I. Paul’s Efforts On Their Behalf
A. Paul’s Recent History
1. Paul had been chased out of Philippi, & then traveled 100 miles to Thessalonica.
2. He had gone from Thessalonica to Berea, and his opposers followed him there and caused trouble for him. Timothy and Silas, however, remained in Berea.
3. Upon arriving in Athens, he sent a message for Silas & Timothy to join him there, but while he waited, he ministered on Mar’s Hill w/the philosophers of Athens.
4. After a time in Athens, Paul proceeded to Corinth, and waited there for Timothy and Silas to bring him news on the spiritual well being of the Thessalonians.
5. News from Timothy re. the Thessalonians prompted this letter of joy from Paul.
B. Paul’s Desire For Them V. 2
1. Establish- to make stable, place firmly, set fast, fix, to strengthen, make firm, to render constant, to confirm one’s mind. (Same word found in verse 13)
a. NOTE- Establishing must come before encouraging.
b. A solid foundation in faith is needed first; then encouragement in faith.
c. A deeper understanding of the Christian faith leads to comfort in that faith.
2. Encourage- to come alongside someone to exhort, comfort, instruct, to teach
3. In the faith- Paul’s greatest desire was that they would not be shaken in their faith because of the afflictions they were being subjected to.
4. Paul didn’t send Timothy to inspect the church, but to help the church.
C. Establishing Through Sacrifice Vs. 1, 2, 6-8
1. Paul had undergone much persecution for his faith in Jesus, & he wondered if the suffering Thessalonians were staying strong in the faith.
2. Though Paul had suffered much, he sent Timothy to check on the Thessalonians.
3. Timothy was like a son to Paul.
a. Philippians 2:19-24 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. 23Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.
b. Paul loved churches so much that he was willing to send his “son” into hostile situations. Possible great personal loss to Paul. How would Timothy feel about this?
4. Paul sacrificed his own comfort that he might know how the Thessalonians were.
5. Paul was truly more concerned for their welfare than for his own.
6. Paul’s actual suffering was more about their welfare than his own welfare.
7. If they were strong in the faith, then he would be comforted. (Read verses 6-8)
8. Paul’s life was not first and foremost about his well being.
a. His greatest personal joy came from the spiritual well being of those he loved.
9. The good news was that they were walking in faith & love.
10. Also, that they longed to see Paul and his companions. Evidence of agape love.
D. Established Through Future Possible Visits Vs. 9-11
1. V. 9-Paul undoubtedly had many things to be appropriately serious & sad about.
2. But he experienced much joy over the spiritual well being of others.
3. V. 10- He longed to be w/them that he might “perfect what was lacking”.
a. Perfect- to render fit or complete; to mend, to put in order, arrange, adjust, strengthen
b. Lacking- That which is deficient
4. Thought they were well, they could be even healthier through his ministry.
5. V. 11- Paul left the possibility of visiting them up to God. “May our God…”.
6. NOTE- V. 11- Equality given to God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
II. Established Through Warnings
A. Regarding Afflictions Vs. 3, 4
1. Paul reminded them that they were appointed to afflictions. Appts. w/afflictions
2. Some Christians believe that they should never suffer.
3. They believe that God would never allow afflictions to come to us, and that they are always from Satan and must be resisted and rebuked.
4. It was the God the Father’s plan to appoint suffering to Jesus.
a. Hebrews 2:10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
b. Hebrews 5:7, 8 who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, 8though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.
5. Paul had taught them only for 3 weeks, but included this teaching re. affliction
6. Jesus taught on affliction
a. Matthew 13:20, 21 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word & immediately receives it with joy; 21yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
7. God uses affliction in the life of His children to purify them.
a. It doesn’t mean he is angry, or that they have necessarily sinned.
b. Satan tries to use that same affliction against us. God uses it for good.
c. Remember- The symbol of Christianity is a cross, not a recliner.
B. Regarding Satanic Opposition V. 5
1. Paul knew that Satan & his demons would seek to exploit this season of affliction
2. The Christian can never forget that they’re part of a great, invisible, spiritual war
3. Ephesians 6:11, 12 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of 🞈the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
4. Paul wanted to make sure his labor wasn’t in vain, so he sent Timothy to help.
III. Established By God
A. Established By God Vs. 12, 13
1. V. 12- They were not a loveless church, but they could still experience increase and an abounding in love to one another and to all.
a. This love starts with the Body of Christ, but is to extend to the world.
2. John 13:35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another
3. V. 12- just as we do to you- Almost arrogant that Paul would use himself as an example, except that this was a God ordained statement.
4. V. 13 would be the result of V. 12. As God would help them increase in love, their hearts would be established (settled, firmed up) in holiness before God.
5. Holiness- set apart-ness. Separated from worldly passion and separated to God.
6. They would experience this settled-ness of heart even when Jesus would return.
7. The blessing would be that they would be already “established blameless in holiness” when Jesus would suddenly come. They would be “caught doing the right thing”.