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1 Thessalonians 3 (ESV)

1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, ² and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, ³ that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. ⁴ 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.⁵ 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.

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

⁶ 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— ⁷ for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. ⁸ For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. ⁹ For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, ¹⁰ as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

¹¹ Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, ¹² and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, ¹³ so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

REFLECTION:

1. Paul was forced to leave these very precious people when the rioting began in Thessalonica. Later he sent Timothy to visit them as soon as he could (vv1-5) and was filled with joy when Timothy brought back a good report (vv6-13).
2. The Thessalonians’ testimony of faith and love comforted and encouraged Paul. Similarly, your testimony can also provide much needed encouragement to fellow believers, your cell leaders, Sunday school teachers, and even pastors. We can also be encouraged by the stories of other members of our community of faith.
3. Have you had the privilege of hearing the testimony of a fellow believer? Is there anyone at church you’d like to share your experiences or reflections with? Pray that God will use your sharing to encourage that person.
4. Take time each day this week to reflect and be aware of God’s work in your life and find someone to share how you are experiencing God in your life. Then, bring these stories to your cell group and share with each other there.

PRAYER:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what He wants to tell you.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in your spiritual journal.

HYMN:

My Hope is Built on Nothing Less: www.youtube.com/watch?v=otQ3cakDr-c