The Spiritual Leader & The People: Part 3 - 1 Thess Lesson 22

1 Thessalonians 3:6-10

Good morning, friends and family – my name is Matthew McWaters. If you are able, let’s stand together, read 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 and take a moment to pray.

Scripture 

"But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?"

- 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10

Introduction

Before I dive into 1 Thessalonians 3, I want to share some personal thoughts with you and give you an outline for what we will be studying through. 

In terms of personal thoughts, I really wrestled with this text, and I have this personal sense of conviction about what Paul is clearly conveying here. I wasn’t wrestling with the interpretation per se, because the text very clear  – but what I did wrestle with was the practical application of these verses which led me to have this sense of personal conviction. 

Having said that, let me explain a bit further… the verses in 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 are descriptive and not prescriptive – descriptive, meaning that Paul is describing a situation that occurred to him and what happened to him because of the situation. He is NOT giving us instructions here – he is merely conveying his experience. 

Yet, in these 5 verses, Paul does give us some insights into some of the things which we should aspire to. For example, a longing for other believers, finding joy and comfort from the faithfulness of other believers, and praising God over the steadfastness of other believers. 

I have a personal conviction over this because I think that I should be aspiring to have a deeper longing for other believers. I think that I should be aspiring to finding more joy and comfort from the faithfulness of other believers. I think that I should be aspiring to praise God more and more over the steadfastness of other believers. 

I also believe that the global church should be seeking to aspire to these things as well. I’ll talk about this in terms of practical application in a little more detail latter on, but I wanted to let you know what I was wrestling with on a personal level so that you can understand why I am going to be a bit more passionate about what I teach on today. 

In terms of the outline for this sermon:

1. I’m going to briefly review the 4 alliterations described by pastor Brad last week, because they reveal the literary development of the verses we will be studying today. 

2. I’m going to briefly review the historical development of Paul’s situation and why Paul had to leave the Thessalonians because it helps us to understand why Paul had concerns about the Thessalonians.

3. Based on the historical and grammatical context, I’m going to walk you through each verse and explain the meaning.

4. And last, but not least, I’m going to challenge you to do a few things. 

So, let’s dive in.  

The Four Alliterated Movements

Last week Pastor Brad identified 4 key movements or literary progressions and he alliterated these 4 key movements and called them – Connection, Concern, Completion, and Consummation.

The Connection (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20)

In 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul establishes his connection to the Thessalonians by expressing a longing for them. He reminds them that though he was physically absent from them, his heart remained with them (2:17). He emphasizes that this separation was not by choice but was forced upon him. 

The word he uses for being "torn away" from them (Greek: aporphanisthentes) conveys the deep pain of separation, much like a parent being torn away from their child. Despite this forced separation, Paul reassures them that his affection for them never wavered.

Yet, despite being “torn away” from the Thessalonians, Paul expresses profound joy in knowing that their faith remains steadfast. 

What is his joy, his crown, his hope? It is them – it is their faithfulness, their perseverance, their love for Christ. Paul is making it clear that his relationship with them is not just about ministry – it’s about a love that is so deeply rooted in the love of Christ, it’s about a deep personal investment that finds it’s joy in Christ when steadfastness abounds.

The Concern (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5)

It’s that deep loving connection that Paul had with the Thessalonians that led to Paul’s deep concern for them. Paul knew the pressures they were facing. 

The young Thessalonian church was being persecuted – perhaps even ostracized from their community, facing hostility from both Jews and Gentiles, and enduring economic hardships due to their faith. 

He feared that the tempter – Satan – would take advantage of their suffering and cause them to fall away from the faith. The phrase "lest the tempter had tempted you" (3:5) shows Paul’s awareness that trials are not just external pressures but opportunities for Satan to lead believers astray.

Unable to bear the uncertainty any longer, Paul did something radical: he sent Timothy, his closest companion, to check on them. This was a major sacrifice, as Timothy was an invaluable asset to Paul’s own ministry. 

Paul would rather endure hardship alone than be left wondering about the fate of his spiritual children. Paul’s action reflects the heart of a true shepherd – a heart that prioritizes the well-being of his flock above his own comfort. 

The Completion (1 Thessalonians 3:6-10)

Then comes the moment of relief. Timothy returns with good news! The Thessalonians had not only held onto their faith, but they were thriving. They were standing firm despite their trials. 

This news revives Paul’s spirit. He writes, "For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord" (3:8). This is a powerful statement – Paul is saying that his life, his joy, his very sense of being is tied to their spiritual well-being.

Paul’s fears are put to rest, his prayers are answered, and he finds fresh strength to press on in his own ministry. He overflows with gratitude, expressing his thanks to God in verse 9. 

His joy is not merely personal happiness but a deep, spiritual satisfaction in seeing the work of Christ flourish in others. We should aspire to this. We should aspire to find our greatest joy in seeing others grow in Christ.

The Consummation (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13)

Yet in all of this, Paul is not satisfied with just hearing of their steadfastness. He longs for something greater: their completion in Christ. 

Paul’s ultimate desire is for the Thessalonians to abound in love and be established in holiness (3:12-13). This is the end goal – not just survival through trials, but growth in Christlikeness, in preparation for the return of Jesus. 

Now that we’ve covered literary progression, let’s turn our attention to Paul’s departure from the Thessalonica to gain an understanding of the historical context and some deeper insights into the legitimacy of Paul’s concerns for the Thessalonians – concerns that we should aspire to have for fellow believers.

Paul’s Reasons for Leaving Thessalonica

In Acts 17, we see Paul’s arrival in Thessalonica. He preached in the synagogue for three Sabbaths, reasoning from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah. 

Many believed – both Jews and Gentiles – but opposition arose quickly. The Jewish leaders were jealous and stirred up a riot against Paul and Silas. 

The mob dragged Jason, Paul’s host, before the city officials, accusing them of defying Caesar’s decrees and proclaiming another king – Jesus! (Acts 17:7).

 The situation was so dangerous that Paul and Silas had to escape under the cover of night, leaving behind a young, vulnerable church.

Paul’s departure was not by choice, but out of necessity – he had to flee for his life – and this left the Thessalonians in a bit of a lurch, which ultimately contributed to his concerns for the Thessalonian believers.

1 Thessalonians 3:6-10

Now that we know a little more about the literary development and the historical context of these verses, let’s read 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 again. 

"But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?"

As we read verse 6-10, we find ourselves entering the very heart of this emotional journey. Paul moves from a place of deep spiritual concern to a place of overwhelming joy. 

And that is the point here – Paul wants us to know that he was in a place of deep spiritual concern over the Thessalonians. However, when he heard Timothy’s report, Paul went from a place of concern to a place of overwhelming joy before God.

Paul’s response to Timothy’s report is something that we should aspire to because it teaches us that believers can find comfort, joy, and Christ-centered gratitude in the faithfulness of others. 

So, let’s get started by diving into verse 6 to see how Paul’s story can help shape our own aspirations.

1 Thessalonians 3:6

1 Thessalonians 3:6 – "But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you—"

Before we look at what is present in this verse, I would like to draw your attention to is what is NOT present in this verse – and that is the word “Hope.”

Hope is one of the essential pillars of the Christian faith. Faith, love, and hope – these three are repeated throughout Paul’s letters, yet in Timothy’s report to Paul about the Thessalonians, only faith and love are mentioned. 

Hope is conspicuously absent. Why is that?

The reason? Paul had to leave them too soon. His ministry was cut short. The church was young, the teaching incomplete, and they were left without a full understanding of one of the most vital doctrines of our faith – the hope of the resurrection and the Second Coming of Christ.

The Thessalonians were facing persecution and the deaths of fellow believers. But they didn’t know what happens when a Christian dies.

Paul later addresses this in 1 Thessalonians 4:13:

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope."

This verse tells us something important: The Thessalonians were grieving without hope. They were not sure what happened to their loved ones who had died in Christ.

Why? Because Paul hadn’t had time to fully teach them about the resurrection! He had to flee for his life before he could give them a full doctrine of Christian hope.

Think about that for a moment.

• They knew Jesus had died for their sins.

• They knew they were saved by grace through faith.

• But they didn’t fully understand the hope of the resurrection!

They were living under the shadow of death without the assurance of life beyond the grave. They were waiting, suffering, and longing for Christ, but they didn’t have the full picture.

My friends, without the hope of the resurrection and the second coming of Christ, even a strong faith can falter. Without the hope of the resurrection and the second coming of Christ, even a deep love can be overshadowed by fear.

Paul knew this and this is why he was so deeply concerned about the Thessalonians. 

But Paul didn’t leave the Thessalonians in a place of uncertainty. He writes 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 to restore what was missing. He says:

"For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." 

Paul is essentially saying: "You don’t need to grieve without hope! Those who have died in Christ are not lost!"

Then, in verse 16, Paul gives the glorious promise of Christ’s return:

"For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first."

Through these verses, Paul paints a picture of what the Thessalonians had not fully grasped before:

• Christ is coming again.

• The dead in Christ will rise first.

• We who are alive will be caught up with them in the clouds.

• We will be with the Lord forever.

This was the missing piece in their faith. The Thessalonians had been struggling in their faith because they lacked a clear hope in the resurrection and the second coming of Christ. 

They feared death, they were confused about the fate of believers, and they felt the weight of persecution without seeing the ultimate victory.

But now – Paul gives them hope!

• Hope that death is not the end.

• Hope that Christ will return.

• Hope that they will be reunited with their loved ones in the Lord.

• Hope that they will be with Jesus forever.

My friends, faith and love are not enough – we must also have hope in the resurrection and the Second Coming of Christ.

Now, I want to draw your attention to what is present in this verse: a mutual longing. 

The Greek word for “long” is epiptheo and in this context it means to desire, to pursue with love.

This verse shows us that the Thessalonians loved Paul and his companions, and that Paul and his companions loved the Thessalonian believers, and that this love brought about a longing for one another. 

It is this loving longing that we should aspire to have for other believers – we should seek to see other believers and spend time with them.

Having said that, I want to pause here for a moment and make two very specific points: 

1. True Biblical Christian fellowship is NOT a formality, it is a necessity.

2. Biblical love is the foundation for every relationship a believer has. 

Christian fellowship is NOT the rigid observance of the rules of convention or etiquette – nor is it doing something to simply comply with the requirements of our modern-day customs. 

True, Biblical, Christian fellowship is rooted in a Biblical love – a love that longs to see others – a love that longs to see others grow in Christ-likeness.

Through Biblical love we can find joy over the faithfulness of others. Through this love we can give gratitude for the work of God in the lives of others. 

This leads me to ask you a question, a question that I have been asking myself for about two weeks now: Do we truly long for other believers? 

I am not talking about longing for another believer because they may take you fishing. I am not talking about longing for another believer because they might watch your child, and you can finally get an hour to yourself. 

I am asking you if you long for them simply because they are your brother or sister in Christ. 

If you don’t long for them, you may want to aspire to long for them as Paul did. Even in the midst of distress and affliction, Paul longed for the Thessalonians. 

1 Thessalonians 3:7

Speaking of distress and affliction, Paul goes on to say in verse 7 that Timothy’s report of the Thessalonian’s faith comforted him and his companions. 

“for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.”

Now, I want to pause here for a moment, pitch a tent, and camp out for a bit because there is a false teaching in many so-called “Christian” circles that says, “If you follow Jesus, life will be easy.” 

Some preachers and teachers make it sound as if Christianity is a pathway to smooth sailing, financial success, and constant peace. But if we read the Bible honestly, we know that this is simply not true.

Jesus Himself said in John 16:33, “In this world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” 

Paul knew this firsthand. He faced beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonments, and hardships of all kinds. 

And yet, he writes here in 1 Thessalonians 3:7, “Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.”

Paul acknowledges two things here:

1. Christians will experience distress and affliction.

2. We can be comforted by the faith of others.

So, let’s explore these two truths: the certainty of suffering and the comfort of shared faith.

The words distress and affliction are not about minor inconveniences or bad days – they speak of deep suffering, intense pressure, and extreme external opposition.

The Thessalonians were no strangers to this. In Acts 17, when Paul first preached the gospel in Thessalonica, he was driven out by a mob. The new believers were persecuted immediately. And now, Paul himself is writing this letter while suffering for the gospel.

I want you to know, suffering is not a sign that God is absent. It is a sign that we belong to Him! 

2 Timothy 3:12 says, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 

Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 10:22, “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake.”

If you are pursuing Christ, seeking to grow in holiness, or sharing your faith with others, expect resistance and expect to be hated!

Paul worried about the Thessalonians because he knew that suffering could tempt them to abandon their faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:5 says, “I was afraid that somehow the tempter had tempted you, and our labor would have been in vain.”

And isn’t that Satan’s tactic today? He wants to use suffering to drive a wedge between us and God. He whispers lies: “God doesn’t love you. If He did, why would He allow this?” Or Satan might say something like, “It’s not worth it. Give up.”

But I want you to hear me when I say this: Satan is a liar! 

Your suffering is not proof that God has abandoned you. It is proof that you are a child of God. Suffering will come and when it does remember the words of James 1:2-4: 

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” 

Know that God allows suffering, not to destroy us, but to strengthen us.

Paul does not just acknowledge suffering either – he tells us what helped him endure: “We have been comforted about you through your faith.”

One of Satan’s greatest strategies is isolation. He wants us to believe we are the only ones struggling. But Paul reminds us we can indeed find comfort in the faith of other believers!

Paul was suffering, but when he heard about the Thessalonians' faith, it gave him strength. Think about that – Paul, the great apostle, the church planter, the missionary – was encouraged by the faith of the Thessalonians!

Have you ever been strengthened by someone else’s testimony? Maybe you were ready to give up, but then you heard how God brought someone else through their trials, and it renewed your faith.

That’s why we need Christian community. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.”

This is why we gather on Sundays. This is why we pray together and share our testimonies. This is why we must invest in real relationships with other believers. 

Yes, the Thessalonian church was young. Yes, they had every reason to fall away, and yet, they stood firm through faith and a mutual love for one another. 

When Paul heard about their faith, love and perseverance, it reminded him: God is faithful!

When we hear stories of persecuted Christians standing strong, when we see a brother or sister enduring hardship with joy, it strengthens our faith. It says, “If God can sustain them, He can sustain me.”

That is why true Biblical fellowship so powerful. That is why we need to stay connected to the church. We need that connection. We need that Biblical fellowship. We need to hear how God is moving in different places. We need to be reminded that God is still the same yesterday, today, and forever!

This leads me to pose another question to you: Are you comforted by the reports of other believers’ faithfulness? 

If you don’t find comfort in the faithfulness of other believers, you may want to aspire to find comfort in their faithfulness as Paul did.

1 Thessalonians 3:8

But this is only a partial view of the impact Timothy’s report had on Paul. Timothy’s report had such a profound impact on Paul and his companions that Paul went on to say, "For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord."

Think about that statement for a moment. Paul ties his very sense of life, his very existence, to the steadfast faith of the Thessalonians. 

What does this short verse tell us about Paul? Well, in context and connection to verse 9, it tells us that Paul’s greatest joy was not found in possessions, achievements, or recognition. It was found in seeing people grow in Christ.

Paul’s joy in living was enhanced by the knowledge that the Thessalonians persevered in their faith. 

Even in prison, even in suffering, Paul had joy because his life wasn’t tied to comfort or ease. It was tied to Christ.

This leads me to ask you another question: Is your greatest joy found in seeing other believers standing strong in their faith?

If that’s not one of your greatest joys, then I would encourage you to aspire to Paul’s view of life here. 

1 Thessalonians 3:9

Speaking of Paul’s view on things, he goes on in verse 9 to say: 

“For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God,”

We live in a world that thrives on negativity, on complaints, and on always wanting more. But Paul shows us in this passage that a believer’s heart should overflow with thanksgiving, especially when we see the faithfulness of God at work in the lives of others.

When Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians, he wasn’t sitting in a comfortable house sipping tea. No, he was in the trenches of ministry, facing persecution, hardship, and deep concern for the churches he planted. 

Yet, in the midst of it all, his heart is bursting with gratitude. He says, "What thanksgiving can we return to God for you?" – in other words, I am so overwhelmed with joy that I don’t even know how to thank God enough!

Paul isn’t thanking God for wealth, comfort, or personal success. He is thanking God for people – for the Thessalonians, who are standing firm in their faith despite trials.

What would it look like if we lived with that kind of thankfulness?

I think that life would be a lot different. I think that the world would look a lot different if Christians lived with that kind of thankfulness. 

Yet the reality is, we all too often only thank God for the things that happen to us. And if we only thank God for things that happen to us, then we have a very shallow sense of gratitude.

So, how do we come to a place of sincere gratitude? 

It starts with understanding Paul’s joy. 

Paul doesn’t just say he is thankful – he says that this gratitude fills him with joy before God. 

This is not a surface-level happiness but a deep, spiritual joy.

This joy is different from the world’s idea of happiness.

• The world’s joy is circumstantial - it’s based on feelings, experiences, and possessions.

• But Paul’s joy is rooted in God’s work - it’s independent of his circumstances.

Let’s remember where Paul is:

• He is not in comfort.

• He is not in control.

• He is not free of hardship.

And yet, he is overflowing with joy.

Paul asks, “What thanksgiving can we return to God?” – as if to say, "God, You have been so good that I don’t even know how to thank You properly!"

True gratitude is overwhelming. It realizes that we can never pay God back for all He has done in our life or the lives of others.

This is why thanksgiving is not just an emotion or a feeling – it’s an act of worship. It is a response to God's generosity, faithfulness, and grace in our own life and the lives of others.

Paul’s words here are a powerful reminder that true thanksgiving is not self-centered – it rejoices in God's work in others, it produces deep joy, and it is an act of worship.

This leads me to another question, again I am asking myself these questions as well: Are you filled with so much joy over the work of God in others that you cannot articulate that joy before God?

I don’t know about you, but that’s only happened to me a handful of times. 

If you are not filled with that type of joy – that level of joy – I would encourage you to seek to aspire to it. To be at a place where you are so sincerely filled with joy that you can’t express your level of gratitude in words. 

1 Thessalonians 3:10

Paul does not stop there though. He goes on in verse 10 to reveal the actions and longings of the heart of a true shepherd – a pastor, a mentor, a spiritual father – who is deeply concerned about the spiritual maturity of others.

“as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?"

Paul was not content with these believers merely being saved. He didn’t think, “Well, they’ve accepted Christ, they’re fine now.” 

No! He wanted them to grow in their faith, to become stronger, deeper, and more mature.

Now as you know, there are some people out there that treat salvation as if it's the final step - "I believe in Jesus, I’m saved, I’m going to heaven, so that’s enough." 

However, faith is not meant to be stagnant, and the Bible clearly tells us that faith is meant to grow. You’ve got passages like:

• 2 Peter 3:18 – “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

• Hebrews 5:12-14 – Where the writer rebukes believers who should have been mature but were still like spiritual infants, needing milk instead of solid food.

There is no standing still in the Christian faith.

Paul recognized that these believers had gaps in their faith. Even though they were faithful, loving, and enduring persecution, there were still areas where they needed to grow – particularly in the hope of the resurrection and the Second Coming of Christ.

So, what did Paul do? He prayed most earnestly night and day that he may see them and supply what was lacking in their faith.

This the true heart of the preacher and teacher: It’s a heart that sets itself to earnestly pray night and day for other believers. It’s a heart that knows that something is lacking in someone else and petitions God to be used by Him to complete His work in them. It’s a heart that cries out night and day, “Use me God for your glory!”

This leads me to ask you two questions: Are you sincerely praying for other believers? Are you seeking to provide what is lacking in someone else’s faith?

And this leads me to the practical application portion of this sermon that I talked about earlier on. 

Over the next week I want you to spend some time in prayer. I want you to ask God, the One Who truly knows the thoughts and intentions of the heart, these questions – write them down:

• Father, do I truly long for other believers?

• Father, am I comforted by the faithfulness of other believers?

• Father, is my greatest joy found in seeing other believers standing strong in their faith?

• Father, am I filled with so much joy over the work of God in others that I cannot articulate that joy before You?

• Father, am I sincerely praying for other believers? 

• Father, am I seeking to provide what is lacking in someone else’s faith?

Paul’s loving desire for the Thessalonians wasn’t just salvation – it was that the Thessalonians would grow into strong, mature believers in Christ. 

Let that be our desire too – for ourselves, for our families, and for our church!

Let our aspiration be that of Paul – to long for other believers, to be comforted by the faithfulness of other believers, to find joy in the faithfulness of other believers, to earnestly pray for other believers, and to supply what may be lacking in the faith of other believers.