(Our Reforming Group Guides are designed to be inductive, using the COMA form of study: Context, Observation, Meaning, Application). For more on this method, check out this article.)

By way of introduction: Suffering is hard enough for us, yet what makes seeing someone enduring suffering from a distance a hard experience also?

Read 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10

1. Could you outline the context of this letter so far?

2. As you read verses 1-5, could you explain the main reason why Timothy was sent to Thessalonica in this instance?

3. What does Paul highlight is the ultimate danger of their affliction and suffering?

4. Will becoming a Christian make our earthly lives that of less suffering? (look at the end of verse 3)

5. Why do Christians suffer for their faith in different parts of the world? Could you give examples?

6. What about here in our circles? How might we suffer for owning the name of Christ, and not just for being an annoying person or because we don’t like people or circumstances we live in)?

7. What is the ultimate danger of our suffering in these situations?

8. In verses 6-8, Paul says that he is comforted by what…?

9. In verses 9-10, Paul prays with thankfulness for what…?

10. In our own suffering for owning the name of Christ, or seeing others suffer from a distance for owning the name of Christ - what is our comfort and how does that happen?

Pray for one another of Reforming, and for friends of Reforming who need to meet Jesus in the Bible.