Life Support
“We told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened.” Those were the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 3:4 to the new believers at Thessalonica. Affliction is a normal part of the Christian life.
Even fellow Christians will attack: “the former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains.” (Philippians 1:16) In his letter, Paul expressed concern regarding new believers—three areas of need are addressed in the third chapter. First, new believers need to be founded in faith—“I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you.” (v. 5) From the moment a person comes to faith in Jesus Christ, Satan goes to work as the tempter. He even tempted Jesus: “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” (Matthew 4:3) A believer must learn to trust God in all circumstances. Second, a new believers need to be challenged in character—“Praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith.” (v. 10) This verse clearly shows us the pastor’s heart in Paul. Developing godly character requires commitment: there are no labor-saving devices for growing a garden of spiritual value. Becoming a person of spiritual fruitfulness requires time, attention, and care, by new converts, and by the more spiritually mature Christians that God places in their lives. Third, new believers need to be growing in grace—“may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all … [and] that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness.” (vv. 12-13) Paul prayed for the direct intervention of God in helping them to grow spiritually: God is committed to mature a believer; and he uses other more spiritual Christians in the process.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
