1 Thessalonians 3:6-13 (NKJV) 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?
Prayer for the Church
11 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, 13 so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.
V6 “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—…” Timothy returned to Paul and gave an update of the Thessalonians. The good news consisted of 4 things: 1) their faith was strong, 2) their love for each other and those outside the assembly is known to all, 3) they had good memories of Paul, his team, and their teaching, and 4) they had strong desire to see them in person again.
V7 “…therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith.” The missionary team has suffered many persecutions physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Hearing of their steadfastness has greatly comforted them. We comfort others by listening (just listening, no giving advice), praying, meeting any needs, fellowship (share a meal, etc.), share Scripture blessings.
V8 “For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.” We stand fast in the Lord by knowing who God is, what God believes, how God wants us to live, then praying and with the strength of God’s assisting grace determine to be loyal and faithful.
V9 “For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God…” Thanksgiving is important. All people liked to be thanked for any blessings they provide. We do not assume we deserve it. We can thank God for everything good and holy. For difficult things we still can thank God for a time of judgment against those who hurt us, that He does not leave us or forsake us, and He can restore. Human joy is usually short term but spiritual joy is forever. We can thank God for Jesus Christ, our savior, for salvation, for forgiveness of sins, for His promises, etc. Evil people might descend to the believe of doing evil and approving of evil is their joy (Romans 1:32). Redeemed people (those who have put their faith and trust in Jesus alone) rejoice in different things: 1) the resurrection of the Lord Jesus (Matthew 28:8), 2) persecution for believing, following, and preaching Jesus (Luke 6:22-23), 3) when sinners repent (Luke 15:7-10), 4) joy in the Holy Spirit instead of earthly pleasures (Romans 14:17), 5) the Fruit of the Spirit (so that even in afflictions, there can be joy)–Galatians 5:22-23, 6) Christians being like-minded, love, and accord (Philippians 2:2), 7) God’s assisting grace (Colossians 1:11), 8) living in truth (3 John 1:4), and 9) God’s ability to help us keep the faith (Jude 1:24).
V10 “…night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith?” Paul prays that God might allow him and his team to see them again to teach them more and answer questions. Paul did teach more through his letters to them.
V11 “Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.” He specifically prays to God to be able to return to them. All prayer is to God through the name of Jesus (to glorify Him). See James 5:14 and John `16:24.
V12 “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you…” God gives spiritual growth through the Scriptures and abiding in Christ. This is the reality of increasing and abounding in love: John 15:5 (NKJV) I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” God supplies His assisting grace (2 Peter 1:3). We are responsible to want, seek, and be active for spiritual growth by prayer and application of Scripture (2 Peter 1:5-9), to have a priority to do God’s will (1 Peter 1:14), to study the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17), to pray (Matthew 7:11), and focus on the Lord Jesus’s example (John 13:15).
V13 “…so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.” Note that He does the establishing, but we must desire it, pray for it, be willing to accomplish it, and do it with God’s assisting grace (Hebrews 4:16, 2 Corinthians 12:9, and 2 Corinthians 9:8). We cannot be sinless in this life but are to be blameless by confessing our sins and asking for forgiveness. We must seek holiness. To find out what is holy, we turn to the Scriptures. Compare Philippians 2:15, Colossians 1:22, and 2 Peter 3:14.