Just out of reach
Paul’s work with his teammates created a powerful counter-cultural movement that angered the Jews in Thessalonica and had him driven out of Thessalonica. He fled to Berea, south of Thessalonica, where the enemy pursued him. He had to continue to Athens and later Corinth, where he writes this letter.
He means to return to Thessalonica, but it remains just out of reach.
Scripture
1 Thessalonians 2:17-19 ESV But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, (18) because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. (19) For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? (20) For you are our glory and joy.
Bible Study Questions
Verse 17 says that Paul was torn away from the Thessalonians. What happened to him at this time - why was he torn away? (1 Thes 2:17-19, Acts 17:6,10)
The scriptures tell us that Paul and his crew caused a massive uproar in Thessalonica and were chased out, hence Paul’s use of the term “torn away”. The origin of the word mean to be orphaned. This indicates having once been part of a family. Where else was he referring to his congregants as a family? (1 Thes 2: 7, 11, 19)
It’s clear that from what we’ve learnt to date, Paul loved his congregants, and regarded them as family. After being orphaned from them, he really wanted to do what? (1 Thes 2:18)
In verse 17, Paul says that Satan hindered them. The word hindered originates from the meaning to cut into, to impede. This means that Satan stopped Paul from returning to Thessalonica. How do we know that God permitted this and how do we accept this truth? (1 Thes 2:17, Romans 8:28)
Verse 18 refers to our hope or joy or crown of boasting. What do you understand that God was referring to? (1 Thes 2: 18, Rev 2:10)
Paul refers to boasting in some of his other letters, and it’s clear he has a distinct view on boasting. How should we interpret boasting in the Biblical sense and what does it mean for us in our daily lives. (1 Thes 2:18, Gal 6:14)
The verse and chapter 2 of 1 Thessalonians is beautifully wrapped up by Paul by declaring his glory and joy in the Thessalonians. What is causing this joy for Paul and what joy should we be looking for? (1 Thes 2: 19, Luk 15:10)
Worship
His love went on longing
And His love went on reaching
Right past the shackles of my mind
And the Word of the Father
Became Mary's little Son
And His love reached all the way
To where I was
Love has always been here
In the chaos of our world
It was the Word that echoed
Through the formless void
And whether in the universe
Or worlds of our own minds
It's God's love that turns
Our chaos into joy
The Word that formed creation
Man just couldn't understand
Its sound was muffled
By his wars and strifes
And man destroyed resources
God intended just to be
The lovely backdrop
For abundant life
And so this great Creator
Who'd been reaching all along
This God who formed the worlds
With His own hands
Made love become a Baby
One of our very own
And spoke His Word
So we could understand
Service
Paul shows us how a pastor loves his congregation and the role that love has in the body of Christ, specifically in His church. What can we do to embody this love, more than just doing church together? What can you do to carry that loving mindset into your week and make a difference to someone’s life?