Life in the fellowship of Christians is built on in and around relationships – personal, intimate, life-sharing communion between persons. That’s what our lives are all about. And in this simple and direct text we get some deep insight into Paul’s relationship to the Thessalonians. How much he cared, how much he loved them, how much they controlled his heart, his feelings, his emotions and his desires. Paul’s had a deep concern for the Thessalonians.

1 – Satan’s role in the work of God (vs. 18)

There is a power of evil at work. Opposition and pain is God’s way of getting our attention. If the apostle Paul was stopped by Satan then the same can happen to us. God allowed Satan to oppose Paul. Satan means it for evil but God means it for good. God will strengthen us through the role of Satan. Satan is subject to the greater power of God. Satan puts obstacles in our way. Satan is a liar, a deceiver and is out to devour us.

Now remember this, though Satan is opposing us, he is controlled by the overruling providence and sovereignty of God. He can only do what he can do within the limits that God allows. God allowed him to go after Job. God allowed him to sift Peter. God allowed him to deal with Paul. Why? In Job’s weakness he was made strong. In Peter’s weakness he was made strong. In Paul’s weakness he was made strong. And the end product benefits God’s Word. So within the limits that God allows, Satan hinders, prevents God’s servant from doing what he desires to do.

2 – A Christian’s responsibility in the Word of God (vs. 19-20)

A Father’s joy is to see his children grow up and become independent. Paul uses sport as an illustration. See 1 Corinthians 9:25. Paul sees himself as an athlete. The games were held as a celebration of a visiting dignitary. Paul is praying continually for the growth of the Church. Paul is living for eternity. He was waiting for his reward. There are six marks of maturity:-

• The ability to deal constructively with reality.
  
• To adopt quickly to change.
  
• Freedom from the symptoms of tension and anxiety.
  
• Satisfied more with giving than receiving.
  
• To relate to others with consistency, helpfulness and mutual satisfaction.
  
• Stimulate and redirect anger to constructive ends.
  

Are you maturing as a Christian? God sends difficult times that we might mature. Paul was a proud father at the progress of many in the Church despite the hardships.

Categories: 1 Thessalonians