Bible Study

Bible Study

December 9, 2025

1 Thessalonians 3:6 – 11 (CSB)

“Message is Faith”

6 But now Timothy has come to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love. He reported that you always have good memories of us and that you long to see us, as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and affliction, we were encouraged about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience before our God because of you, 10 as we pray very earnestly night and day to see you face to face and to complete what is lacking in your faith?

What better report could Paul have heard than the one given to him by Timothy. “your church in Thessalonica is doing well. The adversary Satan has been unable to destroy the church. Faith and love abound in this congregation. They were special and they gave Paul fond memories of his time there.

Paul tells them he is encouraged by all they do but I am certain there is the admonition from Paul to “stand firm” in their faith. You have stood against the enemy, he said you have won the battle, you are stronger today for what you have done now ‘stand firm.’

Paul says he is encouraged by their faith. Every pastor standing before his congregation would be so encouraged when reports of faith are shared. In 2025 we see very little of this but Jesus even said we would do greater things than He did – so where are these greater things in the church today? This is not a message for the early church only it is a message for the church of all ages. The church is vehicle for Jesus to move on the earth today – what is your church doing or what better things could they be doing?

In verse ten Paul gives us the reason some churches do what they are called to do and others just exist. He prayed day and night a good reminder for the church today. Maintain an attitude of prayer then put it into practice.

Paul prays for them but tells them although they are doing good they are “lacking in faith.’ This is not a criticism but an admonishment to continue.

Our churches today would be well advised to take his message.

God Bless.