That No One Be Moved
(Morning Service)
Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:8
Trials have the ability make our sight clear, but trials also have the ability to shake us in ways we never thought possible. Paul knows this to be true and is eager to strengthen the Thessalonians’ faith in the midst of their affliction. This passage will show us that we need to see our God- given responsibility to stand beside and strengthen each other when life gets hard. So let’s dive into this section of the letter and ask How does Paul strengthen them? What does he say? In light of that, how do I strengthen other Christians?
“But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.
Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you—for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.
(1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:8 ESV)”