1 Thessalonians 3
1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;
2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
Paul stayed in Athens but had felt an urgency to make sure the Thessalonians stayed focused on The Word. So he sent Timothy to see.
3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
Things get tougher when you're in evil places. When they spread out into other areas, they're sure to see more of satans workers. It's important to be strong because tribulations are going to come on you.
4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
When you make a stand for Christ, you're going to get attacked.
5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
Paul wants to know, did they withstand the temptations of satan, or fold. He wants to know if they took to heart The Truth of God and stood against evil with the power that had been given to them. Paul couldn't stand it any longer, he had to know.
6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
Paul got good news, they're holding strong in The Lord.
7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
Stay in The Lord and reward of life everlasting is yours. Leave Him and He leaves you. "Stand fast" = στήκω stḗkō, stay'-ko; from the perfect tense of G2476; to be stationary, i.e. (figuratively) to persevere:—stand (fast) to keep one's standing. Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
Glory to God.
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
Paul wanted to be there with them in Thessalonica, to continue teaching them, growing their faith.
11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
When you love God, you understand true love. When you have His Spirit dwelling in you, you can't help but love others.
13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
Here again, we see the subject of this book. The coming of our Lord Christ Jesus. The second advent is coming soon, very soon, so we need to understand this book clearly or we risk falling for satans lies. God bless you all that hunger for Truth.