5For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. 6But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you-- 7for this reason, brothers,[b] in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?
1. One of Paul's greatest passion is God's glory in and through the perseverance of faith in his followers. Paul was so concerned for the Thessalonians' faith that he sends Timothy, his friend, to check up on them (v. 5).
5For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn (Timothy) about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
2. The news of the people's strong faith was so wonderful for Paul, that it helps comfort him in his sufferings (v.6-7).
6But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you-- 7for this reason, brothers,[b] in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith
3. In verse 8, Paul's passion for the Thessalonians' faith is clearly seen, as he describes the condition of him feeling "alive", that is, if they"stand fast in the Lord". Paul is stating that the joy and happiness in his life is contingent on their perseverance in faith and without it he would probably consider himself "dead".
8For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord
4. In verse 9-10, Paul is not only excited about the Thessalonians' faith, but he is also happy that he will be able to thank God for their faith in prayer, an activity he does constantly.
9For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?
5. So FPC, what makes you happy or sad? Does the perseverance of your fellow Christian's faith have any impact on how you feel? Or are you content with just your own individual faith, giving no thought or concern about anyone else's?
May God allow us to find our happiness in other people's faith, so that we can enjoy Christ more,
dan
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