August 31 2026

August 31 Monday

1 Thessalonians 3:4-5

When the Tempter Comes

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Yesterday, as we began 1 Thessalonians chapter 3, we saw the tremendous burden Paul had for these young believers. Because he could not return to Thessalonica himself, he sent Timothy to establish and encourage them concerning their faith, so that they would not be shaken by the afflictions they were experiencing. Today, in verses 4 and 5, Paul reminds them that their suffering should not have taken them by surprise. He says in verse 4, “For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation.” Notice that Paul had warned them ahead of time. When Paul preached the gospel, he did not promise people that if they trusted Christ all their problems would disappear. He did not tell them that following Jesus would guarantee an easy life. Actually, he told them just the opposite. He said, in effect, “If you follow Christ, you should expect opposition.”

Jesus Himself told His disciples in John 16:33, “In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Paul had learned this personally. Everywhere he went preaching the gospel, there seemed to be opposition. He had been beaten and imprisoned in Philippi. He was driven out of Thessalonica. He faced opposition in Berea, and eventually he found himself alone in Athens. Paul knew from experience that living for Christ does not exempt us from trouble. And neither does it today. Sometimes we get the idea that if we are walking with the Lord, praying, reading our Bible, attending church, and trying to live right, then nothing bad should happen to us. But the Bible never promises that. In fact, sometimes our troubles come because we are faithfully following Christ. Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:12, “Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

Then Paul adds an interesting statement in verse 4: “just as it happened, and you know.” In other words, Paul said, “I told you it was coming—and now you have experienced it for yourselves.” But notice what concerned Paul most. It wasn't simply that they were suffering. His greatest concern was what the suffering might do to their faith. Verse 5 says: “For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith.” Paul wanted to know, “Are they still trusting God? Are they still standing? Are they still believing the gospel?” And then Paul tells us why he was so concerned: “Lest by some means the tempter had tempted you.” Here Paul calls Satan “the tempter.” That immediately reminds us of Matthew 4, where Satan came to Jesus in the wilderness and tempted Him.

Satan is still the tempter today. And one of his favorite opportunities to tempt us is when we are going through difficulty. When we are hurting, Satan whispers, “If God really loved you, why did He allow this?” When our prayers seem unanswered, he whispers, “God isn't listening.” When something doesn't turn out the way we hoped, he says, “You can't trust God.” When we become discouraged, he whispers, “What's the use? Just give up.” That is why we need to understand something very important: The trial itself is not necessarily the temptation. The temptation is how we respond to the trial. God can use a trial to strengthen our faith, while Satan wants to use that same trial to destroy our confidence in God. Remember Job? Satan believed that if Job lost his possessions, his family, and his health, Job would turn against God. But in the middle of his suffering, Job could still say, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” That is faith standing in the storm.

Paul finishes verse 5 by saying that he was concerned that “our labor might be in vain.” Paul wasn't suggesting that his ministry had been meaningless. He was expressing the heart of a spiritual father. He had invested his life in these people. He had preached Christ to them, prayed for them, loved them, and discipled them. Now he wanted to know that they were still standing. There is a wonderful lesson here for all of us. Our concern should not simply be that people make a profession of faith. We should desire to see them grow in their faith and stand firm in their faith. Parents should have that concern for their children. Pastors should have that concern for their people. Sunday school teachers should have that concern for those they teach. And every mature believer should desire to encourage someone else in their walk with Christ.

Today, maybe you are facing a trial. Remember this: Your trial does not mean God has abandoned you. Don't listen to the tempter. Instead, listen to the promises of God's Word. Satan says, “God has forgotten you.” God says, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Satan says, “You cannot make it through this.” God says, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” Satan says, “Give up.” God says, “Stand fast in the Lord.” My friend, the enemy may use the storm to try to shake your faith, but God can use that same storm to strengthen your faith. So today, keep trusting Him. Keep believing His Word. Keep standing on His promises. The tempter may come, but our God is faithful!

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us today that trials and difficulties are a part of our journey through this world. Help us not to be surprised or shaken when they come. Lord, we know that the tempter would love to use our troubles to cause us to doubt Your goodness and faithfulness. Help us to recognize his lies and answer them with the truth of Your Word. Strengthen our faith, establish our hearts, and help us to stand fast in the Lord. And Father, use us to encourage someone today who may be going through a difficult time. May our faith become stronger through every trial, and may our lives bring honor and glory to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!