About Timothy | English Devotion | NHFCSG

About Timothy 
1 Thess 3:6 - 3:13

Paul wanted to be with the Thessalonians during their time of trial, since he could not go, he decided to send Timothy who was a trusted companion and fellow worker with Paul. [ 1 Tess 2:17-19 ]
Paul send him for 2 reasons – to establish and encourage the Thessalonians. However, there was another reason. 

#1 Bring him back word
 The third reason Paul sent Timothy to them was that he himself needed to know what was going on. Timothy would bring him back word.
To Paul's great relief, his work had not been in vain. It stood solid and sure. Their faith was intact; their love was evident; and, best of all, their trust in God was secure. 
They held cherished memories of the apostle and longed to see him. He is filled with thankfulness and joy at this good news. 
That is always the effect upon a father's heart when he receives good reports of his children in the faith.
It is how the Apostle John felt, as he tells us in his third letter: "I have no greater joy than this, than to hear that my children are walking in the truth," (3 John 1:4).

#2 Effect of the good news
Paul wrote to Corinth Church that I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling (1 Corinthians 2:3). Yet since Timothy came back with good news, Paul had a renewed strength and freshness of life 
A servant of God is so full of delight as when he sees that the Holy Spirit is visiting his hearers, making them to know the Lord, and confirming them in that heavenly knowledge. 
Paul’s joy overflowed because he knew that they did stand ground during trials in the Lord. 
Some find it easy to rejoice in the material prosperity in the life of others, but Paul honestly rejoiced in the spiritual prosperity of others. 

 
#3 Making up for the Lack   
 
 Paul wanted Timothy to work with the church on what they were still lacking. Though the apostle repeatedly complimented them (1 Thessalonians 1:3, 1:7, 2:13, 2:19-20, and 3:6), he was also concerned to perfect (complete) what is lacking in their faith.
 
He points out 2 attributes that can help the church being love and holiness. 
 
Love is an essential mark of the Christian faith. This was not a loveless church, but they still had room to grown in love.
 
Paul looked for the Thessalonian Christians to show love to one another and to all. This love begins in the family of God, but it must go beyond. 
 
Jesus told us that our love is small and shallow if we only love those who love us also (Matthew 5:46-47).
 
The heart must be made holy first. The devil wants us to develop a holy exterior while neglecting the interior, like whitewashed tombs, full of death (Matthew 23:27).
 
Dear brothers and Sisters 
Do we lack anything that we can take to God today? The Thessalonian church was doing great, yet Paul wanted them to progress towards being perfect. 
Are we allowing the word of God to sink in us that Holy Spirit can invade you? 

Let us Pray 
Dear lord, help us to be an encouragement for others. The times that we need to show love, Holy spirit you prompt us. The things in our life which we need to perfect, help us and give us the wisdom. In Jesus Name. Amen.