Timothy, Paul's Envoy to the Churches

Faith in Action

Self-controlled, Upright and Godly Faith

The Good Fight of Faith

1 Thessalonians 3:1-10 The Message

3 1-2 So when we couldn’t stand being separated from you any longer and could find no way to visit you ourselves, we stayed in Athens and sent Timothy to get you up and about, cheering you on so you wouldn’t be discouraged by these hard times. He’s a brother and companion in the faith, God’s man in spreading the Message, preaching Christ.
3-5 Not that the troubles should come as any surprise to you. You’ve always known that we’re in for this kind of thing. It’s part of our calling. When we were with you, we made it quite clear that there was trouble ahead. And now that it’s happened, you know what it’s like. That’s why I couldn’t quit worrying; I had to know for myself how you were doing in the faith. I didn’t want the Tempter getting to you and tearing down everything we had built up together.
6-8 But now that Timothy is back, bringing this terrific report on your faith and love, we feel a lot better. It’s especially gratifying to know that you continue to think well of us, and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you! In the middle of our trouble and hard times here, just knowing how you’re doing keeps us going. Knowing that your faith is alive keeps us alive.
9-10 What would be an adequate thanksgiving to offer God for all the joy we experience before him because of you? We do what we can, praying away, night and day, asking for the bonus of seeing your faces again and doing what we can to help when your faith falters.

For Reflection

The persecutions of which Paul speaks were probably a result of the conversion of many Gentiles and Jews.  Familys may have been divided into Christian/non-christian camps.  Some of the conflicts certainly spilled into the civic life of the community as well. Some of the new Christians were tempted to return to the old patterns but Paul sends a message of confidence in the new church and comments on the success of Timothy to calm the waters. Paul recomends celebrations of thanksgiving and joy and reinforces the power of prayer.

Pray

Pray that you will accept the task of peace maker.  Pray so that your soul will guide you to help calm the stormy waters of conflicting agendas.

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