Thessalonica proved to be Timothy’ s first great training assignment. Timothy was the junior member of the missionary team, Paul and Silvanus were the senior members. 1. The Sending of Timothy. 3:1-5 V.1 a) Sensible Solution - Because the Thessalonians were babes in Christ, they couldn’ t endure the thought of them being alone, without mature Christians caring and training in Christ. Like parents would be troubled for their children if they were absent and they knew there where no mature person taking care of their children, so were they. V.2 b) Sending a Servant- I. They sent a mature Christian to parent them: Timothy. Timothy had the qualification of parenting in Christ, he was a: 1. Brother - A family man. 2. Minister - A man through whom God ministered. 3. Labourer - A man that works hard for the Gospel. II. A true parent in Christ can: 1. Establish believers in their faith, like parents can establish their children’ s walk. 2. Encourage believers in their faith, like parents can encourage their children through life. V.3 c) Shaken by Suffering - They might have been worried and shaken in their faith, by hearing what happened to their parents in Christ, but they were taught by Paul that they were called to suffer for Christ’ s sake. 1.Cor.4:9; Phil.1:29; 2.Tim.3:12 V.4 d) Spoken about Suffering - Paul and his co-ministers already knew that they would suffer in Thessalonica, perhaps it came in prayer or through prophesy, just as his suffering in Jerusalem was prophesied through Agabus. Acts 21:10-14 V.5 e) Satan’ s Schemes - Children without parents and trainers are more open to be led into wrong directions and lifestyles, this was Paul’ s concern and therefore he sent Timothy.