Paul is encouraging the church in Thessalonica of staying strong in the faith and the love they have toward each other. The persecution of others and the struggle of daily life could steal their faith and love. Let’s look at our text today. 

Paul’s Longing to See Them Again

17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy. 

3 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. 

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

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— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? 

11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 

 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Th 2:17–3:13). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Are you feeling discouraged in your faith? Is there something that is keeping you from loving another person? You are not alone. There are things in life that can cause us to question our faith and there are people who require extra grace from us. This should not be an excuse to give up on the church. Instead Paul encourages us that he was struggling for the church. I want to remind you that there are pastors and saints who are struggling for you. They are praying for you and encouraging you to keep the faith and the love so that their joy may be complete and that your joy may be exceeded when you finish the race of life and hear the savior say “Well done!” Be encouraged, Jesus loves you. Run the race well.

Pastor Aaron Kruse