1 Thessalonians 3 After we could not stand it anymore, we decided to stay in Athens and send Timothy our brother and God's fellow worker, in the Gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith. John Bunyan's book, Pilgrim's Progress , reminds us that the lions on each side of the path are chained and cannot touch us. 4. When we were there, we kept warning you that there was going to be trouble, and so it came as you see. Jesus warned Paul that he was going to go through many trials. Acts 9:16 God uses his Word to warn us of what is coming up ahead. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned... Psalm 19:11 God will open our minds in the last days to understand the warnings He has given in His word. But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the time of the end. Daniel 12:4 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. Isaiah 43:2 Paul may have been thinking here about the parable of the sower. Matthew 13:3 - 8 Some people are energy givers, and some are energy takers. Paul is saying that the news about the Thessalonians, lifted his spirit. 7 -8 Even though we are in the middle of some problems here, knowing that you are standing strong in the Lord is like a breath of fresh air to us. After Paul was chased out of town, the Jews would have made life difficult for the church. Paul is happy to hear that they are standing strong. 9 – 10 People who walk with the Lord have a treasure chest of things that they have learned. They love to give their treasure away to those who need it. Every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old. Matthew 13:52 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, so that you may be on a good foundation. Romans 1:11 11 - 12 May God Himself, and Jesus our Lord, bring us back to you! May the Lord cause your love to overflow for each other, and all men, just as we overflow in our love for you! Love conquers everything! 1 Corinthians 13:8 Many waters cannot drown love. Song 8:7 Love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 You have to be with Him in the first place, before you can come back with Him. |