1 Thessalonians 3 - Do You Ever Pray Night and Day for Someone Else?

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. 

Yesterday we learned how tight Paul's relationship was with the church in Thessalonica. He knew they were hurting, so he sent his trusted confidante Timothy to strengthen and encourage them. Paul points out that as believers we are not immune from trials and tribulations. In fact, he says we are "destined for them". Does this mean God had abandoned them? 

Some believe that affliction means God is angry at the believer. The truth is that affliction means that God loves us enough to give the best when we may only desire what is easy. The symbol of Christianity is the cross, not a feather bed. Affliction is just part of following Jesus; therefore, Paul recognized that Christians are appointed to affliction.

Paul also mentions that his fear was that the devil (tempter) might use these trials to cause them to doubt God. There are always two ways to look at the trials and tribulations in our lives. We can look at them as ways to strengthen our faith, as we rely on God to deliver us. While we need to be aware of the devil's wiles, we also need to realize that we don't need to give into temptation he presents. James 1:2-4

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

Fortunately Timothy's report is very positive one. Not only did they speak highly of the relationship they had with Paul and his co-workers, but they were holding close to the two virtues of faith and love. Again we see the depth of Paul's love for the Thessalonians as he says, "Night and day we pray earnestly!'  Sometimes we say to people, "I will pray for you!" And we might, but Paul's commitment is very inspiring. Oh that we would have such a passion for our brothers and sisters in Christ and for churches all over the world! You wonder how much more effective the church would be with that kind of prayer coverage!

11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

Paul wants the Thessalonians to have the same type of love for each other that he has for them. Importantly, he asks the Lord to make their love increase and overflow. Notice is not just their own effort. but the Lord who "makes" their love overflow and increase. It is also the Lord who will strengthen their hearts. When we rely on the Lord's love and strength, we become the community that Paul longs for. 



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