Concern For Their Faith

1 Thessalonians 3

Vs. 1.......The agony of separation between Paul and this church became unbearable....this church was so fruitful that Paul wanted to witness this miraculous work in the lives of these believers.

Paul and Silas stayed behind while Timothy returned to Thessalonica......This would be the last time Timothy went to a church in Paul’s place.

Vs. 2.......To establish/strengthen, to comfort/encourage their faith......This was a common practice of Paul’s, after the church is established, he would go back through or send someone like Timothy to help strengthen and encourage fellow believers in their faith.

Paul’s focus was not one their health, wealth, self-esteem, or ease of life, but rather the spiritual quality of life. Their faith was of supreme importance.

If they are sick what is most important healing or their faith.

To strengthen our faith, what or how is that done?

Ephesians 4:11–13 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting/maturing of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying/building up of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”

He sent to Timothy to not inspect their faith but to help their faith in Jesus Christ!

Vs. 3-4......The faith must be continually strengthened and also comforted, because of the suffering and afflictions that were occurring and would occur......

Moved here means disturbed.......disturbed to the point that you give up.

Acts 14:22 “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”

Paul was appointed or destined to suffer and this church would also......that is the need for strengthening and comforting in Jesus Christ!.....

When trouble comes in a newer believer or church, one might think that God’s plan is not working out by the evidence of the troubles around.

One might also think that troubles meant it was God’s displeasure with them.

To think this way would disturb this church’s faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ that was preached by Paul.

If they saw Paul suffering the same thoughts would arise!

A steadfast faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the cure for such thinking......I do not like this statement but it fits very well........we must keep our minds and hearts on the Person and Work of Jesus Christ!

I like what Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6–7 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Be anxious about nothing.......whatever is happening, bring your concerns and worries to the Lord with much supplication, thanking God for hearing us.......we make those things known to God (Who already knows them) and what happens then?????

All our problems goes away? Right? Wrong.....that is not the desired outcome......the desired outcome that our hearts and minds are guarded with the peace of God which is found in the faith in Jesus Christ!

When you are destined for affliction then that is the only prayer that will work!.........Jesus gives us an example in the Garden of Gethsamane........Matthew 26:39 “And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” ......The ultimate desire is the Father’s will!

2 Timothy 3:12 “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

Vs. 5........Paul referred to satan as hinderer in ch 2:18, no he calls him a tempter..........Matthew 4:3 “And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”

He was trying/testing for the purpose of causing failure.

Paul was not ignorant of satan’s schemes.......2 Corinthians 2:11 “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” .......

Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Paul took action to assure that all of the efforts on this church was not in vain.

Vs. 6.......this is why he sent Timothy..........The report of Timothy is a report any pastor/leader/parent would want to hear from a believing child/student/believer................Faith and love........Galatians 5:6 “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.”

This church’s faith was working by love, which reveals genuineness,.......in spite of Paul’s afflictions and their’s with him.

Faith in Jesus Christ, true faith, produces love......which we will talk about this Sunday.....I am going to preach a series, if the Lord is willing about the fruits of the Spirit........Love being number 1.......

Satan’s plans will not succeed if that is living in the church!

Vs.7......The news about Thessalonica was so good, it comforted them in their afflictions.

Vs. 8........This news renewed their spirits in the midst of their trouble......New life......

Vs.9.........The Author of this church’s faith is God.....Any good spiritual news comes from God and Paul thanked God for the work done in this church that brought joy to Paul and his fellowlaborers! Instead of grumbling about trouble they were rejoicing!

Vs. 10......Paul prayed night and day for this church that would be able to come and fill up what is lacking.....

This was not a criticism, Paul’s first visit, in which this church was birthed, was short......In his mind, there was more to tell about the Gospel!

Vs.11-12.....Paul’s prayer.......Romans 12:10 “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” .......

vs.13.........1 Corinthians 1:7–8 “So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” .....2 Corinthians 11:2 “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” ......

That no one can point them out as not looking like Christ!