1 Thessalonians 3

http://www.esvbible.org/1+Thessalonians+3/

Paul does not like people to worry about him when he suffers. He knew what he was getting himself into when he started. Those who truly want to follow Jesus must be willing to face afflictions. Don't let others worry about you when you suffer for Christ because that means that you are doing good work for Him and the enemy is trying to stop you at all costs. We can see in Acts and in Paul's letters that Paul endures a lot of suffering. from what he says in the letter, it sounds like he predicted this suffering because of what Jesus said in John about His followers suffering the same treatment that Christ suffers. He sends Timothy to the Thessalonians to ensure that they do not worry about him while he is imprisoned. At the same time, Paul also sends Timothy to report back the Thessalonians' work and growth to Paul. Because Paul was locked away and unable to visit Thessalonica and the Thessalonians worried about him, he feared that Satan may have gotten the best of them and turned them to their evil ways from the ways of the Lord. He just wants to make sure that all of his work there was not in vain. Similarly, check up on those who you plant the seed of faith in. Make sure that they stick to God's path and that Satan has not come between that person and God.

When Paul wrote this letter, Timothy had returned from Thessalonica and given and excellent report. Paul is so happy to hear that the Thessalonians are doing so well that he says that he cannot offer enough thanksgiving for what has happened. Paul finds great joy in hearing that his churches are firm in their beliefs, and we should feel the same way when people we help find the Lord have firm faith later on or even in just hearing about churches with strong faith. Paul also prays again for the Thessalonians. He prays that their love may abound even more and reach more people. He also wishes that they keep their ways pure and blameless before God. We should pray this prayer not only for ourselves but also for others.