YOU ARE OUR GLORY AND JOY

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5

Key verse: 2:20

NIV

Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians

17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought),(A) out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.(B) 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan(C) blocked our way.(D) 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown(E) in which we will glory(F) in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?(G) Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory(H) and joy.

3 So when we could stand it no longer,(I) we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.(J) 2 We sent Timothy,(K) who is our brother and co-worker(L) in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ,(M) to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.(N) For you know quite well that we are destined for them.(O) 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.(P) 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer,(Q) I sent to find out about your faith.(R) I was afraid that in some way the tempter(S) had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.(T)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Paul's Longing to See Them Again

17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, (A)in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire (B)to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan (C)hindered us. 19 For what is our hope or (D)joy or crown of boasting (E)before our Lord Jesus at his (F)coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.

3 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing (G)to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we (H)sent Timothy, (I)our brother and God's coworker[a] in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that (J)we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, (K)just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, (L)when I could bear it no longer, (M)I sent to learn about your faith, (N)for fear that somehow (O)the tempter had tempted you and (P)our labor would be in vain.

Footnotes
  1. 1 Thessalonians 3:2 Some manuscripts servant
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. You are our joy (2:17-2

)

The new believers in Thessalonica seemed to be too weak; they were almost like orphans, for their shepherd was torn from them when they were too young. Paul eagerly wanted to come and see about them, but he could not. When he thought about how God had worked in them, and how they had responded to the gospel, he rejoiced. He tasted the shepherd's greatest joy--the joy of seeing the fruit of his labor and prayer.

2. To encourage your faith (3:1-5)

Paul was afraid that these new believers would be discouraged and full of all kinds of human thinking because of the persecution that he was receiving. He reminded them that he had expected persecution--it actually confirmed God's word. In addition, Paul also feared that some false teachers had led them astray. When he couldn't stand it any longer, he sent Timothy to find out about their faith and to encourage them.

Prayer: Lord, teach me the shepherd heart of Paul. Help me to see your work in others and rejoice.

One Word: Rejoice in God's work