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Articles
Imitators of the Churches of God: Faith Established by the Gospel (I Thessalonians 2:17 - 3:13)
“For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus…” I Thessalonians 2:14
When Paul and Silas first traveled to Thessalonica, he was only able to stay for about 3 weeks (Acts 17:2, 10) before being run out of town! In that short time, they were able to convert a number of people to Christ. In I Thessalonians 2:17-18, Paul expresses his desire to return to Thessalonica. Now why in the world would Paul want to return to a place from which he had to flee for safety? Paul wanted to return to encourage the Thessalonians and further establish their faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ (I Thessalonians 3:5). The end of I Thessalonians 2 and all 13 verses from chapter 3 have a lot to teach us about how we establish our own faith while also helping others establish their faith, as well.
Demonstrate concern for others’ faith (I Thessalonians 2:17-3:5). Paul had a sincere desire for the Christians in Thessalonica to join him in the resurrection on Judgment Day (I Thessalonians 2:19). Paul was so concerned, he said he “could endure it no longer” (I Thessalonians 3:5), and felt compelled to send Timothy to check on them and encourage them in their faith (I Thessalonians 3:1-3).
Find comfort from others’ faith (I Thessalonians 3:6-9). When Timothy returned to Paul and was able to report “good news” of the Thessalonians faith (I Thessalonians 3:6), Paul took comfort from that even in the midst of his affliction. Just as Paul experienced more than his share of trouble in his life of faith, we too are subject to a fair amount of affliction. In the midst of such trials, we would do well to imitate Paul and find comfort from the shared faith of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Aside from God’s word, little will establish our faith more than mutual encouragement amongst God’s children (I Thessalonians 3:8-9).
Be committed to others’ faith (I Thessalonians 3:10-13). Paul said he and his companions prayed “night and day” for the Thessalonian Christians. Why? That they might return to Thessalonica and “complete what is lacking in (their) faith” (I Thessalonians 3:10). No doubt, Paul was willing to make the necessary sacrifices to make that happen. Yes, these were already saved Christians. However, Paul was committed to helping these Christians “increase and abound in love” (I Thessalonians 3:12) and to “establish (their) hearts without blame in holiness” (I Thessalonians 3:13). Why? It comes right back to Paul’s initial concern from I Thessalonians 2:19. He wants the Christians in Thessalonica to be found faithful “at the coming of our Lord Jesus” (I Thessalonians 3:13).
“Becoming” a Christian is not the end goal. You have not crossed the finish line when you become a Christian, you have only crossed the starting line! While there is a lot more to I Thessalonians, it is interesting to note the response of those Christians as revealed in II Thessalonians 1:3, when we read that their “faith is greatly enlarged” and their love for one another “grows ever greater.” That continual growth is exactly what is supposed to happen when our faith is established by the gospel.
