lesson 5 in 1 Thess. ch.3:1-5 keep the faith

As we see in reading these two verses (1,2) here in ch. 3, Paul was not concerned about his own state of affairs, rather his concern was for their faith. In fact he was so concerned that he sent Timothy to establish and encourage them in their faith. Look at what he says in the first five verses of this third chapter: Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, And sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow labourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For in fact we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. For this reason when I could no longer endure it I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you and our labour might be in vain."
But Paul is encouraged by the good report brought to him by Timothy. Read 4:8 from the epistle to the Philippians. IT says if there be ...a good report. Timothy brought a good report....look at verse 6 here in 1st. Thess. ch. 3:"But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also you" (look at the end result) "therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith." Paul says "we were comforted". A good report brings comfort. It should cause us to rejoice when we hear of others who are faithful in their walk with the Lord, whether it is an individual or another church or a ministry. When we submit a request for prayer for an individual or a congregation that we are not especially familiar with, we should still have that same compassion and take them on our hearts and call upon the Lord on their behalf.Read chapter 3.down to and including verse 10