What to do when Satan has blocked our way?

Introduction

Satan is our adversary. As we understand from Scripture, he is a spiritual being who lies, deceives, and seeks to devour whomever through crafty schemes. Even Jesus was tempted by Satan at one point in His life. In our reading today, Paul wrote to the believers in Thessalonica about his desire to see them, but his way was blocked by Satan. I want to explore how we can glorify God in our ministry, through an exegesis of this passage, by knowing what to do when Satan has blocked our way.

Why does God test our hearts? (Deut 13:1-3)

Individuals persecuting were people

What does God say?

1 Thessalonians 2:17 LEB

17 But when we were made orphans by separation from you, brothers, for a short time (in face, not in heart), we were even more eager with great desire to see your face,

Faithlife Study Bible (Chapter 2)

2:17 made orphans The Greek term used here, aporphanizō, describes separation between people. It was often used in the context of parent-child relationships in which it could describe either children who had been orphaned by their parents or parents who had lost their children. Here Paul depicts himself as a father cut off from his children—the Thessalonian believers (compare v. 11).

orphaned by separation physically, not spiritually.

greater desire to see them face to face

1 Thessalonians 2:18 LEB

18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, on more than one occasion—and Satan hindered us.

Faithlife Study Bible (Chapter 2)

2:18 Satan hindered us Satan is the enemy of God who opposes Paul and his apostolic ministry (e.g., 3:5; 2 Cor 2:11; 11:13–15; 12:7). Some of the Thessalonians likely worried that Paul abandoned them when he abruptly left the city and did not return (see note on 1 Thess 1:1–10). Paul assures the believers at Thessalonica that his separation from them was not his choice—Satan hindered him.

The Greek verb used here, enkoptō, literally means “to cut up.” It could be used to describe an army destroying an enemy’s road, consequently hindering their travel. Satan may have stirred up persecution in Thessalonica or caused an illness that kept Paul (and his companions) from returning to the city. The exact nature of the hindrance is unknown. In other instances, Paul credits God with preventing travel (1 Cor 16:12; Acts 16:6).

1 Thessalonians 2:19–20 LEB

19 For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy.

Paul notes they are the results of their work.

1 Thessalonians 3:1–5 LEB

1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we determined to be left behind in Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, in order to strengthen and to encourage you about your faith, 3 so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed for this, 4 for indeed when we were with you we told you beforehand that we were about to be afflicted, just as indeed it happened, and you know. 5 Because of this, I also, when I could endure it no longer, sent in order to know your faith, lest somehow the tempter tempted you and our labor should be in vain.

Paul desire had to check on the physical and spiritual well-being of the church in Thessalonica was intense enough to send Timothy to strengthen (resolve in belief or attitude) encourage them in their faith.

They were enduring persecution as mention in 1 Thessalonians 2:14-15. So, Timothy’s task was to keep them from being shaken by those afflictions.

Paul ensures they know, “we,” meaning all Christians, are destined to be persecuted. Why? (John 15:18-20; 17:15).

Persecution was something they did not keep secret. Instead, they kept telling them they would be persecuted, and it turned out to be true.

Remember, these are infant believers in Christ under intense persecution, so Paul could not wait any longer. He had to find out about their faith.

His fear was that the temptation of the tempter (Satan) would have influenced them to fail in their faith, which would mean their labors (ministry) was in vain (useless).

What do we need to know?

Our struggle is not against flesh and blood (Eph 6:12).

Satan looks to cut up our way (ministry) through:

persecution

temptation (1 Thess 3:5; 1 Co 10:12-13)

exploitation (2 Co 2:11)

false teachers/doctrine (2 Co 11:13-15)

Satan’s ultimate goal is to destroy your faith

What do we do when Satan has blocked our way?

Ephesians 6:10-11.

Long to seek the benefit of other Christians

Strengthen and encourage them

Have joy in suffering and persecution