David continued our Living In-Between series from 1 Thessalonians by looking at chapter 3:1-13. Paul had been prevented from visiting the Thessalonians, so he decided to send Timothy. This was a sacrifice for Paul, who was then left alone in Athens. From verses 2-5 we saw three reasons why Paul had felt the need to send Timothy:
First, he wanted to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians in their faith:
"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"
Second, he knew they were going through inevitable trials as Christians:
"…SO THAT NO ONE WOULD BE UNSETTLED BY THESE TRIALS. FOR YOU KNOW QUITE WELL THAT WE ARE DESTINED FOR THEM. 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."
Third, he wanted to see if their faith was withstanding the attacks from the tempter:
"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 LABOURS MIGHT HAVE BEEN IN VAIN.
The resulting report in verses 6-11 is positive. Paul is encouraged, he rejoices that they are standing firm in the Lord. He is then moved to pray for the Thessalonians. His prayer in verses 11-13 shows his desire is still to visit them himself to strengthen their hearts in the faith. It is also, as David highlighted, a prayer for their love.
"MAY THE LORD MAKE YOUR LOVE INCREASE AND OVERFLOW FOR EACH OTHER AND FOR EVERYONE ELSE, JUST AS OURS DOES FOR YOU."
David applied this thoroughly to the church in Windsor. This really was a message with a challenge for everyone!
- Do we need someone this week to strengthen and encourage us in our faith? Do we need someone to help us through tough times? Do we need someone to check that our faith is strong in the face of attacks from the tempter? If so, then don’t endure alone, reach out! We are walking together as a church family and we can help one another.
- What would the report be if Timothy visited Windsor this week? Do we as a church encourage one another? Are we known as a loving church? Do we need to pray verse 12 this week, seeking God’s help in this area?
- If we have been encouraged spiritually by someone in the church, then let them know by saying Thank-you!
