Study From the Book of First Thessalonians,4

             Study From the Book of the First Thessalonians,4

As we continue in studying this series which the main topic is the second coming of our Lord , we come to chapter 3. As usual we pick up a couple of biblical principles and lessons that can be useful in counselling.

In chapter 3, Paul  expressed concerns about the faith of the Thessalonians because of the much suffering and affliction they endured. As he could not bear, he left himself alone at Athens, to send Timothy there to see what is going on there.

It was a much joy for Paul when  Timothy came back with good news that despite of the lot of suffering, there was   a great growth in faith. Paul ends this chapter by praying for the this new born  church.

Principle 5: 3:3: “ –no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you  yourselves knew that we are appointed to this.”

Lesson5: It might be natural to assume that if God loves us, He will keep us from suffering. But “natural” does   not mean” right.” As we live in a fallen world, where Satan is still the prince  of the air, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution according to 2 Tim.3:12.

Principle 6: 3:13: “- so that  He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our  Lord and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.”

Lesson 6: God in His sovereign can use suffering for our good. In this verse, it is for the holiness of His saints.  Here and also in many other passages in the Bible, holy living is connected with the return of Christ. The second coming is not a doctrine to satisfy our curiosity, but a truth meant to inspire us to living wholeheartedly for God.  22/9/2019