Take Two: 1 Thessalonians 3, Proverbs 11

Chapter 3 begins with "therefore" so we need to look back for the context. Because Paul had desired to come to Thessalonica personally but had been prevented from doing so (1 Thess 2:17-18), he sent Timothy. Doing so was done at a great personal cost to Paul since he was left alone in Athens while Timothy was gone (1 Thess 3:1-2). Paul is not "whining" here...he is making a statement of "value."

One can tell the value we place on something by what we are willing to do to gain or experience it. Knowing the condition of the church and strengthening them in their faith was of such great value...Paul sent his closest co-worker to them.

I wonder how much "people" perceive that we "value" Christ, His church, His mission, and His leadership...based on the price we demonstrate that we are willing to pay to have it? You know...if we will not sacrifice our time or our financial resources or our focus for things of God...is it any wonder that the world sees no value in them? Perhaps the missing element in our "value proposition" is the evidence of our intensity in desire to know God and to make Him known.

Paul's goal in sending Timothy (as well as the benefit) was twofold. He wanted to strengthen the church there in their faith (1 Thess 3:2-4). This likely involved some instruction on doctrine...but certainly Paul was concerned that the church might lose its focus as a result of Paul's suffering in Athens. Sometimes...we look at suffering/struggles/circumstances and decide that we are not willing to pay the price. Paul wanted to demonstrate to the chruch that the price being paid was worth it and that his faith was steadfast. His second goal was to be encouraged (1 Thess 3:5). Paul needed to be assured that his work in the church had not been wasted. He needed to know that the church was remaining faithful. After all, Paul had invested his life among these people to insure that they understood God. He was encouraged to know that his labor had been well invested.

As a result of Timothy's visit, Paul knew that both he and the chruch were mutually encouraged. He gave thanks to God for them (1 Thess 3:9-10). He also prayed for the church that they would grow deeper and numerically, and that they would grow in love for one another and for all people (1 Thess 3:11-12). This growth would result in their being firmly established in the faith and holiness befitting a Christ follower (1 Thess 3:11-13).

A final observation: The church was enduring some tough times and some struggles due to persecution. Paul DID NOT pray that their circumstances would change. He prayed that they would be strengthened in their faith. He prayed that their love for one another and for ALL PEOPLE (outsiders) would increase. Sometimes...we pray more about our circumstances than about the bigger picture. Paul knew that the circumstances of this church had actually made them more effective in their witness. He knew that people were watching them. He knew that the circumstances were causing them to grow more in tune with God's heart. He was not going to pray for God to change their circumstances. Not because He did not love and care for them...but because he understood the bigger picture. (See 2 Cor 4:1-18 for more on this mindset.)

What is it going to take to reach our community? What is it going to take to reach your family? Must you endure another awful family reunion in order to demonstrate your faith lived out? I don't mean that you "necessarily" preach about what you believe...but that they see what you believe by what you do. I know people who have separated themselves from all family and former friends because being around them hurts too badly. And.....?? Isn't that the point? (More on this later).

Anyway...Paul was so encouraged because he saw the people he loved standing firm in their faith in spite of their circumstances...and making a difference because of it. May we be found just as faithful.

Proverbs 11:24 is the takeaway today. When Jesus said it...it went like this. Give and it shall be given to you...(Luke 6:38). Do not hold onto that which you have in order to become self-reliant. Seek and do the will of God in all things...relying on Him as your source and sufficiency.