Overview
The Role of Timothy (Verses 1-5):
Paul sent Timothy, his co-laborer in the gospel, to the Thessalonians to encourage and strengthen their faith. Why? Because the Christian journey isn't a solo endeavor; it's a community affair. The mission was all about ensuring they remained steadfast, especially in the face of suffering and persecution.
Encouraging News (Verses 6-8):
When Timothy returned with good news of the Thessalonians' faith and love, Paul's own spirit was lifted. The interconnectedness of the Body of Christ comes through here—the well-being of one affects the well-being of all. We are reminded that encouragement flows both ways, from the shepherd to the flock and back again.
Prayers and Aspirations (Verses 9-13):
Paul ends the chapter by expressing his deep longing to visit them again. He also shares his prayers for their spiritual growth and for an increase in love among them. It’s not just about survival; it's about thriving and maturing in Christ, all of which is rooted in love.
1 Thessalonians 3 serves as a powerful reminder that we're in this journey together. It challenges us to consider our own roles within our faith communities. Are we sources of encouragement and strength for our brothers and sisters? How deeply are we invested in their spiritual well-being? These are the questions that this chapter leaves us to ponder.
Paul sent Timothy, his co-laborer in the gospel, to the Thessalonians to encourage and strengthen their faith. Why? Because the Christian journey isn't a solo endeavor; it's a community affair. The mission was all about ensuring they remained steadfast, especially in the face of suffering and persecution.
Encouraging News (Verses 6-8):
When Timothy returned with good news of the Thessalonians' faith and love, Paul's own spirit was lifted. The interconnectedness of the Body of Christ comes through here—the well-being of one affects the well-being of all. We are reminded that encouragement flows both ways, from the shepherd to the flock and back again.
Prayers and Aspirations (Verses 9-13):
Paul ends the chapter by expressing his deep longing to visit them again. He also shares his prayers for their spiritual growth and for an increase in love among them. It’s not just about survival; it's about thriving and maturing in Christ, all of which is rooted in love.
1 Thessalonians 3 serves as a powerful reminder that we're in this journey together. It challenges us to consider our own roles within our faith communities. Are we sources of encouragement and strength for our brothers and sisters? How deeply are we invested in their spiritual well-being? These are the questions that this chapter leaves us to ponder.
1 Thessalonians 3
1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;
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:
3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
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.
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.
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:
7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
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;
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
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:
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.
End of 1 Thessalonians 3
1 Year Plan: Sept 17 - Isa 24, Isa 25, 1 Th 3 [next day]
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:
3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
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.
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.
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:
7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
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;
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
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:
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.
End of 1 Thessalonians 3
1 Year Plan: Sept 17 - Isa 24, Isa 25, 1 Th 3 [next day]
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