The Model Church: 1 Thessalonians 3
If you’re reading along in chapter three you’ll see that this ministry team did a fair amount of traveling, often due to persecution. Paul left for Athens alone but Silas and Timothy joined him later undoubtedly discussing their successes and failures but also how they could serve these new churches. Communication was the key … and it still is.
The decision was made that the ‘new kid’, Timothy, should go back to Thessalonia and check on this new group of believers encouraging and strengthening their faith. Paul called Timothy God’s co-worker in the gospel of Christ meaning he had learned the value of working together with God, but also with others. We get the word synergy from co-worker; being closely joined together with a common cause but the whole is greater than the individual parts. When a ministry team or church experiences the value of teamwork much more can be accomplished! Timothy was sent, representing the team, to teach this model church how to operate in teamwork for the gospel. Individual gifts, yes, but with collaboration, interaction, and cooperation with others in the body: just like a human body (1 Cor. 12).
When Paul wrote this letter in response to Timothy’s report from Thessalonia he was encouraged because the believers were standing strong in the Lord not giving into temptation to quit. However, Paul indicated there were areas where he needed to ‘supply what was lacking’; they needed leadership training. Even a model church needs other leaders to equip them for ministry in areas where they’re lacking. We don’t know exactly where they needed more teaching but we can surmise it was about the Second Coming of Christ since Paul actually taught more in the next chapters.
We’re invited into Paul’s prayer life in verses 11-13 where he asks ‘our God and Father Himself’ for an opportunity to return to see them but also, and more importantly, that their love would grow and even overgrow. The two words are ‘increase and abound’ which are similar in meaning but overemphasize Paul’s request. It’s not about flashy or inventive programs, great technology, or top shelf music; it’s about showing love for others. Are people being changed, is the Spirit moving in their hearts as they share their faith, are there good works? Those are signs of God’s love being displayed. Paul’s desire is for increase that exceeds the ordinary and goes beyond expectation (abounds) as the teams work in synergy.
This model church of Thessalonia continued to show others their changed lives as they walked in the ways of the Lord, not in the ways of the world: that’s sanctification. Their opinions and perspectives were changed by the Spirit and Paul’s desire is for their hearts to be blameless as they walk in holiness before Jesus returns with all His saints. It’s the Holy Spirit at work in us as well, empowering holiness. May our churches today closely follow this model of love: the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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