1 Thessalonians – Week 4 – Day 2

READ 

1 Thessalonians 3:4-5 

4 Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know. 5 That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless. 

Paul was concerned that the Thessalonian believers may have become discouraged and slackened off in their passion for following Jesus. If that had been the case, he said it would be because the tempter, Satan, had gotten the best of them. Paul was so concerned about them that he had sent Timothy to learn of their circumstances and to spiritually strengthen them.  

REFLECT 

Have you had the privilege of introducing someone to Jesus who trusted in Him as Savior? If so, have you kept in contact with the person to provide spiritual encouragement? Sometimes that is not possible, but if it is you should do so. 

RESPOND 

Paul’s “missionary journeys” are often referred to. Think about why he had the second and third trips. Read Acts 15:36 and 18:23. These verses reveal Paul’s desire to spiritually strengthen those who had trusted in Jesus as Savior. You and your friend need to do the same for those with whom you have come in contact.