3. THEIR FELLOWSHIP REVEALED (1 Thessalonians 3:1-13)

In the disturbing and distressing setting of the much affliction that existed for the Thessalonian church, it is the harmony of their fellowship that stands out.

3.1 THEIRS WAS AN ENDANGERED FELLOWSHIP (1 Thessalonians 3:1,3)

There were those, Satan inspired, who strove to wreck the whole fellowship. Paul's great concern for them is very understandable.

1 Thessalonians 3:1 "Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone."

Such was the suspense, wondering how the Thessalonian new believers were coping, that any news would be better than the strain of no news. So Paul sent Timothy (1 Thessalonians 3:2 ) and was in Athens alone. Mark the specific action of Paul on behalf of this fellowship in danger:

He parted with the man most needed alongside him in his ministry at that time, for the benefit of the Thessalonians. In the meeting of the needs of troubled fellowships, too often the top men are retained, and the lesser experienced are dispatched to the area of need.

The self-sacrifice of Paul for the Thessalonians is expressed in the words "left in Athens alone." In that demon ridden, depressing city, how urgently he needed the company and support of a fellow worker. Even rights confirmed by the Lord's example in sending, have to be forfeited in the interests of others.

Mark 6:7 "And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits."

It is interesting to mark that unsupported ministry was the exception in the N.T, not the rule. The wisdom of ministry teams is again being recognised and implemented.

1 Thessalonians 3:2 "Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ."

He is our brother, that is, one of the same family. The one word speaks of affectionate regard and of Timothy's allegiance to God's family. He is a minister of God, who is a called out, gifted servant of God, having through grace, office in the body of Christ. He is our fellow labourer who is an experienced team worker. Every confidence can be placed in this esteemed labourer in the gospel of Christ. Trust cannot be given everyone, but it cannot be misplaced in one who is in the family and for the family, whose commitment is to serve God wholly and loyally, and has proved himself in labours, and whose priority is the gospel of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 3:2 "To establish you and encourage you concerning your faith."

Timothy was to establish them in their faith, exhort them in perseverance in the faith, and to encourage them to stand for their faith in the face of persecution. Some suffered physically - others financially, domestically, and socially.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do you think Paul was right to be so concerned about the young Church at Thessalonica?
   Are you concerned for afflicted young converts today?
   • Would you be willing, like Paul, to make personal sacrifices on their behalf?

2. Should solitude in ministry be the exception, not the rule?
   • Do you believe the Holy Spirit is restoring ministry teams today?

3. How is Timothy's ministry described?
   • How would the Leadership describe your position, service, loyalty?
   • Could you be trusted to establish and encourage others concerning their faith?