What a difference it makes for us to have a biblical understanding of the goals of ministry and then the methods of ministry—looking for faith and love and labouring with the Word, with prayer and Christian fellowship, and ministry of that kind. And we find that in this passage as well. What are the joys and the causes for rejoicing that happen? And Paul is living in a very difficult time of his ministry. He says in 1 Thessalonians 3:7 that he is suffering distress and affliction. Acts 18:1–28 tells us about the early days of Paul’s time in Corinth. At this time, he was so fed up, so discouraged, that the Lord Jesus had to appear to him in a vision to keep him from quitting. Look at Acts 18:9–10. When you need that kind of vision from Jesus, you are discouraged. And Paul was very discouraged.
And we are going to have discouragements. We have been reflecting as a church that we are going to have years that are not so easy, years where there are more tears than laughter on our cheeks. We are going to have things happen among us and around us that are distressing to us. It is not going to be smooth sailing.
And yet, through a biblical ministry, we will always have reasons for rejoicing and to give thanks to God. It will always be exciting to be Christians in a true church. Why? Because of what God does through a true ministry aiming for true biblical goals. and Paul celebrates, in the midst of his losses and afflictions, the joys. Look at 1 Thessalonians 3:8. He says,
Richard D. PhillipsFor now we live.Why?Because you are standing firm in the faith.1
7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.