Introduction:

Paul was alone in Athens (Acts 17:15) and very concerned for the Christians at Thessalonica. He feared news of his personal troubles might hinder their faith. The key thought in this chapter is "establish" (vs. 2,3,8,13). New Christians go through times of testing and affliction (vs. 3) and unless they are established in the Lord, they will be moved by the devil (vs. 5). Paul was not satisfied to have these people saved (ch. 1), and nurtured (ch. 2); he wanted to see them established in the faith (ch. 3), and able to walk (ch. 4). What means did Paul use to establish these believers in the faith?

I. He sent a man to help - (vs. 2-5)

(vs. 2) - Timothy had proved himself for several years in his own local church before Paul enlisted him to be a helper (Acts. 16:1-3). Timothy did not start by teaching and preaching but he simply traveled with Paul assisting him in anyway he could. Paul's estimate of Timothy is seen in Phil. 2:19-24.

(vs. 3,4) - Timothy was sent to encourage them, lest they stumble because of Paul's persecution. Paul knew fear and doubt could easily gain control of their lives. God uses men to strengthen the church (Eph. 4, Acts 14:21-23; 15:32-41). . Every Christian has a responsibility to help other believers - especially new believers. If every church member would "adopt" a new Christian, encourage him, teach him, and fellowship with him, there would be fewer spiritual casualties. Remember.... you don't feed an infant garbage, but wholesome food!.

(vs. 5) - They needed a man because of the hindrances of Satan. The devil has convinced many people that a man is only in the will of God if he is surrounded by material blessings. That may or may not be the case. Paul died alone, without a home, car, swimming pool, boat, insurance policy, stocks, bonds. He had experienced ship wreck, beatings, stonings, hunger, and several other forms of privation. But, he died in the will of God (2 Tim. 2:12).

 

II. Paul prayed for them - (vs. 6-10)

(vs. 6-7) - Paul received word that his prayer (vs. 10) and labour (vs. 5) was not in vain. The twofold ministry of the Word of God and prayer is what establishes a church. If there is all teaching and preaching, and no prayer, then people will have light but no power. If there is all prayer but no teaching of the Word, emotional fanaticism will follow. Jesus ministry was a proper mixture as was Samuel's, the apostles (Acts 6:4), and Paul's (Acts 20:32).

(vs. 8-10) - Notice Paul s concern was not for their safety or happiness, but their faith. Satan in the enemy of your faith, for if he can get you to doubt Gods Word (particularly what it says about suffering) he will rob you of every blessing we have in Christ. The real living mentioned in (vs. 8) produces the joy of (vs. 9). It is important to remember that joy can be in the midst of adverse circumstances (Phil. 4). Paul found his joy in others (vs. 9, 2:19).

III. He reminded them of Christ's soon return - (vs. 11-13)

As we have noticed before, the theme of this epistle is the second coming of Christ. No truth establishes the believer faster or better than this one. In the midst of testing and tribulation, they could assure themselves and encourage themselves with the promise of His coming. When temptations came their way, as they did daily in those heathen cities, they could keep themselves clean by remembering that Christ might come that very day. If weary of laboring and witnessing, they could take on new strength and courage by looking for His return. No truth in the Bible has a greater effect on the believer's heart, mind, and will than the truth of the second coming of Christ.

Read (Lk. 12:42-48) to see what happens to the servant who forgets the coming' of Christ. This man did not say anything openly; he merely said in his heart, "My Lord delayeth His coming!" He did not love Christ's appearing. Is it any wonder this servant backslid and could not get along with other workers?

Both the Old and New Testaments are filled with promises of the Second Coming of Christ. There are 1,845 references to it in the Old Testament, and a total of seventeen Old Testament books give it prominence.

Of the 216 chapters in the entire New Testament, there are 318 references to the Second Coming, or one out of 30 verses. Twenty-three of the 27 New Testament books refer to this great event. The four missing books include three which are single-chapter letters written to individual persons on a particular subject, and the fourth is Galatians which does imply Christ's coming again.

For every prophecy on the First Coming of Christ, there are 8 on Christ's Second Coming.