September 02 2026

September 02 Wednesday

1 Thessalonians 3:9-10

Growing in Faith

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Yesterday, as we looked at 1 Thessalonians 3:6–8, we saw that Timothy had returned to Paul with some wonderful news. The believers in Thessalonica were still standing strong in their faith despite the persecution and difficulties they were experiencing. Paul was so encouraged that he said in verse 8, “For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.” Today, in verses 9 and 10, Paul tells us how this good report affected him. He begins by asking: “For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God?” Paul almost seems to be saying, “How could I possibly thank God enough for what He is doing in your lives?” Remember, Paul had been deeply concerned about these believers. He had wondered whether the tempter had somehow shaken their faith. He had sent Timothy back to Thessalonica because he could no longer endure not knowing how they were doing. Then Timothy returned with the wonderful news: They're still believing! They're still loving! They're still standing! And Paul's heart was filled with joy.

But notice something important. Paul did not congratulate himself. He thanked God. Paul understood that although he had preached the gospel, taught the Word, prayed, and labored among these people, ultimately it was God who was working in their lives. That is something all of us who have had the privilege of ministering to others need to remember. Maybe you taught a Sunday school class. Maybe you witnessed to someone and saw that person trust Christ. Maybe you raised children who are now serving the Lord. Maybe you encouraged someone during a difficult time, and today they are still walking faithfully with Christ. Certainly, we can be thankful that God allowed us to have a part in their lives. But ultimately, the glory belongs to God. Paul had already told them back in chapter 2, verse 13, that the Word of God “effectively works in you who believe.” Paul planted the seed, but God gave the increase.

Then notice Paul's joy. He says, “For all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God.” There are many things in life that can bring us happiness, but I believe one of the greatest joys a Christian can ever experience is seeing someone we have invested our life in continuing to walk with God. The apostle John expressed the same thought in 3 John 4: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” I think every Christian parent understands something about that. We want our children and grandchildren to be healthy. We want them to succeed. We want them to have good jobs, good marriages, and good lives. But our greatest desire should be that they know Jesus Christ and walk in truth. And the same should be true in ministry. Our greatest joy should not simply be large crowds, successful programs, beautiful buildings, or recognition. Our greatest joy should be changed lives—people growing in Christ and standing fast in the Lord.

Then Paul tells us something else about his relationship with these believers. Verse 10 says: “Night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face…” Paul wasn't merely thinking about them. He was praying for them. And notice the intensity of his prayer: “Night and day praying exceedingly.” The word translated “exceedingly” carries the thought of something beyond measure or extraordinarily great. Paul prayed earnestly and continually for these people. What a wonderful reminder that one of the greatest ministries we can ever have for another person is the ministry of prayer. Sometimes we cannot be physically present with someone. Sometimes we cannot solve their problem. Sometimes we don't even know exactly what to say. But we can always pray. You may have children or grandchildren living hundreds of miles away. You may have a friend going through something you cannot fix. You may know someone who has wandered away from the Lord. You may feel helpless to change their circumstances. But you are never helpless when you can take their name before the throne of grace.

Then Paul tells us specifically what he was praying for: “That we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith.” Now that is interesting. Timothy had just reported that their faith was strong. Paul had just rejoiced because they were standing fast. Yet Paul says there was still something “lacking” in their faith. Was Paul criticizing them? Not at all. He was reminding us of an important truth: No matter how much we have grown spiritually, there is always room to grow more. Someone said: “The biggest room in all the world, is the room for improvement”. The word translated “perfect” has the idea of completing, equipping, or supplying what is needed. Paul wanted to return so he could continue teaching these young believers and help them become more mature in Christ. They had genuine faith. They had strong faith. But they did not yet have perfect or complete faith. And neither do we. No matter how many years we have known the Lord, we should never reach the place where we think, “I've arrived. I know enough. I don't need to grow anymore.” Paul himself would later say in Philippians 3:12: “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after…”. Spiritual maturity is not reaching a point where we no longer need to grow. Spiritual maturity is recognizing how much we still need to grow.

So today, I believe these two verses give us three wonderful things to think about. Be thankful for what God has already done. Keep praying for those God has placed upon your heart. And never stop growing in your own faith. We can rejoice over yesterday's spiritual victories while still asking God to do something greater in our lives today. Maybe that should be our prayer this morning: “Lord, thank You for how far You have brought me—but don't let me stop here. Show me what is still lacking in my faith, and continue making me more like Jesus.” My friend, as long as we are here on this earth, God is not finished with us yet.

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank You today for the people You have placed in our lives and for the joy we experience when we see them walking faithfully with You. Help us always to remember that the glory belongs to You for every life that is changed. Lord, teach us to pray faithfully and earnestly for our children, our grandchildren, our families, our friends, and those You have allowed us to influence. And Father, remind us that no matter how long we have known You, there is still room for us to grow. Show us what is lacking in our faith. Continue to teach us through Your Word, strengthen our faith, increase our love, and make us more like Jesus every day. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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