"But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?" (1 Thessalonians 3:6-10)
In verse 2 we saw that Paul was eager to encourage the believers in Thessalonica. And now we see that after sending Timothy to them, Paul has been encouraged by what he has heard about them. Though he did not need encouragement, he does express here how important it was to him to know how they were doing. Join me as we look at how this benefited Paul and his response to the news, and then see what we can learn from it.
Paul's Comfort
It is difficult for us to imagine what life during the times of the early church was like. We can read as many history books and watch as many documentaries as we like, nothing can truly capture how people felt at that time. They were constantly being persecuted and executed for their faith. Hundreds and thousands of believers were being thrown into prisons, murdered or tormented for their faith in Christ.
As we saw last time, Paul had a burden for the believers in Thessalonica to see how they were doing. He wanted to know that their faith was standing firm in the midst of the persecution. The report comforted Paul. Obviously Timothy's report was one that made Paul believe that his work in Thessalonica was not in vain. That their faith was still strong, which would have resulted in the growth of the Gospel in the region.
Paul's Thanksgiving and Joy
Note who Paul gives the credit to for their perseverance in the faith in verse 9? It has nothing to do with their characters, attitudes or any other acts that they perform. Paul gives all credit to God. This is an important thing for us to remember. Our perseverance as believers has nothing to do with ourselves. We all face trials of the faith in one way or another, and many times we feel like giving up. We feel that we cannot go on any longer.
But be encouraged today. If you are truly in Christ, He will be the one who brings you through. He is the one that will give you the strength, wisdom and drive to persevere to the end of any trial that you may be facing in this life.
This is the source of Paul's joy. He is not happy that the Thessalonians persevered because they had the guts and ability to do so, but because God did the work. His thanksgiving and joy both point back to God. No glory is directed at the Thessalonian believers, Timothy, the other apostles, or even himself. All glory goes to the Lord.
Paul's Prayer
We will look at this in detail next time, but for the moment consider the fact that even though Paul had received a good report from Timothy, he did not stop praying for the Thessalonian church. He desired to see them again and to make sure that they were thoroughly equipped in their faith.
Are there people in the ministry that you have not heard from for a long time? People involved in ministry across the borders or overseas? If so, I urge you today to find out how they are doing, and commit to investing time into their lives. Be comforted by their successes, but also pray for them in their trials. Rejoice with them in their victories, and pray for strength and wisdom in their battles. Give God all the glory for the work He is doing in their lives, and pray for opportunities for yourself to become involved practically in their work.
Let us work together in building the Kingdom of God.
Just a Thought!
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