September 01 2026

September 01 Tuesday

1 Thessalonians 3:6-8

Standing Fast in the Lord

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Yesterday, as we looked at verses 4 and 5 of 1 Thessalonians chapter 3, we saw the tremendous concern Paul had for these young believers. They were going through persecution and affliction, and Paul was afraid that somehow “the tempter” might use their difficulties to shake their faith. Paul said that he could no longer endure not knowing how they were doing, so he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica “to know your faith.” Today, in verses 6 through 8, Timothy comes back with the report. And what a report it was! Paul says in verse 6: “But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love…”

That little phrase “good news” is interesting. It comes from the same basic Greek word from which we get the idea of gospel or glad tidings. Timothy came back with good news! And what was the good news? It wasn't that the persecution had stopped. It wasn't that all their problems had disappeared. It wasn't that their circumstances had suddenly become easy. The good news was that their faith was still strong and their love was still evident. I think there is a wonderful lesson here. Sometimes we measure God's blessing by whether our circumstances have improved. We pray for God to remove the problem, change the situation, heal the hurt, or open the door. And certainly, it is appropriate to pray for those things. But sometimes God's greatest work is not changing our circumstances—it is changing and strengthening us in the midst of our circumstances. The Thessalonians were still experiencing trouble, but they were still believing. They were still trusting. They were still loving. They were still standing!

Notice again those two words: “faith and love.” We have seen them before. Back in chapter 1, verse 3, Paul remembered their “work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Now, after everything they have endured, Paul hears that their faith and love are still there. That is evidence of genuine spiritual growth. Trials had not destroyed their faith. Instead, their faith had endured the trials. Timothy also reported that they had “good remembrance” of Paul and greatly desired to see him, just as Paul desired to see them. Remember, Paul's enemies had probably tried to discredit him after he left Thessalonica. They could have said, “Paul doesn't really care about you. If he cared, he would have come back.” But the Thessalonians knew better. They remembered Paul's love for them, and they wanted to see him again.

Then Paul says in verse 7: “Therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith.” Think about that. Paul himself was going through affliction and distress. Yet what encouraged Paul? Their faith! Here is the great apostle Paul, the missionary, preacher, church planter, and spiritual leader—and he says that the faithfulness of these young believers encouraged him. That reminds us that encouragement works both ways. Pastors encourage their people, but faithful people also encourage their pastors. Parents encourage their children, but godly children encourage their parents. Teachers encourage their students, but students who take God's Word seriously encourage their teachers. You may not realize how much your faithfulness encourages someone else. When you continue serving God through difficulty, somebody is watching. When you keep trusting God after disappointment, somebody notices. When you remain faithful when it would be easier to quit, your life becomes an encouragement to others.

Then Paul makes an amazing statement in verse 8: “For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.” I love that phrase: “Stand fast in the Lord.” Paul was saying, “When I hear that you are standing firm in your faith, it puts new life into me!” This wasn't merely Paul's profession. These people were his heart. Their spiritual welfare mattered deeply to him. And notice that Paul doesn't simply say, “Stand fast.” He says: “Stand fast IN THE LORD.” That makes all the difference. We don't stand in our own strength. We don't stand because we have all the answers. We don't stand because life is easy. We stand in the Lord. Our strength is in Him. Our hope is in Him. Our confidence is in Him. Our security is in Him. The storms of life may blow. Circumstances may change. Friends may disappoint us. Our health may fail. Plans may fall apart. The world around us may become increasingly uncertain. But the Lord never changes. That is why we can stand fast. Psalm 46:1 says: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Maybe today you are going through something difficult. Perhaps you feel weary. Maybe you are discouraged. Maybe the enemy is whispering that it would be easier simply to give up. Remember these Thessalonian believers. They were suffering. They were being persecuted. They were facing opposition. But Timothy came back to Paul with the wonderful report: “They're still standing!” Wouldn't that be a wonderful testimony for someone to give about us? “They went through some difficult days—but they're still standing.” “They experienced disappointment—but they're still standing.” “They shed some tears—but they're still standing.” “They didn't understand everything God allowed—but they're still trusting Him.” My friend, stand fast in the Lord. And remember, your faithfulness may be encouraging someone today more than you will ever know.

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful testimony of these Thessalonian believers. In the midst of their affliction and difficulties, their faith remained strong and their love continued to grow. Lord, help us to stand fast in You. When circumstances are difficult, strengthen our faith. When we become discouraged, remind us that our strength and hope are found in You. Help us also to realize that others are watching our lives, and may our faithfulness encourage them to keep trusting You. Thank You that even when everything around us changes, You never change. By Your grace, help us to keep believing, keep loving, keep serving, and keep standing fast in the Lord. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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