FALSE PREACHING

1 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Timothy’s Good Report about the Church

1 Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens, 2 and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, 3 and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. 4 Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know. 5 That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless.


It is a false message when the truth about trials and tribulations is not preached. Yes, we have great hope in the truth of the gospel. Our eternity is secure when we place our faith in the birth, death and resurrection of God’s Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Along with this great truth, the reality of our sin nature and our enemy … Satan … must also be revealed.

When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, the enemy does not just give up. The devil will continue to buffet us … tempt us … deceive us ... exploit our sin condition. We don’t have to give in to his schemes but don’t deceive yourself into thinking that now that you are a believer, the trouble Satan brings will not come to your door. You must be strong in your faith when trouble comes. It will show up. Paul preaches this truth, “…we are destined for such troubles.”

Keys to strong faith … daily prayer … reading God’s Word … regular attendance to praise and worship … association with Christian believers.