Paul’s Concern for the Spiritual Welfare of the Thessalonian Believers I Thessalonians 3:1-13 Part I

In many ways the church at Thessalonica was indeed an exemplary church.  This church of Macedonia was founded by the Apostle Paul on his Second Missionary Campaign (Acts 17:1-14).  Paul had many pleasant memories of the brief time that he spent with this infant church.  In this brief, but awesome instructional letter, Paul encourages the Thessalonian believers to continue to excel in their faith, to increase in their love for one another, and to give thanks always for all things in view of the Lord’s imminent return. As a spiritual parent, Paul was concerned that the infant church of believers would remain steadfast in their faith in view of the Imminent return of Christ.  As we observe the text, it may be outlined as follows:  I. The Revelation of the Believers’ Troubled Condition – I Thessalonians 3:1-5; II. The Report That Brought Paul’s Comfort – I Thessalonians 3:6-13. The Revelation of the Believers’ Troubled Condition I Thessalonians 3:1-5 Because of Paul’s continued conflicts with the Jews, he only ministered in Thessalonica for less than a month (“three Sabbaths” Acts 17:2).  And because of his tender and affectionate concern about the progress of the Thessalonian believers, Paul dispatched Timothy.  Not able...