The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3,
"We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials."
Following Paul's evangelizing Thessalonica, from Athens he sent Timothy back to provide strength and encouragement to their faith as these new believers faced opposition. With the opposition encountered there, Paul had reason to be concerned the fledgling church in Thessalonica be strengthened, even given the time Paul had already spent there. Even following Timothy's report back to Paul, Paul told the Thessalonians, "Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith." 1 Thessalonians 3:10.
Paul clearly felt believers need to be strengthened and encouraged from time to time. He goes on to say, "Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you", verse 11, even though Timothy had come back with a good report on the spiritual condition of the folks in Thessalonica.
To the church in Rome, Paul said, "I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith." Romans 1:10-12. There is always room for encouragement and strengthening. No matter how spiritual strength be quantified, there is always room for additional growth, refreshment, strengthening.
In addition to building up what was strong, Paul also desired to visit others for correction, "Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?" 1 Corinthians 4:18-21.
"We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials."
Following Paul's evangelizing Thessalonica, from Athens he sent Timothy back to provide strength and encouragement to their faith as these new believers faced opposition. With the opposition encountered there, Paul had reason to be concerned the fledgling church in Thessalonica be strengthened, even given the time Paul had already spent there. Even following Timothy's report back to Paul, Paul told the Thessalonians, "Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith." 1 Thessalonians 3:10.
Paul clearly felt believers need to be strengthened and encouraged from time to time. He goes on to say, "Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you", verse 11, even though Timothy had come back with a good report on the spiritual condition of the folks in Thessalonica.
To the church in Rome, Paul said, "I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith." Romans 1:10-12. There is always room for encouragement and strengthening. No matter how spiritual strength be quantified, there is always room for additional growth, refreshment, strengthening.
In addition to building up what was strong, Paul also desired to visit others for correction, "Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?" 1 Corinthians 4:18-21.
Paul's movements were at times designed to provide certain believers correction, and for others to strengthen and encourage, no matter what their condition. I have never read Paul saying that certain ones had reached a milestone in their walk with the Lord and did not require further strength and encouragement. I feel we all need a continual strengthening and encouragement to our faith, no matter where we are in our spiritual maturity. Resting on earlier attainments will just not do. Yesterday's growth, yesterday's maturing, yesterday's strengthening is yesterday's, not today's.
What will we do for our faith, for our spiritual strength, today? How do I feed my faith today, for today? Is what I am doing to feed my faith worthy of the gospel and of God? I believe nothing in this world can possibly bring a more fulfilled life!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment