1 Thessalonians 3 - Hindered but Not Defeated

From Outbless Weekly · 58:21

Show by Michael Metcalf

Send us Fan Mail1 Thessalonians 31 Therefore, when we could no longer endure [it,] we thought it best to be left behind, alone at Athens, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the benefit of your faith, Therefore refers back to what happened in Chapter 2We learned Paul wants to revisit Thessalonica after he had to flee in the middle of the night (Acts 17:1-4) tells us the story: Paul has come to Thessalonica during his 2nd missionary journey and reasoned with the Jewish believers for 3 sabbaths. Some Jews believed with many Greeks and prominent women. A new church was formed. (Acts 17:5-9) Certain Jews become jealous of Pauls influence. They gather a mob and start a public disturbance. The mob could not find Paul so they took Jason (the believer hosting Paul) and they drag him before the city authorities. It’s a political hit job “these men who have turned the world upside down have come here also.. saying there is another king Jesus”. Jason and others had to post a bond or security before being released. (Acts 17:10) The believers send Paul and Silas away by night to Berea for safety. This why Paul had leave Thessalonica suddenly.(Acts 17:13) The same opponents from Thessalonica travel to Berea and str up crowds there too so Paul had to leave again.So Paul wants to revisit ThessalonicaPaul says satan hindered his effortsUnable to come himself, he sends TimotyTimothy reaches the church and returns with news of their faithfulnessSometimes we are hindered by people, politics or even evil forces Notice what happens, Paul sends Timothy (his name means Honoring God or One who honors God) and a result, Paul could stay and continue to serve in Corinth. Paul’s name means small request or prayer. Paul must have prayed for Timothy because he returned with good news.In the end the Gospel work continued even though Paul was not able to go to Thessanolica at the time. Thessalonica was named after Thessalonike, the half-sister of Alexander the Great. The name means “Victory of the Thessalians”. In other words, God’s plan brought Victory in the place Paul was unable to return to at the time regardless.3 so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. 4 For even when we were with you, we [kept] telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it happened, as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure [it,] I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be for nothing. Paul didn’t want the church in Thessalonica to be disturbed by his afflictions. Notice he told them he was destined for this.Paul was worried about himself, he was worried about the believers in Thessalonica because he feared that strong opposition might hinder their faith.Paul could not take not knowing any longer and since he could not go he sent Timothy to make sure they were doing well.I find it interesting that Paul associates the difficulties with the “Tempter”. In other words, it’s a spiritual was not a physical one.Rember when the tempter tried to tempt Jesus for 40 days and 40 nights.6 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, 7 for this reason, brothers [and sisters,] in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; 8 for now we [really] live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we give to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice because of you before our God, Paul is super happy and glad when hears the good report from Timothy. What great concert and great joy over hearing their state. If only believers today cared as much!Notice “for now we really live” if you stand firm in the Lord. Paul was living large because the church he started in Thessalonica was still moving forward by God’s power & grace.10 as we keep praying most earnestly night and day that we may see your faces, and may complete what is lacking in your faith? Notice Paul and others with him “keep praying most earnestly” – how about us?Notice Paul wants to complete what is lacking in their faith… (Helping them grow in faith!)11 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you; 12 and may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also [do] for you; 13 so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.Paul now appeals to God the Father, and the Lord Jesus to direct his way to them. Paul isn’t giving up. He keeps praying and asking God to see them. What a great example of what we all need to do. Keep praying, keep asking, keep believing God will…

More episodes of Outbless Weekly

More episodes

PodSearch is a free, independent podcast search engine. Read about PodSearch, the privacy policy or contact us.