1 Thessalonians 3:9-10 9For what thanksgiving are we able to return to God in your behalf for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, 10as we pray most earnestly night and day in order to see your face and supply what is lacking in your faith?
These verses return to the theme of prayer and thanksgiving. Paul, Silas, and Timothy most earnestly (hyperekperissou) or “beyond measure” interceded for the Thessalonians focusing their prayers on the Thessalonians’ faith. They had heard from Timothy the report that the Thessalonians were growing in their faith but were facing increasing persecution and opposition. Their faith needed to grow stronger to be victorious over Satan and dangerous people. Without strong faith, they might give into to the temptation of taking the easier way of yielding to the immoral and idolatrous cultural practices around them. That they were staying strong gave Paul and the brothers great joy and probably relief.
What could be lacking in their faith? Verses 12-13 suggests that they needed to grow in love and holiness. These are two essential qualities in the Christian life Paul emphasized throughout his letters. Basically, the Thessalonians needed to grow more into being like Christ. They needed to move forward lest they fall back. Paul believed God was the answer for this need. God would be the one to supply what was lacking. These words create the image of preparing everything needed for a journey or making sure the equipment is ready for a battle. If the Thessalonians’ faith was strong, they would be able to hold up under persecution and stand strong in their Christian convictions. This is the type of prayer we need to ask for ourselves and all those in the family of God. A strong faith will see us through the trials of life.
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