Definition: For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from 1 Thessalonians 3:5. It’s a really important message about how we need to stay focused on sharing God's truth with others. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: “For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labor be in vain.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "For this cause, when I could no longer forbear..." – This means Paul was feeling a strong urge to reach out and connect with the people he was praying for. He wasn't just passively hoping they’d respond; he felt a necessity to actively share what he believed. Think of it like you might feel compelled to talk to someone who’s been sad – you wouldn't let them be alone! "...I sent to know your faith..." – This is the key part. Paul was actively trying to understand and learn about their belief. It wasn't just a casual conversation; he wanted to know what they believed. He wanted to see if it resonated with him and, importantly, to assess whether it was strong enough to withstand temptation. "...lest by some means the tempter have tempted you..." – This is about potential danger. "Tempter" in this context refers to those who would try to dissuade or mislead people from their faith. It’s a warning that there's a risk of someone trying to undermine the truth they’ve been taught. "...and our labor be in vain." – This means if we don't actively share and encourage the faith, then all our efforts won't be successful. It’s saying that if we don’t keep working for God, it will be wasted. In short: Paul was concerned about the possibility that people might lose their faith if they weren’t actively engaged in sharing and encouraging it. He wanted to protect the work of the church by ensuring it kept progressing. What does this mean for us today? This verse reminds us that: Sharing our beliefs is important: It encourages us to be open and approachable with others about what we believe. We need to be vigilant against temptation: It's a call to stay engaged in the work of faith and not let it fade away. Our efforts matter: If we don’t actively participate, our efforts won’t have lasting results. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse further with an example? Discuss its significance within the broader context of 1 Thessalonians?