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1 Thessalonians - Disturbed By Affliction
1 Thessalonians - Disturbed By Affliction
The unbelievers in Thessalonica chased Paul out of town and then followed him and continued their opposition against his teaching. Paul left but also left behind this group of disciples. They were left in a setting of opposition and persecution. They were ‘babes in Christ’. They were a small minority among many unbelievers. How would they do? Would their faith survive? From the perspective of the parable of the sower (cp. Luke 8), which type of soil would their hearts turn out to be?
Paul was aware of the danger, a danger that actually faces each believer of every generation, and sent Timothy so that he could strengthen and encourage them as to their faith (vs. 2). Faith comes by hearing and hearing from the word of God. They had already received Paul’s teaching as the word of God which it is (cp. Again chapter 2!). Now, Timothy would put them in remembrance of what Paul had taught and as he taught in every congregation of disciples (cp. 1 Cor. 4:17). Such teaching is and must be the foundation of our trust in Jesus.
Troubles happen. They happen in every person’s life. Does their faith last? Do they remain faithful to the words of God? Some do, some don’t! Thus, the job of preachers, teachers, elders, and each other is to ‘put them in remembrance of these things’ ( do a search of the phrase ‘these things’ in 1 and 2 Timothy, see list below).
Two questions then surface: One, are you standing firm in the teaching of Jesus as revealed by His apostles? Two, are you encouraging your brethren so they also will stand fast?
Hugh DeLong
