1 Thessalonians 3 Part 1 Gospel Ministry And Loving One Another

Paul ministered at Athens but was concerned for the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-3  Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; 2)  And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow labourers in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: 3)  That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 

Paul arrived at Athens when he became very anxious to know how the Thessalonian Christians were doing. Timothy was by his side working with Paul in the center of Hellenistic culture.

Paul determined that it was better to send Timothy to check on the church at Thessalonica. 

He would bring back a report on their status to Paul, and Paul would preach the gospel alone at Athens. 

Athens was filled with idolatry, immorality and mythology. 

Acts 17:16-18  Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. 17)  Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. 18)  Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. 

Paul was alone as he began to observe rampant idolatry in Athens. An ancient writer who was a contemporary of Paul stated of Athens that "Our region is so full of deities that you may more frequently meet with a god than a man."

Idolatry was so extensive that Paul's heart was "stirred." The Greek word is very strong and is the root of the word "paroxysm" which means to have a sudden violent emotional reaction to something.

Paul did not have an outburst of uncontrollable rage. Rather, he experienced a fiery, holy zeal for the Lord Jesus Christ which rapidly filled his heart. 

A flaming passion for God's glory filled Paul's heart because of all the idolatry he saw. 

The Greeks were on a constant quest for new wisdom but this led them far away from the knowledge of God. 

They worshipped lifeless, powerless idols created from vain imaginations and sin darkened hearts.

Thus, Paul preached the gospel of Jesus Christ, telling them about His sufferings, death, resurrection and ascension to the Father. 

It is in this context of gospel ministry that Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica. This indicates his heart of love for that church and his confidence in Timothy to give him the responsibility. 

Paul loved the Thessalonians deeply and sent Timothy to them.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-3  Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; 2)  And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow labourers in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: 3) That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 

The mission Paul gave to Timothy was to establish the Thessalonian church and to comfort them in their afflictions. 

The gospel pattern is that sufferings come before glory. 

John 15:20  Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 

He was to remind them how Jesus suffered for us. He is our Master, we are His servants and the servants are not greater than their Master. 

This means that the disciples of Jesus Christ will also suffer hardship from a Christ rejecting culture. 

Yet, we must press on sharing the gospel because while many remain in unbelief, some will believe and be born again.

Those that are carnally minded will resist those who are born again. 

Galatians 4:29  But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. 

Paul defined the principle that Christians will suffer while we live in this culture. 

All people are born spiritually dead, not knowing God (See Romans 3). 

All are sinners who do the works of the flesh (See Galatians 5:19-21). They are carnally minded and give in to fleshly lusts. 

Thus, they that are after the flesh will always persecute those who are born again by the Spirit's regenerating work. 

Be committed to Christ even while enduring hardship.  

2 Timothy 3:10-12  But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11)  Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12)  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 

Even though Christians will suffer persecution, endure hostility to the gospel and be afflicted, none of these things should ever move us away from our mission.

The life of Christ and His apostles are examples for us to pattern our own lives after. Paul suffered greatly yet he never wavered in loving God and man. He never stopped serving the Lord of Glory. 

Let us love and care for one another as Paul did. 

1 Thessalonians 3:4-5  For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. 5)  For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter has tempted you, and our labour be in vain. 

As the apostle to the Gentiles, Paul warned the Thessalonians that they would suffer hardship and tribulation for the sake of the gospel. 

His concern was that the Devil might tempt them and seduce them away from following hard after Christ. 

When we stand upon the Rock, Jesus Christ we cannot be moved. 

1 Thessalonians 3:6-8  But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: 7)  Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: 8)  For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

Paul was greatly blessed by the good report that Timothy brought back to him concerning the church at Thessalonica. 

Timothy observed their faith and charity and this was the good tidings which Timothy brought from Thessalonica. 

Their faith was vibrant and they continued steadfast in their belief of the Gospel.

Their charity and love for God and man was evident and they loved one another, keeping the unity of the Spirit.

They remained full of love for Paul and committed to following the apostolic truth. They loved him, and desired earnestly to see him again.

When he heard this good report, Paul's own afflictions seemed trifling in comparison and his spirit was encouraged and strengthened. All were standing strong for the Lord by His strength.

Let us have the same heart of love and compassion for other Christians as Paul did. 

Let us seek the very best spiritual life and conduct for other Christians as well as for ourselves.

Let us pray for one another.

Let us love one another deeply. 

Let us press forward in gospel ministry and Godly living no matter how much the world hates us.

Bob