The Living Word

KING JAMES VERSION

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

— Isaiah 40:8
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1 Thessalonians 3

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Chapter Study & Analysis

1 Thessalonians 3 describes Paul’s concern for the church’s steadfastness under persecution, leading him to send Timothy to establish them. He rejoices at the good news of their faith and prays for their love to abound and their hearts to be blameless.

CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS

1. Appointed to Affliction: Paul reminds believers that we are "appointed" to tribulations (v. 3). We should not be surprised or shaken by trials, but see them as a necessary part of our spiritual journey.
2. Encouragement in Faith: Paul was comforted in his own distress by the news of the church’s standing fast (v. 7-8). We should realize that our spiritual stability is a source of great encouragement to our leaders and fellow believers.
3. Increasing in Love: The goal of spiritual growth is to "increase and abound in love one toward another" (v. 12). Love is the primary evidence of a heart being established in holiness before God.

FORMAL PRAYER

Lord Jesus, we pray that Thou wouldst perfect that which is lacking in our faith. Make us to increase and abound in love toward one another and toward all men, that our hearts may be unblameable in holiness at Thy coming. Amen.
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