One Year Journey Through the New Testament
1 Thessalonians 3
Welcome to our journey through the New Testament!
Concern for Their Faith
1 Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.
(1 Thessalonians 3:1–5, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- In response to the persecution spoken of in chapter 2, Paul here wrote of their fatigue from the battle and the need for them to stay in Athens for a while until the resistance died down. They did not want to bring trouble to the young church in Thessalonica. They sent Timothy to care for the Thessalonian church.
- Timothy was also to bring a report to Paul of the Thessalonian church’s condition and health.
Encouraged by Timothy
6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you—7 therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.
9 For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith?
(1 Thessalonians 3:6–10, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- Timothy brought Paul good news, so his heart was comforted. Their faith and love were encouragements to Paul.
- Paul shared his love and joy for the church and his hope to see them soon.
Prayer for the Church
11 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, 13 so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.
(1 Thessalonians 3:11–13, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- Paul then offered a prayer for them, that they would abound in all things, and that they would stand firm for Christ until the coming of the Lord Jesus.
- May we all abound in love and live a life worthy of heaven until Jesus comes!
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All Scriptures from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.
Join us this afternoon at 5:00 pm for a discussion of this chapter live online. Live@5 with Dr. Greg Sloop can be found on Facebook on the Dr. Greg Sloop page or on the Kannapolis Church of God Facebook page or Youtube page. Another blog will be posted each weekday at 6:00 a.m.
Devoted To You 