Free Bible Commentary
“1 Thessalonians 3:6-10”
Categories: 1 Thessalonians“But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?”
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Timothy brought “good news” back to Paul after his visit with the church in Thessalonica (verse 6). This is the Greek verb “Euaggelizo” that is normally used to articulate the “evangelizing,” or the preaching of the gospel. When Paul received the good report from Timothy that these young Christians had not abandoned their newfound faith in Christ or their love for the Lord and His messengers, it “comforted” him beyond belief (verse 7).
This good news was a real emotional shot in the arm for Paul. He had been under considerable stress because of the persecution that accompanied preaching the Gospel, and he was very apprehensive about how the Thessalonians were holding up under their own maltreatment. So, when he heard that they were holding fast to their faith, he really felt refreshed and revitalized (verse 8). He said that “now we really live” because THEY were spiritually alive and well. But that would only last if they continued to “stand firm in the Lord.”
Friends, it is not always easy to stay faithful to the Lord. But it most certainly is a matter of life and death that we obey the Gospel call of salvation, and then live sanctified lives all the remainder of our days. This is why Paul agonized over the people that he helped to convert. He did not want to lose one, single, precious soul to Satan’s allurement or discouragement once he had helped to free them from his ruinous grasp.
“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). Eternity is on the line here friends! Faith is not something that we have on Sunday or a game that we play through the week! It is a lifelong commitment to service and obedience to God Almighty! “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Ephesians 6:10), and work diligently on the things that are “lacking in your faith” (verse 10)!
Please read 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 for tomorrow.
Blessings!
- Louie Taylor
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