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III. Coming of Christ is a PURIFYING HOPE, Chapters 3:1 — 4:12

A. Timothy brings a good report of Thessalonians, Chapter 3:1-8

vv. 1, 2 — Paul had to leave Thessalonica so quickly that there were many unfinished teachings he was not able to develop. He not only longs to return but wonders about the future of the believers. Paul longs to comfort them. He demonstrates a labor of love. Love is not affection; love seeks the welfare of another.

v. 3 — Paul wants the Thessalonians to stand for the Lord in the midst of afflictions. A believer will not escape trouble. He is actually appointed to suffer (John 16:33; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-19).

v. 4 — “Tribulation” is affliction. Since this epistle is eschatological in content, it might be well to note that this is an example of fulfilled prophecy. Paul predicts that the Thessalonians would endure afflictions. They had. The purpose of afflictions is to promote sanctification in the life of the believer.

v. 5 — Afflictions also test the genuineness of the coin of belief. Paul recognizes that all professions of faith are not genuine. Afflictions reveal the genuine believer, and this is the occasion of his rejoicing.

v. 6 — Timothy brings a good report from the Thessalonians and that they were enduring afflictions.

v. 7 — Paul likewise is enduring afflictions, and the good report causes him to be comforted.

v. 8 — “We live” means that, as believers, we enjoy life. “If” is since. It could be translated, “While ye are standing fast in the Lord we are happy.”

B. Paul urges Thessalonians to continue to grow in faith, Chapter 3:9-13

v. 9 — “Joy” occurs twice in this verse. “Affliction” or “tribulation” occur three times in this chapter. Affliction increases the capacity of the heart for joy.

v. 10 — “Lacking” — Paul’s labor in Thessalonica had been suddenly and rudely interrupted. Paul longs to finish his work among them.

“Faith” is doctrine.

v. 11 — Paul is praying for a return visit to Thessalonica.

v. 12 — “Abound” is exceed. “Love” is the Greek agape. Love is seen only in action in this epistle — “labor of love” (1:3). Again, love is not affection; love seeks the welfare of another.

v. 13 — “To the end” — love is not an end in itself. Holiness is the end result in the life of a believer, which will not be fully attained until the return of Christ — “at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.”

“Unblamable” (see also 2:10) means that no charge can be made. On a bulletin board outside a church was this question: “If you were tried in court as a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” A believer must one day appear before the judgment (Greek bema) seat of Christ, who will judge his works to see if there is to be a reward. Also, He judges character to see if there is something that must be corrected (1 John 2:28).

C. How believers are to walk, Chapter 4:1-12

vv. 1, 2 — The Ten Commandments have no part in a sinner’s salvation. The Ten Commandments are not the standard for Christian conduct. There are commandments for believers (see 22 commandments in chapter 5). If man could not keep the Ten Commandments (Acts 15:10), how can he keep higher commandments? This can be attained only by an outside power (the Holy Spirit, v. 8). See also Romans 8:3, 4; Galatians 5:22, 23.

“Walk” — the walk of the believer is all important; he mentions it again in v. 12. The walk is a parenthesis around this section. Abeliever cannot do as he pleases; he does as Christ pleases.

v. 3 — Chastity is the subject in vv. 3-8. Immorality (see ASV) is condemned. A child of God cannot live an immoral life.

vv. 4-6 — Achild of God cannot be sanctified when his relationship is immoral with the opposite sex — or dishonest with the same sex.

v. 7 — Achild of God cannot continue in sin (the prodigal son may get into the pig pen, but he cannot live in the pig pen).

v. 8 — A child of God is indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5; 8:9; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 2:22).

v. 9 — Charity is the subject in vv. 9, 10. Abeliever must have love for the brethren — it comes supernaturally (Galatians 5:22).

v. 10 — This is the area of growth and development.

v. 11 — Calmness is the subject here. “Study to be quiet” — only the Spirit of God conducts this type of school. (Man teaches how to speak.) Be ambitious to keep still is one translation. “[Tend to] your own business” is also a Christian virtue. “Work with your own hands” is a commandment for believers.

v. 12 — “Walk honestly” is to gain the respect and confidence of mankind, as in v. 1 where the walk is to please God.

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