1 Thessalonians 3

1 Thessalonians 3:1
Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;

“Forbear” simply means, “cover with silence” to “endure patiently.”

Paul and Silas had a deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the Thessalonians. They could no longer “endure patiently,” they had to know the spiritual state of the Thessalonians. Their greatest fear was they had veered from the faith.

Take this to heart.

Whether you minister to someone or drop a seed of faith, ensure you follow up with them to ensure the Spirit continues to grow, and that it remains well rooted. The world is working 24 by 7 to destroy the Christian faith, so we need to gently nurture it along.

Paul’s Concern For The Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 3:2
And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

So Paul and Silas sent Timothy to “establish,” which is to “strengthen” and comfort the Thessalonians in their faith.

Why would he do this?

Paul’s emotions have poured off the pages for two chapters now. You can tell, he truly loved these brothers and sisters in Christ, and he was truly concerned with their spiritual frame of mind.

Use this example in your daily life.

Always seek to uplift your family and friends, including your Christian family. The world can be a cruel place, and while people may have a smile outside, they may be hurting inside. Be the one to take the time to lift up and encourage others.

It’s a great example of a Christian.

Paul’s Afflictions

1 Thessalonians 3:3
That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

There’s no doubt, the Thessalonians must have heard about the afflictions of Paul. This becomes clear in verse 5. That’s why Paul sent Timothy and now this letter so their faith would not be “moved,” which means “shaken” by Paul’s afflictions.

1 Thessalonians 3:4
For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

If you recall in 1 Thessalonians 2:14-15, I shared some of Paul’s afflictions. In those Scriptures, Paul explained the Thessalonians also “suffered like things of your own countrymen,” all for the sake of Jesus.

When you suffer shame for Jesus, you are counted worthy, (Acts 5:41). Wear it like a badge of honor. Never forget, when you walk with Jesus Christ, you stand against the world.

That means you are an enemy of the world, including its morality. So never become shaken when you suffer trials and tribulations for your beliefs. It’s to be expected, and we have been foretold about this many times in Scripture, (John 15:19).

Beware Of The Tempter

1 Thessalonians 3:5
For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

For these reasons, Paul sent Timothy to the Thessalonians.

Why was Paul so concerned?

He was worried “the tempter,” that is Satan would cause the Thessalonians to lose their faith and withdraw from Jesus, (Matthew 4:3). That would have ruined all the hard work Paul, Silas, and Timothy accomplished for God. It would also mean their trials and beatings were in vain.

So, Paul did what any good man of God does, he was checking in on those he taught, to ensure their faith was still abounding.

Good Tidings Of Faith

1 Thessalonians 3:6
But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:

This verse tells us a few things:

• This letter was penned after Timothy came back from his visit with the Thessalonians.
• Despite the trials and tribulations of Paul and the Thessalonians, they endured.
• Paul had much patience and focus to continually stay in contact with them.

As we read, the feeling was mutual.

This is how Christianity is supposed to work. We are supposed to diligently spread the Word of God and nurture it along. This ensures Satan and his minions do not interfere with it or prevent our faith from flourishing. It takes effort and dedication, and we’ve all been called to be a part of this effort.

1 Thessalonians 3:7
Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:

Even though Paul had endured many afflictions, he was comforted to hear the Thessalonians remained faithful to Jesus Christ. This not only brought Paul comfort, but relief. When you spend your life sharing Jesus, you want to know that it sticks in the lives where you helped place it.

1 Thessalonians 3:8
For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

Essentially, Paul was saying, my life and comfort depend on you staying faithful to Jesus.

Now stop for a moment, and try to comprehend that thought.

Can you imagine how Paul would have felt if the people he brought the Gospel to all fell away?

I mean Paul endured suffering and pain for the Gospel. He spent his days preaching and putting his life in danger. He even spent time in prison and received beatings for the Word of God.

Can you imagine if everyone he taught walked away?

It would have been heartbreaking. I truly feel that is what Paul is trying to convey here.

1 Thessalonians 3:9
For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

There was nothing Paul could possibly offer to God in return for the joy he received from the Thessalonian’s acceptance of Jesus. Paul was simply elated to understand the Thessalonians were sound in the faith.

By the way, notice how Paul credits God.

Take an example from that, ensure you always credit God with the blessings in your life.

Perfecting The Faith

1 Thessalonians 3:10
Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

Paul clearly wanted to continue to teach the Thessalonians. He wanted to answer any additional questions they had in order to “perfect,” which is to “complete” their faith.

That is the mark of a wise teacher.

One who is always willing to answer questions, so others can continue to grow spiritually. When you’re asked a question, always do your best to answer it. It keeps people interested and focused on God.

1 Thessalonians 3:11
Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

This is no doubt a short prayer, for Paul to return to the Thessalonians asking for God and Christ to direct his path.

Love One Another

1 Thessalonians 3:12
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

Paul is reaffirming what he said back in 1 Thessalonians 5:15. It’s the same message that Jesus shared with us before, ‘Treat others how you want to be treated’ and “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,” (Matthew 7:12, 22:39).

The reason?

1 Thessalonians 3:13
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Always treat others how you want to be treated.

Always love one another, so that you can be presented as unblameable before God.