1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.  For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.  For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

 

Since Paul was unable to return to the city, he did the next best thing by sending Timothy.  The purpose of the trip seems to be twofold: to help encourage the church during times of persecution and to receive information as to how the church was doing.  Certainly, carrying the letter we now study was another reason for this trip.  Paul’s love and concern for the church is exemplary.  Too often we allow distance to promote indifference.  Paul demonstrates care and concern even though he is far away.

 

GIVE ASSISTANCE: Since Paul was unable to return to Thessalonica, he was willing to be left alone in Athens and sent Timothy back to minister to them.  There were two goals of this ministry: establishing them in the faith and exhorting them to continue to grow in the faith.  This type of help is always important to believer in every phase and step of life, but it is especially important in times of trial and affliction.  When things become difficult, it is easy for us to become discouraged or distracted.  We need outside instruction and accountability to help us stand firm in the face of these trials.  The faith of others is a precious thing that must be encouraged and promoted.  The faith of new believers can be precarious and should be cared for and protected.  Caring for the faith and spiritual maturity of others is an important responsibility.

 

GET ASSURANCE: Paul cared deeply for this church and the people who were leading it.  He could imagine the suffering they faced and the temptations these sufferings must have brought about.  I simply had to know how they were doing and be assured that they were still walking with the Lord and growing in their faith.  God was using this church to spread the Gospel throughout the entire region and Paul did not want to lose this fruitful partnership.  He also knew that such a productive church would be the target of Satan for various kinds of attacks.  Paul’s love and concern for the church is evident.  This same kind of care should be present for all churches.  Too often, we hear of churches that are struggling but we are not moved to prayer, concern, and action.   

 

APPLICATION: Be faithful to encourage others in their faith and call them to a life of obedience and faithfulness.  Love the church and the people in the church enough to care, pray, and serve them.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

2 Timothy 1:3-7

I thank God   whom I serve, as did my ancestors,   with a clear conscience, as I remember you   constantly in my prayers night and day.    As I remember your tears,   I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.    I am reminded of   your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and   your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.    For this reason I remind you   to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us   a spirit not of fear but   of power and love and self-control. It is easy for us to forget many important things especially in the face of difficulty or danger.  Paul is in prison and Timothy is facing difficult times in ministry so there are important reminders that Paul wants to make sure that Timothy understands.  God has given us everything we need to face the difficulties He allows into our lives.  These blessings from God are always available to us as long as we remember the
Read more

2 Timothy 1:8-14

Therefore   do not be ashamed of   the testimony about our Lord, nor of   me his prisoner, but   share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,   who saved us and   called us to a holy calling,   not because of our works but because of   his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus   before the ages began, and which now has   been manifested through   the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus,   who abolished death and   brought life and   immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But   I am not ashamed, for   I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until   that day   what has been entrusted to me.  Follow   the pattern of   the sound words   that you have heard from me, in   the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.    By the Holy Spirit   who dwells within us, guard   the good deposit entrusted to you. There is nothing more important th
Read more

Titus 1:1-4

Paul, a servan t  of God and   an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and   their knowledge of the truth,   which accords with godliness ,  in hope of eternal life, which God,   who never lies,   promised   before the ages bega n  and   at the proper time manifested in his wor d  through the preaching   with which I have been entrusted   by the command of God our Savior;   To Titus,   my true child in   a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. Paul begins this book written to his co-worker whom he has left on the island of Crete, with his own job description.  Paul felt called by God and compelled by God to minister in the lives of other people.  Those who were unbelievers needed to hear the Gospel.  Believers needed to be brought to maturity in Christ.  He also had a deep desire to see Titus blessed and encouraged in the Lord.  These initial greetings give us insight into Paul’s heart. THE PURPOSE OF AN APOSTLE:
Read more