Pauls Interceding in Prayer: 1 Thessalonians 3

Read 1 Thessalonians Chapter 3

Introduction: 1 Thessalonians 3 is a heartfelt chapter in which the Apostle Paul shares his deep concern for the faith of the Thessalonians amidst their trials. Paul’s love and pastoral care shine through as he talks about his inability to bear their absence, his decision to send Timothy to encourage them, and his joy upon hearing of their steadfast faith. This chapter teaches us about the importance of encouragement, faithfulness in trials, and the joy that comes from hearing of the spiritual growth of fellow believers, which by the way, is second only to seeing a lost soul saved.

I. Paul’s Anguish Over the Thessalonians’ Faith (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5)
In the first verses, Paul, unable to bear the separation from the Thessalonians (shows his love for them) any longer, chose to remain in Athens alone and sent Timothy to support them (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2). His concern was for their faith, thinking and fearing that the tempter might have led them astray (1 Thessalonians 3:5). This brings to mind Jesus’ concern for Peter’s faith in Luke 22:31-32, and the trials faced by the early church in Acts 14:22. We find an exhortation for believers to build each other up in Hebrews 3:13, to help keep them from being led astray by the tempter or by the deceitfulness of sin .

II. Timothy’s Encouraging Report (1 Thessalonians 3:6-8)
Here, Timothy brought back good news of the Thessalonians’ faith and love, which comforted Paul (1 Thessalonians 3:6-7). Their steadfastness in the faith brought him life amidst his own afflictions (1 Thessalonians 3:8). Paul’s joy is a reflection of the parable of the sower when the seed falls on good soil as we read in Matthew 13:23, in this case the seed fell on good ground. We see Paul fulfilling the the command to love one another that Jesus gave in John 13:34, Paul showed great love for his brethren at the Thessalonian church. Also we see in Romans 1:12, the encouragement that is  found in the faith of others, it is uplifting to the soul.

III. Paul’s Prayer of Thanks and Intercession (1 Thessalonians 3:9-13)
In these verses, we see Paul filled with gratitude for the Thessalonians, Paul prayed night and day to see them again and to complete what was lacking in their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:10). He prayed for their love to increase and to be blameless in holiness before God (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13). This brings to mind Jesus’ prayer for his disciples in John 17:9-11, He said there that He prayed for the ones the Father had given him because they were in this wicked world. Paul’s intercessory prayer for the Thessalonians remind us of the call for growth in love which can be read in Philippians 1:9, and the pursuit of holiness as seen in Hebrews 12:14.

Conclusion: 1 Thessalonians 3 is a message of the relationship between a spiritual leader and his congregation—marked by concern, encouragement, and prayer. Paul’s deep heart felt investment in the Thessalonians is a model for Christian fellowship and pastoral care. His dependence on God through prayer to help and grow the faith of others is a powerful reminder of our dependence on God’s strength in spiritual maters. The joy Paul experiences upon hearing of the Thessalonians’ faithfulness encourages us to seek and celebrate spiritual victories within our church and the churches around us. This chapter compels us to pray for each other fervently, with the hope that our love may abound and that we may stand blameless before our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming.