Don't Be Surprised by Trials! 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

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 3 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

 Paul is deeply concerned about the Thessalonians faith in the midst of the persecution they were facing.  Most of all he didn't want it to affect their faith.  Since he could not be there with them personally, he sent one of his best disciples Timothy.  Timothy's purpose was to encourage them in the face of their trials and to remind them of their strength in Christ.  As he writes he reveals two aspects of suffering.

 1. We are destined for them.  Although no Christian should seek out or invite suffering, like our Savior Jesus we will suffer.  James 1:2 says, "Consider it pure joy when you face trials because they will make you complete and mature and lacking in nothing." 1 Peter 4:12 says, "Don't be suprised at the fiery trials that have come to you as if something strange were happening to you. But consider joy that you share in the sufferings of Christ." 

 2. The devil tries to use our trials to defeat.  Another name for the devil is the "tempter".  We know the devil's purpose is to defeat and destroy God's children.  He tries to use suffering to tempt us not to believe in God.  Just like the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness three times in order to get him to trust in His own power versus God's Word, he will tempt us as well.  

 Are you facing a trial in your life?  Do you have someone like Timothy to encourage you?  Don't be surprised by trials.  We would have to leave this world to escape from suffering.  Remember as you are tested in trials, your faith will become stronger and you will become more like Christ.  And when Jesus returns you will receive a crown that will never fade away. 

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