1 Thessalonians 3 Encouraged
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Introduction
Paul had to leave Thessalonica after a very brief stay
Paul had sent Timothy to the Thessalonians (no public postal service!)
1. Distressed
1. Distressed
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 afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we told you in advance that we were going to experience affliction, 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.
v. 4 “experience affliction” - what if that was part of the gospel that we heard?
Some are drawn because of the appeal of heaven; some because of the fear of hell
They were aware of Paul’s persecution, and of the ramifications of continuing to associate with him.
v. 5 “tempter had tempted you” - to shrink back from their conversion in the face of persecution
Paul sees spiritual warfare as a real thing, something to be taken seriously
2. Rejuvenated
2. Rejuvenated
6 But now Timothy has come to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love. He reported that you always have good memories of us and that you long to see us, as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and affliction, 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?
v. 6 “good news” - a term often associated with the gospel; in culture a welcome event or announcement (“we won the war!”)
“faith” - upward
“love” - outward
“good memories”, “ long to see us” - the affection that Paul had for this church is being returned
v. 7 “in our distress…we were encouraged”
Have you ever had to go through a very hard time or a severe trial and in the midst of that a blessing of encouragement comes?
How must this report have encouraged the Thessalonians?
v. 8 “for now we live” How would we express this - “worried to death?” - that they weren’t standing firm in the Lord?
v. 9 “how can we thank God for you?” - have you ever been overwhelmed with joy/thanksgiving for a blessing from God?
v. 10 “pray very earnestly” - for what?
to see them
to complete what is lacking
The intensity of Paul’s joy matched the intensity of his concern.
3. Focused
3. Focused
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 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.
What does this sound like to you?
This is a kind of a benediction, “the utterance or bestowing of a blessing”.
24 The Lord bless you and keep you: 25 The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: 26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
v. 11 “may God…direct our way to you” Satan had hindered previous attempts (2:18), but God could intervene. Historically we do not know if this ever happened.
v. 12 “increase and overflow with love” - not merely love, or increase in love, but increase and overflow with love
v. 13 “blameless in holiness” - as important as love is, holiness is the superior attribute of God (vision of Isaiah)
This message of encouragement was both for Paul and for the Thessalonians. When we are faithful, those who are our “spiritual parents” rejoice
24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
