1 Thessalonians 3:3 "That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto."
In order to be moved, it is assumed that you are in a stationary location. There must be some ideal position in which you have a desire to remain. The afflictions that Paul is talking about are what might cause them to move, but move from what?
The previous verse answers this question, "And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:"
Paul wants the Thessalonians to be established in their faith. This has the idea of a foundation, roots, being grounded in something. Our faith in Jesus Christ, His accomplished work on the cross, the promise of a heavenly home for eternity, these are to be our foundation, our ground zero. This establishment in the faith is our anchor during the trials and tribulations that will come on us as believers. After all, we are "appointed" to trials, or to put it another way, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12)
What afflictions are you facing? Do you feel grounded in your faith? Or will the things you face move you away from your faith?
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