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"We were comforted..."

Text: 1 Thessalonians 3:7

DRAWING MUCH ENCOURAGEMENT

We can learn much about what it means to have good Christian fellowship. Paul drew much encouragement from fellowship with “brethren in the Lord”.

“Therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress
we were comforted concerning you by your faith.
For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.”

1 Thessalonians 3:7-8

1. “Therefore, brethren”

a) Paul made much out of being “brethren” with those who shared the same faith.

b) Being brethren in the Lord was meant to be a mutually uplifting thing.

2. “In all our affliction and distress”

a) Afflictions were accepted and seen as a part of faith and life.

i) Often caused by detractors.

ii) The work of the Tempter must not be dismissed easily.

b) “Distress”

i) This can arise out of deep anxiety.

ii) This often affects the emotional side of a person.

iii) It is often associated with affliction.

3. “We were comforted concerning you by your faith”

a) Paul and Silas drew comfort from the report made by Timothy.

b) Timothy had reported that the faith and love of the Thessalonians were intact.

c) This knowledge brought much comfort to their hearts.

d) Knowledge of a thriving faith has the potential of bringing much comfort.

4. “For now we live”

a) Paul was speaking about not being anxious anymore.

b) They did not need to worry and wonder if they had laboured in vain.

5. “If you stand fast in the Lord”

a) To have a vibrant faith will result in standing fast in the Lord.

b) The steadfastness of the Thessalonians brought untold cheer to the hearts of Paul and Silas.