The American Wisdom Series 
 http://www.americanwisdomseries.com

I Thessalonians 3

Caution to students of God's Word - Please remember two things when using our studies: #1. Our commentary is not God's Word. It is only our interpretation or understanding of "His Word" and even though we try our best to be accurate we may or may not be correct. #2. The King James translation, or any other translation, of the original Hebrew text has some words which were given different translations at different places probably because of the interpreters preconceived ideas of what they think God meant to say. For example: According to the notes in the "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible" the Hebrew word hayah in the KJV is Trans. (became) 67 times, (becamest or came to pass) 505 times, (become) 66 times, and (come to pass) 131 times, but for some reason in Genesis 1:2 it is translated (was)! That sure changes the way a person perceives the original creation of the earth, doesn't it?  Gen. 1:2 And the earth was (became) without form, ... Having said that, let us continue with our "Key Knowledge" lessons. These are pamphlets containing knowledge, we believe, you must have to fully and accurately unlock and understand the Word of God.

John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:13-14
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

This Bible Study was originally written by Roger Christopherson,
 published at http://www.theseason.org/ 

 and now edited by people at
The American Wisdom Series  

Without the leading by the Holy Spirit, there is no understanding of the truths, for all the truth of the Scriptures are revealed to us by God's Spirit.

 Now here is our revised study of:

I Thessalonians 3

"Paul Testifieth His Love for the Thessalonians"

I Thessalonians 3:1 "Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Ath'-ens alone;"

When Paul left Thessalonica, he went to Athens.

I Thessalonians 3:2 "And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow-labourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:"

Paul is saying, I couldn't stand it any longer, I had to sent Timothy to see how you were doing.

I Thessalonians 3:3 "That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto."

Paul had to make sure that if afflictions came, his followers [believers, or converts] would not give in to them. Paul is telling us, your going to have afflictions if your going into Satan's area.

I Thessalonians 3:4 "For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know."

When we [Paul and Silas] were there you saw it, we were taken, beaten and jailed. Paul reminded them that when they made a stand they world receive affliction also for Christ's sake.

I Thessalonians 3:5 "For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain."

Paul says he could wait no longer to find out how their faith had grown. He had to see when their first temptations came, and Satan tried their faith, would their faith be strong enough to stand against Satan, or would they falter. This, to Paul, would show if they were successful in teaching you, or did we fail.

I Thessalonians 3:6 "But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity [love], and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:"

The love between Paul and the Thessalonians grew very strong. The news Timothy brought back was all good: for the band or church of believers increased in faith, love, and support for Paul, Silas, and Timothy. Afflictions in that first church brought them together. It is bonded by their love for the Word of God.

I Thessalonians 3:7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:"

In the end it made it all worth while."

I Thessalonians 3:8 "For now we live, if ye stand in the Lord."

"We live", means "live forever", if we stand fast in the Lord. We defeat death, for Satan is death [Hebrews 2:14].

I Thessalonians 3:9 "For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;"

Paul is repeating his joy and praise to God for the work and success of the church here in Thessalonica.

I Thessalonians 3:10 "Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?"

Paul wanted to be there with them in Thessalonica, and continue to teach them in the Lord.

I Thessalonians 3:11 "Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you."

It is in God's hands, and may He work it out; and it did work out about five years later.

I Thessalonians 3:12 "And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:"

This is the way that love grows; by "love one toward another, and toward all men." When God's love grows within you, it spreads to those around you.

I Thessalonians 3:13 "To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints."

Then again, at the very end of this chapter; "at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints." This is the subject of this book: The return of Jesus Christ with all His saints. He will then establish His holy kingdom on earth, and this will start what is called the Millennium kingdom [age].

When will that be?

It is at the sounding of the seventh and last trumpet. There are traditions that men teach that differ from God's Word, and you have the choice of which you will believe. Many also just don't care. On judgment day when you stand accountable for your belief, or lack of it, the church traditions will not matter, nor will they be there. You will stand and face the Heavenly Father alone. You will be forced to give answer why you did not listen to His Word.

                        
To study the Bible is the noblest of all pursuits; to understand it, the highest of all goals.  We pray that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you accomplish both.

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