“Lest...our labor might be in vain.”

Saturday 5-14-2016  (Gaiman, Patagonian Bible Institute, Argentina) 

Scripture Reading:  1 Chron 22 - 24    1 Thess 3

S=Scripture  O=Observation  A=Application  P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S. 1 Thess 3:1-3 Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.

Vs 5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain. NKJV

O. It is clear that the Apostle Paul did not just plant a church and then forget it. He was aware of the dangers of the new believers to become discouraged by their “afflictions” and turn back making his efforts to have been in vain. Communication was not instant like today. Weeks and months without word could bring deep concern to Paul’s fatherly heart. How are his children doing in their struggle with satanic “afflictions”? It appears that Paul was even concerned about them worrying about him. But it was all cleared up with Timothy’s visit. Now Paul writes to let them know that the “good news” has reached him and he is now “comforted”.

A. Nothing could be more discouraging than to get word that the new church one has struggled to plant has been hindered, harmed or even destroyed by the wiles of Satan. Quite often Paul’s church planting time was cut short by persecution. He had to leave the scene while the church was in its infancy. How could leadership be identified and established? When a new church falters or perhaps even fails, in my experience it is usually because of faulty, immature leadership.

P. Lord, You know I have left many young pastors in charge of groups of new believers. Some have grown into great churches. Still, I am deeply concerned, wanting to know the pulse and progress of each one. For even after many years of growth, the persistent enemy will seek to attack the leadership. Too often the enemy will send a woman to destroy a great leader. And if the leadership falls, the enemy may hinder, damage or even destroy a great church. I pray Your divine protection over the leadership of our many churches in this great country. Amen.

Ralph