What would the Report Say?

Introduction - Paul was concerned

When Paul left Thessalonica, his heart was heavy. He had heard very little from the believers there since his sudden departure, and he longed to know how they were doing. Were they standing strong in the faith, or had the fires of persecution caused them to stumble? Having left so abruptly, Paul was deeply concerned that this young church might grow discouraged, or even turn away from the gospel because of the suffering they were facing.

That concern drove Paul to action. Though it would cost him personally, he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to encourage and strengthen their faith. Doing so meant that Paul would remain alone in Athens — lonely, but willing to sacrifice companionship for the sake of their spiritual growth. Ever felt that kind of loneliness in ministry? Paul did. Yet he counted it worth it if it meant this church would stand firm in their faith.

When Timothy returned, the report he brought was stunning. Instead of finding a discouraged and fearful church, he found believers full of faith, full of love, and full of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. In spite of persecution, they showed Christlike charity toward one another and a burden for the lost. They had not forgotten Paul or the message he had preached, and they longed to see him again.

Hearing this brought great comfort to Paul’s heart. He rejoiced to know that their faith had not faltered and that their love continued to abound. This report gave Paul renewed strength to press on in his ministry at Athens, knowing that these believers were persevering for the sake of the gospel.

And as he closes this chapter, Paul expresses his ongoing prayer for them — that their faith would continue to grow, that their love would overflow, and that their lives would remain pure and blameless in anticipation of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As I read through this chapter, it first seemed to be primarily informational — Paul giving an update to the church at Thessalonica. But of course, all Scripture is given for our admonition. So I read it again. And this time, I couldn’t help but notice the deep concern Paul had for this church — for their well-being and for their faith. I saw his personal sacrifice in sending Timothy, hoping he could encourage and strengthen them in the midst of hardship.

What Paul discovered, however, was something remarkable — the very kind of church we’ve already been studying: a model church with a ministry that mattered, not only in their own city but throughout the region. They were a church proclaiming a message that moved others to faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul had sent Timothy with concern for their faith, but what came back was a report that actually encouraged and strengthened Paul’s own faith in the power of the gospel.

Then this question began to swirl in my mind; what would the report say about Calvary if we had been the church of Thessalonica? What would Timothy have told Paul?

Would our faith be strong if we were being persecuted?

(vv. 1–4 – Paul’s concern for their faith in affliction)

When trials come, do we stand firm in faith, or do we falter under pressure?

Persecution has various levels depending on the culture and place that one lives. Fortunately, we have been so blessed in America to feel very little of it and the pressures that other Christians faces across the world are rarely seen. At different times it seemed that the rights that we enjoy would soon be past and the persecution has certainly never been great here, but has had its ups and downs.

Recent events has us wondering if persecution in greater forms will soon be on the horizon. Well, I do not have a crystal ball to see the future, but there is someone that knows tomorrow. The question that we are faced with in this passage is whether Calvary Baptist Church would stay strong if it comes. The Thessalonian church showed us a great example having also followed the example of the church of Jerusalem and those throughout the region.

This is why it is so important to have a relationship with Jesus Christ on a daily basis. We must render ourselves dependent upon him on a daily basis so that when the trials of life come, especially if they are in the form of persecution, our relationship with him will prevail above all things.

Another thought to consider is how much persecution you would be able to endure before you renounced Christ? What pressures would have to be put upon your life? What heartaches would they have to put you through? How much physical pain and suffering would it take for you to give up your faith in Christ?

How strong is our faith in the face of persecution?

Are other Christians encouraged by our Testimony?

(vv. 5–7 – Timothy’s report of their steadfast faith)

Does the way we live strengthen the faith of others, or does it weaken their resolve?

We are called to make disciples. This means that we must be an encouragement to those around us to live for Christ and follow his way. Many times that it is done by the way we live. Some times it means that we have to teach them hard truths. Some times that means helping them through hard times.

Paul sent Timothy to check on the Thessalonian church as he feared they might have faltered in the faith in the face of persecution, but what Timothy found was a church full of faith that they lived in the midst of their unholy culture. Paul was encouraged by their charity and their desire to continue in the faith that he was only able to deliver to them for such a short time.

How are we encouraging the discipleship of other Christians?

Is Our Church Faithfully Participating in Spreading the Gospel Message?

(vv. 8–10 – Paul’s joy and renewed strength because of their faith)

Are we actively advancing the gospel, or merely content to gather?

Not only did Timothy find a church that was standing strong in the faith in the face of persecution and a church that lived the faith they were taught; he found a church that was spreading the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Paul had great Joy and renewed strength in his own work when he found out that the church of Thessalonica was being diligent in spreading the gospel to others as he had preached it to them.

We must be diligent to be a church that faithfully participates in spreading the message. It cannot just be something we talk about, something we say, or something that we nod in agreement to, but it must be an active part of our daily lives. Sharing the gospel in a personal responsibility; not just something the preacher does. Giving the gospel is a command for all to follow and our duty is not met by just writing a check to missions. While that is important; Missions giving helps people in other places.

Who will reach our community if we do not? Who will reach those in your life that you have influence over if you will not do it? Does Calvary Baptist Church actively advance the gospel as a family unit or is it left to just a handful of the people?

How does Christ View Our Church?

(vv. 11–13 – Paul’s prayer for their growth and holiness)

If the Lord evaluated our faith, love, and holiness today, what would He find?

Obviously, we don’t know for sure what Christ thinks, but it is healthy to meditate on what he would find if he visited....wait he visits every week. He knows what kind of church we are, what kind of individuals we have, and how we are doing at keeping his word. It is important to live like Christ is watching because he is everywhere.

If Paul were to send a representative, come himself, or if Jesus decided to make an appearance at Calvary, what do you think the report would be?

Conclusion

I am so thankful for the example of a good church that we find here in Thessalonica. It helps us take stock in what really matters in our own personal lives and in the lives of our church. May we always be striving to improve our walk with God, our service to Christ, and our evangelism of others so that we can mirror the example of this great church who stood fast in the face of persecution, maintained a testimony of faith through suffering, spread the gospel to others despite criticism, and got a glowing report from a faithful follower of Christ.

What would the report say about Calvary?