1 Thessalonians 3

Suffering and a Good Report

Ask Cindy if she’s been praying for kids to come to her class.

By the work of the Holy Spirit, God defeats temptation (like the temptation to be angry and depressed that you are suffering) by awakening joy through belief in the word of God which is at work in us. And that word is most centrally the gospel.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-

1 Thessalonians 3:1–13 HCSB

1 Therefore, when we could no longer stand it, we thought it was better to be left alone in Athens. 2 And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 so that no one will be shaken by these persecutions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we told you previously that we were going to suffer persecution, and as you know, it happened. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I also sent him to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be for nothing. 6 But now Timothy has come to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love and reported that you always have good memories of us, wanting to see us, as we also want to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we were encouraged about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience before our God because of you, 10 as we pray very earnestly night and day to see you face to face and to complete what is lacking in your faith? 11 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we also do for you. 13 May He make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.

Timothy - to comfort and encourage and establish you in faith.

Ever known someone who struggled to be sure of their faith? Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart.

Paul saw fit to check on their FAITH! To have real discussion about faith. Not the weather or the woods, but faith! His letters to the Galatians and Colossians reminded the church that faith had to be in the context of love for God and one another.

Timothy brought good news! Same word as used to describe the ‘good news’ of Jesus and His return.

One way I can relate to this is to think of the people I have ministered to and ministered with over the years. Another is my children. I have a genuine affection and love for hearing of their continued service to the Lord.

JB Phillips paraphrase: v.8 To know that you are standing fast in the Lord is indeed a breath of life to us.

Persecution and suffering were sure as the sunrise. But Paul’s desire was that they not be moved by such afflictions. , ,

What purpose does affliction or persecution serve to the Christian?

Originally, it furthered the gospel. The church exploded once the persecution broke out against it.

Personally it strengthens our faith. When we have to strain against something, it makes us stronger. 8lb sledge

What is the source of the persecution? v. 5 the tempter. , Sometimes we are: for ourselves; for other believers.

We had hoped to comfort and encourage you, the good report comforted and encouraged us! It revived us! Dustin Wilson

It revived us!

Ever checked on someone you knew was having a hard time but left the conversation being encouraged yourself?

Sharing what God is doing in our lives breathes life into us. Share!!

Praying, giving thanks, receiving the joy of lifting one another up.

This is a life-long journey. For some, you can look back and see just that. For some, we are just starting. But for all of us it is!