ETB 1Thess 3:4-13

While Paul was ministering in Athens, Paul dispatched Timothy, his trusted coworker, to find out how things were going for the Thessalonians (1 Thess. 3:1-3). Some time later, Timothy returned with a report that was even better than Paul could have expected. The Thessalonians had remained strong in their faith, despite ongoing persecution. They had not forgotten Paul, and they wanted him to return as much as he wanted to rejoin them (3:6-7). With this positive report, the apostle could challenge the Thessalonians to continue moving in the right direction, growing in their love and holiness (3:11-13). Paul devoted the rest of the letter to the practical help they would need to live out their faith each day. [LifeWay Adults (2021). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Spring 2022]

Explore the Text

1 Thessalonians 3:4–5 ESV

4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

Although the three men keep expressing that the 3 weeks they were with the Thessalonians was a short time, it seems to have been long enough to ground them in some of the harder truths of Christian life like the inevitability of suffering - either from persecution or the results of a fallen world. Not only had the new believers been told about afflictions, but they were also apparently told more than once and this letter reminds them, and us, once again.

There is no astonishment or consternation because troubles have rained down on the new believers. Here, as elsewhere in Paul’s writings, persecution was considered inevitable. (1Thess 3:3) Such opposition was a badge of faithful discipleship. The early disciples, including those at Thessalonica, were such a tough-minded lot that hostility and unpopularity were accepted as marks of spiritual achievement. It energized them for more daring service. [The Teacher’s Bible Commentary]

Trials like exercise strengthen us where we are weak and reveals where we need work. Here is the first of three lists in our lesson today. This one helps us see some of the ways that God’s allowance of afflictions in our lives have positive effects.

1. They prove the reality of our faith, and weed out those who are mere professors (1 Pet. 1:7).

2. They enable us to comfort and encourage others who are going through trials (2 Cor. 1:4).

3. They develop certain graces, such as endurance, in our character (Rom. 5:3).

4. They make us more zealous in spreading the gospel (Acts 4:29; 5:27–29: 8:3, 4).

[Believer’s Bible Commentary]

The persecutions and afflictions also had the positive affect of moving the missionaries from place to place so that the gospel continued to be spread. The unfortunate side effect of all the moving around however is that the pastor leaders would leave their “children” behind. This caused another type of affliction of the heart which Paul was hoping to appease at least in part with this letter. He says that he sent the letter to “learn”, which is the Greek word ginosko. He wanted to get experiential knowledge of how they were doing, even if only through another trusted believer.

One thing that concerned the writers about their short time with the new church was the possibility of others coming with “another gospel” and undoing any work God had done in their lives. Paul attributes this possibility to the “tempter” or in some translations “tester.”

1 and 2 Thessalonians: An Introduction and Commentary c. Timothy’s Mission (3:1–5)

There is an interesting change of construction. Paul uses the indicative when he says, the tempter might have tempted you, which leaves the impression that he thinks this has probably happened. But his change to the subjunctive in our efforts might have been useless makes this proposition open to doubt. Paul thinks it probable that Satan has applied pressure to his converts, but improbable that they have given way.

When we are not well grounded or distracted by the things of this world and our focus on Christ wanes, the enemy is able to draw us a away from the better things of God’s kingdom. I did not look at all the temptations listed in the Scriptures that but here are some of the major ones as a reminder so that we can be on guard against them (2Cor 2:11) a little better this coming week.

Matt 4:3 - He tries to make us twist God’s word to fit our needs

1 Cor 7:5. - He tries to distort godly disciplines into self-serving desires

2 Cor 11:13–15 - He disguises his promptings in a cloud of righteousness

Gal 1:6–9; Eph 4:14 - He tries to draw us away from the true gospel with approximations of the truth

James 1:13-14 - He tries to make us blame God for the trial when it is our own deceitfulness

1 Cor 10:13 - He tries to convince us there is no way out but his corrupt methods

Satan is subtle and deceptive. Though he is a defeated enemy, Christians should not take him lightly. He is a roaring lion working to destroy Christians and their testimonies (1 Pet. 5:8). While Satan could not steal anyone’s salvation, he could create chaos in the congregation. He could instill faulty doctrine through false teaching. He could plant seeds of suspicion that would produce disunity. Further, he could use persecution to spread discouragement. His work could damage the church’s witness and hinder its outreach. [LifeWay Adults (2021). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Spring 2022]

This hindrance would decrease the progress of the sanctification and possibly nullify the effectiveness of the gospel in a very new congregation. This would make it appear that the work of the missionary writers was “meaningless” or “hollow.”

Paul was not suggesting that they could lose their salvation when he feared that his labor would be in vain nor did he think that God’s Word would prove to be “in vain” (cf. Is 55:11). He was concerned that some who had made a profession would be proven to be “false brethren,” and that they would give up their professed faith because of persecution. [The Moody Bible Commentary]

No one does their work well if they know it will not matter or is meaningless. Eternal work, that done for the Lord, is probably some of the hardest to get feedback on as it cannot be humanly perceived or quantified. That is part of the reason for those who do it well and persevere are said to have been “called.” They do not rely on numbers or man’s estimations of progress but do the work “for Him” and receive their fulfillment from doing the work and not the fruits of the labor. However, God uses evidence like these reported by Timothy to greatly encourage pastors and leaders in the work and it a part of His evidence that they are fulfilling His call on their lives. Whenever God uses another disciple of Christ to motivate us toward more Christlikeness, we should tell them. Not “that was a great message” but speak to how God transformed or revealed Himself through them like “Thank you for helping me see His word more clearly” or “God used your message to show me that....” God made us all in His image so the more we can encourage others into fulfilling that image it helps us and them not to be tempted to believe the work is in vain.

1 Thessalonians 3:6–7 ESV

6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.

“But now” shifts the letter from what they were thinking may have happened to what they now know has happened. Paul was concerned for them “but now” he is encouraged by them. Timothy has recently alleviated the concerns with his report and literal “good news” about the growth of the young church’s “faith and love.” This the only time for this couplet in our passage today but not the full “triplet” typical of that was at the beginning of the letter. Faith and love—internal and external proof of salvation—work together to bring believers to complete maturity and fulfilled ministry. [ETB: ALG 2022]

One proof that God’s Word and work was still active in the new believers was that they wanted the men to return, and the desire was more than a feigned interest. The word translated “long” typically means “to yearn” but it has the “epi” intensifier so it is much more than a casual want. The antonym is to neglect. Their faith and “love” created this longing that grows from a godly desire to care and uplift the other. The “intense desire” to fellowship was mutual as Paul and his fellow missionaries wanted to regroup with the little young church as well.

Although the letter was sent to encourage the Thessalonians, the report that came back encouraged the writers even though they too were in “distress and affliction.” Zodhiates defines distress as “compelling force, as opposed to willingness, moral necessity” and affliction as “to crush, press, compress, squeeze.” One stress seems to be more internal and the other external. Yet both are in part relaxed because of the continuing faith of the new believers.

Earlier in the chapter this word is translated as “exhort” as is what the leaders wish to do for the church. Now the church has “comforted” the leaders by responding and continuing in the faith of Christ. This news was like cold water to Paul’s thirsty soul. (Prov. 25:25) [Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments]

1 Thessalonians 3:8–10 ESV

8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

The first phrase may be better stated for the modern reader as “We are now enlivened”. The good report has not only given the oppressed leaders comfort of mind, but it has invigorated their bodies with new life because of the church’s faithfulness even though not much “follow-up” had occurred. None of these men would dare to say that the Thessalonians' faithfulness was their reason for life. Paul especially states in his letter to the Philippians that for him to live is Christ, or more emphatically “to live: Christ.” But the Thessalonians faith and firmness in it did enrich and add to the blessings of life that the writers enjoyed.

The context makes "standing fast” appear to be an idiom as the word just means to stand still but here it seems to have more of a judicial connotation of bearing up under scrutiny from higher authority. Paul and the others had been “approved” by God, and now the Thessalonians faith has “passed the test” through their own trials and separation from advanced teaching or discipleship. This is the spiritual stance that you take in order to guard against the temptations from the enemy. Here are just a few ways to “stand firm” that Paul lists in other letters:

1 Cor 15:58 - Stay focused and active doing God’s work

Gal 5:1 - Remember the freedom of Christ and do not fall back to the old ways before him.

Eph 4:15 - Loving speak the truth and let the truth grow us up in Christ

Eph 6:13 - Expect to be attacked by the enemy and prepare for the battle

Col 1:23 - Remain true to the gospel and its transformative power

Paul was very grateful to God that He had preserved the faith of the Thessalonians and allowed their faith to remain. Several commentaries suggested that he did not have the words to express his gratitude. I think that he just wrote enough to let the know of his joy and moved on. The New Bible Commentary say that “Paul writes of the feelings of joy which he expressed in the presence of our God, just as when the Israelites celebrated their festivals in the presence of the Lord (Dt. 12:12, 18).”

Although the faith of the new church was holding fast even though they only had a “crash course”, there is always room for growth and improvement. Paul and the others wanted to return to Thessalonica to complete the training, or as the NLT words it “fill the gaps in your faith.” Paul wrote similarly to the Romans 1:11 “11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—” and to the Corinthians in his second letter, 2 Cor 1:15 “15 Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a second experience of grace.”

By mentioning what may be lacking, Paul was not questioning either the substance or the sincerity of the Thessalonians’ faith. The Greek wording implies a desire to strengthen and improve their spiritual condition, not give them something that was being held back or missing. The Christian life is an ongoing process, and believers are called to become more like Jesus each day. As such, what is lacking should be understood in terms of discipleship. The Thessalonians’ salvation was secure, but Paul could help them conform more closely to the image of Christ. [ETB: ALG 2022]

1 Thessalonians 3:11–13 ESV

11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

The lesson materials and several commentaries point to the phrasing that Paul begins this prayer with of the names of God and the verb of “direct.”

It is interesting to see that Paul’s prayer included two subjects (our God and our Lord Jesus), but only one verb (direct). This compound subject sharing a single verb is an affirmation of the deity of Christ. Though agitators may question the nature and legitimacy of Christ, the apostle clearly portrayed Jesus as fully human and fully divine, equal to the Father in all respects. [ETB: ALG 2022]

Tyndale’s commentary adds, “There could scarcely be a more impressive way of indicating the lordship of Christ, and his oneness with the Father” but I also like the exclusivity reminder in the Applied New Testament Commentary.

Paul here calls God our God and Father. Christians are entitled to call God “our Father.” God is the Creator of all men, but He is not the Father of all men. He is the Father only of those who are adopted into His family through faith in Christ (Romans 8:15–16; Galatians 4:6–7)

The prayer continues with more of Paul’s overtly emphasized language expressing how much he desires for the Lord to “increase and abound” their love. Zodhiates defines increase as “To have or cause to have much, or more than enough.” This word is use of sin in Rom 5:20 “20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,” Zodhiates defines abound in our passage today as “To be in excess, exceed in number or measure. In the NT, to be or have more than enough.” This word is used of the bread fragments after the feeding of the multitudes in both Luke and John (Luke 9:17, John 6:12-13). Timothy had reported on their love, they had already been commended for it and will be again later in the same letter but as God is endless and limitless in His love, then we can always be growing and increase in it.

Continuing with the single reference to God, Paul asks for the Thessalonians to be established in their inner beings by Him. GNB “In this way he will strengthen you.” This concept gets expanded a little more in the closing of the letter as they write “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess 5:23)

There were a lot of interesting comments around the word and intent of “blameless.” I like Vine’s which had the most succinct insight.

not “unblemished” as a sacrificial lamb, but having fault in a judicial or moral sense. Christ was perfect before God and was acceptable unblemished sacrifice for our sins but before men he was “blameless.”

“in strictness of speech He was not amemptos (unblamed), nor is this epithet ever given to Him in the NT, seeing that He endured the contradiction of sinners against Himself, who slandered His footsteps and laid to His charge ‘things that He knew not’ [Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words]

While our salvation is secure, growth in Christlikeness is an ongoing process. We struggle daily with a sinful nature that hinders our spiritual transformation. Paul understood that external changes produce little benefit without the internal work of the Savior. Christ helps believers overcome sin and become more and more like Him. That was Paul’s heartfelt desire for the Christians in Thessalonica. [ETB: ALG 2022]

The “coming” in the passage is our parousia word again. Remember this in not just the “arrival” but also includes the stay afterwards as well. Grandma does not just show up and leave, she stays and “visits a bit.” But when He comes this time, it will not be alone but with “all the saints.” Literally translated as “holy ones” in conjunction with a cross reference to Zech 14:5 that also says “Then the Lord my God will come and all the holy ones with him” could be the reason some interpret this as the “heavenly host” of angels that was present at his first arrival on earth. Most modern scholars seem to say that this group are those who have trusted Christ for salvation both before and after His first coming. I have yet to read anything to convince me that either reference could not refer to both groups - those created beings who are made holy by the indwelling presence of God either from the beginning of time or from any point therein.

Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament Chapter 3

Christians are supposed to be blameless and harmless (Phil. 2:15). This does not mean they are sinless, for perfection is not possible until Christ returns. The little child, copying his name on the blackboard, does not perform faultlessly, because he is only a child; but if he does the best he can, he is blameless. If we live up to the light God has given us and seek to grow in Him, we can live lives that are blameless in God’s sight. The daily expectancy of Christ’s return will help the believer keep his or her life clean (1 John 2:28–3:3).

Apply the Text

The first bullet point in the Quarterly says, “Believers need encouragement to remain faithful in Christ.” We see this not only in the Thessalonians but also in Paul’s admission of concern for the those that he left behind. God designed and instituted both the family and church, and both are used by Him to supply those things that are “lacking” in our lives. We cannot grow in Christlikeness without His Word or His people to help us see where we are missing the mark. Even those that are more mature in Christ can learn and be reminded of some of the basic truths that have been unpracticed for a while. I like one short story I came across this week in my reading.

AMG Bible Illustrations Hindrance to Spiritual Growth

A young preacher frequently talked with a wise old farmer. One day the question under discussion was, “What is the greatest hindrance to spiritual growth and happiness?” The preacher said, “Surely it is failure to renounce our sinful self.” “No,” said the farmer, “the greatest hindrance is failure to renounce our righteous self.”

The farmer and the preacher learn from each other and exhorted one another. The writers and the Thessalonians both helped each other in their walks of faith in Christ. Our walks can help others live more fully in Christ, but only when we are actually following Him ourselves. That’s probably why the question in the quarterly is a bit difficult to process.

“What needs to change in your life so that you are a greater encouragement to other believers?

First, we have to be willing to acknowledge and allow God or another believer to show us where we are “less” encouraging before we can be a greater influence. Then we have to “put off” that old habit or pattern and replace it or allow God to “put on” the new lifestyle and continue in that walk even though it may not be what we are used to. Even this struggle can be an encouragement to another believer having difficulties in their life. Paul admitted his concern and acknowledged Satan’s hindering of the apostle’s desires to help both the Thessalonians and us know that all people struggle against that enemy until “that day” the Parousia, and then all things are made new again.

Related Media

Related Sermons