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1 Thessalonians 3

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1Therefore, when we couldn't stand it any longer, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone,

2and sent Timothy, our brother and God's servant in the Good News of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith;

3that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you know that we are appointed to this task.

4For most certainly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know.

5For this cause I also, when I couldn't stand it any longer, sent that I might know your faith, for fear that by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor would have been in vain.

6But when Timothy came just now to us from you, and brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us always, longing to see us, even as we also long to see you;

7for this cause, brothers, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith.

8For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.

9For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God;

10night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

11Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you;

12and the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we also do toward you,

13to the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

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1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Verses 1-5

The more we find pleasure in the ways of God, the more we shall desire to persevere therein. The apostle's design was to establish and comfort the Thessalonians as to the object of their faith, that Jesus Christ was the Saviour of the world; and as to the recompence of faith, which was more than enough to make up all their losses, and to reward all their labours. But he feared his labours would be in vain. If the devil cannot hinder ministers from labouring in the word and doctrine, he will, if possible, hinder the success of their labours. No one would willingly labour in vain. It is the will and purpose of God, that we enter into his kingdom through many afflictions. And the apostles, far from flattering people with the expectation of worldly prosperity in religion, told them plainly they must count upon trouble in the flesh. Herein they followed the example of their great Master, the Author of our faith. Christians were in danger, and they should be forewarned; they will thus be kept from being improved by any devices of the tempter.

1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 Verses 6-10

Thankfulness to God is very imperfect in the present state; but one great end of the ministry of the word is to help faith forward. That which was the instrument to obtain faith, is also the means of increasing and confirming it, namely, the ordinances of God; and as faith cometh by hearing, so it is confirmed by hearing also.

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 Verses 11-13

Prayer is religious worship, and all religious worship is due unto God only. Prayer is to be offered to God as our Father. Prayer is not only to be offered in the name of Christ, but offered up to Christ himself, as our Lord and our Saviour. Let us acknowledge God in all our ways, and he will direct our paths. Mutual love is required of all Christians. And love is of God, and is fulfilling the gospel as well as the law. We need the Spirit's influences in order to our growth in grace; and the way to obtain them, is prayer. Holiness is required of all who would go to heaven; and we must act so that we do not contradict the profession we make of holiness. The Lord Jesus will certainly come in his glory; his saints will come with him. Then the excellence as well as the necessity of holiness will appear; and without this no hearts shall be established at that day, nor shall any avoid condemnation.

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Athens: A City of Greece 1 Thessalonians 3:1

So when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left on our own in Athens.

Christian Minister: Duties of 1 Thessalonians 3:2

We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

Christian Minister: Promises To, Joys of 1 Thessalonians 3:8, 9

For now we can go on living, as long as you are standing firm in the Lord. / How can we adequately thank God for you in return for our great joy over you in His presence?

Church Planting 1 Thessalonians 3:12

And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone else, just as our love for you overflows,

Deacon: Also Translated |Minister| 1 Thessalonians 3:2

We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

Decision: General Scriptures Concerning 1 Thessalonians 3:8, 13

For now we can go on living, as long as you are standing firm in the Lord. / so that He may establish your hearts in blamelessness and holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.

Faith: Faith in Christ: Thessalonians 1 Thessalonians 3:6–8

But just now, Timothy has returned from his visit with the good news about your faith, your love, and the fond memories you have preserved, longing to see us just as we long to see you. / For this reason, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we have been reassured about you, because of your faith. / For now we can go on living, as long as you are standing firm in the Lord.

God: Fatherhood of 1 Thessalonians 3:11, 13

Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you. / so that He may establish your hearts in blamelessness and holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.

Gospel: Called: Gospel of Christ 1 Thessalonians 3:2

We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

Grace of God: Growth In 1 Thessalonians 3:10, 12, 13

Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking from your faith. / And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone else, just as our love for you overflows, / so that He may establish your hearts in blamelessness and holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.

Heart: Renewed: Strengthened 1 Thessalonians 3:13

so that He may establish your hearts in blamelessness and holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.

Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning 1 Thessalonians 3:13

so that He may establish your hearts in blamelessness and holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.

Intercession: Exemplified 1 Thessalonians 3:10, 12, 13

Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking from your faith. / And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone else, just as our love for you overflows, / so that He may establish your hearts in blamelessness and holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.

Jesus, the Christ: Second Coming of 1 Thessalonians 3:13

so that He may establish your hearts in blamelessness and holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.

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