We sent Timothy… to establish and exhort you in your faith. – 1 Thessalonians 3:2
Our faith is always under fire. It is always being pounded. This can happen in a couple of different ways.
We can be under fire through trials. “We sent Timothy… to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions” (3:2-3).
We can also be under fire from the tempter. “I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain” (3:5).
Paul gives us a model of three ways to minister to a person whose faith is under fire, whether through trials or from the tempter:
Ministry of presence
When he couldn’t go, Paul sent Timothy to find out about the Thessalonians’ faith (3:5). We need to practice a godly vigilance for the spiritual good of others. “How is your faith? What’s happening to your love for Christ? How is this affecting your ability to pray?”
Ministry of the Word
Next, Paul wrote them a letter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We can’t write more Scripture for people whose faith is under fire, but we can help them apply the Scriptures to their lives.
Ministry of prayer
What a strength it is when someone says, “I’ve been praying for you.” Who do you know whose faith is under fire? Your calling is to strengthen and encourage them in their faith.
These are the elements of true pastoral care. This is how you minister to someone whose faith is under fire. You go, you read the Bible, and you pray.
Think about someone you know whose faith is under fire from great trials or a particular attack from the tempter. How are you ministering to them?
