I THESSALONIANS
Chapter 3

The life of the child of God is viewed in chapter three as one that progressively is more set apart unto God. As we grow in Christ, this set apart life reveals itself by stability in the face of the storms of life. Becoming a Christian does not solve all your problems but gives you a firm anchor which keeps you in the daily turmoil of life with a firm foundation.

These Thessalonian Christians are seen as living victoriously in the most trying of circumstances. Paul had been driven out of the city by the vicious attacks of idol worshippers. He sent Timothy back to further strengthen their faith and bring back a report of their spiritual progress. The thought is to make firm or immovable their faith that they may meet their trials and remain unchanged. In I Peter 1:7 we read, "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." Some would need comfort in the trials and problems they faced, but all must remember I Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tested beyond what you can bear." You do not become an all-American or outstanding professional athlete sitting in front of the television eating junk food. It takes work and dedication along with discipline. The number of weak and lifeless so called Christians would indicate something is seriously wrong. Paul warned of tribulation and wanted to know if their faith had endured. In I John 2:19 also makes clear that true faith endures, "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us; but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us." Remember it is Satan who is out to destroy and defeat the Christian as taught in I Peter 5:8, "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, like a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." This just does not fit with the feel good feeling that everything will be okay, which is today's soft living brand of Christianity. This is a battle field brother and we must strap on the armor of God and know how to use all the weapons at our disposal as in Ephesians 6:12-17.

Paul's heart is gladden by the good report that Timothy brought in I Thessalonians 3:6-10. Their faith and love was holding true, and Paul was thrilled at this report. Faith can only be expressed by action, and love is the first fruit of the Spirit. As Galatians 5:22 states, "But he fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control." This is God's love produced in and through our lives, reaching out to others. It is not my life but His love produced in my life as I yield to Him and then reach out to others. One of the proofs you are a true member of God's family is your faith displayed by His love. As Paul himself faced trials in his missionary journeys, he was encouraged as he heard about the victories of their faith. We as Christians are to encourage one another and that is why sharing your victories is an important part of life. What parents are not thrilled to see their offspring recognized for great achievement, knowing the hard word that went into the accomplishment. Paul's heart was wrapped up in the spiritual prosperity of his children in the faith. Fellow child of God, we should be sensitive toward our brothers in Christ and love in victory and defeat. Paul prayed night and day that their faith might be completely equipped. As we have studied this Book again and again, the constant prayer in the Life of Paul has surfaced. I challenge you to be a person of prayer for all your family, for all your Church family, and for the needs of this world. Jesus said in Luke 18:1, "That men ought always to pray, and not to faint." There are two thoughts wrapped up in that word, perfect in I Thessalonians 3:10. One is coming to the end of your journey or reaching as a person the goal of your growth. The other thought is being "completely equipped" and could be viewed as when one looks at our office and everything that is needed is in place. You will always be adding or taking something out as change takes place, but it is complete for the present. Paul also expressed the same thought in Philippians 3:13, "Brothers I am still not all I should be but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing, forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead."

Paul challenges them in I Thessalonians 11:12 to stand firm in their faith. Paul calls upon his heavenly father and his savior to make it possible for him to once again come to these believers at Thessalonica. When we love someone, we want to see them grow and develop. Normal Christian growth brings an ever developing and deeper love toward one another. This love reaches out to all men as we share the good news of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Let us never ease up on the oars of Christian experience as though we have arrived. In the area of love for those outside of Christ and love for our brothers in the Lord, we should show a pattern of constant growth. Paul in Philippians 3:13 instructs us as to our attitude, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before." The purpose of all we go through in the Christian life is to make us strong in the face of the trials of life. Then we may receive a full reward at the coming of our Lord Jesus from heaven. As an athlete, all the work and sacrifice are worth it as he or she stands on the victory platform to receive his or her prize. The greatest prize and longest lasting prize is yet to be given out at the Judgment Seat of Christ recorded for us in I Corinthians 3:12-15, "Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble, Every man's work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall test every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built upon it, he shall receive a reward. " If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet as by fire." God help us to be set apart each day that we will be fully equipped to do what God sets before us and receive the Crowns of Victory from the hand of God.