Submitted by Sam Nobles
The words “your faith” occur
five times in chapter 3 (vv. 2, 5-7, 10)
and are a key to understanding the passage. Sever persecution was falling upon the
Thessalonian believers, and Paul was apprehensive to know how their faith was holding
up under the pressure. This chapter is a lesson on the “follow-up” aspect of
Christian discipleship. Leading sinners to the Savior is one thing, but there
must be ongoing discipleship to help new believers grow in the things of the
Lord after they accept the free gift of salvation. The disciples in
Thessalonica very much needed the ministry and leadership of the Apostle Paul, but
he was not able to return to help; so, he did what he could.
First, Paul sent Timothy to
minister to the believers in Thessalonica because he couldn’t do it himself (v.1-5). Timothy was a true minister;
his heart was not to be served, but to serve. Timothy was also a team player.
He realized that he was linked to the Apostle Paul and to the rest of the body
of Christ, and did nothing for his own personal gain; rather he stuck to the
game plan to
establish the believers and encourage them in their faith so they would not fold under the weight of persecution (v.6-9).
Second, Paul prayed for the
believers in Thessalonica. One of Paul’s greatest concerns for the Thessalonian
believers was not their comfort, but the perfecting of their faith in Christ (v.10). I feel A. W. Tozer was correct
when he said, “Before God can use a person greatly, He must allow that person
to be hurt deeply.” God knows we can’t comfort others unless we’ve been
comforted ourselves by Him. Paul also prayed for their love (v.12). Specifically, he wanted them to
demonstrate love to one another, and then daringly set himself as the standard
to be emulated. Finally, Paul prayed for their obedience to the Lord (v.13). God desired that the
Thessalonians would have their hearts
established, blameless in holiness.
Holiness is to be set apart from the world and unto God for His purposes; therefore,
our obedience to God will lead our hearts to be established in Him, which will
lead to a personal holiness that is pleasing to God.
Scripture to
Claim:
Now may our God and Father
himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you
increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so
that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and
Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 1Thessalonians 3:11-13
Believer’s Bible
Commentary, Second Edition, accessed May 16, 2017,
https://www.christianbook.com/believers-bible-commentary-second-edition/william-macdonald/9780718076856/pd/076856.
Pursuit Of God,
accessed May 16, 2017, https://www.christianbook.com/pursuit-of-god-a-w-tozer/9781600660542/pd/60548.
