But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:6 (NIV)
Is it possible for a person to love Jesus Christ more than he or she loves comfort in this culture that constantly promotes and pampers self? That’s hard. And if it is hard for one Christian, is it possible for a whole church to overcome the impulse that seeks our own comfort and the approval of others?
Thankfully, the church in Thessalonica shows us that it can happen. It shows us how we can rise above the desire for comfort and approval to fulfill our calling as faithful disciples of Christ. The simple answer is “faith.” Paul speaks about faith five times here:
- We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith (3:2).
- When I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith (3:5).
- Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith (3:6).
- Brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith (3:7).
- Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith (3:10).
Ask God to renew your faith today.
