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1Thessalonians, Chapter Three, Lesson Two

SHOWING AFFECTION   1Thessalonians 3:9-13             Print this Bible Study

STIMULATE

** In our study together last week we saw how important it is for Christians to stand firm in the Lord. We asked ourselves this question, "Do I stand firm enough in the Lord so as to be a comfort to my brothers and sisters in Christ who may be "Suffering Affliction" for His name sake?

We must remember that our sustained obedience to the word of God is tremendously encouraging and comforting to other believers who have invested their lives in us.

MOTIVATE

** What does it mean to show affection? That question could have many different answers depending on who was asked and the framework for their thinking. What does God's word say about that question? Today we have the privilege of watching the apostle Paul as he is "Showing Affection" towards his beloved Thessalonians. Not only are we going to learn how to best show affection for others, but we will see how our love for one another is used by God in our final judgement.

Please open your Bibles to 1Thessalonians 3:9-13 and let's read through what the Lord has for us to learn in this passage.

Read passage (V.9-10) (V.11-13)

Opening Prayer

Showing Affection

INVESTIGATE

V. 9 ** As Paul opens our passage for today, he makes mention of a debt which he wishes to "render to God", what is the nature of this debt?

"render" - antapodidomi in the Greek, means "to give back as an equivalent, to recompense". It is a debt of thanksgiving! Thanks that is due to God for the joy He has given them through the obedient faith of the Thessalonians -"stand firm in the Lord". cf. 1Thessalonians 1:3, 2:13 and 3:8

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