Being Torn and Prayerful
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10
I remember when my first-born, Jude, was dropped off at daycare for the first time. A part of me was overwhelmed with anxiety because I thought that Jude was going into daycare too early. Maybe his immune system wasn't strong enough? Maybe he is at the point of separation anxiety so he won't be able to adjust? As much as we tried to prepare him for the big transition, he could not stop wailing the moment that I tried to drop him off. He would not let go and I have never heard him cry so loudly or desperately. Yet I know that the right thing for me to do was for me to walk away. Through that first day, I could not stop thinking about how Jude was adjusting. Fortunately, my office was just across the street from the daycare center, so at every opportunity, I would walk over and try to see him from the window.
In order for us to understand today's passage, we must realize that Paul had a very similar heart toward the Thessalonians. He too felt like he left the Thessalonians prematurely and he made every effort to see them. This is in large part because Paul was deeply concerned that the Thessalonians would not be able to adjust to the new life of the gospel. What we see in Paul is not merely a heart of a parent, missionary, or a pastor. Instead, we see Paul expressing the heart that God has for all those who submit to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel means that God has rendered us--who were once enemies--into his beloved children that he deeply loves, even more than the love that parents have for their own children!
The sermon will focus on an important biblical principle that we often forget: all Christians struggle with a vulnerable faith and trust in God. We see this not only in the Thessalonians, but throughout Scripture in the examples of even the most positive examples (e.g., Abraham, Moses, David, etc.). This is incredibly relevant for us because many times we feel like God is distant or we distance ourselves when we realize how fragile our faith is. We get disappointed and become self-centered—shutting God out. This passage instead reminds us that struggling with a fragile faith is part of the way we conform to the likeness of Christ. Instead of being ashamed or discouraged, we should recognize that God is actually very present in our life and using the moment of fragility to mature us.
As it turns out, Paul does get a report on the Thessalonians, and it is very positive! This provides Paul much comfort, thanksgiving, joy, and encouragement; it also compels him to pray for the Thessalonians with even more urgency. Witnessing others struggle and yet overcome periods of vulnerability has the same effect on us as well. As we enter another year of small groups where we share our failures and victories together, may we also experience the same kind of comfort, thanksgiving, joy, and encouragement; and may the Holy Spirit also compel us to pray for one another with greater urgency.
Questions:
1. Because you are in Christ, what are God's disposition and attitude toward you based on this passage? Why is it a struggle for us to remember or live like this in our everyday lives?
2. In what ways do you need to recognize that part of walking with Jesus faithfully is to struggle with our vulnerable faith and trust in him? How can this provide comfort and encouragement for you?
3. Share about a time where you witnessed someone struggle and overcome a period of fragility. In what ways did this encourage you? In what ways did this give you a greater urgency to depend on God?
