Grace Baptist Church of Odenton
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1 Thessalonians 3:1-4
Encouraging God's People
I. Encourage God’s People by Caring for Them (1a)
1 Thessalonians 3:1a – Therefore, when we could no longer endure it
Example of Paul’s Care
2 Corinthians 2:12-13 – Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, 13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.
2 Corinthians 11:28-29 – besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?
II. Encourage God’s People by Sacrificing for Them (1b-2a)
1 Thessalonians 3:1b-2a – we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ
to be left (καταλείπω kataleipo) – to abandon, leave. often used in the context of a loved one dying and leaving the living behind. Sending Silas and Timothy away felt like the pain of losing a loved one.
Descriptions of Timothy
Brother – not JUST that Timothy was a fellow Christian, but a term of endearment.
Minister of God (God’s servant) and our fellow-laborer – They had both served God together and were on the same team.
III. Encourage God’s People by Building Them Up (3-4)
1 Thessalonians 3:3-4 – to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.
1 Thessalonians 4:1 – Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God
1 Thessalonians 4:10 – and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more;
Establish (στηρίζω steiridzo) – confirm, strengthen.
Encourage (παρακαλέω parakaleo) – come along-side and encourage you to apply your faith to life.
This was Paul’s pattern that Timothy had experienced
Acts 14:21-22a – And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith
Acts 15:32 – And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.
Acts 15:41 – And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Romans 1:11-12 – For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.
Why did Paul do all this?
1 Thessalonians 3:3 – that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.
Shaken (σαίνω saino) – used of a dog wagging its tail back and forth. Figuratively to be emotionally upset, agitated, disturbed.
John 15:18-19 – “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
2 Timothy 2:12 – Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted
John 16:33 – These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”