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1Thessalonians Chapter Three
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1) When they though they could not stand it
any longer, what did Paul and his companions think it was best for them to do,
why did Paul send Timothy to strengthen and encourage them in their faith, what
did Paul say they knew quite well, when Paul and his companions were with the
church in Thessalonica, what did he keep telling them, and who was Paul afraid
might tempt them and his efforts might have been useless?
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Some think that troubles are always caused by
sin or a lack of faith. Trials may be a part of God's plan for believers.
Experiencing problems and persecutions can build character (James 1:2-4),
perseverance (Romans 5:3-5), and sensitivity toward others who also face trouble
(2Corinthians 1:3-7). Problems are unavoidable for God's people. Your troubles
may be a sign of effective Christian living.
Because Paul could not return to Thessalonica (2:18), he sent Timothy as his
representative. According to Acts 17:10, Paul left Thessalonica and went to
Berea. When trouble broke out in Berea, some Christians took Paul to Athens,
while Silas and Timothy stayed behind (Acts 17:13-15). Then Paul directed Silas
and Timothy to join him in Athens. Later Paul sent Timothy to encourage the
Thessalonian Christians to be strong in their faith in the face of persecution
and other troubles.
Some people turn to God with the hope of escaping suffering on earth. But God
doesn't promise that. Instead he gives us power to grow through our sufferings.
The Christian life involves obedience to Christ despite temptations and
hardship.
Satan ("the tempter") is the most powerful of evil spirits. His power can
affect both the spiritual world (Ephesians 2:1-3; 6:10-12) and the physical
world (2Corinthians 12:7-10). Satan ("the tempter") is the most powerful of the
evil spirits. His power can affect both the spiritual world (Ephesians 2:1-3;
6:10-12) and the physical world (2Corinthians 12:7-10). Satan even tempted
Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11). But Jesus defeated Satan when he died on the cross for
our sins and rose again to bring us new life. At the proper time God will
overthrow Satan forever (Revelation 20:7-10).
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Timothy's Encouraging Report
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Timothy's Profile
Painful lessons are usually doorways to
new opportunities. Even the apostle Paul had much to learn. Shortly after
his disappointing experience with John Mark, Paul recruited another eager
young man, Timothy, to be his assistant. Paul's intense personality may have
been to much for John Mark to handle. It could easily have created the same
problem for Timothy. But Paul seems to have learned a lesson in patience
from his old friend Barnabas. As a result, Timothy became a "son" to Paul.
Timothy probably became a Christian after Paul's first missionary visit
to Lystra (Acts 16:1-5). Timothy already had solid Jewish training in the
Scriptures from his mother and grandmother. By Paul's second visit, Timothy
had grown into a respected disciple of Jesus. He did not hesitate to join
Paul and Silas on their journey. His willingness to be circumcised as an
adult is clearly a mark of his commitment. (Timothy's mixed Greek/Jewish
background could have created problems on their missionary journeys, because
many of their audience would be made up of Jews who were concerned about the
strict keeping of this tradition. Timothy's submission to the rite of
circumcision helped to avoid that potential problem.)
Beyond the tensions created by his mixed racial background, Timothy
seemed to struggle with a naturally timid character and a sensitivity to his
youthfulness. Unfortunately, many who share Timothy's character traits are
quickly written off as too great a risk to deserve much responsibility. By
God's grace, Paul saw great potential in Timothy. Paul demonstrated his
confidence in Timothy by entrusting him with important responsibilities.
Paul sent Timothy as his personal representative to Corinth during a
particularly tense time (1Corinthians 4:14-17). Although Timothy was
apparently ineffective in that difficult mission, Paul did not give up on
him. Timothy continued to travel with Paul.
Our last pictures of Timothy come from the most personal letters in the
New Testament: 1st and 2nd Timothy. The aging apostle Paul was near the end
of his life, but his burning desire to continue his mission had not dimmed.
Paul was writing to one of his closest friends - they had traveled,
suffered, cried, and laughed together. They shared the intense joy of seeing
people respond to the Good News and the agonies of seeing the gospel
rejected and distorted. Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to oversee the young
church there (1Timothy 1:3, 4). He wrote to encourage Timothy and give him
needed direction. These letters have provided comfort and help to countless
other "Timothy's" through the years. When you face a challenge that seems
beyond your abilities, read 1st and 2nd Timothy, and remember that others
have shared your experience.
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Timothy's Strengths and Accomplishments
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1) Became a believer after Paul's first
missionary journey and joined him for his other two journeys
2) Was a respected Christian in his hometown
3) Was Paul's special representative on several occasions
4) Received two personal letters from Paul
5) Probably knew Paul better than any other person, becoming like a son to
Paul
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Timothy's Weaknesses and Mistakes
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1) Struggled with a timid and reserved nature
2) Allowed others to look down on his youthfulness
3) Was apparently unable to correct some of the problems in the church at
Corinth when Paul sent him there
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Lessons From Timothy's Life
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1) Youthfulness should not be an excuse for
ineffectiveness
2) Our inadequacies and inabilities should not keep us from being available
to God
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Timothy's Vital Statistics
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1) Where: Lystra
2) Occupations: Missionary, pastor
3) Relatives: Mother Eunice. Grandmother: Lois. Greek father
4) Contemporaries: Paul, Silas, Luke, Mark, Peter, Barnabas
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Key Verses
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"I have no one else like him [Timothy], who
takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own
interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved
himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work
of the gospel" (Philippians 2:20-22).
Timothy's story is told in Acts, starting in
chapter 16. He is also mentioned in Romans 16:21; 1Corinthians 4:17;
1Corinthians 16:10,11; 2Corinthians 1:1,19; Philippians 1:1; Philippians
2:19-23; Colossians 1:1; 1Thessalonians 1:1-10; 1Thessalonians 2:3,4;
1Thessalonians 3:2-6; 1st and 2nd Timothy, Philemon 1; Hebrews 13:23.
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2) What did Timothy bring to Paul about the
Thessalonian church, how were Paul and his companions encouraged about the
church in all their distress and persecution, and for what reason did Paul say
they really live?
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During persecution or pressure, believers
should encourage one another. Christians who stand firm in the Lord encourage
both ministers and teachers (who can see the benefit of their work in those who
remain faithful), and also those who are new in their faith (who can learn from
the steadfastness of the mature).
3) What has Paul and the others received
because of the church in Thessalonica, and night and day, what does Paul pray
for?
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It brings great joy to a Christian to see
another person come to faith in Christ and mature in that faith. Paul
experienced this joy countless times. He thanked God for those who had come to
know Christ and for their strong faith. He also prayed for their continued
growth. If there are new Christians who have brought you joy, thank God for them
and support them as they continue to grow in the faith.
4) What did Paul pray for God and Jesus to do,
what did Paul pray that would increase and overflow in the church, why does Paul
pray that God will strengthen their hearts, and who will come with our Lord
Jesus?
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Paul wanted to return to Thessalonica. We have
no record that he was able to do so; but when he was traveling through Asia on
his third journey, he was joined by Aristarchus and Secundus, who were from
Thessalonica (Acts 20:4, 5).
When our Lord Jesus comes with all his "holy ones" refers to the second
coming of Christ when he will establish his eternal kingdom. At that time,
Christ will gather all believers, those who have died and those who are alive,
into one united family under his rule. All believers from all times, including
these Thessalonians, will be with Christ in his kingdom.
If we are full of God's love, it will overflow to others. It's not enough
merely to be courteous to others; we must actively and persistently show love to
them. Our love should be growing continually. If your capacity to love has
remained unchanged for never-ending supply. Then look for opportunities to
express love.
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Answers 1Thessalonians Chapter Three
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1) to be left by ourselves in Athens...so that no
one would be unsettled by these trials...that we were destined for them
(trials)...we would be persecuted...the tempter
2) good news about their faith and love...because of their faith...since you are
standing firm in the Lord
3) all the joy they have in the presence of our God...that we may see you again
and supply what is lacking in your faith
4) to clear the way for them to come to you...love...so that you will be
blameless and holy...his holy ones
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Taken from The NIV Life Application Study
Bible, Zondervan Publishers
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