Established and Encouraged (Part 2)

Be faithful.  Be an encourager of other believer's faith.

September 16, 2019

"And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow-laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith."

1 Thessalonians 3:2

Part 2

Yesterday:
“And sent Timotheus our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow-laborer in the gospel of Christ,”
Paul sent Timothy to the Thessalonians for two reasons.

“To establish you,”
The first reason was to help them to be established, strengthened in the faith.

Today:
“And to comfort you.”
Paul’s second reason for sending Timothy to them,

The Thessalonians were under persecution and needed comfort in their time of trial.  This Greek word translated “comfort” means, “to call to one’s side, call for, summon, to address, speak to, (call to, call upon), which may be done in the way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, instruction, etc.”[1]  They needed encouragement to help ease their pain as they stood for the faith.

“Concerning your faith.”
Paul reminds them that the reason for their suffering is the focus of their faith.  They are intent on faithfully preaching the Gospel and serving the Lord Jesus Christ.  He is the reason they are willing to suffer.  He is the One that they love and are preaching to others.

It is interesting to note that it was vital for them to be “established” before they were “comforted.”[2]  Being “established” in their faith set their direction correctly, and “comfort” eased their pain.  To get this backward could lead to wrong priorities.  If the comfort came first, it might become the priority.  Jesus addressed this with His disciples earlier as He told them of the peace He will provide in their tribulations.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Tribulation is a normal part of life for the child of God in this world.  So believers, keep on serving, preaching, and glorifying God, He gives you peace, even in your persecutions!

As the Thessalonians are “established” they will be “comforted” by Timothy, and the Lord.

Believers, as God gives you comfort in your troubles, comfort others!

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

 

 

 

[1]  J.H. Thayer, Thayer’s Greek Definitions, the electronic version in eSword.
[2]  See Guzik.