Austin's Blog

The Apostle Paul helped start the church in Thessalonica, but after facing strong opposition, he had to leave the city (Acts 17:1-9). His time of discipleship with them was cut short, leaving the young church with many questions and challenges. They were unsure about Paul’s integrity, how Christians should live, how to handle persecution, and what to expect about Christ’s return. Wanting to make sure they were doing well, Paul sent his co-worker Timothy to check on them. He wrote in 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5:

“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.”

Although these verses talk about suffering persecution for your faith, these verses are instructive for those enduring sufferings of various kinds. Those walking through suffering will benefit from two clear things this passage mentions: the ministry of presence and the thoughtful encouragement with the truth. First, Paul does not just write a letter. He sends a real person. Timothy is a brother and “God’s co-worker.” He could help best not from afar but in person. Sometimes the best way to serve others is just to be there, to be present. Paul often told the churches how he deeply longed to be with them (1 Thess. 2:7-8, 17-18). One way to help those swimming in the deep waters of suffering is to get into the waves and tread the waters with them.

Second, Timothy wasn’t silent. He was sent to “to establish and exhort [them] in [their] faith.” Timothy told them hard but hopeful truths about suffering, its role in the Christian life, and how God can use it for our good. Paul says, “For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 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.” A part of the way to serve others is to lovingly exhort, encourage, and edify them with truths from the Scriptures. Of course, this ought to be done in the most loving way possible, but it should be done nevertheless. The truths of the Word have a stabilizing effect upon the heart which clings to them. The more we internalize, feel, hold to, and treasure those truths, the more comfort and hope we will have in the midst of trials and afflictions. Speak the great truths of the Word in a timely and tender manner.

Why are these ministries so vital according to this passage? First, Paul says afflictions “move” or “shake” believers (1 Thess. 3:4). Suffering has a way of unsettling, beguiling, and disturbing us. We must be on guard and cling to the truths we know or suffering can “swamp” us down into apathy and sin. We will naturally drift from God instead towards Him unless we are tethered to His Word. Suffering will either keep you from or in the Bible. The latter is the key to patient endurance.

Second, Paul says Satan is actively trying to destroy and ruin our faith as we suffer (1 Thess. 2:18, 3:5). Satan would like nothing more than our faith to be torn to shreds, our love for God grow cold, and others witness our downfall. He’s been seeking to use suffering in that way since the book of Job. Paul David Tripp wisely notes, “When we suffer, we are susceptible to the lies that the Enemy whispers in our ears: ‘Where is your God now?’ ‘Why have you been singled out?’ ‘Perhaps God does have favorites.’ ‘Why isn’t God listening to your prayers?’ ‘Why do others have it so much easier than you?’ ‘Maybe God doesn’t love you after all.’ The function of all these lies is to sow seeds of doubt in our hearts when we feel the weakest, the most afraid, and are reaching out for help. The Enemy is seeking to make us doubt the goodness, love, presence, and power of God. He knows that if we begin to question God’s character and power, we will quit going to God and seeking his help. His lies are meant to damage and weaken our faith so that on the other side of our suffering (if there is another side) we will not love and serve him as we once did.”