It Starts Small

3 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. ² We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, ³ so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. ⁴ In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. ⁵ For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

So when we could stand it no longer,

This phrase unveils a profound glimpse into Paul’s deep-seated love for others. It shows his unwavering commitment to share the gospel, nurture disciples, and establish churches. The thought of starting a good work haunted him. Not being able to see it through stirred a physical discomfort within. His heartfelt concern for the Thessalonians weighed heavily on him. Leaving them so abruptly felt unbearable. There was no solid pathway for their continued growth. They were like helpless infants cast out into a perilous world. One can vividly imagine the anguish of a mother. Paul beautifully illustrated this in Chapter 2. A mother would know her child was up against a wolf all alone, devoid of any protection. This mirrors Paul’s own agony (verse 5). From this, we can extract two vital principles of ministry:

• Follow up is vital for new believers. When we share the gospel and someone embraces that truth, we cannot simply say, “Welcome into God’s family, brother.” It is our sacred duty to nurture that person’s spiritual growth! Paul and his team supported the Thessalonians. We too must feel that deep, personal responsibility to guide them in their faith journey. They knew God would care for the Thessalonians. Nonetheless, the team was never complacent. They actively engaged, ensuring no one was left behind!

Do you share the gospel with others? You absolutely should! And if you do, are you taking the time to connect with those who hear it? Don’t simply leave this vital mission to the “church.” Remember, the church can be vast, and even in a wonderful congregation, individuals can slip through the cracks. Think about it: newcomers may be sitting in the pews. They might feel lost and confused about sermons, communion, baptism, and so much more. It’s your responsibility to engage persistently with the new believer. Guide them toward a deeper understanding. Lead them to an earnest obedience to the Word.

Even when you enlist the help of others or introduce someone to a Bible study group, remember. The heart of true mentorship lies in your willingness to reach out personally outside those walls! Paul could not bear the thought of sharing the gospel and then leaving souls hanging without guidance. He refused to let the usual excuses—what could they possibly be?—hold him back from ensuring the Thessalonians received the care they desperately needed. Can you truly stand by and watch new believers wander aimlessly, devoid of direction because no one is stepping up? I hope your answer is no! If that stirs something within you, then rise up and take action!

• Real and effective ministry must burst forth from the heart! In every chapter, we witness the astonishing depth of Paul’s love for the Thessalonians. He adores them with an intensity that is palpable. He genuinely cares for their well-being and constantly holds them in his thoughts. They are not merely figures on a mission’s report; they are cherished souls, vital and worthy of his every effort. It is Paul’s unwavering love for the Thessalonians that ignites his passion and drives him forward. Do you share this fervent love for the lost? If your heart remains indifferent to their struggles, it’s time to confront a crucial question. You need to ask yourself if you are truly a believer at all.

We sent Timothy

Because of the circumstances, Paul found himself unable to return to the Thessalonians himself. The first time he visited, a riot erupted. He was the face and driving force behind the blossoming of Christianity. He feared that history might repeat itself if he ventured back. Yet, his heart ached for them. He was desperately needed in Athens. That never dulled his commitment to the Thessalonians. On the contrary, he was fueled by love and concern. He sought out ways to offer them the unwavering support. His aim was to provide the encouragement they so fervently needed.

What principles of ministry can we learn from this?

• A team can accomplish ministry with a power and effectiveness that surpasses the efforts of any individual! The Bible consistently demonstrates the miraculous impact of groups working in harmony. Believers in the early church in Acts united to spread the gospel with fervor and commitment. Scripture is rife with passages that champion the strength of a ministry team. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us that two are better than one. Jesus also provides a powerful example by sending out His disciples in pairs. The advantages of a team are immense—collaboration sparks creativity, support fosters endurance, and diverse gifts amplify the mission! But what if you feel alone? Fear not! Seek out fellowship, pray for divine connections, and remember, even in solitude, God can equip you to lead and inspire!

Paul could not go, so he sent Timothy, igniting the spark of teamwork! A team has a great advantage in its remarkable flexibility. This allows members to cover vast expanses. An individual could only dream of conquering these expanses. Some can venture into places others can’t reach. Timothy is stealthy and under the radar. Paul is a magnet for attention and captures the gaze of all. Being part of a team means more than everyone doing the same task. It’s a vibrant tapestry where each member plays a unique role. Often, they work in harmonious unison.

A team thrives on shared goals and values, and the church stands as a powerful testament to this truth! Not everyone preaches. Not every voice leads the singing. Yet, every person in attendance has a vital role to play in advancing the mission of glorifying God. They contribute to building up the body of Christ. Imagine a vibrant church where everyone longed to preach—there would be no congregation left to hear the message! Are you ready to step up and be an integral part of God’s team of harvesters in your local community? What incredible contributions can you make as a member of this divine mission?

to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 

To strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians. This gave him a clear vision. At other times, he was sent with a goal to appoint elders in local churches or pastor a flock. Timothy was set with a goal each time.

¹⁸ Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
    but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.

Proverbs 29:18

To be truly effective, we must pursue a clear and compelling target! Seek God’s guidance to ignite a vibrant vision for the lost souls around you. Then begin crafting a dynamic plan. This plan will transform that vision into a powerful reality.

Paul had a team

Sometimes we envision Paul as a towering spiritual giant, and indeed, he was! Yet, it’s crucial to acknowledge that he never walked this path alone. Time and again, he was enveloped by a dedicated team that passionately rallied behind his mission. Similarly, Jesus surrounded Himself with His disciples, who were indispensable pillars of support in His ministry. If nothing else resonates with you, let these powerful examples inspire you. They show the vital importance of being part of a team!

we kept telling you that we would be persecuted

Paul and his team faced a lot of adversity. Hearing about the adversity surrounding Paul’s team could have been very discouraging for the new believers. It could have potentially weakened their newfound faith. Questions might have sprung up in their mind, like “How could a loving God allow His workers to face so many problems?” Doubt may have seeped in. So, what did Paul do about this?

He boldly warned the Thessalonians about the afflictions that awaited them. This carried a significant risk. However, it was a crucial truth. Sharing this knowledge with them could easily sow seeds of doubt. This is true whether they learned of it before or right after they had embraced their faith. It might lead them to question if following Christ was truly worth the sacrifice. Many evangelists shy away from discussing the realities of potential persecution. They also avoid talking about the costs of discipleship. They fear it might deter people from making that life-changing declaration of faith. Yet, Luke 14 powerfully reminds us that a genuine disciple must count the costs carefully. A disciple must prepare before embarking on the journey of following Christ. If you give a would-be disciple the full picture right from the beginning, some might hesitate. They may be unsure about making that commitment.

In verse 5, we witness Paul’s profound passion for the Thessalonians. What does this stirring passage reveal about the essence of ministry and the heartfelt care for others? Love ignites action! Many only speak of love, but Paul’s team manifested it through their deeds. His love for them ignited an unquenchable urge to act. Paul couldn’t remain idle, allowing circumstances to stagnate. It was like a roaring fountain of compassion surged within him. It burst forth in an unstoppable eruption of care and commitment!

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Cross-References

On teams:

• Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
• Ephesians 4:16 –
• 1 Corinthians 1:10
• 1 Peter 4:10
• Galatians 6:2

Discussion Questions

• What could they endure no longer in verse 1?
• Since Paul was not available to follow up in person with the Thessalonians, what did he do instead?
• What afflictions were Paul referring to in verse 3?
• Why did Paul tell them ahead of time about the afflictions he and his team were going to face?
• Should we tell of the difficulties associated with being a Christian to others when we share the gospel, even though this may discourage them from believing? Why or why not?
• What feelings/attitude does Paul display in verse 5?
• Who is the tempter?

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