1 Thessalonians 3:8
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For now we live - Your steadfastness in the faith gives me new life and comfort; I now feel that I live to some purpose, as my labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
now--as the case is; seeing ye stand fast. we live--we flourish. It revives us in our affliction to hear of your steadfastness (Psa 22:26). if--implying that the vivid joy which the missionaries "now" feel, will continue if the Thessalonians continue steadfast. They still needed exhortation, Th1 3:10; therefore he subjoins the conditional clause, "if ye," &c. (Phi 4:1).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For now we live,.... Before they were dead men, lifeless, disconsolate, dispirited, carrying about with them the dying of the Lord Jesus, and death working in them, and they, as it were, under the sentence of that, being killed all the day long for Christ's sake; but now, upon this news, in the midst of all their sore trials and troubles, their spirits revived, and they became alive and cheerful; see Psa 22:26, it was like life from the dead unto them: if ye stand fast in the Lord: or "our Lord", as the Syriac and Ethiopic versions read; that is, "in the faith of the Lord", as the Arabic version renders it: they were in the Lord secretly by electing grace, and openly by regenerating grace, and they abode in him; and by persevering grace, they were rooted and built up in Christ, and established in the faith of him, of his person, office, and grace; they were steady in the exercise of grace upon him, and stood fast in the liberty wherewith he had made them free, and continued steadfastly in the doctrines and ordinances of the Gospel; for the "if" here is not expressive of doubting, but of reasoning, "seeing ye stand fast in the Lord"; of which they were assured by Timothy: and this gave them fresh spirit and life amidst the deaths in which they often were.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:8 Paul was distressed by his present circumstances (3:7) and deeply concerned for the church (3:1, 5). He was relieved to learn that the Thessalonians remained strong and were standing firm in the Lord even though they were also suffering (2:14; 3:3-4).
1 Thessalonians 3:8
Timothy’s Encouraging Report
7For this reason, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we have been reassured about you, because of your faith.8For now we can go on living, as long as you are standing firm in the Lord.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Church Triumphant
By Michael Catt54253:03ChurchMAT 6:331CO 16:13EPH 6:11PHP 3:171TH 3:82TH 2:151PE 5:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being holy and standing firm in the faith. He draws inspiration from the image of Roman soldiers who never retreated and were willing to die for their cause. The speaker also warns against false teachings and false prophets within the church, urging believers to be discerning and vigilant. He concludes by expressing his deep concern for those who deny the gospel and emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment.
The Power of a Blameless Life
By David Wilkerson53452:50Christian LifeMAT 6:331TH 2:101TH 3:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a blameless life before God. He explains that true joy and blessings come from seeing others grow in their faith. The speaker encourages believers to stand firm in the Lord and not be swayed by worldly influences. He also highlights the power of living a holy and blameless life, stating that it is essential for effective evangelism. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God offers salvation and sanctification in the present moment, urging listeners to seize the opportunity to live a transformed life.
In Labors More Abundant
By Stanley H. Frodsham0DAN 6:14MAT 11:28JHN 4:341CO 15:102CO 11:231TH 3:82PE 1:3Stanley H. Frodsham shares the remarkable life of Smith Wigglesworth, a man who labored abundantly in faith, witnessing countless miracles and experiencing God's power in various nations. Wigglesworth's ministry was marked by a deep trust in God's promises, leading to extraordinary healings and manifestations of God's power, such as restoring sight to the blind and raising the dead. Despite facing challenges and doubts, Wigglesworth's unwavering belief in God's faithfulness allowed him to witness remarkable displays of God's glory, including healing the sick, ministering to thousands, and experiencing divine interventions in response to his prayers.
Epistle 148
By George Fox0PSA 88:1ISA 63:9MRK 13:33LUK 11:5LUK 18:1LUK 18:10ACT 9:4EPH 6:18PHP 4:11TH 3:81TI 2:8JAS 1:6George Fox preaches about the importance of sincere and persistent prayer to the Lord, emphasizing that God hears the cries of His people and is present in their afflictions, oppressions, and sufferings. He encourages believers to maintain a simple and modest lifestyle, avoiding the vain fashions of the world, and to be faithful and chaste in all aspects of life. Fox also highlights the power of prayer, urging individuals to pray with faith, perseverance, and without doubt, as Christ promises that whatever is asked in His name will be given. He stresses the need to pray in the spirit, in unwavering faith, and in alignment with God's will.
Keeping the Flock
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Nurturing FaithThe Role of Love in MinistryEXO 18:21JHN 6:66ACT 20:261CO 13:12CO 12:14COL 1:281TH 2:11TH 3:82TI 2:2TIT 1:5Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the vital role of soul-winners in nurturing and maintaining the faith of their converts, drawing parallels to Paul's dedication in strengthening believers. He warns against the tendency to focus solely on conversion without ongoing support, likening the care of new believers to the nurturing of a newborn. Brengle stresses the importance of love, prayer, and personal connection in keeping the spiritual fire alive in the hearts of converts, urging soul-winners to actively engage in their growth and development. He highlights the necessity of teaching converts to pray, read the Bible, and work for others, while also fostering a community of love and support among believers. Ultimately, Brengle calls for a ministry characterized by deep love and commitment, ensuring that the converts remain steadfast in their faith.
Godly Church Members
By John Newton01CO 4:20EPH 4:1PHP 1:27COL 1:101TH 3:8John Newton emphasizes the importance of a sound and faithful Gospel ministry, urging the congregation to value their privileges and truly desire to grow in their faith. He highlights that the kingdom of God is not just in words but in power, calling for a genuine transformation in the lives of believers. Newton encourages the people to pray for grace to walk worthy of the Gospel, living out their faith in all aspects of life with humility, love, and integrity. He expresses the joy of a minister whose congregation reflects the teachings of godliness in their daily actions, contrasting it with the challenges faced when believers fall into formality, worldliness, or discord.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For now we live - Your steadfastness in the faith gives me new life and comfort; I now feel that I live to some purpose, as my labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
now--as the case is; seeing ye stand fast. we live--we flourish. It revives us in our affliction to hear of your steadfastness (Psa 22:26). if--implying that the vivid joy which the missionaries "now" feel, will continue if the Thessalonians continue steadfast. They still needed exhortation, Th1 3:10; therefore he subjoins the conditional clause, "if ye," &c. (Phi 4:1).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For now we live,.... Before they were dead men, lifeless, disconsolate, dispirited, carrying about with them the dying of the Lord Jesus, and death working in them, and they, as it were, under the sentence of that, being killed all the day long for Christ's sake; but now, upon this news, in the midst of all their sore trials and troubles, their spirits revived, and they became alive and cheerful; see Psa 22:26, it was like life from the dead unto them: if ye stand fast in the Lord: or "our Lord", as the Syriac and Ethiopic versions read; that is, "in the faith of the Lord", as the Arabic version renders it: they were in the Lord secretly by electing grace, and openly by regenerating grace, and they abode in him; and by persevering grace, they were rooted and built up in Christ, and established in the faith of him, of his person, office, and grace; they were steady in the exercise of grace upon him, and stood fast in the liberty wherewith he had made them free, and continued steadfastly in the doctrines and ordinances of the Gospel; for the "if" here is not expressive of doubting, but of reasoning, "seeing ye stand fast in the Lord"; of which they were assured by Timothy: and this gave them fresh spirit and life amidst the deaths in which they often were.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:8 Paul was distressed by his present circumstances (3:7) and deeply concerned for the church (3:1, 5). He was relieved to learn that the Thessalonians remained strong and were standing firm in the Lord even though they were also suffering (2:14; 3:3-4).