Passage: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10 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?
Main Point: The Fellowship of Joy moves believers to express their love for one another, encourage one another, and to reach out to one another.
· Lesson Can you relate to Paul and his pastor's heart? Parents often feel this way toward their kids. Teachers feel this way toward their students. Pastors definitely feel this way toward their congregations. Thrilled with the news of their steadfastness amidst persecution, Paul now is overjoyed and filled with desire to see the saints at Thessalonica. He wants to encourage them, and work with them to make what is good better. I can truly relate to this - as a pastor, a father, and as a teacher.
The passion Paul presents is a thankfulness that cannot completely express itself. Paul says, "For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we might joy for your sakes before God." That means, "How can we thank God yet more and with different words than we have already for the joy we have for you and before God?" Have you ever been so joyous about others you didn't know how to tell God or anyone about it; your words just couldn't do it justice; the whole Hallmark company combined couldn't accomplish the task? Nothing better to do than try - and tell those whom you love of your joy. Don't hide it. They need to know it; you need to express it.
Paul's joy is not just for himself, but for the benefit of the saints in Thessalonica. This letter is to express that and more. Verse 10 is a transition for Paul - he's going to write of things that they need to know, but do not yet. He starts this letter with the encouragement of his love and joy for the believers there. He is not "lording" over them - he loves them as a dear friend. However, God, in His Sovereignty, has chosen Paul to reveal not only the gospel, but what shall be in the end. The believers heard and received the gospel. Paul now prays they will hear and receive (understand) his revelation about the end times. That is what is "lacking" in their faith. Paul's care for them means not only caring about their physical well-being, but that they be in the "know" as much as he is. They will need to be as times grow tougher, faith takes more attacks, and hope seems to grow dim with time to an impatient humanity.
Devotional: Do you take the time to express your love for others you miss? Are they believers in need of your fellowship and counsel? Do they need to be reminded of some better land, higher citizenship, and brighter future? Can they benefit from knowing what you pray for them? Would you feel closer to them if you told them these things? Take a few minutes today to pray for some believer you know personally; and then write or call them to tell them of your love for them, offering them some word of encouragement as well. I can think of one person at least, can't you?
Holler for Jesus,
Greg Yount
Check out my blogs:
Just-a-Thot - Devotional thoughts - http://justa-thot.blogspot.com
As I See It - Biblical perspectives on current events - http://asiseeit10.blogspot.com
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Pastor Greg