29.08.2025 | Ученичество через взаимоотношения | 1 Фессалоникийцам 2:17-3:13

Kairos TV is an online ministry of Pastor Kim Sam Sung, aimed at strengthening the “Daily Family Worship” and “Weekly Small Group Worship” of all Christians around the world. Sermon Series: 1 Thessalonians Discipleship through Relationships 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 Chapters 2-3 are the central part of the First Letter to the Thessalonians, written by Apostle Paul. In these chapters, we see the heart of Apostle Paul. The most important part is relationships with people. Is there a trusting relationship or not? Before moving on to teaching, to deeds, Paul opens his heart and explains to believers what to do to build a good trusting relationship. This determines whether discipleship will continue or not. Therefore, through this passage, especially from chapter 2 verse 17 to chapter 3 verse 13, we will learn from the Apostle Paul how to build a trusting relationship. The role of the leader in discipleship is that he first opens his heart. Why? So that the disciples can understand the leader and trust the leader. We cannot say: just because I am the leader, I am the father, trust me. But the leader shows through his life, through expressions and words, through behavior, that the disciples can trust him. Part 1. verses 17-20. Paul had a desire and intention to come to them, but there were obstacles. Both the leader and the disciples must explain their position well so that others can understand and trust. Paul explains so that they understand. Often the leader does not explain, but simply says: you must trust me. No, the leader must be able to communicate, to explain. Why? So that believers do not get confused. People are people, children are children. Therefore, the father, the mother open their hearts to the children. And whether to accept or not is their choice. Paul opens his heart to the believers in the city of Thessalonica: "I wanted to come more than once, but there were serious obstacles from Satan." Trusting open relationships begin when we begin to open our hearts to each other. But that's not all, that's just the first step. The discipleship of the Apostle Paul is to help believers in their life circumstances and difficulties, walking with them in parallel together. This is real discipleship. Part 2. 1-4 v. Intention to help believers in sorrows and persecutions (through Timothy). Not to abandon the disciples in difficulties, but to support. The Apostle Paul did not just teach them that there would be sorrows and persecutions, and that they must be overcome, Paul wants to help them practically, so he sends his assistant Timothy to them, who did a good job with the assignment. You must be ready to pay the price for this. Paul paid the price - he tore the team away from himself and was left alone in Athens (and at first in Corinth). Also, Paul sent Timothy not only to strengthen the believers in Thessalonica and encourage them, but he wanted to test their faith ("to learn about your faith"). Part 3. 5-8 v. Paul wanted to test their faith in difficulties. The true spiritual state and faith of the disciples can be seen in difficulties. When you go through difficulties with a person, then a special trusting relationship appears. Will you run away? Will you leave everything? Will you close your heart? Or will you remain faithful? You should not always protect your disciples from difficulties! A teacher, minister, pastor must test the faith of their disciples - what spiritual state this person is in, will he trust in difficulties and sorrows. When you see the true spiritual state of a person, you can help him correctly. Our leaders, before entrusting the ministry, look at the spiritual state - are there open, trusting relationships, and only then look at the deeds. Timothy brings good news: the believers in Thessalonica have not closed themselves off, they remember their leaders, they want to see them and communicate, learn, serve. Therefore, the apostle Paul has thanksgiving and intercessory prayer for the Thessalonians. Part 4. 9-13 v. Paul intercedes and thanks God for the believers. The task of a leader or the task of discipleship is intercessory prayer. Thanksgiving is also intercession. When you give thanks, angels preserve the person for whom you give thanks. Paul prays for 3 topics: 1) That they love one another. When Satan tries to destroy the church, his first attack is external - persecution. But the more dangerous attack is internal - divisions among believers. 2) That their hearts stand firm in difficulties. That believers would not stagger under persecution and temptation. 3) That they would be blameless and holy when Jesus comes the second time with holy believers. When we take these steps, then a strong, open, trusting relationship is created. And then we can move forward with the disciples. This is true discipleship! Conclusion: 1. Trust comes when we can open our hearts to each other. 2. Trusting relationships are strengthened as we both go through hard ti...