Strengthen and Encourage

During Paul’s first visit to Thessalonica, some Jews stirred up a mob against him, forcing Paul and his team to leave earlier than planned. Paul had hoped to return to see the Thessalonian believers, but as we read at the end of chapter 2, Satan prevented them. Knowing the challenges the believers still faced, Paul was eager to hear how they were doing, so he sent Timothy to check on them. Timothy returned with an encouraging report that they were standing strong in their faith.

Chapter 3 of 1 Thessalonians is 13 verses long, in this section we see Paul’s love and pastoral care for God’s people. In verses 1-9, we see Paul’s concern and care; in verses 10-13, we see Paul’s fervent prayer for them.

1 Thessalonians 3 can be read in its entirety here

Before diving into the chapter, take a moment to think about someone who played an important role in your early faith journey. How would they feel hearing about how you’re doing now? And what about someone you’ve encouraged in their own walk of faith? As we explore this chapter, we see Paul’s deep concern for the Thessalonians, offering a beautiful example of caring for those God has placed in our lives to support, encourage, and pray for.

Paul urges the Thessalonians to stay steady through the challenges that come with following Christ, encouraging them to grow in love and be firm in their faith. He sent Timothy to help strengthen and encourage them so they wouldn’t be shaken by the trials and persecution they were facing for the sake of Christ.

Self-Reflection: Focus on the two words, “strengthen” and ‘encourage”, these words should characterise the way we minister to each other. Reflect on ways you have been doing so, or is it something you would like to do better?

Our Adversary the Tempter

In Verse 5, Paul refers to Satan as the tempter. He not only lures us into sin but also tries to pull us away from our faith, attempting to persuade us that when challenges arise, following God isn’t worth it. We see this same intent in Satan’s dealings with Job.(Job 1:8-11).

Self-Reflection: Is there any part of your life where you need to be more mindful in this area? Commit yourself to prayer and rely on the Spirit to stay strong when temptation comes. Keep in mind the words from James 4:7: “Submit yourselves to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.”

There is always Room for Growth

Paul ardently prayed to be able to see the Thessalonians again. And he writes that while he visits, he hopes to supply what was lacking in their faith? What exactly was lacking? Be it either someone young in faith or someone who has walked with the Lord for a longer time, there is always room to learn and grow in one’s spiritual walk.

Paul desired for the Thessalonian believers to continue to grow in their faith, to enable them to walk in greater obedience to God’s will. He further prays for an increase in their love for each other, which comes from the Lord; from the work of the Holy Spirit bearing the fruit of love in us (Rom 5:5; Gal 5:22). He wants the Lord to strengthen their hearts; to be strong in faith and to never lose their hold on Christ. By faith in Christ alone we can stand blameless and holy before God when the Lord Jesus returns.

Seeing Paul care so deeply for those he preached the Gospel to, that even while in Athens he sent Timothy to serve, strengthen, and encourage them, shows a heart that truly embraced Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19—to go and make disciples. It’s worth noting that challenges while evangelizing didn’t stop Paul; he cared enough to follow through and play his part in building up these believers so they could finish their race well. This is something I hope we all remember with those God has entrusted to us. In our time, it’s easy to become individualistic and self-focused. Let us pray for, strengthening and encouraging one another to love each other and to be strong in our faith in Christ.

God Bless.