We sent Timothy…to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 3 (NIV)
Paul is concerned for the Thessalonian believers because they are going through trials. He knows how unsettling trials can be, so he wants to encourage them in their faith. Paul is also aware that where there are trials, the tempter is at work. “I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless” (3:5). Because of these concerns, Paul sends Timothy to find out how the church is doing and to encourage them.
Now, if you were sent on assignment to find out the spiritual health of a church, what would you look for? Would you look at the programs? Finances? Worship? Attendance? Online platform? All these things are important considerations, but notice what Paul is concerned about: He sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage the church in their faith (3:2).
This means that lively confidence in God is the first sign of spiritual health. Whatever you are facing right now isn’t the issue. What you are feeling right now is not the issue. We all have different trials and temptations, but what really matters is the strength of your faith.
How would you strengthen and encourage a person in his or her faith? Think about how the Holy Spirit does this work. He is the effective encourager, also known as the Comforter. He creates faith and sustains faith in the believer. Jesus said the Spirit does this by taking the things of Christ and making them known to you (Jn. 16:14).
That’s the model. So the best way for you to strengthen and encourage other believers is to help them get their eyes off themselves and what they are experiencing and onto Christ and what He is doing.
Who can you encourage today? Build them up in their faith.
