January 31, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Thessalonians Chapter 3

¹ Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;

² And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

³ That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

⁴ For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

⁵ For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

⁶ But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:

⁷ Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:

⁸ For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

⁹ For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

¹⁰ Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

¹¹ Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

¹² And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

¹³ To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction:

The third chapter of the First Epistle to the Thessalonians describes the great concern of the Apostle Paul for the faith of the young church. Since he could not be with them himself, he sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage the believers in their time of distress. Paul was aware of the difficulties and persecutions the Thessalonians faced and wanted to ensure that their faith would not be shaken. This chapter highlights the deep spiritual bond between Paul and the church, as well as his constant care for their growth in faith and love.

Commentary:

In this chapter, Paul demonstrates his pastoral passion and compassionate heart for the believers in Thessalonica. His concern about the possibility that the “tempter” (Satan) might shake their faith shows that he was aware of the spiritual dangers they were exposed to. This echoes Jesus’ warnings that followers of Christ must expect tribulations (John 16:33).

The sending of Timothy illustrates the principle of spiritual support and companionship in difficult times. Timothy’s report on the Thessalonians’ strong faith and love brought Paul great joy and encouragement. This demonstrates that Christian faith is not lived in isolation but in a vibrant community where encouragement and mutual care play a central role.

Paul’s prayers and his desire to see the Thessalonians again emphasize the importance of spiritual fellowship. His plea to God to perfect their faith and increase their love highlights that spiritual growth is a continuous process. The necessity of holiness is particularly emphasized, as Paul stresses that their hearts should be blameless before God in anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ. This eschatological perspective calls for constant vigilance and growth in holiness.

Summary:

In 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul expresses his deep concern for the faith of the Thessalonians and sends Timothy to strengthen and encourage them. Timothy’s positive report about their faith and love fills Paul with joy and comfort, especially in light of the tribulations they are enduring. Paul fervently prays to see the church again to further support their faith. Finally, he asks God to increase their love for one another and for all people and to strengthen them in holiness so that they may be ready for the return of Christ.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 2—The Sinner’s Need of Christ
Read online here

Commentary

Introduction

Chapter 2 vividly describes the state of humanity after the fall of man. It shows how humanity was separated from God and, in its weakness, incapable of freeing itself from the bondage of sin. Through disobedience, the originally noble capabilities of humans were corrupted, and selfishness replaced love. In this state, the dependence of humans on God’s grace and the necessity of redemption through Christ are emphasized. The chapter makes it clear that only through Christ is the restoration of the connection with God possible, as He is the sole mediator between heaven and earth.

Commentary

This chapter presents the profound truth that humanity is lost without divine intervention. The original state of man, characterized by holiness, love, and fellowship with God, was radically altered by the fall of man. Humanity lost its spiritual strength and became a prisoner of sin and Satan. This estrangement from God not only led to a lack of joy in holiness but also to a departure from fellowship with God. The idea that a sinner could not experience joy even in heaven, as their inclinations and motives are entirely opposed to heavenly ones, is particularly striking. This illustrates that redemption is not merely a legal act but an inner transformation of the heart.

A central element of the chapter is the recognition that humans, by their own power, are unable to escape sin. Education, moral efforts, or external rituals cannot change the heart. This highlights the absolute necessity of God’s intervention through Christ. The description of Christ serving as the mediator between heaven and earth, bridging the gap caused by sin, is a powerful metaphorical depiction of the work of redemption. This connection is restored through Christ, who links fallen humanity with the source of divine power.

Another significant point is the notion that all human efforts toward progress or moral refinement are futile without Christ. Humans can only achieve true holiness and fellowship with God through His grace. The section also demonstrates God’s love, manifested in the sacrifice of His Son. This love is stronger than death and reveals the highest price that God was willing to pay to redeem humanity.

Finally, the chapter earnestly appeals to the reader not to disregard God’s redemptive grace. It calls for the recognition of God’s patience and efforts to restore fallen humanity. The idea that stronger measures than the sacrifice of Jesus could not have been employed underscores the urgency and depth of divine love. The chapter urges believers to reciprocate this love, surrender their lives to Christ, and accept the offered fellowship with God.

Summary

Chapter 2 describes the lost state of humanity after the fall of man and its complete dependence on God’s grace for redemption. Humanity, which originally lived in holiness and fellowship with God, became estranged through sin and unable to free itself. The gap between God and man could only be bridged by Christ, the mediator, who restores the connection between heaven and earth and offers new life to humanity. The chapter emphasizes the necessity of an inner transformation through Christ’s grace and showcases the infinite love of God, revealed in the sacrifice of His Son. It calls the reader to accept this grace and fully surrender to God in order to receive the gift of redemption and return to fellowship with Him.

0

0