“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” (vv.3-5)
Here in chapter 3 Paul is telling the people of Thessalonica, whether men have faith or not, the Lord is faithful. This was the basis of Paul’s confidence in God’s ability to establish and guard them/us from the evil one. God promised to keep Satan on a leash. He will not allow any temptation to become too great for us (1 Corinthians 10:13), and will not allow Satan to do whatever he wants with us (Luke 22:31-32).
Paul goes on to say, "we have confidence in the Lord concerning you." That they ( the Thessalonians) would follow through and be obedient to God’s Word, "that you do and will do the things we command you." This shows that God’s work of establishing and guarding them/us is done, in part, through His appeal to our will in obeying His Word. He (God) doesn’t just pour spiritual maturity and stability into us. He works it in us, through our cooperation with His will.
Therefore, this short scripture should encourage us as well that; 1) the LORD is faithful, 2) He will not allow us to be moved from Him, and 3) He will not allow us to be tempted beyond our strength, but will enable us to both bear it and make a way for our escape.
Yes He is faithful, even when we are faithless.
The Truth “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.” (Deuteronomy 7:9)
