Squeeze the Cheese

1 Thessalonians 3-Part 3
Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
for now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.      1 Thess. 3:7-8


LET IT GLOW


I like that soft cheese that comes in the plastic squeezable tube. First, I think it's fun to squeeze the tube. Next, I know that something good will come out, which is this long stream of orange stuff that's edible. Third, I like the taste of the cheese anyway. You know I like to eat it with Ritz crackers. I haven't bought any in a while. It's about time I did.
In a similar way, there are times that God puts the squeeze on me. What comes out? Is it loving words and faithfulness? Or is it whining, complaining, and grumbling?  More times than not, it's the latter. What about you?

In verse 7, Paul tells the brethren at Thessalonica that they, he and the mission team,  were comforted.

Comforted (parakaleo in Greek) means help or encourage.
NAS says it this way, "for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith."

Was encouragement badly needed? Paul uses some strong words to describe himself-affliction and distress.
Affliction (anangke) is related to the word from which we get anxiety.
Distress (thlipsis) means rubbing or pressure, which is often translated tribulation.
What gave Paul the needed encouragement? It was the faith of these converts. Timothy was sent to the Thessalonian church and brought back good news. These Christians continued to trust in God, respond to one another in love, and to Paul's ministry. It strengthened and gave Paul refreshment of life. It made him feel better to know they were staying faithful amidst their trials. Can others say that about me and you?

Charles Swindoll states in his book, Contagious Christianity:
"Suffering has been an inescapable part of life. It is inevitable. This does not imply that all suffering is a result of a person's own sin. It is one thing we all have in common. Not even Christians are exempt from experiencing the pangs of suffering. We see it in Philippians 1:29: For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake. Other scriptures that speek of suffering is 2 Cor. 4:8-10 and 1 Peter 4:12-16.
Pain is essential. Even though we want our comfort zone free from pain, God will often invade and squeeze it for our own good. suffering is essential to our maturing process in Christ. See Psalm 119:67, 71, 75 and Ecclesiastes 7:13-14. Many times God will use the tool of affliction for the purpose of instructing us more fully in His way and training us to follow Him more completely.
How did the Thessalonians react?
1. They refused to blame a former authority for their sufferings.
2. They desired to maintain close ties with Paul and his associates in ministry.
3. They maintained a firm commitment to spiritual truth."

I don't enjoy going through tough times. Am I ready for my comfort zone to be invaded? Am I expecting to suffer hardship as soldiers in battle? There's a spiritual war going on and I'm in the middle of it. Is my armor of God on? It's Jesus' helmet of salvation, breast plate of righteousness,  peace, sword of the Spirit (Word), and shield of faith that covers me. (Eph. 6) The enemy is ready and strategizing, so I am too.


LET IT GROW

Verse 8 gives us the idea that we can now carry on, since we know that you are holding your ground in the faith.
The word stand fast refers to "take a stand." This gives Paul the courage to go on, now that he knows that he has made some real converts. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

John MacArthur said, "Pictured here is an army that refuses to retreat even though it is being assulted by the enemy. This is a frequent Pauline injuction."

Seeing other Christians remain strong in their faith in Jesus encourages me as I watch them go through troubles and suffering. I can do it too. Stay focused on the Lord and I will find joy in Jesus and contentment in Christ.  


LET IT GO

Remember, when my comfort zone is squeezed, something good will come out.















Who (Jews) both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out; they are not pleasing to God, but hostile to all men,

Hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But the wrath has come upon them to the utmost.

1 Thess. 2:15-16 NAS