A Cord of Three Strands ~ 1 Thessalonians 3

A CORD OF THREE STRANDS
Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens, and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would come soon—and they did, as you well know. That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless. But now Timothy has just returned, bringing us good news about your faith and love. He reports that you always remember our visit with joy and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you. So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith. May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon. And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen. 1 Thessalonians chapter 3, NLT

Good Morning, Friends.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qaYMWJscTI&feature=related - a great song I'd like you to hear to set the stage -

Consider these lyrics: “But if we are the body, why aren’t His arms reaching? Why aren’t His hands healing? Why aren’t His words teaching? And if we are the body why aren’t His feet going? Why is His love not showing them there is a way?” (–words from “We are the Body” by Casting Crowns; the video done by a group of young people—I like it.) Paul’s words above showed how the body of Christ should work—loving, encouraging, and praying for one another. Paul’s heart conveyed the passionate concern, warmth, and acceptance that should typify the church—somewhere along the line, I think we have lost it. Notice with me how the ministry team felt about the believers in Thessalonica—they loved them tenderly and ardently, praying without ceasing for them. So Paul sent Timothy to build up their faith so that they would not abandon the Lord when the trials and persecution got to be too great. Timothy encouraged them in their love for one another. I get the sense that IF the people had stumbled or doubted, there wouldn’t have been judgment so much as restoration. ‘A cord of three strands is not easily broken’~ quoth the writer to the Ecclesiastes. Three strands: Paul, Timothy, the Thessalonian believer.

As you read this passage, did you notice the power of teamwork? It kinda’ brings a smile to my face because businesses and churches alike trumpet the value of team leadership, often like it is a novel concept . . . ha. Notice with me that when Paul could not safely return to Thessalonica, he sent Timothy to the young believers. What do we know about Timothy? Well, it seems that Paul met him on his first missionary journey, when Timothy heard and believed Paul’s teaching on the Messiah, and Timothy himself became a believer. He then joined the ministry of Paul and Silas on the second missionary journey. Timothy was raised by a Jewish mother and loving grandmother, who no doubt prayed faithfully for him; and, Timothy knew the Old Testament Scriptures well—which, combined with the transforming faith in Jesus Christ made him an indomitable force for spreading the gospel. Three strands: Eunice-grandmother, Lois-mother, and Timothy-son. Three strands: Paul, Silas, and Timothy.

Notice with me how encouraged Paul was when Timothy reported that the Thessalonians were still full of faith! We need one another to ‘stay at our posts’ and remain faithful to the cause of Christ. It is far too easy—even acceptable--in today’s culture to have a flagging commitment--to Christ, to relationships, to marriages, to one another. The body of Christ needs each other to stand firm. Back to the wise writer of Ecclesiastes~ ”Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” (4.9-10) People in community with one another produce a cord of three strands: they encourage, hold accountable, and pray for one another, and they are not easily broken.

Finally, we must never overlook the monumental importance of praying for others. Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians included thanking God for them and interceding for them—going to the Father on their behalf. I love this notion of combining both of these in our prayers for others because when we do both, thanking God for others as well as praying for them, our hearts will truly want the best for them! And look what Paul’s prayers accomplished? Though he was unable to be with the fledgling church, they remained faithful and committed, even when their teacher could not get to them. Amazing. . . grace.

A cord of three strands is not easily broken. Thank you, Paul, for your words here in 1 Thessalonians chapter 3, that illustrate that truth so magnificently!

Amen podcast: www.pastorwoman.com