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| 1 Thessalonians
3 Memory Verses, John 1:12; James 2:19 Good Morning Brothers and Sisters, Today, we are looking at chapter 3, where Paul established in chapter 2 about his feeling of parental responsibility toward the Thessalonians. Now we see that he demonstrates those exact feelings in regard to this chapter. 1 Thes 3:1-3 Timothy Sent. "Therefore" ties chapter 2 in with chapter 3. Paul established for us how he felt responsible for these Christians, how he felt as a parent regarding their spiritual walk. What concerned him was the affliction that they were experiencing. Just like a parent would be concerned for his children, Paul was concerned that the words he had taught them were not just head knowledge but heart knowledge. In reality, how can we really gauge how the instruction that we give has taken hold until it is tested. Today I am working at a new rock plant, making the first delivery. There must be thirty guys standing on the ground watching each car being unloaded. They are concerned that the equipment that they so painstakingly installed will all function properly. Tomorrow, there will probably be two or three guys on the site. Just like Paul, they are concerned that their baby works as planned. You really don't know, until the test is performed. This is also true in a Christians life. We don't know until the test of fire enters their life as to whether they have genuine faith, based on Jesus Christ, or a head knowledge that will fold at the first sign of trouble. 1 Thes 3:4-5 Real cause for concern. Paul had warned them in the past that they were going to suffer affliction. It is one thing to warn someone of something coming, facing it is another. 2 Tim 3:12 Paul had prepared the Thessalonians the way an athlete is prepared for a game. He had taught them all the rules, and the proper ways of handling things. Now he was concerned as to if they were actually standing. The possibility of the tempter attacking them was a real and a valid. If the devil could tempt Jesus, Matt 4:1-11, then he could also tempt these baby Christians. This really demonstrates for us the down to earth side of Paul. We often think of him as a spiritual giant who will charge on regardless of the consequences. Here we see him worrying over a small church that he was forced to leave. The word in the Greek here is "thlipsis" which is translated as "afflictions" in the NASB, but is better translated trouble, distress, oppression, or tribulation. The same word is used in Mk 4:17; 13:19; Jn 16:33. In other words, the tribulation that they were going through was beyond the normal scope of the scale, it was very intense. 1 Thes 3:6-8 Standing firm. You can almost hear Paul shouting Yes! They are walking in the Lord! Paul is joyful, and excited to hear that they are actually demonstrating genuine faith in their lives and agape love. How often has a good report such as this one came back to you after ministering in some sort of way, and you a great feeling knowing that the Lord used what effort that you put out. An example of this is prayer requests. We pray, and often it seems as if we are praying for nothing, nothing seems to be happening. Then we find out that God had answered the prayer or is in the process. At that point in time, we get really excited and praise God for answers, our prayer life is boosted. One example of this that comes to mind is Stephanie's knees, we prayed for her, and not only has the Lord opened the door for her healing, but He has brought both her and her dad into our study to fellowship with us. We can understand when Paul says that they were "comforted about you through your faith." Just by them "standing firm in the Lord" makes Paul feel as if he is living the life which is full of zest and excitement. 1 Thes 3:9-10 Praise God! Such excitement, Paul directs his praise toward God. This is a question, how do we thank God for doing such a wonderful work? How do we pray for this? The NIV really simplifies these two verses. Paul is asking how he can help them to grow. The word for "complete" could be rendered "equipped", or "fully trained". Paul was pointing out that they were baby Christians, and needed maturity in order to reach their full potential. 1 Thes 3:11-13 The Answer. This is almost a benediction. Paul recognizes the answer to his question in the previous verses. God the Father and the Lord Jesus will cause an increase in their Christian walk. It is ultimately God's responsibility that we grow as Christians. He is our heavenly father, and is concerned that we have all the tools necessary for us to grow into excellent productive Christians. Paul prays that he will be able to visit with them. It is interesting in v. 12 that the Lord causes the increase, He does the work. Also in v. 13, God establishes the hearts, He makes the hearts blameless, and He makes us stand "without blame in holiness" at the coming of Jesus. This seems to be looking forward to the rapture, where Jesus is coming with all of His saints. Lord, I pray that we will all follow the example of the Thessalonians in regard to devotion to You. Thank You Lord for this study. In Him, Joe Turner |
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