September 03 2026

September 03 Thursday

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

Established in Holiness

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today we come to the final verses of 1 Thessalonians chapter 3. Paul has just told these believers that he is praying “night and day exceedingly” that he might see their faces again and help perfect what is lacking in their faith. Now Paul actually tells us something of what he is praying. Beginning in verse 11, he says: “Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.” There are three wonderful requests in Paul's prayer.

First, Paul prays for God's direction. “May our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.” Remember, Paul desperately wanted to return to Thessalonica. Back in chapter 2, he said that Satan had hindered him. But Paul didn't try to force the door open. He prayed for God to direct his way. There is an important lesson here. Sometimes we know what we would like to do. We have plans. We have desires. We may even believe those desires are good and God-honoring. But ultimately, we need God to direct our steps. Proverbs 3:5–6 tells us: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Maybe today you are facing a decision. Ask God to direct your way.

Then Paul prays for abounding love. Verse 12 says: “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all.” Notice those words: increase and abound. Paul wasn't suggesting that these believers didn't love each other. Timothy had already brought good news about their faith and love. They had love. But Paul wanted them to have more love. That reminds us that there is always room for growth in the Christian life. Our faith can grow. Our knowledge can grow. Our prayer life can grow. And certainly, our love can grow.

Notice also the direction of their love. Paul says, “to one another and to all.” It is one thing to love our Christian brothers and sisters who believe like we do and treat us kindly. But Christian love reaches beyond that. Jesus told us to love even our enemies. The love of Christ should overflow from our lives to everyone around us.

Then Paul's prayer reaches its great conclusion in verse 13: “So that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father.” There is our word again—establish. We saw it at the beginning of chapter 3 when Timothy was sent to establish them concerning their faith. Now Paul wants their hearts established in holiness. Holiness simply means being set apart for God. God isn't merely interested in changing what we do on the outside. He wants to change our hearts. And notice the motivation Paul gives: “At the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.”

Paul never gets very far from the return of Jesus. Every chapter of 1 Thessalonians ends with some reference to Christ's coming. Paul wanted these believers to live every day with the realization: Jesus is coming again. And that truth should affect the way we live. First John 3:3 says: “And every man that hath this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He is pure.” If we really believe Jesus could return, it should make a difference in our priorities, our relationships, our attitudes, and our conduct.

So as we finish chapter 3, Paul's prayer gives us three wonderful requests we can make our own today: Lord, direct my steps. Lord, increase my love. Lord, establish my heart in holiness. And may we live today remembering that Jesus is coming again.

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. We ask You today to direct our paths and guide every decision we make. Increase and abound our love toward one another and toward everyone You bring across our path. Establish our hearts in holiness and help us to live lives that are pleasing to You. And Lord, keep before us the wonderful hope that Jesus is coming again. May that truth purify our hearts and motivate us to faithfully serve You until He comes. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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