Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Sermon notes
These saints in Thessalonica meant a great deal to Paul. As he has written of his fruitful ministry among them he concludes chapter 2 with a view of their value to him in the light of the day of Christ. He has a view of them from a spiritual/eternal outlook that rendered them exceeding precious in the present.
It is only natural, therefore, that he considers now how his interest in them and concern for them manifests itself. The pastor’s heart of the Apostle is on display here! In this the Holy Spirit teaches us something about the care and concern that is to be encouraged for the church of Christ today.
I HIS BURDEN WAS TO SEND TIMOTHY TO THEM.
He felt very strongly that these believers needed the kind of ministry Timothy had. It is a very basic need of the Church today—a preacher. Cp Eph 4:8-15.
1. The kind of ministry Timothy had is indicated in the brief description Paul gives:
- Our brother. Timothy was a member of the household of faith. This description always emphasizes the new birth. He was a converted man! Cp Jn 10:2, 7.
- Minister of God. He was the servant of God. The root word is diakons and indicates one to run errands. These words indicate Timothy’s submissive obedience to God. He lived and laboured conscious of an obligation God as his master. He was not the servant of men! Cp 2:4.
- Our fellowlabourer. Timothy was one who ‘worked with’ Paul. He devoted his energy and strength to Paul’s gospel cause. There is always a need in the Church of Christ for those who stand with the Apostles! Cp 1 John 1:3. There is a real sense in which this is the only way to have fellowship with God.
2. His ministry.
- Concerning your faith, v2. There was a specific focus to Timothy’s ministry among them—their faith. He was there to positively affect their response to the gospel. This is the single greatest need of God’s people. Your faith identifies the single most important aspect of the Christian’s experience.
- To establish you, v2. The stability of the Christian depends upon the health of their faith. The apostle is speaking of a spirit of resolution and determination. The word indicates a confirmed focus in a particular direction. It is linked to a verb for ‘to stand’. Strong, healthy faith prompts a resolute stand on the basis of the gospel. It appears in opposition to moved, v3.
- To comfort you, v2. This is another instance of ‘parakaleo’. Timothy was coming alongside to help just as the Holy Spirit does. It is a Holy Ghost ministry that nourishes faith, establishing and helping the people of God.