1Thessalonians 3:1-8

Verse 1-3 • “Verse 1” -It seems that Paul and Silas agreed to dispatch Timothy back to Thessalonica when they were at Athens - The we and I of Vs 1& 5 – Paul at Athens with Silas & Timothy, they apparently both leave on separate missions and are joined again at Corinth – Acts 17:13-16, 18:1-5. • “Timotheus…brother, minister, fellowlabourer in the gospel” – Acts 19:22, Acts 16:21, 1Cor 4:17, 16:10, Phil 2:19 • “To establish” – In doctrine (Rom 1:11, 16:25-26, Col 2:6-7, 2Tim 4:2). And order – (Acts 14:21-23, Titus 1:5, 1Tim 1:3) • “and comfort” - With their hope of resurrection – Rom 8:18, 2Cor 4:17-18 • “That no man be moved by these afflictions” – The purpose of sending Timothy. • “we are appointed thereunto” – Act 9:15-16, Phil 1:12, 2Tim 3:12, 1:8. Verse 4-5 • “Verse 4” – Paul already informed them that they would suffer and the Thessalonians experienced it – Acts 17:1-10 • “For this cause” – The reason why he sent Timothy -to make sure they were not worried about Paul or discouraged. • “I could no longer forbear, I sent” – Paul apparently alone – Paul’s mind constantly thinking of them – 1Thess 1:3, 2:13 • “Lest by some means the tempter have tempted you” – The tempter being Satan – Matt 4:1,3. i. How? – 2Cor 2:11 – False doctrine (2Cor 11:14-15). Lust of the flesh (Eph 2:2-3). Riches (1Tim 6:8-10). It’s easy to fall prey to these temptations when going through suffering. • “Labour be in vain” – Gal 4:9-11, Phil 2:14-16. Verse 6-8 • “But now” – Paul’s concerns were negated once Timothy returned and told him of the Thessalonians faith in the Lord. Previous verses a recount of how Paul felt and what he did. • “Good tiding of your faith and Charity” – 2Thess 1:3, 1Tim 1:5, 4:12, 2Tim 2:22,3:10. • “Remembrance of us, desire to see us, as we also” – The fellowship of the Body of Christ – Rom 12:5, Eph 4:25, 1Cor 12:25-27. • “We were comforted over you…..by your faith” – Mutual comfort Rom 1:11-12. • “For now we live” – Meaning they joy they now have after hearing the good tiding of Timothy, producing a renewed spirit that their labour was not in vain – 1Cor 15:58 • “If ye stand fast in the Lord” - Their continuing to stand gives Paul joy and rejoicing – Phil 2:17.