1 Thessalonians 3: How To Wait For Christ (Enduring Opposition)

1 Thessalonians 3

Theme: Wait for Christ

2) By enduring opposition (2:13 - 3:10)

*This passage gives several ways Paul sought to encourage the

Thessalonians to endure opposition: By sending Timothy (1-2;

5-8), by reminding them to expect opposition (3-4), and by praying for them

(9-10)*.

Having been forced to leave Thessalonica prematurely (possibly in as

little as three or four weeks after arriving; Acts 17:2), due to the

persecution of some unbelieving Jews, the missionary team went to

Berea. The Jews followed them, and forced them out of that city as

well. Paul went on from there to Athens, leaving Silas and Timothy

behind to complete the work. From Athens, Paul sent for them (Acts

17:10-15), and then sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to

establish and comfort them (1 Thess. 3:1-5). Paul went to Corinth

alone (Acts 18:1), and shortly afterward, Silas and Timothy met him

there (Acts 18:5). Timothy returned a good report about the

Thessalonians' love for Paul, and stand in the faith during persecution

(3:6-9). From Corinth, Paul then wrote this Epistle to express thanks for their

faith, explain his absence, and complete that which was lacking in

their faith (3:10).

The missionary team first sent Timothy, to check on, strengthen and

encourage the Thessalonians to stand in their faith (1-2; 5-8).

Faith in Bible doctrine (specifically the return of Christ for the church,

and punishment of those who persecute us: cf. 4:13 - 5:11; 2 Thess.

1:4-10) provides a basis for enduring afflictions. Sending a mature

believer along side of new converts helps to strengthen, encourage,

and complete what is lacking in their faith.

The missionary team reminded them to expect opposition (3-4).

They had suffered it, and had told the Thessalonians it would come.

Expecting opposition will make it easier to endure once it arrives

(cf. John 16:1-4).

The team also continued in prayer for the Thessalonians, thanking

God for their existing faith, praying they would continue to stand in it,

and that they might have opportunity to complete what was lacking in

their faith. Follow-up Bible study is key to establishing new converts in the faith, and encouraging them to endure opposition.  The missionaries

continued in prayer to this end.

--

Have you heard Christ died for our sins, and God raised Him

from the dead? Did you know God saves you from hell and

gives you eternal life through faith in this finished work alone,

not your merits (Jn. 3:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Eph. 2:8-10; 2 Thess.

1:8-9)? This is so man cannot boast, and God alone gets the

glory (Eph. 2:8-9).

______________________________________________

www.faithguard.org

www.twitter.com/faithguard

www.facebook.com/faithguard

______________________________________________