1 The Gospel According to Paul First Thessalonians Lesson 5 “Paul had left Thessalonica amid…” 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 Page 20

2  Paul had left Thessalonica amid a violent disturbance  He was sent by his brethren to Berea for his safety –They went into the synagogue of the Jews (Acts 17:10) –Many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men (Acts 17:12) –But, the Jews “stirred up the crowds” against him  Again, he was hurried out of town and sent to Athens –Silas and Timothy stayed behind in Berea (Acts 17:14) From Thessalonica To Berea

3  Paul was escorted to Athens by some brethren (Acts 17:15) –He sent the brethren back to command Silas and Timothy to come to him  He was left alone  Let’s read Acts 17:16-34 to know what Paul did while in Athens awaiting Silas and Timothy  Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia  Now, for today’s lesson… From Berea To Athens

4  Timothy had been sent back immediately to Thessalonica –Silas may have returned to Berea or Philippi for a time  Paul was anxious to get a report from him  Paul left Athens for Corinth before Timothy could return with his report (Acts 18:1)  Both Silas and Timothy soon rejoined the apostle at Corinth (Acts 18:5) From Athens To Corinth 1Th 3:1 Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone,

5  Timothy’s was a valued worker in the kingdom –He was a faithful brother, a capable servant and a zealous fellow laborer in the gospel  His mission: –To determine the outcome of the recent uprising against the disciples –To establish and encourage them concerning their faith Timothy’s Mission 1Th 3:2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,

6  Paul did not want the Thessalonians’ faith to be “shaken” as a result of their afflictions –If shaken, they might be moved or agitated by fear, or by the terror of persecution, as to forsake their religion  He thought it good to remind them – –He and other apostles were “appointed” to trouble –He had warned the Thessalonians before about persecution because of their faith Christians Will Suffer Persecution 1Th 3:3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 1Th 3:4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.

7  Paul repeated his desire to know of their condition from verse 1  The Tempter was Satan, the devil  If any had fallen back, he knew his work for those had been in vain  This certainly proves that a saved child of God can be lost if his faith fails! Paul Was Fearful of the Tempter 1Th 3:5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.

8  This epistle is Paul’s response to the mostly good assessment of the church’s circumstances which Timothy had brought –He reported on their steadfastness of faith and love for God and the gospel –It was comforting to know that they still had a good remembrance of him – no ill feelings  The saints were as anxious to see Paul again as he was to see them Timothy Brought Good News 1Th 3:6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you—

9  “For now we live” – –Joy had been restored to the apostle’s heart –His spirit quickly returned when he heard that all was well considering their circumstances –He rejoiced that his work was in vain  This good news was comforting to Paul and relieved his anxiety “For now we live” 1Th 3:7 therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. 1Th 3:8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.

10  His happiness was now so complete that words of thanksgiving were inadequate to express it –His joy was full because it was for their own sake that they were doing well in their service to God  Paul prayed constantly [“night and day”] in behalf of the Thessalonians –He later told the brethren there to “pray without ceasing” (5:17)  He wanted to see their face and perfect what is lacking in their faith “We Rejoice For Your Sake” 1Th 3:9 For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, 1Th 3:10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith?

11  Once more Paul declares his wish to be with the Thessalonian church again  He let them know that the Father and Son were totally in control of that event –This is another way of saying, “if the Lord wills, I will do such and such…” Paul Greatly Desired to See Them Again 1Th 3:11 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.

12  He wanted them to “increase” and “abound” in their love for one another and for all [men] –“Increase” is “to make to increase” –“Abound” is “to be abundantly furnished” –The idea is to keep getting better until they became the best they could be  The extent of his own love for the Thessalonians could serve as an indicator of how deeply they should love one another “Increase And Abound In Love” 1Th 3:12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you,

13  By doing their best to grow stronger in spiritual qualities, God would in turn: –Establish their hearts in the principles of holiness –Make them ready to give account of themselves as Christians when Christ returns  Christ will return with His “saints” to judge the world “Blameless in Holiness” 1Th 3:13 so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.