Be Faithful to the Sovereign Lord

Date: March 27, 2022

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3

Theme: Be Faithful to the Sovereign Lord

Introduction: In the first chapter, we considered how the Thessalonian Church, as a faithful Church, was following Christ in terms of how they underwent affliction from others for their faith in the joy of the Holy Spirit that served as an example that expanded to the larger Church. Moving into the second chapter, we see how Paul recounted his efforts to instruct the Thessalonian Church in faithfulness. Here in the third chapter, Paul’s concern for the Thessalonian Church comes to the forefront but it turns out that the faithfulness of the Thessalonians is an encouragement to Paul. Therefore, I want for us to consider this morning: Be Faithful to the Sovereign Lord.

Transition: Looking at the first 5 verses, I want for us to consider …

Be Strengthened and Encouraged in Your Faith (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5)

Because affliction will test your faith (3:1-3)

Recognizing the threat to their walk with Christ and unable to stand it any longer, Paul made a dispatch to the Thessalonian believers. (3:1)

The ‘therefore’ of this verse helps us to understand that the content of ch. 2 plays a critical role in Paul’s stated desire.

According to 2:12, what did Paul desire for the Thessalonian believers?

That they walk in a manner worthy of God.

Hence, Paul understood that there was a threat to this, specifically in terms of the affliction that they were facing.

Why would Paul be so interested in their welfare according to 2:7, 11?

He cared for them personally.

This is obvious on account of how he described their relationship to him at the conclusion of ch. 2.

Only a strong relationship could produce this sort of description.

Thus, he was personally invested in their success in the Christian life.

Notice Paul’s twice use of ‘endure it no longer’ (3:1, 5).

This term is employed 4 times in Paul’s letter, the two here and twice in 1 Corinthians (9:12; 13:7).

What’s the context of 1 Corinthians 13:7?

Biblical love

Specifically, we’re told that “love bears all things”.

Within the context of this chapter on biblical love, it refers to enduring through difficult circumstances.

I find it ironic that biblical love can endure through difficult circumstances but Paul’s deep concern for the Thessalonians prompted him to act to inquire about their welfare.

The distinction here is that there are some things that one can endure.

Paul, from a relationship perspective, could not endure not knowing any further about the Thessalonians’ welfare.

Thus, we have further evidence, by comparison, of just how deep their relationship was.

Motivated out of this deep concern for the Thessalonians, Paul sent Timothy both to inquire and strengthen and encourage their faith (3:2)

Notice the two descriptions that Paul ascribes to Timothy.

What ideas are connoted by the phrase ‘our brother’?

Close, family-like relationship

Paul’s recognition of the reality of Timothy’s incorporation into God’s family.

This, of sorts, provides a kind of verification of Timothy’s relationship to Paul and the Lord and gives Timothy recognizable authority with the Thessalonians.

Paul also describes Timothy as “God’s fellow worker in the Gospel of Christ”.

Paul uses this phrase “fellow worker” in Romans 16:9 and Philippians 2:5 to describe those that he serves the Lord with.

With the qualifier “God’s”, Paul is further verifying the spiritual authority that the Lord has vested in Timothy.

Moreover, the phrase ‘gospel of Christ’ indicates the source of Timothy’s ministry.

That is, Timothy has this ministry because of the Gospel at work in his life.

Additionally, the work that Timothy does is motivated by the same.

Further, Timothy’s work pertains to the Gospel that is at work in him and motivates his work.

Let’s consider the unique purpose that Paul sent Timothy to the Thessalonians for.

Why does someone need to be strengthened in their faith?

Because they would be tempted to fail in their faith.

When doing a word study on the words ‘strengthen’ and ‘faith’, I came across an interesting example from the Gospels.

In Luke 22:32, Jesus addresses Peter’s denial and encourages him to strengthen the brothers once he has repented.

What did Peter do to strengthen others?

Really, we see this in Acts.

Peter faithfully proclaimed the truth about Jesus.

Therefore, how do we strengthen others in their faith?

We faithfully proclaim the truth about Jesus, specifically the Gospel.

We proclaim this, because Christ is our steadfast hope that we cling to.

Why do we encourage others?

When they’re down, someone in need of comforting

There’s difficulty that they need to be encouraged through.

How do we do this?

We recall that God has told us that we will face difficulty in this life.

However, there’s comfort from the Lord and we recognize that difficulty is limited to this life not the next for those who are trusting Christ.

In fact, instead of being disturbed by afflictions, we recognize they have a place in the life of a Christ. (3:3)

The idea associated with ‘disturbed’ is that one is so upset by their circumstances that they are emotionally immobilized.

In other words, it’s like a state of emotional shock that you seemingly can’t wrest yourself from.

By connecting this idea of afflictions to Paul’s design for Timothy’s visit, Paul understands the need to be strengthened and encouraged in one’s faith lies in being prepared for difficulty.

Paul emphasizes his confidence in their knowledge about these difficulties.

The phrase ‘you yourselves know’ is employed twice in 1 Thessalonians (here and 5:2) along with Acts 2:22.

It references how reality accords with the facts.

That is, the Thessalonians were advised ahead of time concerning this affliction and now they’re seeing it come to pass (transition into v. 4).

Because God has warned us of affliction (3:4)

Back in 2:13, Paul indicated that the Thessalonians accepted their message as God’s Word.

Therefore, this message that Paul shared previously about suffering affliction also was God’s Word to the Thessalonians.

Hence, God warned the Thessalonians through Paul about the coming affliction.

Think about the comfort that this would bring!

This demonstrates God’s sovereignty because what’s happening falls within God’s knowledge.

The fact that the Lord gave them His Word concerning the affliction meant that they could trust the Lord through the affliction.

Even with this knowledge, there’s still a temptation to sin through the affliction.

Because we will be tempted to not live worthy of our God (3:5)

This designation ‘tempter’ is used in Matthew 4:3 concerning Jesus’ temptation.

Who is it that came to Jesus and tempted Him?

None other than Satan

What’s fascinating is that this term is literally ‘the one who tempts’.

That is this individual is identified by their primary activity: to tempt.

We have kind of a strange phrase here - almost a double emphasis.

That is, we know what a tempter does, they tempt!

Thus, why would Paul do this?

It prompts us to consider the seriousness of these circumstances.

These afflictions/difficulties were not for the faint of heart and it points to the reality of this temptation.

Therefore, we cannot minimize temptation - it’s serious business because faithfulness to the Lord is on the line.

There are difficulties out there that the tempter will capitalize on to tempt us in the midst of difficulties to give in and not walk worthy!

When we face these temptations, where do we turn?

We turn to the Gospel and the truth of the hopes that Christ has promised.

He’s coming again (1:10).

Instead of facing God’s wrath against sin, we who have trusted Christ will meet Christ to be with Him forever when He comes (1:10; 4:17-18).

Notice also Paul’s concern for the Thessalonians as associated with Paul’s efforts with them.

Paul has used the phrase ‘our labor’ back in 1 Thessalonians 2:9 to refer to the Gospel.

What flows from this Gospel is “exhorting and encouraging and imploring” to “walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12).

Paul, then, would consider vain labors to consist of the Thessalonians to walk oppositely.

The goal of walking worthy is to imitate other believers following Christ (1 Thessalonians 2:14).

Instead, the Thessalonians would imitate those around them, living sinful lives.

This is going to look different from person to person.

Going back to Peter’s example, he lied like unbelievers do.

This is why we need to be strengthened and encouraged in our faith.

When temptation comes as we endure affliction.

We have the resources to be faithful regardless of the opposition.

Transition: Church, the reality of affliction prompts us to receive strengthening and encouragement in the faith when we can. However, as we receive, we’ll also have opportunities to be able to give encouragement to others. Therefore, let’s consider next …

Encourage Others Through Your Faith (1 Thessalonians 3:6-10)

Having sought to encourage the Thessalonians, they in turn were an encouragement to Paul! (3:6-8)

Let’s consider how Paul expresses the mutual interest of both he and the Thessalonians. (3:6)

Notice the use of the phrase ‘But now’.

It’s an interruption that gets our attention.

We hang on to this statement to determine what’s going to happen next in the events that Paul recounts.

It’s a demonstration of God’s grace similar to the reference that Paul uses in Ephesians 2:4 - ‘But God’.

By implication, what follows next can only be attributed to the working of God’s grace in the hearts of the Thessalonians.

Let’s consider the good news that Paul received.

When we hear the phrase ‘good news’ in the Bible, what do we immediately think of?

The Gospel Message

Jesus is the perfect, sinless Son of God who died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead victoriously 3 days later

However, what good news is Paul talking about here?

Concerning the faith and love of the Thessalonians

How might this faith and love be related to the Gospel message?

It’s the evidence that the Gospel message has taken root in their lives.

Thus, the good news of the faith and love of the Thessalonians is directly related to the good news that they received concerning Jesus Christ at work in them.

Notice how Paul refers to what the Thessalonians think of him.

What does it mean to “think kindly”?

Might it be connected to the phrase that follows?

“long to see one another”

Paul uses this phrase most often to refer to his desire to visit with the churches.

1 Peter 2:2 uses it as an illustration of how we should desire the truth of God’s Word so that we may grow in our salvation.

Thus, what we have here is a mutual, intense desire for fellowship.

This is understandable because, as Jessy has reminded us, Paul had to leave in the middle of the night and they have been separated.

What Paul is referring to, then, is a desire to fellowship rooted in pleasant memories from their prior interaction.

Consider Paul’s amazement at how the Thessalonians were more of an encouragement to him! (3:7)

It turned out that the thing that Paul was hoping that Timothy would be an encouragement in is what Paul ended up being encouraged in!

Hence, the ways in which we try to be a blessing to others turns out to be more of a blessing and encouragement to us.

Note how Paul is refreshed by the Thessalonians’ faithfulness. (3:8)

When you hear about how other believers are faithfully demonstrating their commitment to Christ in difficult times, how does that make you feel?

Really what Paul is talking about is the example of faith

Paul indicates that it give him life - or energy.

That’s how encouraged they are.

It’s refreshing to them to hear about how the Thessalonians are standing firm in the Lord.

What are the Thessalonians having to stand firm in the Lord for?

Their faith is being tried through various temptations as they are facing difficulty.

The fact that they’re standing firm in the Lord evidences that their hope is placed squarely in Him.

Let’s take a look at Paul’s exclamatory statement of joy. (3:9-10)

Joy is Paul’s response concerning what he’s heard about the Thessalonians (3:9).

This would include the joy in the Holy Spirit that they have demonstrated.

Paul’s joy is to hear about the welfare of the Thessalonians in the faith in the absence of being able to be present with them.

It’s almost as if there’s a substitutionary nature.

In other words, Paul really wants to see them, but he’s satisfied to hear of their welfare for the time being.

The content of 1 Thessalonians 4 and 1 Thessalonians 5 is going to cover much of this topic so that this chapter provides a great segue into the final chapters of the book (3:10).

Transition: Paul closes out this chapter with a prayer that reminds us to …

Seek the Sovereign Lord Who Transforms Us (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13)

Consider what v. 11 teaches us about God and Jesus. (3:11)

Referencing God as Father calls attention to His compassion.

Jesus as our Lord draws attention to His authority.

The reference to the both of them directing Paul’s way to the Thessalonians emphasizes their unity.

Working in concert with one another

Demonstrating solidarity.

The same power.

Possessing the same ability.

Notice Paul’s confidence in the Lord.

He desires the Lord to direct their paths to one another and believes that the Lord can do this.

This stands over against Paul’s reference to Satan hindering him.

In other words, the Lord is more powerful than any of Satan’s efforts to hinder.

The term ‘direct’ is only used of the Lord in the NT.

Hence, draws attention to His exclusive, sovereign power.

What this communicates then is that One who is intimately concerned about is (our Father) and One who has the power to lead us (our Lord Jesus) are directing Paul and, by extension, all Christians.

Consider how Paul masterfully introduces the topic of love. (3:12)

Paul is going to address the topic of love in 1 Thessalonians 4 and is thus giving a preview, if you will.

Why would Paul pray that the Lord cause them to increase and abound in love?

Because the Lord is the source of love.

We know this to be true since He gave the greatest example of love on the cross!

Let’s look now at how Paul closes this prayer. (3:13)

By connecting love with both without blame and holiness, Paul is talking about the topic of sanctification.

That is, growing in holiness to look more and more like Jesus Christ.

Thus, Paul is identifying that this process of becoming like Jesus is an ongoing process until Jesus comes.

Who does Paul attribute this process of growing in love, blamelessness, and holiness to?

The Lord

The Lord is the One who is working to change our lives to be both blameless and holy

The term ‘before’ gives the idea of being in God’s direct presence.

What a gift because we do not deserve it on our own on account of our sin.

On top of that, the Lord is the one making us worthy to stand before His presence not just as our God but also as our Father!

Conclusion: