1Th 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
1Th 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
1Th 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
The Apostle Paul sent Timothy to strengthen and comfort the believers in their faith, especially as they faced afflictions. Paul reminds them that suffering is part of the calling, life of Christ and the ministry for the Lord’s sake, and for the ‘sakes’ of the Saints as well. Avoidance of suffering and affliction are natural reactions for all believers, who often wish to avoid them. However, God has provided doctrine for Spiritual ‘deliverance’ and “salvation;” not a physical rescue from our sufferings and the tribulations that we might face on a daily basis. Paul teaches ‘godly’ believers that they should not be “moved by” afflictions, but instead recognize the glory and privilege associated with suffering the Saint’s sake, and for Christ. The Apostle Paul warns about the temptation to seek separation from affliction for the flesh’s sake, but believers are encouraged to “stand fast” by the Word of God, knowing that the ‘enduring’ of those sufferings “with” the Word allows the “power of Christ to rest” upon them.
1Th 1:6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
1Th 1:7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
1Th 1:8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
Moreover, Paul taught the Thessalonians about the glory connected to suffering for Christ’s sake, and the sufferings of this present time. And Paul says that they were “ensamples” unto the Saints around the world, and he emphasizes that they ought to be “unblameable” and be not moved away from their calling for Christ’s sake. And so, God does not promise physical deliverance from suffering, but He gave us His Word to strengthen believers internally. The doctrine of godly comfort and operating upon godliness enables believers to endure afflictions, whether for the gospel or in daily life. Paul’s exhortation is to embrace the selfless love of Christ, which is manifested in suffering, and as Philippians 1:29 shows, the suffering for Christ is a gift and privilege. God gives believers the opportunity to operate upon His Word during suffering, which is where true deliverance and comfort are found. God desires believers to know Him as the “God of all comfort” and “God of peace,” and His Word is designed to comfort them in affliction.
1Th 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
1Th 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
1Th 2:14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians to grow in faith and love, and to be established “unblameable in holiness” for not just their sakes, and Spiritual growth, but for Saint’s sakes as well. And we are taught the ministry and calling in Christ involves godly labor and suffering, but also the privilege of being ‘perfected’ in faith and abounding in love toward others. And being “appointed unto afflictions” is described as a godly privilege and a ‘strong in the faith’ position. Paul teaches that nothing should separate believers from operating upon the selfless love of Christ, not even the most unthinkable suffering. The doctrine taught by our Father in Romans 8:35-39 affirms that nothing; tribulation, distress, persecution, or any suffering can separate believers from operating upon the love of God in Christ. And these doctrines are all essential to understanding the way and life of the Thessalonian Saints. Paul over and over said that they ‘knew’ the doctrine, as he said “as ye know,” and “knowing,” but not just knowing the doctrine, but they walked in it, and this is what we too are exhorted to do as well as “sons and daughters” in Christ.
1Th 3:2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
1Th 3:3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
1Th 3:4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
1Th 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
Rod Jones
SUPPLY OF GRACE 
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