1 Thessalonians 3:1-10

Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.  6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you— 7 therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith?

Sometimes we view problems without the imagination it takes to have faith (Our Daily Bread). We don’t expect victory although the bible states that God will help us through difficult times.  One of the things in winning is to believe that you can.  Frequently we settle into the norm because we feel we have been in a situation for so long.  Faith will allow you to see what could be.

THINGS THAT WILL HELP WITH YOUR FAITH

My Faith Must be Established and Encouraged (v2)

Faith must be strong.  Nothing will cause you to waver.  Timothy was sent to help that happen.

“Don’t resist your “Timothy” when it comes”. – Pastor Bill

God gave us emotions, but He doesn’t want us to live by them.  Our emotions can lead us down a path that is contrary to what we should believe on the inside.  We must have a faith that wins because life will cause you to get off course.

Your Faith Gives You the Power to Stand (v6-8)

Difficulties came to the church at Thessalonica but Timothy reported that the church was still standing.  Keep standing even after everything has been done.

God has written into the script that we win so you will be able to stand.  Whatever the enemy uses to try to trip you up will be bound.  You will have the faith to keep going irrespective of what you see and feel. We Win!

The enemy will try to give you the illusion that you are weak but we have to remind him that we win!  You are bigger than what you think!

Your Faith Must Be Matured (v9-10)

NKJV
9 For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith?

 

NIV
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? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

 

NLT
9 How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. 10 Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith.

A lot of times, because of the internet, our language is beyond our experience.  You can sound like an expert and not be one.  God wants us to mature in our faith so that we have an experience to go along with our language.  God will allow us to experience some things so that you can know how to trust Him in all things.  The enemy will repackage old stuff making it appear new but we must recognize what is being presented before us.

“Same devil, different dress; same devil, different suit.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

A good coach can see the weaknesses in their team and draft accordingly.

“Don’t just have a faith, have a faith that wins.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

This is a victory that overcomes the world; even our faith. You are a winner!