Chap 3_ 1 Thessalonians

OOOOOOOO 1 Thessalonians 3:1–5 (NIV84) So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless.

....could stand it no longer, They sent Timothy. Both those in Thessaloniki and themselves were undergoing trials. Yet Paul’s concern for them caused Timothy, his right hand man and comfort, to be sent to them. In fact, without timothy Paul frames his situation as being “left alone”

This act shows the degree of Paul’s concern. He is sent to help them, not to audit them, or order them to stand firm, but to help and stand along side with them.

Don’t forget, this is not a land that has Jewish standards, but a land primarily of pagans, heathens. He sends the young man who is like a son, into the darkness at a time of persecution. Timothy was sent to brace them up, encourage, them so they wouldn’t feel “at sea” or adrift by these trials. … Many Xstians think that persecution is coming to them because they lack faith, or God has forgotten them or faith becomes weaker and feel abandoned

Paul knows that under persecution, faith can be strengthened or weakened. He writes to a new, possibly vulnerable church..

As Paul writes, he uses the word “we” when referencing persecution. This means that Paul and the Thessalonian church are both experiencing the trials.

But Timothy is there to strengthen them during this period.

And you know that trials and persecutions are our destiny. It is appointed or destined that you are to be shaken by persecution It is not that we may suffer, but it is guaranteed that we will suffer >3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them. The word “unsettled” -other translations as “shaken” the root is a dog’s wagging tail- going back and forth. The faith rising and decreasing.

He repeats and reemphasize. ...4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way. And we told you so.

unsettled =they are unavoidable in the present state of things - God appoints nothing of this kind, but he permits it; for he has made man a free agent. The fallen world will come against the Christian.

....destined , appointed

Word Pictures in the New Testament 1 Thessalonians 3:3

appointed (κειμεθα [keimetha]). Present middle, used here as passive of τιθημι [tithēmi]. We Christians are set hereunto (εἰς τουτο [eis touto]) to be beguiled by tribulations.

Matthew Henry =So is the will and purpose of God that through many afflictions we must enter into his kingdom.

It’s reasonable to think that Paul is making a universal declaration, so this also applies to us today. Same concept is seen elsewhere

Jesus said in Matthew 5:11–12 (NIV84)11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Jesus said in John 15:19–20 (NIV84)19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. I

2 Timothy 3:11–12 (NIV84) 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Philippians 1:29 (NIV84)29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,

2 Corinthians 4:8–9 (NIV84) 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

1 Peter 4:12–13 (NIV84) 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Psalm 119:71 (NIV84) 71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

Ecclesiastes 7:14 (NIV84)

14 When times are good, be happy;

but when times are bad, consider:

God has made the one

as well as the other.

Therefore, a man cannot discover

anything about his future.

But here Paul is concerned that because of what they are going through. there is the persecution from the unsaved world but in this case the efforts of the sinful world could be augmented by was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you [ they might give in to the temptations from the Tempter - Satan. There is almost a hopeful anxiety for their condition. It is not fear, but is the type of fear a father has when his daughter has not made it home for her curfew - is she alright? is she laying on the side of the road from an accident- Concern out of love for her.

But Satan tempts and deceives - so Satan would could prompt them to flee or lie or surrender or become a collaborator - all things not of God.

But we know from other teachings that the believer is to stand >>2 Corinthians 4:16–17 (NIV84) 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. OR >>> Romans 8:28 (NIV84) 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. OR 1 John 4:4 (NIV84)4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. OR Jesus said John 16:33 (NIV84) 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

OOOOOOOO 1 Thessalonians 3:6–10 (NIV84) Timothy’s Incouraging Report 6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

Timothy's return gives them hope, uplifts them with the good news about faith and their love. Paul is in the middle of stress and he is encouraged that they are standing. He does not thank them for increasing numbers, or speaking truth against the pagan beliefs, or building more temples. He points to their faith and love. Now that they know the teachings of Paul, the two things that will sustain them are abiding in faith and love.

The church is made as an entity of refreshment- of strengthening the spirit. Testimonies can be very refreshing our walk. Made to be a lighthouse leading the way to salvation by the Holy Spirit. We were not made to make it on our own. Not about buildings, wealth, popularity, TV fame - but about uplifing through love and faith. Teaching is a way to understand the testimony of others in the Word or those already in the kingdom.

..... we pray most earnestly Paul says how they pray for them exceedingly, abundantly- more than sufficient or just a little that we may see you again and supply what is lacking. They are young - they still likely need more teaching and learning from the walk of Team Paul.

OOOOOOOO 1 Thessalonians 3:11–13 (NIV84) 11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

In the middle of the letter of 1 Thess, Paul inserts a prayer. A prayer about the church that is love increases as does their faith.

Paul asks that Jesus will make it possible to visit them again.

He also says that Lord make their love increase and overflow. In other words, flood the Gentile area and the church with over the top love- abundant, more and more. love.

Also he prays for their strengthening their hearts so they will not be tempted or distracted away. Making sure that they will be holy and without blame when the final days of judgement comes upon the return to the world of jesus with all his holy ones. aHoly ones would be Christians and possibly angels??