November 20, 2015
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-11
9How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 11Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.
Questions for Reflection:
Paul begins this section with a rhetorical question. What question does he ask? When Paul says “night and day we pray”, do you think he means literally night and day? What could he be communicating to the Thessalonians through the phrase? What is Paul praying would happen? Most commentators assume that what was “lacking in your faith” refers not to poor conduct or improper beliefs on the part of the Thessalonians; rather Paul is wanting to finish teaching what he did not get to complete because he was forced to escape the city quickly.
Paul then prays that “God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus” would make a way for him to be reunited with the Thessalonians. It is important to note that Paul equates Jesus with God the Father. FF Bruce in his commentary said that this idea that Jesus Christ was at work with God the Father in “the divine prerogative”, the directing of people’s steps, is “theologically significant.” Why do you think it is so important? What are the implications of this close relationship? How can Paul’s statement bolster your faith?