These observation questions are designed to be followed with application questions to provide a self-directed or group study of the book of 1st Thessalonians. Find all 1 Thessalonians resources here. Enjoy!
1 Thessalonians 3 – Observation Questions
Read 1 Thessalonians Chapter 3 thoroughly and answer the questions below. Consider reading the chapter multiple times before answering.
- Observing the use of therefore in verse 1, why could Paul no longer bear being apart from the Thessalonians?
- Paul was so determined to hear news about how the Thessalonians were faring in the faith, what two things was he willing to do? (3:1-2)
- Although Paul had much praise for the faith of the Thessalonians in the first two chapters of his epistle, what do we learn about their faith in verse 2 of chapter 3?
- According to verse 3, why was it essential that the Thessalonians be established and encouraged in their faith?
- How did the Thessalonians know that believers are destined to suffer afflictions?
- According to verse 5, what was Paul’s fear concerning the Thessalonians? If his fear had been realized, what would it mean for his labour among them?
- Despite Paul’s fears, when Timothy returned to Paul from Thessalonica, he brought a wonderful report concerning the faith of the church. What four things was Paul encouraged to hear? (3:6)
- Read verse 7-8. What do we learn about Paul’s priorities here? Explain.
- Describe Paul’s attitude in verse 9.
- What two things did Paul pray for? How did he pray? (3:10)
- In verse 2, Paul says that he sent Timothy to Thessalonica in order to “establish and exhort” them in their faith. Yet in verse 10, after Timothy has returned, he refers to “what is lacking” in their faith. What does this tell us about the nature of faith and spiritual growth?
- According to verse 12, what did Paul pray for the Thessalonians?
- According to verse 12, who were the Thessalonians to love? What example were they to follow?
- Read verses 12-13. Can you determine the connection between these two verses?