Be Assured. 1st Thessalonians 3:3 The sphere of service these men had covered the needs of the Thessalonian Christians. The Gospel preaching had established them on the common basis of being believers in Christ in that city. Timothy was also trusted to establish the new believers in the faith and to preserve them so they would not be moved by the opposition and the suffering it caused. The objective of both Timothy and Paul was to know the reality of their faith. It is normal for us to be concerned about new converts when we have gone through an open door with the Gospel and have seen God work. The contrast to being established is to be disturbed and upset because of the trouble and pressures that arise against the people of God.
It's right to expect others to do their best work and to assign responsibilities that match their abilities. It's important to define delegated tasks clearly enough so people understand what to do and when they've finished. It's right to want to know the results of delegated work. It's good to suggest ways to achieve the desired outcomes. It's helpful to encourage someone who may not feel as capable as they would like. It's wise to warn an overconfident person so they don't overlook small but important details. It's important to support someone who has been given a task in any way possible. It's proper to publicly acknowledge the credentials of a trusted person. It's right to praise a job well done.
When we learn through experience, our genuine interest in others and sensitivity to their situations are deepened and clarified. The Christian life differs significantly from most people's because we have goals and motivations that extend beyond personal comfort. The true shepherd desires the best for his spiritual children, understanding that their daily behavior greatly impacts their relationship with God. It's one thing to know God and be His child; it's quite another to enjoy God and be in full fellowship with Him.
Unlike being “moved,” disturbed, and fearful because of trials, affliction, and suffering that come upon those who live for the Lord, being “established” in the faith is the goal. That was the purpose of Paul sending Timothy to Thessalonica. Difficulties are unavoidable, but they are not unnecessary. Those who live godly lives should expect persecution.
The apostles and early Christians all faced rejection and suffering for the sake of the Gospel. We should expect to face rejection and suffering in some form as those who represent our Lord Jesus Christ and share the truth of God’s word with others. Jesus said it would happen, but he also told us to rejoice when it does because we are honored to be associated with His name.
Troubles are not disasters because they promote the word of God and strengthen the faith of His people. Some things are “appointed” for us to experience, but this does not mean the journey's end. Affliction is common to all faithful believers in Christ, but it is only temporary. When we know we are doing the will of God from our hearts, enduring these temporary trials can become a blessing to us and those who know us.
The Lord assured His people that He would be with them during those tough times. “Fear not, for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name: thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” [Isa.43:2-3]