faith, full

1 Thessalonians 3 — After tonight’s Bible study, I’m struck with Paul’s attention to the strength and self-sufficiency of Christian FAITH. Surely the believers are facing real afflictions of a personal nature that is really real. The events described in Acts 17 about a mob gathering outside of Jason’s house looking for Paul but then dragging Jason out since Paul couldn’t be found….this is anything but a pleasant backyard BBQ with the neighbors. Imagine yourself in Jason’s shoes! And to think, the mob wouldn’t leave his yard until money had been taken.

We could surmise all sorts of results following this event about how the church in Thessalonica stumbled on in that town doing their best to share the Gospel. But we might miss out on the lesson that Paul is conveying as he continues to shower on them praises of their faithfulness in light of such external pressures against them.

Five times in the chapter, Paul mentions something about their faith:

“…to establish and exhort you in your faith…” [3:2]

“…I sent to learn about your faith…” [3:5]

“…brought us the good news of your faith…” [3:6]

“…we have been comforted about you through your faith…” [3:7]

“…and supply what is lacking in your faith…” [3:10]

Some time after the events of Acts 17, Paul sends Timothy back to Thessalonica in order to check on the church and encourage them to remain faithful to Christ. Most likely this takes place while Paul is living in Corinth (read Acts 18). The point of sending Timothy is not to strategize over how to contend against the cultural pressure or to compromise with the cultural expectations. Nor is it for their physical protection. Instead, Timothy comes to Thessalonica as one who represents the Gospel. Because Timothy is a coworker in the Gospel he is qualified to provide the proper stability the church needs in order to stand fast in their faith.

The proper stability. He doesn’t bring a solution for their situation. He doesn’t offer a program or seek political reform. It would appear Timothy is not concerned at all about addressing the physical abuse they’re experiencing! Rather, Timothy comes to encourage and strengthen them (3:2), or to “establish and exhort” as the ESV renders it. He serves as their cheerleader and their drill sergeant, spurring them on to greater expressions of faithfulness and displays of affection for all, knowing that is what will truly establish them and create within their hearts blamelessness unto holiness. News of their steadfast faith reaches Paul’s ears, and he’s convinced they will survive, all will be well come what may.

What did Jesus say? The faith of a mustard seed can move mountains…. As believers in Jesus we are utterly dependent on Him. Our intellect, influence and ingenuity are good tools but without faith first they have little effect. And yet, how many times do I try to stand on my own ability and in my own power? No, this is a humbling reminder of what it really takes to stand firm in the Lord: FAITH, full of faith.