The Christian life involves obedience to Christ despite temptations and hardships.

1 THESSALONIANS 3:1-5

The Christian life involves obedience to Christ despite temptations and hardships.

1So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-workerd in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

3: 1-3   Trials and troubles in life come for many reasons: sin, a lack of faith, the consequences of living in a fallen world, and Satan’s attacks. Sometimes God allows hardship to make us depend on him. Experiencing problems and persecutions can build character (James 1: 2-4), perseverance (Romans 5: 3-5), and sensitivity toward others who also face trouble (2   Corinthians 1: 3-7). Problems are unavoidable for God’s people, so use them to humble yourself before God and ask him to increase your faith. Also take comfort that your troubles may actually be a sign of faithful Christian living.

3: 2-5   Because Paul could not return to Thessalonica (2: 18), he had sent Timothy as his representative. According to Acts 17: 10, Paul had left Thessalonica and gone to Berea. When trouble had broken 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.

3: 4   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 and to learn that we are not alone. The Christian life involves obedience to Christ despite temptations and hardships.

3: 5   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 (2   Corinthians 12: 7-10). Satan even tempted Jesus, though he failed (Matthew 4: 1-11). 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).Tyndale. NIV Life Application Study Bible.

ON THE WAY HOME WALK WITH JESUS and make sure your CHRISTIAN LIFE shows obedience to CHRIST despite trials and temptations!!

onthewayhomeministries.org by RICHARD DEAN BROOKS