Timothy brought back a report of the Thessalonians' faith, allaying Paul's fears that he labored in vain and the tempter led them away from the faith. This news of their faith, love, and fond thoughts about them comforts Paul, their shepherd and father in the faith.

Paul has such depth of fatherly concern for the welfare and perseverance of the Thessalonians that even though he cannot visit them himself to see how they are doing he sends Timothy. Paul is so encouraged when he is assured that the saints are persevering, and we should imitate that concern and love and encouragement for the body of Christ. Believers are destined by sovereign design to suffer persecution for his purposes, and should as the apostles, rejoice that The Lord would count us worthy.

Paul's heart for the Thessalonians as a shepherd is one that loves them, sure of their salvation and rejoicing in them because they are his glory, joy, and crown.

Paul wants to return to see the Thessalonians because he loves them so much and was torn away from them, but satan hindered him.

Jesus Christ emptied himself, stepping out of heaven and into humanity, setting aside himself to suffer for sinful men. What did it mean for Jesus to humble himself by becoming obedient to death?

The Pre-Existence of Christ: Part 3

God sent his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh, born under the law to save sinful men in bondage under the law. His son, his only begotten son did he send, just as John says in v3:16.

Jesus Christ existed before time with God and in the form of God. He emptied himself of his richness to become poor, taking on the form of a bond servant and likeness of men humbled to death on a cross, so that we might become rich in him.

As believers in the body of Christ, we must continually, all be striving to have the mind of Christ. Jesus existed in the form of God as the son of God before he took on humanity.