1 Thess Chapter 3 - "From Trials to Triumph: A Blueprint for Spiritual Growth" Marcus Soler I've had the joy of being a parent now for over 16 years and I am by no means a perfect parent. I've made my share of mistakes along the way and I'm always trying to do better. Its probably fair to say that most of us have gotten advice from someone about how to best raise your kids. They don't exactly send kids home with a instruction manual. I know Lacie and I have benefited from timely sage advice from our friends and family. Both in and out of the church. Then there’s always that one person who you know should not be giving out parenting advice. That's always a really awkward situation. But what about raising spiritual children — new believers in Christ? Just like any new parent, the church is called to help spiritual babies grow into mature, healthy Christians. And just like parenting, it’s not always easy, but it’s absolutely necessary. In Ephesians 4:11-16, Paul paints a picture of the church's role in nurturing spiritual maturity. He talks about how Christ gave certain leaders to the church — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers — to equip believers for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. The goal is that we would all “attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood” (v. 13). In other words, we are to help one another grow into mature believers. But how do we actually do that? How do we raise up new believers, especially those who are just starting their journey with Jesus? Well, that’s where 1 Thessalonians 3 comes in. In this chapter, Paul provides a blueprint for how to establish and strengthen a new Christian or a new church. The church in Thessalonica was a young church, just like a newborn baby, and Paul wasn’t about to leave them to grow on their own. So, as we look at 1 Thessalonians 3 today, we’ll see how Paul’s actions offer us a roadmap for how we can raise up new believers in the church — not just in knowledge, but in faith, love, and holiness. Relationships that Build the Church 1 Thessalonians 3:1–2 ESV 1 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, Paul begins by saying, “Therefore, when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone.” What stands out to me is Paul’s love for the Thessalonians. In chapter 2, he talks about how he was “torn away” from them but longed to see them again. His love wasn’t surface-level; it was the kind of love that couldn’t abandon them when they needed spiritual help. Imagine a parent who has to be separated from their child for a time—maybe due to work or an unexpected circumstance. Even if the parent is physically apart, their heart remains with their child. They can’t stop thinking about their well-being. If they hear the child is struggling, they’d do whatever it takes to provide help, even from a distance. That’s the depth of love Paul felt for the Thessalonians. Because of this love, Paul chose to be left alone in Athens—a difficult and lonely place for ministry—so that Timothy could return to Thessalonica. This was a personal sacrifice for the sake of their spiritual growth. At first glance, Paul staying behind in Athens might not seem like much of a sacrifice—after all, who wouldn’t want to hang out in a city full of culture, art, and philosophy? It’s like saying, “I’ll just stay here in Paris while you go handle the hard stuff.” But trust me, for Paul, this wasn’t a vacation. Athens was less like a dream getaway and more like being stuck at a debate club where no one agrees with you and everyone mocks your worldview! So Why send Timothy? Why didn’t Paul go himself? Turn with me to Acts 17:1-10 Acts 17:1–10 ESV 1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. 5 But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. 6 And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, 7 and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 8 And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. 9 And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. 10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Timothy was the perfect choice for this critical mission. Paul’s confidence in him is evident in how he describes him (verse 2). This young minister had proven himself trustworthy and capable, embodying the qualities needed to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians in their faith. Our Brother and God’s Coworker in the Gospel of Christ Describing Timothy as “our brother” highlights his close bond with the believers and shared identity in God’s family. He wasn’t a distant figure or someone overbearing but a fellow believer on the same journey, making him approachable and relatable. Calling him “God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ” shows his calling and partnership in spreading the good news. This role didn’t rely on personal strength but on God’s authority and guidance, with the goal of glorifying Christ. To Establish and Exhort You in Your Faith Timothy’s mission was clear: to establish and exhort the Thessalonians in their faith. To “establish” meant strengthening their foundation, helping them understand and apply gospel truths so they could remain steadfast through trials. To “exhort” was to encourage and build them up, motivating them to press on. His role blended teaching with support, ensuring their faith was both strong and growing. While Timothy was a trained pastor sent by the Apostle Paul, we don’t have to have any formal training to show this kind of commitment to one another. Nor should we need to be “sent" by a church leader to check in on someone. As members of God’s family, we’re all called to invest deeply in each other’s lives. The real question we need to ask ourselves is this: “If we want our faith to grow, along with our faith community, are we willing to embrace that mindset?” This means stepping out of our comfort zones—reaching out to someone who’s struggling, praying with them, or offering encouragement even when it feels inconvenient. True relationships in Christ are about building each other up in love, even when it takes patience and intentional effort. When we let go of our need for everything to meet our expectations, God uses those differences to shape us and deepen our sense of belonging. Let’s make this practical. One way to build these kinds of relationships is by getting involved in the life of the church. For example, our midweek Bible study is a great opportunity to connect with others, share life, and grow in faith together. For the men, there’s the monthly coffee huddle in the ER Space—a casual and welcoming time to talk, laugh, and encourage one another. Another simple way to engage is through the Church Center app. It’s an active space where people share updates, have conversations, and stay connected throughout the week. But remember, you don’t need a church-organized event to get to know someone. Reach out. Invite someone over for dinner, or grab a coffee together. Relationships grow in simple, everyday moments. It’s in those spaces that we begin to care for one another the way God intended—deeply and intentionally. Let’s move to the next section, Facing Trials with Confidence in Christ 1 Thessalonians 3:3–5 ESV 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. Paul and the Thessalonian church both suffered for the gospel. Before arriving in Thessalonica, Paul was beaten, imprisoned, and publicly humiliated in Philippi (Acts 16:16-24). In Thessalonica, Jewish leaders incited a mob against him, forcing him to flee the city (Acts 17:5-10). Even after moving on, people from Thessalonica followed him to Berea, stirring up opposition there, and in Athens, he faced ridicule for preaching about the resurrection (Acts 17:13-14; 17:32). The Thessalonian believers also faced intense persecution. Jewish leaders accused them of defying Caesar by proclaiming Jesus as King, while their refusal to participate in pagan practices led to social and economic alienation (Acts 17:7). So, in an attempt to encourage the believers, Paul assures them that suffering for the Christian faith is not random, but part of God’s plan. One of Paul’s concerns was that new believers often think following Christ will shield them from problems, and when trials come, they may feel abandoned by God and lose confidence in His promises. He didn’t promise the Thessalonians health, wealth, and a bigger house if they followed Jesus. Instead, he told them to expect trials and suffering. Philippians 1:29 “29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,” Paul also highlights the spiritual nature of these struggles, recognizing that Satan uses persecution to weaken believers' faith. Many new Christians are not prepared for these attacks, which is why they often become discouraged and stumble under pressure. That’s why spiritual growth is so vital—not just for individual believers, but for the survival of the church itself. Paul knew the Thessalonian believers needed more than encouragement—they needed to be fed spiritually, nurtured, and strengthened to stand firm in their faith. This is why he sent Timothy, not just to check on them but to ensure they were spiritually healthy and growing, like a parent making sure their children are cared for and thriving. Think about raising children. If you want them to grow strong and mature, you can’t just tell them to behave or expect them to figure life out on their own. They need good nutrition, guidance, and love. Parents make sure their kids are eating healthy, staying active, learning new things, and developing character. Neglecting any of these areas can stunt their growth. In the same way, spiritual growth requires intentional effort. Believers need to be fed and nurtured to stand strong in their faith. We don’t face the same level of persecution in America that the early church endured, but Scripture and history remind us that times of greater opposition may come. For the church to thrive in the face of these challenges, believers must actively grow their faith by developing spiritual disciplines. This includes reading and studying God’s Word, which provides the nourishment we need (Proverbs 4:20-22). Proverbs 4:20–22 “20 My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.” It means prioritizing church attendance, where we find community, teaching, and encouragement. Sharing your faith with others is also crucial—not just to spread the gospel but to strengthen your own understanding and boldness. Other spiritual disciplines include regular prayer, where you connect with God and seek His guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6) Proverbs 3:5–6 “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” And serving in ministry, which stretches your faith, develops your gifts, and teaches humility. Surround yourself with mature believers who can mentor and challenge you. Just as children grow best with the support of a loving family, believers grow best in the context of a supportive faith community. Our challenge is to stand strong, fully aware of what may come. Like the Thessalonian believers, we are called to endure with unwavering trust in God’s promises. Trials are not a reason to retreat but an opportunity to demonstrate the hope and power of the gospel. For the church to endure and continue its mission, we must commit now to building a faith that grows stronger every day. This requires us to intentionally seek growth—developing spiritual disciplines, being grounded in God’s Word, strengthened by community, devoted to prayer, and living out our faith boldly, no matter the cost. Let's keep going in our text Reassurance in the Midst of Uncertainty 1 Thessalonians 3:6–8 ESV 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. In verse 5, Paul talks about how worried he was. He was almost overwhelmed with fear and concern. Then, in verse 6, we read, “But now that Timothy has come to us from you and has brought us the good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you…” (ESV). Paul’s relief is obvious when he writes in verse 7, “We were comforted about you.” Have you ever been waiting late at night for a loved one to get home? Maybe they were driving a long way, and it’s stormy or dark. Your imagination starts to run wild, thinking about everything that could go wrong. Then, you hear the car pull into the driveway, and all that worry melts away. That’s the kind of relief Paul felt here. He wasn’t worried about the Thessalonians’ safety—he knew they were facing tough times. What he worried about was their faith. And then Timothy showed up with amazing news. You can almost hear that deep sigh of relief from Paul. Timothy brought “good news” about three things: Their faith! Their love! Their loyalty! Timothy shared the “good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us.” The Thessalonians were standing strong in their faith. Their belief in God was real, shown by their love for others. They were still loyal—not just to Paul, but to the gospel he had taught them: the message of Jesus Christ. Not every church was like this. For example, in Galatians 1:6-9, Paul expressed shock at how quickly some people were turning away from the true gospel. And in 2 Corinthians 11:1-4, he shared his concern that some believers were being led astray by false teachers. But the Thessalonians were different. Their faith, love, and loyalty brought Paul peace of mind. In verses 7-8, his relief and joy overflow: “For this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; for now we really live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.” You can almost feel him breathe a sigh of relief. He’s thinking, “We didn’t work for nothing! God is using us! This trip wasn’t a failure!” The Thessalonians’ strength showed that their work was not in vain. More importantly, it showed that God was at work in their lives. Imagine you’re a parent who has spent years teaching and guiding your child, preparing them for the challenges of life. You’ve had your worries along the way, wondering if your child is making the right choices, and hoping they are growing in the right direction. Then, you hear a good report from a teacher or a family friend. They say, “Your child is doing great! They’re being kind, making wise decisions, and helping others.” This news brings you a deep sense of comfort and peace. All the moments of uncertainty fade away because you know your child is on the right path. You feel reassured, as though a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. The effort, love, and guidance you’ve given have been effective, and your child is thriving. In the same way, when believers grow strong in their faith and live out the gospel, it brings comfort and peace to the hearts of those who care for them. Just as parents find peace when they hear a good report about their child, so too does God bring peace to us when we see each other standing strong in the Lord. It’s a reminder that, even though the journey is challenging, God is at work in our lives, and that brings us a deep sense of peace and reassurance. Let’s look at the last section Works in Progress: Growing in Faith Together 1 Thessalonians 3:9–13 ESV 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. Paul and his coworkers in sharing the gospel were overjoyed by what God was doing among the Thessalonians. They were grateful that, even with the difficult start, the gospel had taken root in their hearts. They thanked God for bringing these people to faith in Jesus as their Savior and made sure to express their joy and gratitude to God in prayer. But there was still something Paul wanted for this young church. He wrote, “Night and day we are praying earnestly to see you in person and to supply what is lacking in your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:10). At first, this might sound like a backhanded compliment: “We’re so thankful for your faith! But there’s still work to do.” He wasn’t saying there was anything wrong with them. Instead, he was pointing out that they were works-in-progress, like all believers. There were things they didn’t fully understand yet, and Paul longed to visit them to teach and encourage them, helping them grow in areas where their faith needed strengthening. This idea applies to us too. Every believer, no matter how much we’ve learned or how strong our faith seems, is still growing. We’re all incomplete works-in-progress. There’s always more to understand, more ways to trust God, and more areas to grow in faith. Proverbs 4:7 reminds us, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.” This will always be true, no matter how many years we spend studying the Bible or living as Christians. Acknowledging this truth is important because it keeps us focused on preparing for Jesus’ return. Preparing for Jesus isn’t a checklist; it’s a daily pursuit of God’s Word in our hearts. Proverbs 8:34 says, “Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.” God’s Word is fuel for our faith. When it’s absent, our faith weakens. When it’s present, our faith thrives. We’ve already talked about the importance of developing spiritual disciplines and keeping God’s Word central in our lives. But let’s remember this: growing our faith isn’t something we achieve by sheer willpower. Faith grows when we recognize what God has done and is actively doing in our lives. It’s His work in us, not ours, that strengthens and deepens our trust in Him. Paul reminded the Thessalonians of this when he prayed, “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 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” (1 Thessalonians 3:12–13). Notice what happens when God works in us. He grows our love, making it overflow for others. The more we hear God’s Word and experience Jesus’ forgiveness for our sins, the more natural it becomes for love to flow out of us. It won’t be perfect—we’ll still fail to love as we should. But Jesus forgives us even for those failures, and that forgiveness gives us the strength to love better. The more God shapes our love, the more it spills into the lives of others. This overflowing love is how God establishes us as blameless in holiness. Because of Jesus, God no longer sees our sins. Instead, He sees us as saints, set apart for His purposes. Jesus’ death on the cross took away our sins, and His resurrection gives us faith to trust Him as our Savior. This faith is a gift from God, strengthened by His Word and sacraments. It’s this faith we want in our hearts when Jesus returns or when He calls us home. So what can we take home? When we read Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, we see that he’s encouraging them to stand strong in their faith, to grow in love, and to remain faithful even when life gets tough. In many ways, his words are just as important for us today as they were for the people in Thessalonica. As we look around at our world today, we can see that America is becoming more and more of a post-Christian nation. That means many people are turning away from the faith, and living as though God’s ways aren’t important. This can feel discouraging at times, but Paul’s message offers us hope and a challenge. Even though it might seem like people don’t care much about God anymore, Paul’s encouragement to the Thessalonian church still applies to us. He told them to stand firm in their faith, to keep growing in love, and to not let the world pull them away from Jesus. We can learn from this and do the same thing, even when it seems like the world is moving further away from God. In fact, this is our chance to live in such a way that others will see something different in us—and want what we have. So, how can we grow in our faith like the Thessalonians, and make a difference in the world around us? • Know and Live by God’s Word: Paul prayed that the Thessalonians would keep growing in their faith and love for Jesus (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13). Just like them, we need to be rooted in God’s Word. When we read the Bible, we understand what God wants us to do and how to live. In a world where so many different ideas are floating around, we need to stick to what is true, and that comes from the Bible. We should make it a habit to read the Bible every day, both on our own and together with others, so that we can grow closer to God and know how to make wise choices. • Live as an Example for Others: In 1 Thessalonians 1:7, Paul talks about how the Thessalonian church became a model for others. They didn’t just talk about their faith—they lived it out! We are called to do the same thing. It’s not enough to say we believe in Jesus. People should be able to see it in the way we act, the way we talk, and how we treat others. When we live out our faith in school, at home, and in our communities, we show others what it looks like to follow Jesus. And that can help lead them to Him too. • Stand Firm in the Faith and Engage with the World: It’s easy to feel like we should separate ourselves from the world because it can be hard to live for Jesus when so many people around us don’t care about Him. But Paul didn’t tell the Thessalonians to hide from the world—he told them to stand firm in their faith. The same is true for us. We are called to live out our faith in a way that shows love and truth to others. Whether we’re helping someone at school, standing up for what’s right, or just being kind to people who are different from us, we can show Jesus to others. And in doing that, we can challenge our culture to see the goodness of God. • Encourage Each Other in Our Faith: Paul was always encouraging and praying for the Thessalonian church (1 Thessalonians 3:10). He knew that they needed each other to grow in their faith. We need the same thing. It’s not always easy to stay strong in our faith when we’re facing pressures from friends or the world around us. That’s why we need to build each other up. We should pray for each other, encourage one another when we’re struggling, and help each other grow in our relationship with Jesus. Being part of a church family or a youth group is a great way to find support and encouragement. • Pray for Revival and Change: Paul prayed for the Thessalonians to grow stronger in their faith, and we can do the same for our nation. Even though many people today aren’t following Jesus, God still has the power to change hearts. We should pray that God will revive our hearts and bring revival to our country, so that more people will come to know Jesus. When we pray for our schools, neighborhoods, and communities, we’re asking God to work in powerful ways, showing people that He loves them and that there’s hope in Him. To sum things up, Paul’s words to the Thessalonian church remind us that no matter what’s going on around us, we can keep growing in our faith and make a real difference in the world. Yes, we live in a time when many people don’t follow Jesus, but that doesn’t mean we should give up or be afraid. In fact, this is our chance to shine even brighter, to live with hope, and to share the love of Jesus with the world. We can’t let our personal preferences keep us from engaging with the church or the world around us. Whether it’s the way things are done in church or the challenges we face in the culture, we need to focus on what really matters—loving God, loving others, and living out our faith. When we set aside our preferences for the sake of the Gospel, we can build stronger connections with others and make an even greater impact for Christ. Let’s pray, read God’s Word, encourage one another, and live out our faith boldly, trusting that God will use us to make an impact in our culture and communities for His glory. Pray // Sing As we close, I want to address something that might be on some of your hearts. Throughout this message, I’ve used illustrations about parents. But I know this can be a tender subject. Some of you long for children but don’t have them. Others may feel the sting of broken relationships with your kids. Here’s the encouragement: God has a role for every one of us, regardless of our situation. Even if you don’t have kids of your own, you have the opportunity to be a spiritual parent to someone else. Paul himself didn’t have biological children, yet he poured into the Thessalonians like a loving father, helping them grow in their faith. This is about discipleship. Becoming a spiritual mentor is a way to live out the love of Jesus, to invest in someone’s life, and help them grow stronger in their walk with Christ. There are people around us—new believers, young people, or even those struggling in their faith—who need guidance, encouragement, and someone to walk alongside them. Let’s commit to being a church that nurtures others. Whether we’re parents in the traditional sense or not, we can all help someone grow in their faith. So, as we go from here, let’s live out Paul’s words. Let’s stand firm in our faith, grow in love, and boldly live for Jesus in a way that makes a difference. Let’s pray for God to use us—not just to change our own lives, but to impact our families, communities, and the next generation. Who can you encourage this week? Who can you pour into as a spiritual parent or mentor? Let’s step into this call together, trusting that God will use us to grow His Kingdom and bring glory to His name. SEND