[1 Thessalonians 3, Proverbs 21]

H – 1 Thessalonians 3:8, “For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.”

E – Grateful!

Paul had a longing desire to meet again “face to face” with the brothers and sisters from the church of Thessalonians (2:18, 3:10). However, the enemy (Satan) hindered him from being able to get back (2:18). So, he sent Timothy to Thessalonica to see how the church was growing and exhort them in the faith (3:2). This was important because trials and suffering would be coming to this church and Paul wanted to make sure they were ready and would stand against opposition (temptation), in faith.

The report that Timothy brought back was one of encouragement to Paul. He heard of their love for one another and their continued faith in the Lord (3:6). He was grateful! His ministry to this church was not in vain (3:5-6). 

Paul, therefore, wrote them this encouragement, “For now we live, (if) you are standing fast in the Lord.”

Grateful for their love and faith, he encouraged them all the more to hold fast, stand in the Lord, and increase in what you are already doing (3:12). 

A – What a great example for the church; love one another well and stand in the faith. The encouragement to me as a Pastor is to pray earnestly for His church and help supply what is lacking in others faith (3:10). From my efforts and the Spirit of God actively working in the hearts and lives of others I pray that I would see His church increasing in love and faith. 

R – Lord God, I can’t thank you enough for what I’ve seen you do in and through my life and in and through the lives of others that I’ve had a privilege of being with. I’ve seen the evidence of your Spirit transform and eternally change many. I thank you for what I’m seeing now. I see people who are being changed through your Word and by your Spirit. Lord, help me to lead people well through your Word. God, continue to transform people that they would abound in love for one another and stand firm in the faith. I am grateful for what I have witnessed and I don’t want to get over it. Lord, allow me to continue to see life change. 

In Jesus Name!