1 Thessalonians 3
April 4, 2022
“We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them.” (v2-3)
Paul sent Timothy to the Thessalonians because he knew the hardships they were experiencing (2:14), and he sensed their faith might be shaken as a result. “Trials” (v2) have a way of either sabotaging our faith or strengthening our faith. One of the reasons trials can shake our faith is because we forget that “we were destined for them” (v3). That’s why Paul made it a point to warn the Thessalonians of the impending hardships that were coming “when he was with them” (v4). After all, we’re all going to face hardships for as long as we’re on this side of the coming of the Kingdom (Acts 14:22).
Lord Jesus, I praise You for the way You clearly warned us that hardships and trials would come our way (Mk 4:17) - so that we wouldn’t be shell-shocked or vulnerable to Satan’s surprise attacks. I thank You, too, that You do not leave us alone in our trials, but You are right here with us in the midst of them. I ask for Your help to persevere through the trials I’m going through today - with my eyes fixed on You - and my hope firmly set on Your glorious Kingdom, which is just on the other side of suffering.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
