This week, Pastor Chris continued on our Driven by Eternity series with a message from 1 Thessalonians 3. In a world marked by hardship, temptation, and uncertainty, God calls His people to strengthen one another through encouragement. This message explores how believers can support the afflicted, help the tempted remain faithful, stand firm in the face of trials, and grow in Christlike love. As we journey together, encouragement becomes a vital source of courage, perseverance, and spiritual maturity until Christ returns.

Encouragement is the act of imparting courage, hope, and strength to endure hardships.

Hebrews 10:24–25 (NLT)

24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Encourage the Afflicted

    1 Thessalonians 3:1-3 (ESV)

    1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.

    Experiencing problems and persecutions can build…

    • Character (James 1:2–4).
    • Perseverance (Romans 5:3–5).
    • Sensitivity toward others who also face trouble (2 Corinthians 1:3–7).

    “Pressure makes diamonds and fire refines gold.”

    “Pressure makes either diamonds or a clogged toilet.”

    “One of the main ways we move from abstract knowledge about God to a personal encounter with him as a living reality is through the furnace of affliction.” Tim Keller

    Encourage the Tempted

    1 Thessalonians 3:4-5 (ESV)

    4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

    Romans 8:17–18 (ESV)

    17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

    2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV)

    12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

    “Afflictions make the heart more deep, more experimental, more knowing and profound, and so, more able to hold, to contain, and beat more.” John Bunyan

    Matthew 13:18–22 (ESV)

    18 “Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.

    3 Assaults of the Enemy…

    1. To prevent people from believing (2 Cor. 4:4).
    2. To destroy someone’s initial interest in the gospel (Matt. 13:20–21).
    3. To weaken the faith of those who do believe (2 Cor. 11:3).

    Matthew 26:41 (ESV)

    41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

    Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

    10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

    Encourage to Stand Fast

    1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 (ESV)

    6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

    Perseverance means standing steadfast and maintaining one’s faith despite suffering, trials, and temptation. It represents patient, active endurance rather than passive resignation. 

    Encourage to Increase in Love

    1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 (ESV)

    11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

    Romans 5:8 (ESV)

    8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

    Key Questions…

    • Is my love increasing?
    • Am I becoming more patient or more bitter?
    • Am I more compassionate or more self-focused?

    Discussion Questions:

    1. How is perseverance different from simply enduring hardship?
    2. Have you experienced a trial that ultimately strengthened your faith? What did God teach you through it?
    3. Why is growing in love an essential mark of spiritual maturity?

    Application Questions:

    1. Identify one person in your life who is currently facing hardship. What practical step can you take this week to encourage them?
    2. What is one challenge currently testing your faith? What would standing firm look like in that situation?