January 04, 2026 // 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13
APPLICATION: Read & watch/listen to 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13
Sermon Title: Steadfast in Trials and Spiritual Growth
Sermon Notes:
The Pain of Separation vs. 2:17-20
In location from one another – not in love toward one another
Frustrating circumstances
Future celebration
The Purpose of Encouragement vs. 3:1-5
A fast exit
A follow-up visit
A faithful reminder
A fearful worry
The Power of Faithfulness vs. 3:6-10
Good news
Genuine love
Great report
Grateful Prayer
The Prayer of Hope vs. 3:11-13
A future visit
A foundational relationship
With each other
With Christ
Life Application:
Houston, We Have a Problem
Do you ever worry? This is a very human tendency that arises from our inability to know what the future holds. It stems from our limited knowledge and experience—and at times, our limited faith.
Paul, the same person who wrote “Do not be anxious about anything” (Phil. 4:6), writes to the Thessalonian Christians, “When I could stand it no longer … I was afraid” (1 Thess. 3:5). Is there a contradiction here? He sounds a bit anxious.
There seem to be two different kinds of worry or anxiety. One type of worry is a fretting over situations we cannot control or influence; the other concerns real dangers or possibilities. Paul’s anxiety grew out of this second type of worry.
Paul understood the hazards that these new believers faced. They were not grounded in their faith; they had no one who could instruct and encourage them in the face of persecution; and they were the targets of Satan. These Thessalonian believers were so young in their faith that they were at high risk for failure.
On April 11, 1970, Apollo 13 blasted away from earth. While most of the nation yawned at another moon shot, the men at Mission Control in Houston and the three astronauts on board knew that every space flight was full of risk. Then, on April 13, an explosion rocked the command module. Mystery and curiosity gave way to the realization that the spacecraft was losing fuel and oxygen. The situation was critical. Heading toward the moon, their fears changed from I wonder what this is going to do to the lunar landing, to I wonder if we are going to get back. Anxiety was just as real in Houston where scientists were scrambling to solve all the problems which were occurring on Apollo 13. This was not empty fretting; the dangers were real.
The calm, problem-solving approach of the ground crew and the astronauts allowed them to think through solutions to their problems. It did not take all the anxiety away, nor was the worry unfounded. But choosing to respond creatively rather than simply fret about the problem saved their lives.
In the same way, Paul knew that sitting around worrying would not solve anything and would be counterproductive. Worry without action, however justified, ruins our health and well-being and offers no solution. So Paul, fearful and concerned as he was, took steps: He “sent Timothy” (v. 2), and he prayed “night and day” (v. 10).
Prayer is not an empty exercise; it is the power of God brought to bear upon a dilemma. Paul recommended it in the same place he advised: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Phil. 4:6, emphasis added).
Paul also did all he could to defuse the worrisome situation: he sent Timothy. It was a practical and useful action that accomplished two goals. Timothy was able to provide the encouragement and instruction which the new believers needed, thereby reducing the risk of spiritual ruin. Timothy was also able to bring back news of how the Thessalonians were doing, thereby giving an accurate picture of their spiritual condition.
Some anxiety or worry is natural if the perils are real. But it should never stop there. Prayer is always called for, and then we should take the responsibility to act upon the situation in whatever way is necessary or possible.[1]
Digging Deeper:
A. Trials (v.3)
need to be so. Trials can also forge trust, confidence, and commitment. What makes the difference? Probably several factors, but a couple surface in this section of 1 Thessalonians 3.
Paul had sent Timothy “so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.” Timothy was to support and encourage, instruct and guide so these believers would gain hope and courage. God uses other believers to assure and keep us on course spiritually. Throughout this letter Paul exhorted several times: “encourage each other.” As part of a community with a common Lord and common purpose, we have the responsibility to help one another along the way, to hold one another accountable, to inspire when needed, to comfort, to keep one another focused on the true purpose of life.
As the author of Hebrews wrote, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Heb. 3:13). Again he wrote, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together … but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:24–25).
Paul also reminded the Thessalonians that “we were destined for trails].” There is help and strength in knowing that everything is going according to plan. No matter how the situation looks, God is still sovereign; life has not taken a wrong turn. We have all been told ahead of time. Paul must have told the Thessalonians when he was with them, he wrote it again, and Jesus spoke of it several times: “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:3).
So perhaps when difficulties arise, or when we are hurting or suffering in any way, the question is not so much, “Why?” but, “What did I expect?” This world system and Satan are set against us.
B. Overflowing Love (v.12)
Agape (love) is a word used by New Testament writers to describe a new kind of love. Its peculiar definition is found exclusively within the pages of the New Testament.
Paul told the Thessalonians to agape “each other” and “everyone else.” He left no escape clause. For those who try to find excuses, or exceptions, there simply are none. This command applies not only to fellow believers, but to all outside the community of faith. Perhaps Paul was even thinking of Christ’s startling command in his Sermon on the Mount to love our enemies (Matt. 5:44). The Christian is to love. This love should be constantly increasing and overflowing. It cannot be hidden.
Love is more than an emotional stirring of the heart, although it often involves this. The kind of love that Christians are to express can be given to other persons, in spite of their treatment or abuse. This is a love that looks beyond self. Consequently, it is a love which comes from the Spirit of God.[2]
Questions to Consider:
Prayer Time:
[1] Knute Larson, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, vol. 9, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 44–45.
[2] Knute Larson, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, vol. 9, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 45–46.
[3] Knute Larson, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, vol. 9, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 47.
Sermon Title: Steadfast in Trials and Spiritual Growth
Sermon Notes:
The Pain of Separation vs. 2:17-20
In location from one another – not in love toward one another
Frustrating circumstances
Future celebration
The Purpose of Encouragement vs. 3:1-5
A fast exit
A follow-up visit
A faithful reminder
A fearful worry
The Power of Faithfulness vs. 3:6-10
Good news
Genuine love
Great report
Grateful Prayer
The Prayer of Hope vs. 3:11-13
A future visit
A foundational relationship
With each other
With Christ
Life Application:
Houston, We Have a Problem
Do you ever worry? This is a very human tendency that arises from our inability to know what the future holds. It stems from our limited knowledge and experience—and at times, our limited faith.
Paul, the same person who wrote “Do not be anxious about anything” (Phil. 4:6), writes to the Thessalonian Christians, “When I could stand it no longer … I was afraid” (1 Thess. 3:5). Is there a contradiction here? He sounds a bit anxious.
There seem to be two different kinds of worry or anxiety. One type of worry is a fretting over situations we cannot control or influence; the other concerns real dangers or possibilities. Paul’s anxiety grew out of this second type of worry.
Paul understood the hazards that these new believers faced. They were not grounded in their faith; they had no one who could instruct and encourage them in the face of persecution; and they were the targets of Satan. These Thessalonian believers were so young in their faith that they were at high risk for failure.
On April 11, 1970, Apollo 13 blasted away from earth. While most of the nation yawned at another moon shot, the men at Mission Control in Houston and the three astronauts on board knew that every space flight was full of risk. Then, on April 13, an explosion rocked the command module. Mystery and curiosity gave way to the realization that the spacecraft was losing fuel and oxygen. The situation was critical. Heading toward the moon, their fears changed from I wonder what this is going to do to the lunar landing, to I wonder if we are going to get back. Anxiety was just as real in Houston where scientists were scrambling to solve all the problems which were occurring on Apollo 13. This was not empty fretting; the dangers were real.
The calm, problem-solving approach of the ground crew and the astronauts allowed them to think through solutions to their problems. It did not take all the anxiety away, nor was the worry unfounded. But choosing to respond creatively rather than simply fret about the problem saved their lives.
In the same way, Paul knew that sitting around worrying would not solve anything and would be counterproductive. Worry without action, however justified, ruins our health and well-being and offers no solution. So Paul, fearful and concerned as he was, took steps: He “sent Timothy” (v. 2), and he prayed “night and day” (v. 10).
Prayer is not an empty exercise; it is the power of God brought to bear upon a dilemma. Paul recommended it in the same place he advised: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Phil. 4:6, emphasis added).
Paul also did all he could to defuse the worrisome situation: he sent Timothy. It was a practical and useful action that accomplished two goals. Timothy was able to provide the encouragement and instruction which the new believers needed, thereby reducing the risk of spiritual ruin. Timothy was also able to bring back news of how the Thessalonians were doing, thereby giving an accurate picture of their spiritual condition.
Some anxiety or worry is natural if the perils are real. But it should never stop there. Prayer is always called for, and then we should take the responsibility to act upon the situation in whatever way is necessary or possible.[1]
Digging Deeper:
A. Trials (v.3)
need to be so. Trials can also forge trust, confidence, and commitment. What makes the difference? Probably several factors, but a couple surface in this section of 1 Thessalonians 3.
Paul had sent Timothy “so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.” Timothy was to support and encourage, instruct and guide so these believers would gain hope and courage. God uses other believers to assure and keep us on course spiritually. Throughout this letter Paul exhorted several times: “encourage each other.” As part of a community with a common Lord and common purpose, we have the responsibility to help one another along the way, to hold one another accountable, to inspire when needed, to comfort, to keep one another focused on the true purpose of life.
As the author of Hebrews wrote, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Heb. 3:13). Again he wrote, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together … but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:24–25).
Paul also reminded the Thessalonians that “we were destined for trails].” There is help and strength in knowing that everything is going according to plan. No matter how the situation looks, God is still sovereign; life has not taken a wrong turn. We have all been told ahead of time. Paul must have told the Thessalonians when he was with them, he wrote it again, and Jesus spoke of it several times: “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:3).
So perhaps when difficulties arise, or when we are hurting or suffering in any way, the question is not so much, “Why?” but, “What did I expect?” This world system and Satan are set against us.
B. Overflowing Love (v.12)
Agape (love) is a word used by New Testament writers to describe a new kind of love. Its peculiar definition is found exclusively within the pages of the New Testament.
Paul told the Thessalonians to agape “each other” and “everyone else.” He left no escape clause. For those who try to find excuses, or exceptions, there simply are none. This command applies not only to fellow believers, but to all outside the community of faith. Perhaps Paul was even thinking of Christ’s startling command in his Sermon on the Mount to love our enemies (Matt. 5:44). The Christian is to love. This love should be constantly increasing and overflowing. It cannot be hidden.
Love is more than an emotional stirring of the heart, although it often involves this. The kind of love that Christians are to express can be given to other persons, in spite of their treatment or abuse. This is a love that looks beyond self. Consequently, it is a love which comes from the Spirit of God.[2]
Questions to Consider:
- Do you find it hard to share your emotions of love with others? If so, what can you do to overcome this problem?
- What was Paul’s main concern for his friends and fellow Christians? Looking back over your week, what were your main concerns for friends and fellow Christians? How could you approach the coming week differently?
- How do prayers help people who are going through pain or persecution? Discuss personal examples. What motivates or encourages you to pray for others?
- What desires and hopes highlight Paul’s beautiful statement of best wishes for his friends in the last paragraph of this chapter?[3]
Prayer Time:
[1] Knute Larson, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, vol. 9, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 44–45.
[2] Knute Larson, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, vol. 9, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 45–46.
[3] Knute Larson, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, vol. 9, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 47.