Note 13 at 1 Th. 3:10: This verse gives us insight into Paul's life as a man of prayer. Night and day he prayed on behalf of the Thessalonians that he might be able to see them. This was not for his own selfish interest, but rather that he might perfect that which was lacking in their faith.

Note 14 at 1 Th. 3:10: The "faith" Paul is speaking of here is not their trust in Christ, but rather the whole body of Christian and apostolic doctrine. There is more to faith than just being born again. In fact, Paul knew these people were born again because he was the one who ministered salvation to them. Yet, he had no rest until he knew they were using their faith to go on to maturity in the Lord.

The apostle Peter wrote in 2 Peter 1:5-11 that those who increase in their faith unto maturity "?shall never fall" (v. 10). Some Christians, once they have entered salvation, stop too close to the door. We need to go so far into the things of God that we can't find our way out.