1 Thessalonians 3:1–13 - 1 Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, 3 so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. 4 For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain. 6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, 7 for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; 8 for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, 10 as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith? 11 Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; 12 and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; 13 so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, Paul writes that he sent Timothy to provide some much-needed encouragement to the believers in Thessalonica. Knowing they faced intense persecution, Paul hoped Timothy could offer them some relief and strength in the midst of their oppression (vv. 1-5). When Timothy returned with his report, Paul was filled with comfort and gratitude. Despite the trials, the church persevered courageously in brotherly love and spiritual vigor - their steadfast witness even sparking joy in Paul though his own burdens (vv. 6-10). Finally, moved by their testimony, Paul launches into sincere prayer, pleading with God to flood their hearts completely with love for others and establish their lives as holy and blameless all the way until Christ returns in His glorious second coming (vv. 11-13).
How can I apply 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 to my life?
In his first letter to the Thessalonian church, Paul covers much ground concerning godly living and sound doctrine. Nestled among valuable instructions, we discover beautiful examples of the Christian community functioning as the body of Christ. Through Timothy’s visit, these believers encouraged Paul in the midst of affliction. Through their steadfast faith, the church motivated other followers of Jesus too. Paul continuously uplifted this fellowship through prayer and thanksgiving. Their partnership in the faith fueled forward movement. Just as the early church depended on mutual support to further the gospel message, modern day Christians need one another profoundly in order to walk faithfully with God as we await eternal glory with anticipatory hope.
Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
1. Encourage One Another, Especially in Times of Trial (vv. 1-5): When Paul sent Timothy to the church in Thessalonica, it was specifically to encourage the believers there and strengthen their faith during a difficult season. In the same way, this passage calls us to make encouragement of fellow Christians a priority - reaching out to lift up those undergoing hardship or persecution for their faith. Though we may not be apostles like Paul and Timothy, all believers can choose to strengthen the church through uplifting our brothers and sisters in Christ. How might the Lord be prompting you to intentionally encourage another believer who is facing trials because of their faith? Consider reaching out through a card, phone call, meal or visit to those in your church community who are sick, grieving or weathering a spiritual storm. Ask God to reveal practical ways you can reinforce their faith when they need it most. Building up others reinforces our own Christian walk as well, keeping us rooted in love. Make time this week to share a verse, listen patiently or assist someone struggling to stand strong in their beliefs. Pray for discernment to know when a fellow Christian needs extra support due to affliction and be willing to provide comfort as the Spirit leads. Our selfless words and actions might make the difference between someone persevering with bold faith or falling into despair during their time of testing (2 Corinthians 1:3-5; Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 10:24-25).
Food for thought: What challenges might prevent you from taking time to encourage others who are going through hard times? How can you overcome them? Why is it important that Christians strengthen one another’s faith especially during seasons of affliction or doubt?
2. Give Thanks for the Encouraging Faith of Others (vv. 6-10): In his letter, Paul expresses sincere thanksgiving upon receiving news from Timothy that the Thessalonian church persevered strongly in their faith and love for one another. Though facing persecution, they stood courageously as beacons of godliness. Their steadfast Christian witness brought great joy and encouragement to Paul during his own trials in Corinth. This passage illustrates how the bold faith displayed in one body of believers can lift up and motivate other followers of Jesus as well. We must remember that our lives and conduct carry weight beyond our immediate realm of influence. When we walk unwaveringly with God through hardships, demonstrating loving unity and holiness, it strengthens the larger body of Christ. Like Paul, make time to give thanks for fellow Christians you know who live out their devotion to Jesus through pain or opposition. Consider too those enduring incredible hardship for the gospel across the globe. Their tenacious faith should inspire our own. Why not tell missionaries or persecuted Christians you are praying how much their steadfast courage and reliance on Christ encourages you? Their faithful witness spurs us to walk more closely with Jesus each day, regardless of our circumstances (Romans 1:8; Ephesians 1:15-16; Colossians 1:3-5).
Food for thought: What fellow Christians do you know whose enduring faith has motivated your own walk with Christ during trying times? Why is it valuable for believers to share stories of faithfulness with one another, even those on the other side of the world?
3. Pray Earnestly for Spiritual Growth as You Await the Return of Christ (vv. 11-13): In closing his letter, Paul prays fervently for the Thessalonian church to abound in love and increase spiritually as they await the return of Jesus. Though already walking faithfully, Paul desires even deeper work of Christ in their hearts. This serves as a model for how believers should pray without ceasing for fellow Christians to grow in grace as we live in the hope of Christ’s coming again in glory. Make the spiritual growth and strength of your local church a priority in daily prayer. Ask God to root the community deeply in brotherly love as you spur one another toward deeper faith while watching expectantly for Jesus’ return. Plead with Christ to find every believer blameless, overflowing with the vibrant fruit of righteousness He nurtures in yielded hearts. Until that magnificent day we see His face, your passionate prayers play a powerful role in the transforming of believers’ lives. Do not underestimate their effect. Consistently interceding for the sanctification of Christian friends and your church family aligns their lives to God’s purpose in this season of perseverant anticipation (Colossians 1:9-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12).
Food for thought: What specific spiritual growth or strength would you like to see God accomplish in your church fellowship? Why is praying for the holiness of fellow believers crucial while awaiting Christ’s return?
Through Paul’s example, we recognize the tremendous impact believers can make when we utilize our God-given ability to build one another up in Christ. Through small acts of service and steadfast support in seasons of affliction, we fortify the faith of the greater church body. Our spiritual vigor and love for one another radiates the hope of the gospel to a lost world. While awaiting Jesus’ return, may we increasingly minister to fellow Christians through prayer, thanksgiving and encouragement. Our unity and mutual strengthening advances kingdom growth one heart at a time until the Son of God appears as eternal glory awaits all who come to Him in faith.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would give me eyes to truly see my brothers and sisters in Christ and opportunities to strengthen them. Help me through Your Spirit to build others up through practical action, listening, grateful prayer, and speaking truth gently but boldly into struggle. Teach me discernment to know when my words or deeds might make the difference between spiritual growth and lonely suffering for another Christian enduring trials. As I navigate my own storms too, develop perseverance and help me lean on You and the church as Your vessel of comfort. May all we do spur one another to godliness.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
1 Thessalonians 3:13 – “so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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