burden of the whole world and die for us all. And in doing this He would conquer not only sin but death itself. Jesus did all this so that we can be forgiven of our sins and join the Kingdom of Heaven.

    This is best expressed in John 3:16~17 (NASB)
    “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”

    Let’s finish by celebrating this great gift of God by a song you might know…

    Song: Silent Night

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

    1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

    Warm up questions

    Would you rather live in the idyllic society but as a janitor or in a oppressive regime but personally you live in the lap of luxury?
    James 3:11 asks “Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?” What do you think this means?

    Let’s read the passage (1 Thessalonians 3:12~4:8) with those questions in mind:

    What does it say?

    Briefly summarizing Chris Juby (Biblesummary.info) says: 1 Thes 4: “Live to please God. Avoid immorality. Love one another more and more. We do not grieve without hope, for the dead in Christ will rise.”

    What does it mean?

    First, let’s give a bit of background and review. Here we beginning for the second movement of this letter. Verse 1 starts with “Finally.” What this in context to? 1 Thes 3:12~14 – Prayer to increase in love, holiness, and hope in the Lord’s return.

    ∎ Live to Please God

    Verse 1 – Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.
    When he says “urge,” Paul is saying beg, entreat, beseech… this is a big deal. Notice here how there is both an encouragement but also a challenge here. The goal here is to please God.

    Verse 2 – For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
    These instructions are not only precepts but also commands; marching orders. And the source of this knowledge is not Paul but the Lord Jesus.

    ∎ Avoid Immorality

    Verse 3 – For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;
    Thessalonica, like Corith, was well known for “gross immorality …promoted under the name of religion” (Joseph B. Lightfoot). Dedication to the religion of pagan gods found in the city did not mean only overlooked sexual immorality but participated in it. It was God’s will that they dedicated themselves to Him alone and resist sexual misbehavior. The goal was for their sanctification; the lifelong process of being transformed and purified by God. This is still true for us today.

    ○ Verse 4 – that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,
    This implies that it might not come naturally at first; may require us to learn the habit of purity. Some versions translate this as “possess his own vessel” these could mean to either “controlling his body” but also might refer to finding a wife. Either way, This means waiting to enjoy physical intimacy only within God’s gift of the marriage relationship. The goal here is for holiness and honor: for ourselves and the other person.

    ○ Verse 5 – not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;
    Again reflecting the city’s view of pagan gods. We each are born with a range of nature urges and desires. It’s when we let them control us is when there’s a problem. For example, there is a difference between hunger and gluttony; between desire for rest and sheer laziness. The problem being controlled by desires of the flesh is there is never enough. Ultimately, it leads to destruction: for ourselves or others around us.

    ○ Verse 6 – that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.
    To go beyond what is right and take advantage of others. Immorality does not only affect the offender; there are victims here. Sin dishonors and destroys people and their dignity. This grieves God to the point that He himself will avenge these things. It’s good that we have been warned. Instead we are to love the other person; putting our desires second to their dignity.

    ○ Verse 7 – For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.
    This seems to repeat what was already said. Repetition is usually used to emphasizes the importance of the topic. Can we live a life of impurity and holiness at the same time? Clearly no. Here emphasizes that point as well. God has called His believers to live a pure and honorable life.

    ○ Verse 8 – Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
    Therefore can be said as: “This means logically what must follow is…” To ignore or reject this truth, sets aside God. The Greek verb here (atheton/athetei) is where we get the English word “atheist.” Some identify as “atheists” and chose to set aside God to justify their immoral lives. If we are believers disregard this, we too are disregarding God. In doing so, we behave like “Christian atheists” or a more common term “hypocrite.” In this case, how can we expect the Holy Spirit work in our lives?

    What does it matter?　

    James 3:11 asks “Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?” We can either chose to live a life of selfishly seeking to fulfill our passions; not caring who it hurts and ignoring that it leads to our own destruction. Or we can chose to live a life of purity and seek to please God.

    Quietly think on this. Which will you choose?

    Let’s Pray.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13

    1 Thessalonians 3:7-13

    Warm up question:

    Today we’re celebrating Father’s Day. Maybe children the world over are struggling to know what to give their fathers… New tie, another golf towel, macaroni covered pen holder.. you know what I mean?
    But ultimately, what do you think a father (or any parent for that matter) wants from their children?

    Let’s read the passage (1 Thessalonians 3:1~13) with that question in mind:

    What does it say?　

    To Briefly summarize this section.

    What does it say?　

    Chris Juby (Biblesummary.info) briefly summarize this section by saying: “We sent Timothy to strengthen you. We warned you that persecution would come. We are encouraged by your faith. May you grow in love.” (1 Thes 3)

    What does it mean?

    Let’s review and give some background to this passage. Here we end the first movement of this letter. Chapter 2 we learn that the Thessalonians had become very dear to Paul, Silas, & Timothy that they became thinking of them as their parents. Paul tells them that although stripped away from them that he can’t stop thinking about them and longs to see their face. Sadly, as Paul personally tried, he was blocked from going there (health, Jewish persecution, Macedonian authorities, we don’t know).

    Verse 5 we learned that Timothy went to Thessalonica for concern that they had been tempted to turn from the faith or had been made ineffective because of some rampant sin. Remember, they were all baby Christians in a fledgling church and with no pastor facing persecution.

    Thankfully, Timothy was able to stay for a while and further establish and exhort them in their faith. And Verse 6 says Timothy had come back with “good news” … every other place this Greek word used as a name for the Gospel. This news was that good to Paul he equates it with the Gospel!

    What “good news” did Timothy bring back to Paul? They were doing surprisingly well. They were full of faith and agape Christian love; even while under persecution. And they remembered Paul kindly and want to see him again too. Good news indeed!

    “We are encouraged by your faith”

    Verse 7 – for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.
    The image here seems to be pressing in from all sides; choking & crushing; with arms raises. However they we refreshed, cheered also strengthened. By what? Strengthened by their faith. It’s all worth it.

    Verse 8 – For now we [really] live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.
    In other words, “we can breath easy.” It’s almost a military term, like “holding the line.” Paul felt that he could now “pass on the torch” over to them.

    Verse 9 – For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God,
    Paul and the others had been empowered to give thanks. And there weren’t words can’t express their joy.

    Verse 10 – as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?
    The expression “night & day” is based on the Hebrew way of time but meaning is clear enough here. He is longing to see them – How many times has he said this right? He didn’t want them to miss that point. Here, Paul seems to saying that he wanted to visit not to correct err or rebute them. Instead the verb here is the one used for mending nets. He wished to provide them with a more comprehensive teaching to increase their faith.

    “May you grow in love”: Prayer for Endurance

    Verse 11 – Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you,
    Here we are reminded that God the Father and Jesus working in unison as part of the trinity. And again, Paul is still expressing his desire to be with them; now in prayer.

    Verse 12 – and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you,
    He prays that they might grow in quantity and also quality “to super-abound,” Also that there would be a great excess of pure Agape Christian Love in three separate ways:

    ∎ First for each other
    “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:34~35 As a church when we heavily focus on only evangelism, we can tend to ignore this. But for the sake of the Gospel message itself, we should love one another.

    ∎ Then to the world
    “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” – Matthew 5:43~44 No doubt that they were struggling. However, Paul is praying that even in the face of their enemies that they would share Jesus’ Love with them.

    ∎ Reflecting the Love that we’ve received from God; directly or through others
    Thessalonians were loved by Paul, Silas and Timothy who were themselves love by prior Christians and ultimately Christ himself. Thessalonians will reflect that love to others whom will carry it across Europe and Asia and somehow even to us today. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. – 1 John 4:8~9 The moon is the brightest thing in the night sky but it has no light of itself own but only reflect the light that it received. As believers, we are like the moon reflecting the Love that we have received to others.

    Verse 13 – so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
    Love is the goal here but it’s also leads to other things: holiness & hope. For example, read how Jesus explains how Love leads to Holiness: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” – John 14:15 Also love lead to hope; hope of Jesus’ return: And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. – Romans 5:5

    So, how does love establish holiness and Hope of Jesus’ return? How can we do these things? Thankfully, that’s what that the rest of the letter addresses. So, we’ll leave that for here today.

    What does it matter?　

    We asked, “what do you think a father (or any parent for that matter) wants from their children?” We’ve seen this morning that Paul’s desire reflects a father’s heart. He prayed that his children in the faith would:
    ∎ Abound in love
    ∎ Reflect the good things seen in them
    ∎ Go on to do even greater things
    ∎ Carry the torch to the next generation

    Paul’s desires here seem to reflect God’s heart as our Heavenly Father as well. First, that we each have an intimate relationship with Him. We do that by confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in your heart that God raised him from the dead. Then since God is Love, we are to love as well. By loving others (even the unlovable) it reflects God’s character. Through this love it allows us to be established in other spiritual areas; like holiness and hope.

    Let’s pray

    I pray that our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

    Note: Some of the questions were taken or modified from a study found here: (http://test.ivpress.com/bible/study.php?study=514)

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:1-6

    1 Thessalonians 3:1-6

    Warm up questions:

    • What are some outrageous claims do you hear in love songs?
      • “And I would give anything I own. I’d give up my life, my heart, my home. I would give everything I own, Just to have you back again. “ – Bread, 1972
      • “I would walk 500 miles, And I would walk 500 more, Just to be the man who walks a thousand miles, To fall down at your door” – Proclaimers, 1988
      • “And I will always love you. I will always love you” – Whitney Houston, 1992
      • “I’d catch a grenade for ya, Throw my head on a blade for ya, I’d jump in front of a train for ya, You know I’d do anything for ya” – Bruno Mars, 2010
    • Seriously, how far would we really go for the ones we love?

    Let’s read the passage (1 Thessalonians 2:17~20, 3:1~6) with that question in mind:

    What does it say?　

    • Briefly summarized: “We sent Timothy to strengthen you. We warned you that persecution would come. We are encouraged by your faith. May you grow in love.” – Chris Juby (Biblesummary.info)

    What does it mean?

    • Background and review
      • 2:8 – So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
      • In 2:17~20, Paul tells them that the Thessalonians are always on his mind and longs to see their face. But as much as Paul personally tried, he was blocked from going there.   
      • The actual timeline of this next part is a bit of a mystery but all agree that there was some decision for Timothy to go to Thessalonica.
    • We sent Timothy to strengthen you.
      • Verse 1~2: Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone,and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 
      • Bear/Endure/forbear
        • Greek word here is used for water tight seal. Paul was bursting at the seams; couldn’t stand not knowing what was happening to them
        • Keep in mind in Philippians 4:13 Paul says he “can endure all things”; poverty, hunger, or great need.
        • But he could not endure the thought of those he loved suffering without help
      • Willing to be left behind … alone
        • Greek word used here could also mean desert or abandon.
        • Remember in 2:17 Paul talks about being “torn away from you.” 
        • Paul is showing his heart here again; being alone in a foreign city is difficult
        • He wasn’t the super-apostle, lone wolf Christian that some try to make him.
        • Paul was like us; an ordinary man who allowed God use him in extraordinary ways
      • Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker
        • When addressing Timothy personally, Paul calls him “my true child in the faith”
        • Here Paul addresses Timothy on equal footing
        • We see Paul’s trust for this younger brother with a great task that Paul wished he could do himself.
        • Remember, they were all baby Christians in a fledgling church. Lots of responsibility
    • We warned you that persecution would come.
      • Verse 3~4: that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.
      • No one be moved
        • To waiver, to be troubled or disheartened
        • “The aim of the wise is not to secure pleasure, but to avoid pain.” – Aristotle
        • For those suffering, it might seem wise to walk away to avoid more pain.
      • Destined for this
        • In this broken sinful world, no one can completely avoid suffering
        • But this is talking about being appointed to suffering.
        • Just as they had become imitators of Paul who himself was an imitator of Christ.
      • We were to suffer affliction
        • Paul tried to prepare the Thessalonians while he was with them
        • This was not a prediction but God’s appointment as they followed Jesus
      • Verse 5: For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
        • Again, bursting at the seams.
        • Why was Paul fearful for the Thessalonians? That they walked away for Jesus
        • As believers, if we are suffering for Christ’s sake we must resist this temptation.
    • We are encouraged by your faith.
      • Now, there is much more to this passage but we will just focus on one verse for now.
      • Verse 6: But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you
      • What good news did Timothy bring back to Paul?
        • They were doing well.
        • Full of faith and love
        • Remember Paul kindly and want to see him again too.
      • What a relief to know that loved ones are safe and doing well!
      • OK, should Paul have then felt foolish for making so much fuss? I don’t think so.
      • Again, they were all baby Christians in a fledgling church and with no pastor.
      • Timothy was able to further establish and exhort them in their faith.
      • And finally, remember those outrageous claims in love songs?
      • By the extravagant effort demonstrated to them, the Thessalonians could know that they were loved by Paul, Timothy, and Silas … and most importantly, loved by God.

    What does it matter?　

    • What ideas can we find in this to help us encourage others: especially when they are in times of trial or suffering?
      • First and foremost, have a solid relationship with God, setting Christ as Lord of your heart
      • With this as a basis, we can love others with God’s love through the power of the Holy Spirit
      • Finally, let your love lead you to out-warding expressing it in words and deeds.
      • Realize it means some sacrifice of us; our time, our belongings, and our emotions
      • Example; Sometimes there is no way to “fix” the situation. That drives guys like me nuts.
      • There are times when people just need someone to cry with them.
      • Visit and spending time with each other
      • Going deeper and fellowship for us to know each other’s hearts
      • Look for the praiseworthy things in others and give thanks for that
      • Respecting and trusting them Believing that God is working in their lives as well.

    Note: Some of the questions were taken or modified from a study found here: (http://test.ivpress.com/bible/study.php?study=514)