1 Thessalonians 3
"For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord" (1 Thess 3:8).
Paul, Silas, and Timothy had to flee Thessalonica quickly on account of their Jewish opponents. They didn't have a long time to say goodbye and give final instructions to the believers of the new church there. When Paul reached Athens, he became deeply concerned about them. Had all his teaching been in vain? So he sent Timothy to check up on them. Timothy found them remaining true to what Paul had taught, despite suffering persecution. Timothy reports this good news, and Paul is filled with joy. He really lives because the Thessalonian believers are standing fast in the Lord Jesus.
To really live is not to be rich or famous. Instead it is to see the men, women, boys, and girls you have ministered to standing strong in the Lord Jesus despite opposition and suffering. Over the past seven years, we have had the opportunity to minister to many young adults and teens in Timaru and Dunedin. Like Paul, we will really live if we hear a good report in future about the strong faith of these young adults and teens. To really live is to see your spiritual children receiving the baton, running well, and then passing on the baton to their spiritual children.
Father, may we not lose a single one of all the young men and women we have ministered to here in New Zealand. This includes youth who attended our inductive Bible camps, members of the Tu Kaha youth group, and campers at our worldview camps. These youth will experience challenges and difficulties, but may we hear from the U.S. that they are standing fast in the Lord Jesus. Then we will truly live. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman
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