Concern for Charges. 1 Thessalonians 3:4-5.
Dear Strangers in this World,
We continue with the theme of the emissary – Timothy, who was sent to the Thessalonian Christians because of the overpowering longing that the evangelists had for them. We learn here that they also were concerned for the Christians.
Forewarned (v. 4). The evangelists had repeatedly told the new converts to expect persecution and it now had come to pass. One of the dangers of modern conversions is that people come to Christ with the expectation that they will have a trouble-free Christian experience. Jesus did promise great gain, both in this life and in the life to come, for those who abandoned their earthly possessions and relations for the gospel, but he also promised persecution (Mark 10:29-30). For the believer, persecution is inevitable. Just brace yourself for the unavoidable.
Fearful (v. 5). Paul and his companions were concerned that the Thessalonians would cave in under pressure. This is not to imply that salvation is something fickle that can be tortured out of a believer. Rather, there is no way of a human being confirming beyond doubt that another is truly saved. Jesus taught in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23) that some people will receive the word with joy but eventually succumb to persecution (13:20-21). Others will receive the word but be distracted by “the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches” so that the word is choked (13:22).
Paul did not want to have labored in vain and only produced nominal Christians whose faith was not from the heart and who would give up at the first sign of trouble. How deep and firm is your faith? Will you forsake the Lord when persecution comes? The Thessalonians proved otherwise and I pray, so may we.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.