1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

What an Inspiration!
Some believers are examples for others to follow. Some believers are truly an inspiration to others. What is the difference between an example and an inspiration?

An example: I remember when my son was a youngster. I was an example but no an inspiration. He was getting ready for school one morning and I saw him struggling to comb his hair straight back. He kept wetting the comb and stroking his hair. "What are you trying to do, Son?" I asked. He said, "I want to fix my hair like you, Dad..." Wow, my heart started pumping faster as the waves of "proud Dad" syndrome rolled through -- until he finished speaking. "...Except I don't want it all poofed up on top!" I was an example but not an inspiration.
An inspiration: My daughter and I had a chat one evening as she fretted over finding a boyfriend. I assured her with fatherly prognostication that she would find someone to love one day. She replied, "But Dad -- I want to find a boyfriend who will treat me the way you treat Mom!" Now, that is an inspiration!
Paul cited some of the believers at the church in Thessalonica as examples for the other churchs. Yet he knew of the persecution they would face when he was gone. Would they beable to withstand the trials?
1 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. (1 Thess. 3:1-4, NIV)
As we will see in our Scripture passage today, Paul found that these believers geniuine inspirations for others. Is that the way Paul would view your life of faith -- as a genuine inspiration? As we see the fruit of the Spirit at work in these believers of old, I hope you will be as encougaged as I to not only follow their example but to mold ourselves into their truly inspiring faith.
Scripture Passages: 1 Thessalonians 3:5-13
Main Point: An inspirational Christian follows Christ in such a way that others not only desire to follow in their example but a desire to be just like them.
Outline:

They demonstrated real faith and sincere love in spite of intense persecution (3:5-6a).

They remembered with fondness those who paved the way to Heaven for them (Paul, Silas, Timothy (3:6b).

They brought joy to other believers because of their stood firm in their faith (3:7-9).

They never stood still in their spiritual journey but continued to grow (3:10-13).

1. They demonstrated real faith and sincere love in spite of intense persecution (3:5-6a).

5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless. 6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love... (1 Thess. 3:5-6a, NIV)
Their faith was unwavering belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Scriptures they had learned. Their love was “agape” love – the love God demonstrated to us through Christ.
What is impressive is that Paul describes the news of their continued faith and love as “good news” – the same word translated elsewhere as the “gospel” of Jesus Christ. In fact, this is the only time this word is used in the New Testament for something other than the message of hope we have because Christ died for our sins and rose again. That is the grand import of this statement concerning the Thessalonian believers. It was stupendous, outstanding, incredible news that they continued in faith and love despite the temptation to succomb to persecution.
What kind of love is described here by Paul? The Bible describes their "agape" love as follows:
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:16-18, NIV)
As I ask different people about a Christian that inspired them -- not someone famous but someone you know directly, someone that has had personal contact with you. The answers are never, "Bob was such a tremendous theologian. He had so much Scripture memorized he was like an encyclopedia..." Rather, you hear people say things like:

When I was sick, she came over to my house with the most wonderful bowl of chicken soup.

When my teenagers were going through rebellious times, he came to our house, talked to us about the burdens and heartaches we were going through, and he prayed with us.

When my husband passed away, I received a phone call every day for a month.

You get the picture. Love is an action word. Their love was action-oriented as ours should be.

2. They remembered with fondness those who paved the way to Heaven for them (Paul, Silas, Timothy (3:6b).

He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. (1 Thess. 3:6b, NIV)
Speaking of pavement... There is the story of a business man who dies and meets St. Peter at the pearly gates of Heaven. He tries to negotiate another departure date from earth but Peter reminds him, "man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews 9:27 (NIV). Short of delaying his death, the business man negotiates to bring one briefcase with him to Heaven. He packs a briefcase full of gold and makes the journey back to the pearly gates. Peter watches the business man as gates open and his countenance falls. "What did you bring with you?" Peter asks. The business man shakes his head as he opens the briefcase full of gold. Peter exclaims, "You brought pavement?"
The Thessalonians were brought to faith in Christ through the mission work of Paul, Silas and Timothy. They "paved" the way to Heaven, not with gold, but with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We see this in the book of Acts:
When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,” he said. Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women. (Acts 17:1-4, NIV)
This presents a wonderful challenge to us today as believers in the LORD Jesus Christ. Are you able to prove that Jesus is the Christ from the Scriptures? Remember that the only Scriptures Paul had to work with at this time was the Old Testament. He may have used a number of passages that speak to the birth, life, death, and resurrection of the Messiah to come (check out the list at Prophetic Fulfillment of the Life of Christ).
This may be a growth area for you. But it is critical, today more than ever, to know what you believe and why you believe it. People have always tried to test the faith of a professing Christian. But today we live in a much more global, multi-national society. Believers face people who have no foundation in the Bible at all. In fact, many of the people you encounter will have been taught different "holy scriptures" than the Bible, such as the Koran for Islam or the Vedas for Hinduism. The Bible is your only objective source of truth in this world, despite the inferior and competing claims of other sacred writings. Remember, truth is true for everyone, whether you believe it or not. The Bible is the Word of God whether others believe it or not. And the Bible provides ample proof that it is the divinely inspired Word of God (internal claims, internal consistency, prophetic fulfillment, archeological confirmation, and manuscript integrity to name a few), proof that is without equal among any other writings held sacred.
The Thessolonian believers were brought to faith in Christ because Paul was able to clearly share the truth about Jesus from Scripture. They repented of their sin and trusted in Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior. As a result of their faith in Christ, the Thessalonians received eternal life. And so they remembered Paul and Silas with great affection. Moreover, they longed to see Paul and Silas -- and the feeling was mutual. Note that they made sure Timothy brought that message back to Paul.
What can you do to remember those who shaped, influenced, and even led you to Christ? There are no doubt key individuals in your life that helped to guide you through crises, honed the rough edges of your life into spiritual jewels, and diligently, lovingly taught you the whole counsel of God's word. I remember those who helped. I cannot remember specific things that some of my early Sunday School teachers taught me -- but I remember how they loved me. Let us endeavor to not only remember such saints with great affection but make an effort to let them know of your thoughts and prayers regarding them.

3. They brought joy to other believers because of their stood firm in their faith (3:7-9).

7 Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? (1 Thess. 3:7-9, NIV)

Your example of faith when tested will provide encouragement to others when they undergo the fiery trials. The Thessalonian believers were "standing firm in the LORD" (1 Thess. 3:8, NIV). To properly understand what this means, look at how the Bible describes other believers "standing firm" in various situations:
Be fearless -- When the Israelites had their backs to the Red Sea and faces watching the approach of Pharaoh’s army:
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exo. 14:13-14, NIV)
Be courageous – As Judah was about to be invaded by the Ammonites and the Moabites, King Jehosaphat cried out to the LORD. God spoke through His prophet:
He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’” (2 Chron. 20:15-17, NIV)
Be Trusting – As King David faced the enemies of Israel:
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. (Psa. 20:7-8, NIV)
Be Faithful – King Ahaz of Judah, as he feared an alliance between Israel (Northern Kingdom) and Damascus rising up against him, was told by God's prophet :
If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.’” (Isa. 7:9, NIV)
Be Loving – Christians, during the Tribulation Period, will live in the most wicked and unloving age in all human history:
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Matt. 24:12-13, NIV)
Be Careful – Every believer will face temptations daily so do not be overconfident:
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (1 Cor. 10:12-13, NIV).
Be Believing – As Paul would later tell the Thessalonian believers facing intense persecution by those who perverted the grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ:
So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings£ we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. (2 Thess. 2:15, NIV)

Paul saw the Thessalonian believers fearless, courageous, trusting, faithful, loving, careful, and believing. This brought him immeasurable joy. Paul was elated that they were not following Paul but the living LORD Jesus Himself. It is our LORD who is our firm foundation for living. The Thessalonian believers, as is true for believers today, can stand firm because God's plans stand firm (Psalm 33:11), God's love stands firm (Psalm 89:2), and God's word stands firm (Psalm 119:89). Rest confidently in the LORD Jesus Christ who rose from the dead never to die again!
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (2 Cor. 1:21, NIV)

4. They never stood still in their spiritual journey but continued to grow (3:10-13).
How many Christians think they have arrived! "I am a mature, faithful Christian" they may think. But the Thessalonians did not think this way. Neither did the Apostle Paul -- the one who wrote, via the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, about two-thirds of the New Testament! He said:
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14, NIV).
The Thessalonian believers were standing firm but never standing still. Paul pushed himself and all the believers at all the churches he started to keep pressing forward in faith. Standing still was unthinkable. The goal is the glorification of the soul for all eternity in Heaven. The work is to pursue holiness through the sanctifying work of God's word.

A. Continue to grow in your faith through a deeper understanding of God’s word (3:10,12,13).

10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith ... 12 May the Lord ... 13... strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. (1 Thess. 3:10,12,13, NIV)
At the second coming of Christ, will He find your faith growing or full-grown? Paul was not telling these believers they had no faith, or inferior faith. Rather, they had been commended by Paul for their faith. The word used for "supply" here is one that means "to add." Paul wanted to visit them again that he might continue teaching them more of God's word. He prayed that the LORD would "strengthen your hearts" (1 Thess. 3:13, NIV). The heart was the word used symbolically of the center of one's thinking -- another word for "mind." Paul wanted them to be sanctified by the truth of God's word so their mind (heart) would be strengthened. The result would be believers who were "blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father" (1 Thess. 3:13, NIV).
People today tell us to "open our minds" or be open-minded about whatever subject is being presented. Usually, what they mean is do not reject the idea before you have even heard it. The problem is that not every idea is sound. Many ideas are just wrong. But this new brand of tolerance -- all beliefs are true for the one who believes it -- is how people are deceived into believing all manner of lies. Young people are especially susceptible to this "open-minded" strategy in school. Forewarned is forearmed -- be sure to ground your faith in both what you believe and why you believe it BEFORE you are tested!
The Bible tells us to be open-minded in a different way. The Psalmist prayed:
Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. (Psalm 119:17-18, NIV).
Your spiritual growth will become a reality as you open your minds to the truth of God's word. Then fill your mind with that truth. Assimilate it by obeying whatever truth you have learned. Then teach it to others. This kind of open-mindededness (biblically speaking) will draw you heavenward to the light of Jesus Christ our LORD.

B. Increase in love for others, not just the brethren but everyone (3:12).

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. (1 Thess. 3:12, NIV)

The saints in Thessalonica had great love for the brethren indeed. But they were not just "holy rollers" who had a great time in church but shunned the entire world. Their love extended to their neighbors and strangers as well. Consider the measure of YOUR love in the words of Christ Himself:
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48NIV)
It is very easy to love those who really love the LORD Jesus Christ. It is not easy to love people whose values are so different, whose way of thinking is so distorted by materialism, whose lust is out of control -- but these are the ones for whom Christ came to save. “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17, NIV). Some call such people "heavenly sandpaper" to help you learn real Christian love. You will undoubtedly face persecution as you love your enemies. Nevertheless, enduring persecution for the sake of the gospel has a significant impact:

Christ will be glorified.

People will understand the gospel of Christ as they see His love working through you.

You will gain eternal rewards -- Christ called it a "prophet's reward" (Matt. 5:11).

So "be perfect [mature, complete]" (Matt. 5:48, NIV). Increase in your love for others. Go beyond the walls of the church and reach out to those who are different and seemingly unlovable. That would be quite an inspiration!

Our Creator God loves you and wants you to know Him! If you would like to contact this ministry for further information or questions, please send your e-mail to:
Email: ministryrequest1@WordTruth.Com
Web Site: WordTruth.Com
Copyright 10/20/2001, Randy Lariscy.