A Walk Through 1 Thessalonians 3
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Chapter 3
'Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens, and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through.
But you know that we are destined for such troubles. Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know. That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless.' 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5
The troupe with Paul continually worried over the troubles going on in Thessaloniki. Paul had to depart there because of the persecution, while the believers continued on in faith. But from a long distance, Paul, SIlas and Timothy prayed and hoped the believers would not steal the faith of the believers there. We always have care and concern for our friends who also follow Jesus.
So when they could no longer stand the worry, they sent Timothy north, to encourage, instruct, and strengthen the believers. Caring for our disciples and churches is what we do. Troubles are certain to come, and the tempter will do all he can to upset the faith. But we press on, and we teach others how to do so as well. Holy Spirit is our companion, and guide, and we help others listen and follow too.
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'But now Timothy has just returned, bringing us good news about your faith and love. He reports that you always remember our visit with joy and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you. So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.' 1 Thessalonians 3:6-8
When our friends come home, they bring news of how the body is faring in other places. Timothy brought news of Thessaloniki and the good growth and enduring faith of the believers there. Those in Athens were greatly encouraged. The work beforehand, and the persecution were worth the pain, because believers were established, and now are thriving! We are one family and we encourage each other always.
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'How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith. May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon.' 1 Thessalonians 3:9-11
We have great joy because of our friends who have followed Jesus. We shared the good news, and Holy Spirit helped them listen and understand. Now they are walking with the Lord, every day, and we cannot be any happier! We pray earnestly, that the Lord would keep them, and bring us together with them soon. We hope to help them keep growing in their faith, becoming strong believers. So we declare, "God our Father, bring us together soon!"
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'And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen.' 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
Praying that our Father makes your love grow for believers and everyone. Making our hearts strong, blameless and holy is what He does. And our prayer is He does exactly this in you. Paul’s ministry was two-fold: to declare the gospel, and to help people grow in their faith. Let’s do both as well!
About the author: Brett and Debbie Mason joined All Nations in 2016, and serve on coaching and pastoral care teams. They have worked in the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, Honduras, and now encourage and mentor workers in the US, and many regions abroad.
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