"What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?"
Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:19
FINDING DEEP MEANING IN SPIRITUAL RELATIONSHIPS
The apostle Paul found much meaning in the spiritual relationships he established with the churches he founded. The following text is an example of how he found meaning in his relationship with the Thessalonians.
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?
Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ
at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.”
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
1. What Paul was to the Thessalonians
a) Founder of their church
b) Apostle and Teacher
c) Spiritual father
d) Friend
e) Defender of the faith
f) Example to the flock
2. What the Thessalonians were to Paul (and his team)
a) Their hope
b) Their joy
c) Their crown of rejoicing
d) Their glory and joy
The Thessalonians brought so much joy to the hearts of Paul and his co-workers!
3. What these things symbolise
a) A deep relationship between a parent and his children.
b) It is like a parent rejoicing in the success of his children.
c) Mutual blessing and joy shared between Paul and the Thessalonians.
4. “In the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ”
a) The thought of the Second Coming of Christ was strong in Paul’s theology.
b) There was a healthy consciousness of the Lord’s Return.
c) Paul looked forward with hope and joy at the return of the Lord Jesus.
d) The Thessalonians would be a special crown of rejoicing for Paul and his team.