An Encouraging Report – 1 Thessalonians 3

Joy:  You’re listening to the Lifting Her Voice podcast, Episode #185.  Today we’ll read 1 Thessalonians chapter 3 together.  In this short chapter, Paul expresses his anxiety over leaving the Thessalonians so abruptly, he receives an encouraging report from Timothy, and he prays for the church.

Welcome to the Lifting Her Voice podcast.  I’m your host, Joy Miller, and I invite you to grab your Bible and join me as we simply read God’s word together.  Some things require discipline and sometimes that’s just not easy to muster by yourself, no matter how badly you want to do it or how much you know you should.  It’s just easier to do it with a friend.  So refill your coffee or tea, get comfortable in your favorite chair and follow along as I read aloud.  I’m so glad you’re here!

Welcome

In my second year of teaching Sunday school at Lake Don Pedro Baptist Church, a shy and kind of awkward 3rd grader walked into my classroom for the first time.  His name was Casey and I have had the privilege of watching him grow into an admirable and Christ-centered man.  He went from attending Vacation Bible School to teaching it and he went from being a junior counselor at kids’ camp to an adult counselor at youth camp.  He has since moved back East but comes home to visit like the devoted son he is.  Our church family has even gotten to know his girlfriend and she too has burrowed her way into our hearts.

Casey called me the other day out of the blue.  He wanted me to know that he has asked Meaghen to marry him and she indeed had said yes!  However, as exciting as that news was, I was more stunned that he would take the time to call me personally and share his news.  I felt so privileged and humbled that I was included in the list of people he wanted to make sure to tell.  

Thanks, Casey…you truly made my day.  And congratulations!  I wish you two all the best. 

Has that every happened to you?  That someone has made you feel so special to be included?   Tell me the story at Lifting Her Voice.com, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 3

Anxiety in Athens

Therefore, when we could no longer stand it, we thought it was better to be left alone in Athens. And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith, so that no one will be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. In fact, when we were with you, we told you in advance that we were going to experience affliction, and as you know, it happened. For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I also sent him to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be for nothing.

Encouraged by Timothy

But now Timothy has come to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love. He reported that you always have good memories of us and that you long to see us, as we also long to see you. Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and affliction, we were encouraged about you through your faith. For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience before our God because of you, as we pray very earnestly night and day to see you face to face and to complete what is lacking in your faith?

Prayer for the Church

Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you. And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you. May he make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Amen.

Closing Thoughts

This is a very short and heartfelt chapter as Paul bears his soul to the Thessalonians.  He missed them so much.  He was so concerned for them and prayed fervently for them.  He sent Timothy, his son in the faith, to check up on the church at Thessalonica.  

I as so touched by the prayer Paul prayed over the Thessalonians, that I felt compelled to pray his benediction over you too.  Let’s pray.

Prayer

Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you.  And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as I do for you.  May he make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.  Amen.

Thank you for joining me here today.  I pray God will grow in you what has been planted and watered here.  In this time of unprecedented struggle worldwide, we can look to God for guidance and comfort.  Be sensitive to those in your circle of influence who need a word of encouragement and invite them to join us.  If you like this show, it would be great if you give it a five-star review.  Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.  See you right here tomorrow.  Be well!

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible(r), Copyright (c) 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible(r) and CSB(r) are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.