Summary: These central chapters of this book focus on the specific, personal, loving connection the authors have for the recipients of the letter. This is family. This is and overflowing love.
Questions:
6.
2:2 with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel
2:4 speek as thos approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel
2:7-8 cared for as a nursing mother, shared not only gospel but lives as well
2:9 Not a burden
2:10 holy righteous and blameless
2:12-13 As a father: encouraging, comforting and urging
3:10 Night and day we pray earnestly
7. a. We are destined for trials and persecution. But greater angst is in concern for other believers and greater joy comes from encouraging reports of them.
b. Whenever I begin to feel that I stand strong on faith, challenges occur, discipline ebbs, energy wains. My spirit is strengthened by the gospel and family of Christ, but that does not mean I don’t suffer temptation, weakness, doubt and fear.
8. a. 3:1 When we could stand it no longer. 3: 12 make your love overflow for each other and for everyone else as ours does for you.
b. Both are true, but in comparison, I am so reserved in my love for others. I feel the love for fellow believers, particularly those I share with through BSF (especially the kids), but does it overflow? Do I reach the point that “I could stand it no longer?” I’m much more reserved and would love to be more free.
9. A strong heart, strengthened by God, overflowing with love and waiting in anticipation for the return of Christ.
Conclusion: I am amazed by the love Paul felt. I have felt homesick and longed to be back with family. This is the closest I can relate to the feelings that Paul is expressing. He not only calls the Thessalonian believers brothers and sisters, but he longs to reconnect and commune with them exactly like a mother or father longs to be with their family.
The Notes are Good 