1 Thessalonians 3 - Who Do You Lean On?
Insights into 1 Thessalonians 3
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 once again shows the deep love he has for every church he has planted. But since he felt he needed to stay in Corinth, he sent Timothy to make sure they church in Thessalonica would not get discouraged by the intense persecution they were facing.
1. Timothy went to strengthen and encourage them in their faith.
The Greek word for "strengthen", "sterizo" means to establish, set firm, and be an anchor for them. It is like a strong tree next to a person that they can lean on. It is a brace so they might not fall over. Sometimes we need someone else to lean on to help us to stand firm in our faith. In this case Timothy was the man for the job.
The Greek word for "encourage", "parakaleo", means someone who is called alongside. It is not just words but literally walking with them through a trial. I remember when I was running a marathon a friend was at like the 20th mile and he ran next to me encouraging me not to quit. I'm not sure I could have made it without him. We need Christian friends like this who come alongside of us and keep us from quitting, especially when the Christian life gets hard, or we are going through trials.
Who is the person who helps you to stand firm and encourages you to keep on keeping on even when things get tough?
2. We kept telling you we would be persecuted.
Paul knew he and his partners in ministry would be persecuted and he knows that those who led to Christ in the various churches would be persecuted too! And sure enough the Thessalonians were going through persecution. They were persectured politically by the Roman governor, who were alarmed by the fact that Jesus was proclaimed as a "king". They were persecutred religiously by the Jewish leaders who were jealous that prominent citizens were being converted. In their pride for their position and power they rejected Jesus like many other Jewish leaders in the synagogues Paul preached in.
The forms of persecution were many, including violent mob, who were the reason Paul escaped the city and went to Berea. The agitators even chased Paul down to continue to stir up trouble for Paul and his partners. Finally, they were brought befroe city officials to be tried, and were socially isolated.
3. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.
The source of these temptations is the devil, who is also called the "temper". The Greek uses the definite article so should be translated "the tempting one". It reminds us that the devil is a real entity not some impersonal, spiritual force. The devil has an agenda and it is to destroy Christians and their churches.
If you were the devil, where would you try to tempt you? Where are your weak spots as a Christian? Who are the people in your life that can keep you accountable and come alongside you, as you also hold them firm and encourage them!
Jesus, thank that you are our firm foundation, the rock upon which we stand! As we remain in you, we are immovable. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to come alongside of us, encourage us, and give us the power to live a life that glorifies you! Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment