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I Thessalonians 3:1 – Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone…

Welcome back, readers!  The first part of chapter three continues to address some of the same concerns found in chapter two.

Specifically, it seems that the Thessalonians had a distorted view of Paul:  He preached the gospel, but when danger appeared, he immediately left them.  Later, after the situation calmed down, he still did not return.  From their point of view, it seemed that Paul had abandoned them, leaving them to bear their afflictions alone.  This led to the belief that Paul had no real concern for their welfare.  (These false assumptions were probably suggested and encouraged by the unbelieving Jews, who actively opposed Paul at all times.)

Paul refuted these misconceptions in chapter two, where he compared himself to a distraught parent who is forced to leave his children alone in the world.  He then moves on to talk about why he did not immediately return to them – he was hindered by Satan.    

As if that were not enough, some of the Greek philosophers were also sowing seeds of doubt into the hearts and minds of the church.  These concerns are what Paul addresses in the first five verses of chapter three.  Let’s take a closer look.

During the early days of the church, the gospel message was commonly accompanied by signs, wonders and miracles, which confirmed the validity of the message:

Acts 14:3 – So they [Paul and Barnabas] remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 

Acts 5:12 – Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. 

(See also Acts 8:13, Acts 2:43, Romans 15:18-19, II Corinthians 12:12, Hebrews 2:4, etc).

However, the Greek philosophers argued that if Paul and his companions really possessed miraculous powers, there was no reason for them to flee from their enemies.  Why didn’t they use these miraculous powers to save themselves from harm? 

They further reasoned that if Paul were to do such a thing, it would once and for all prove that he had been sent by God.  Not even the most obstinate unbeliever could refute a miracle like that!

These vain philosophers concluded that the withdrawal of Paul and his companions from the danger at Thessalonica was clear proof that their signs and miracles were false.  And if their signs and miracles were false, then so was the message they supposedly confirmed.  Therefore, Christianity must be rejected.  

Interestingly, this was the same argument that the religious leaders used to discredit the ministry of Jesus:  

Matthew 27:41-42 – So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, “He [Jesus] saved others; he cannot save himself.  He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe him.”

Obviously, the Greek philosophers were wrong about Paul and his ministry, just as the religious leaders were wrong about Jesus and his ministry.  Now that we understand the background of this situation, let’s take a look at what really happened.

When violence broke out in Thessalonica, Paul and Silas went to Berea.  Timothy, however, remained in Thessalonica for a while before joining them (Acts 17:10). 

Later, when the Jews stirred up trouble in Berea, the church immediately sent Paul to Athens.  Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea for a short time, with instructions to meet Paul in Athens as soon as possible (Acts 17:14-15).

Although there is no corroborating biblical evidence, scholars believe that Silas and Timothy were reunited with Paul in Athens.  They arrived with the news that the Greek philosophers were poisoning the minds of the Thessalonians.  This caused great distress and uneasiness in all of them. 

So, on the one hand, Paul was greatly concerned for the spiritual welfare of the Thessalonian believers, who were under attack from the unbelieving Jews and the Greeks.  He did not want them to be led astray by false teachings.  Furthermore, it was always his intent to return to them as soon as possible. 

On the other hand, Holy Spirit had opened a door for ministry in Athens.  Paul needed the assistance of his team for the great work that had just begun there.

This left Paul with some remarkably difficult decisions.  He could keep the team in Athens, have the team return to Thessalonica, or he could split the team up. 

Splitting up was the least favorable choice.  This would leave Paul by himself to deal with the contentious Jews, debate with the heathen philosophers of the city, witness in the marketplace and establish a church among the Gentiles. 

Even with a full team and the best of circumstances this would be a heavy burden.  The burden would be exponentially increased if Paul shouldered it without the companionship and support of Silas and Timothy.

After much prayer and probably some personal agony, Paul decided to temporarily split up the team.  His burden for the Thessalonians was so intense it became unbearable, so he sent Timothy back to them.  It appears as though he sent Silas away too, probably to a different city in Macedonia (Acts 18:5).

Side note: Some commentators believe that Silas never met Paul in Athens.  They think he was redirected to Macedonia while still in Berea.  Regardless of which scenario is correct, the end result was the same – Paul was without the support of his companions.   

So, we see that Paul chose to be left alone and endure a substantially increased burden, so the Thessalonians could have the comfort and benefit of Timothy.   Like a loving spiritual father, he put the welfare of his spiritual children ahead of his own comfort and convenience. 

Clearly, the accusations made against him by the Jews and Greeks were completely false.

Silas and Timothy did not rejoin Paul until he began to minister in the city of Corinth (Acts 18:15). 

I Thessalonians 3:2 - …and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,

Short of coming to Thessalonica himself, Timothy was the best person for Paul to send. 

Timothy was not just an ordinary layman with limited experience and knowledge.  Paul describes him as his co-worker in the gospel.  In other words, Timothy was a fully qualified minister; he could preach and teach as well as refute false doctrines and expose the lies which were being told to the Thessalonian believers.  He was full of Holy Spirit.  Signs and wonders flowed through him.  He was Paul’s ‘right hand man’ and he also had great love and concern for the churches (Philippians 2:19-22).

We have all heard the saying ‘actions speak louder than words’.  While words can be full of false promises or sentiments, actions are concrete proof of how you feel about someone.  By sending Timothy to Thessalonica, Paul is demonstrating his intense love for this fledgling congregation, which was full of new believers. 

Timothy’s mission was clear: he was to establish and exhort/comfort the believers in their faith.  

Establish - To establish something is to set it up on a firm or permanent basis.  In this instance, Timothy was sent to nurture and shepherd these new believers until their commitment to Christ and the gospel had become firm and unshakable.

Paul did not want these Christians to wind up with a shallow or unstable faith which would fail them during times of persecution or affliction.

Mark 4:16-17 – And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time:  afterward, when affliction or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.

Exhort/Comfort - To exhort is to strongly encourage.  To comfort is to alleviate or ease a person’s feelings of distress. 

Timothy exhorted the believers by continuously reminding them of the truths of the gospel and by reassuring them that God is in control, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

He brought them comfort by giving them spiritual tools to help them grow in their faith.  For instance, he may have taught them to pray, to speak the name of Jesus over their situation, to offer praise and worship, to meditate on the scriptures, to put on the armor of God, etc.  The more spiritual tools these believers had, the better established they would be in their faith.

He may also have encouraged them through testimonies.  Timothy could have shared stories of victory from his own walk of faith.  He was also in a position to speak about the continued zeal and faithfulness of Paul through all the persecutions he had suffered.  These testimonies of faith and victory in the midst of difficulty would encourage the Thessalonians to continue in the faith and not give up.

It was also important for them to share their own individual victories with each other.

In summary we can say that Timothy’s purpose was to encourage the believers to continue in their faith, to stand firm in their faith, to exercise their faith, to become more familiar with the doctrine of faith, and to practice the profession of faith.

I Thessalonians 3:3-4 - …that no one be moved by these afflictions.  For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.  For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.    

There was every reason to believe that the Christians of Thessalonica would encounter persecution because of their religion (John 15:20).  Therefore, it would have been perfectly natural for Paul to speak on this subject and to prepare them for it.

Paul did not want them to be ‘moved’ by persecution.  The word ‘moved’ means to waver in mind because of fear; to dread or to tremble.  In this case, it refers to believers being so agitated by fear/terror of persecution that they abandoned their faith. 

Paul, Silas and Timothy had been soldiers of Christ for a long time; they knew what to expect.  They had already suffered their share of persecution.  They knew that the attacks of the enemy could either kill a person’s faith or harden it to a point where it was unshakable.  Since the believers of Thessalonica were very young converts, they needed extra encouragement to stand firm in the midst of these trials.    

Now let’s examine Paul’s statement ‘you yourselves know that we are destined for this [affliction/persecution]’.

The first question is this:  What does Paul mean by ‘we’? 

Some scholars believe he is referring to himself and the other apostles.  It was no secret that Paul was appointed to suffer for the sake of the gospel:

Acts 9:15-16 – But the Lord said to him [Ananias], “Go, for he [Paul] is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.  For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

(See also Acts 20:23).  Paul’s suffering was a confirmation or proof that he was fully persuaded of the truth of the gospel because no one would suffer the way Paul did if the gospel wasn’t real.  When unbelievers saw how Paul (and the other apostles) tenaciously held onto his faith, it proved to them that the gospel was precious and that it would indeed give them eternal life.

This explains, at least in part, why God did not give his apostles the ability to miraculously deliver themselves from persecution – they were to prove the truth of the gospel by their sufferings as well as by being the conduit of God’s miracles.

Paul’s sudden flight from Thessalonica should not be attributed to fear, or to a callous disregard for their welfare.  Neither was it proof that the gospel was a sham/deception as his enemies claimed.  Rather, it was a normal part of the suffering he endured for the sake of the gospel: 

Matthew 10:23 – When they [unbelievers] persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I [Jesus] say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

By the term ‘we’, Paul could also have been referring to himself and the believers in Thessalonica; it was obviously true that both of them were suffering for their faith. 

However, many bible commentators feel that Paul’s statement should be taken in a much larger sense.  They believe he was referring to the general idea that ALL Christians could be called to endure suffering and/or persecution at any time; no one should expect to entirely escape it.  This is a truth presented numerous times through the scriptures.

John 16:33 – I [Jesus] have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world.

II Timothy 3:12 – Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…

(See also John 16:1-4, John 16:33, Acts 14:22, Matthew 10:34-36, Romans 8:17, I Peter 4:12, etc).   

By making this statement, Paul shows the Thessalonians that what they were experiencing was common among all believers; they were not suffering above and beyond any other church. 

The Thessalonians needed to understand that true religion does not deliver the Christian from all suffering, affliction and persecution.  While God does not appoint or cause our afflictions, he will permit us to be touched by them because each individual person is essentially a moral ‘free agent’ who has the capability to choose right or wrong.  

Nevertheless, regardless of the decisions of man, we can rest assured that our trials do not happen without the knowledge, consent and control of God.  He will use every single circumstance in our lives for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28).

Here are just a few of the ways God uses these afflictions for our good:

• He also uses them to change us.  A soldier can be trained and equipped for battle, but only confrontation with an enemy will reveal whether he is brave or full of cowardice.  In the same way, affliction will reveal the true state of our walk with God.  When our weaknesses are revealed to us, it gives us the opportunity to change.

 

• God uses affliction/persecution to sanctify us - to cleanse us from moral corruption and pollution.  Just as fire purifies gold, afflictions purify the saint.   

 

• Trials, afflictions and persecution promote a more intimate relationship between us and God because we will automatically turn to him for comfort and endurance.  He will teach us about himself during these times. 

 

• Affliction and persecution force us to exercise spiritual graces that can’t really be developed any other way.  These include patience, faith, and contentment.

 

• Suffering and afflictions take our eyes and affections off that which is temporal and set them on what is eternal.  Essentially, they re-adjust our priorities. 

The bottom line is that when we face these situations, we should not see them as strange or unexpected.  We should accept them for what they are – opportunities to grow in Christ and glorify God. 

I Thessalonians 3:5 – For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

Paul goes on to explain that he was well aware of the suffering and temptations the Thessalonian church was experiencing, and he was very concerned about their spiritual welfare.  When he could no longer bear his anxiety (when his worry reached a fever pitch because he had no word from them) he sent Timothy back to them, in order to ascertain the condition of their faith.

Paul’s main concern was that ‘the tempter’ had convinced the Thessalonians to abandon their faith in Christ.    

The tempter is none other than Satan himself (Matthew 4:3).  Although he used both Gentiles and unrepentant Jews to do his work, he was the master planner behind the attacks.  Therefore, he was the true author of their persecution.  The Greek text implies that it is not just his character to tempt, but that it is his constant occupation.   

At all times, but especially in times of persecution or trial, Satan tempts people to abandon the truth, in order to avoid temporary suffering.  Of course, this is a huge mistake.  No matter how intense they are, our temporary sufferings cannot compare to the rich and eternal blessings that God has prepared for us.

If that doesn’t work, Satan tempts the suffering saint to murmur/complain, to accuse God of partiality, abandonment, unfairness, etc.  When we give in to this temptation, it smears God’s reputation.  It drags his name through the mud.  It impedes the work of the gospel and could result in an unbeliever becoming permanently trapped by the enemy.

On a personal level, falling into temptation in the midst of suffering robs us of the chance to exercise faith in God and to experience his special power to sustain us in our weakness. 

It was important for the Thessalonians to understand that Satan’s power is not without limits.  For example, he can tempt or try to persuade us to sin, but he cannot compel or force us to do so because temptation does not destroy our free will. 

If we choose to reject his suggestions and stay faithful to Christ, he is powerless to overcome us.  The decision to sin or not to sin lies entirely within ourselves.

Furthermore, God does not leave us to fight the tempter in our own strength.  The power of Holy Spirit will help us to effectively resist temptation, if we turn to him for help:   

I Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Let me offer you some encouragement:

In today’s post, we mentioned that the apostles were called upon to prove the truth of the gospel by their suffering as well as by being the conduit of God’s miracles/blessings. 

The same truth applies to every Christian.  The world is certainly interested when they see the blessings of God fall upon our lives.  They take notice when we give God glory for his favor and goodness. 

But it’s easy to be a disciple of Christ when everything goes your way.  The true test of being a disciple is being faithful when things get tough.  Faithfulness to God in the midst of afflictions/trials is a greater testimony than faithfulness in good times, because it proves that you have something substantial and valuable. 

The world recognizes that if your faith was worthless, you would immediately drop it to avoid suffering.

So, the next time you are called upon to suffer, encourage yourself.  Remind yourself that God will bring a lot of good into your life through this circumstance.  Plus, he will use it for his glory by making you a witness to the lost. 

When we get to eternity, you will be glad for these trials!    

Let me offer you some relief:

Afflictions, trials and persecution are obviously things we would rather avoid.  But when they come upon us, we can find some relief in the experiences of others. 

Hebrews chapter 11 is a lengthy list of ‘heroes of the faith’ – men and women who suffered through tremendous trials, yet they remained firmly committed to God.  Their faith did not fail, even though some of them lost their lives.  This is a good portion of scripture to meditate on, especially in times of difficulty.

In addition, there are other testimonies of modern-day saints online and in books which can also encourage you and give you relief.

Let me offer you some strength:

God has not left us defenseless during times of affliction and trial.  We can find strength in the spiritual tools he has given us. 

Ephesians chapter six speaks of the armor that the Lord has given to every one of his children.  In addition to the helmet of salvation, we all have breastplates of righteousness and belts of truth.  We are protected on the paths we walk by the gospel of peace. 

We are also given a shield of faith (remember, faith is strengthened through trials) which will block the attacks of the enemy in our lives. 

We have all been issued the ‘sword of the Spirit’ which is the word of God.  We wield this sword by knowing the scriptures, by speaking them over our situations and by praying them over our lives.

Prayer is another invaluable weapon for every Christian in this life.  This includes praying with your mind and praying in a heavenly language given by Holy Spirit.  

When we rely on the power of Holy Spirit and use our weapons in spiritual battle, we can be sure that we will be victorious in all the trials and afflictions we face.

 

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I Thessalonians 2:17 – But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face…

As Paul continues offering encouragement to the Thessalonian believers, he makes reference to the violent way in which he was suddenly ousted from the city.  These events (which were outside of his control) are what stopped their face-to-face fellowship. 

Our English translations uses the phrase ‘torn away’ or ‘being taken’ to describe the separation of Paul from the Christians in Thessalonica.  However, this is a weak rendering.

The original text implies a deeper and much more heart-felt loss than just companions who have been untimely separated.  It entails grief, anxiety and reluctance of heart.  The original Greek phrase refers to the condition of an orphan or a person who is suddenly bereaved of parents.  The emphasis is on the overwhelming grief and sorrow of the parents, who are forced to leave their beloved children to the mercy of the cruel world.      

In this instance, the phrase expresses the way Paul felt when he was suddenly and violently separated from his spiritual children in Thessalonica.  He was grieved at leaving them in the midst of their malicious enemies (the unbelieving Jews) without guidance, defense and support.  

In the natural realm, a child expects their father (and mother) to be there when they need help.  That child would naturally feel abandoned if their father disappeared just when they needed him most.  His disappearance would erode all trust; the child could never again be fully confident of his father’s love, faithfulness or guidance.

In the same way, the Christians of Thessalonica expected their spiritual father to stand by them and assist them in every possible way, especially in times of trouble.

When Paul was unable to do that, it may have caused feelings of suspicion, distrust or contempt within the church.  Therefore, it was imperative for him to explain that he did not willingly leave them.  Being separated from them in such a way was causing him the utmost grief and sorrow.

Paul goes on to reassure the believers that even in the midst of their physical separation, they were constantly in his heart and mind.  The best thing he could do for them at that point was to pray for them – and that is exactly what he did. 

In the meantime, Paul’s absence strengthened rather than diminished his desire to fellowship with them again.  He had high hopes that this face-to-face separation would only be for a brief period. 

More specifically, he hoped that once he arrived in Berea (Acts 17:10), that the opposition to him and the gospel would soon calm down, and he could safely return to continue ‘parenting’ the Thessalonians in their spiritual growth. But unfortunately, as we will see in the next few verses, that was not the case.    

I Thessalonians 2:18 - …because we wanted to come to you – I, Paul, again and again – but Satan hindered us.

Although Paul had been ousted from the city, Timothy continued to minister there for some time (I Thessalonians 3:2, 6).  This is probably why Paul says ‘we’ wanted to return, but then emphasizes that he himself sought every opportunity to go back to Thessalonica.

Paul clearly states that it was Satan who circumvented his plans on multiple occasions.  How did he do that?   

Paul does not give us definite details, but when we examine the text, we can identify a number of different circumstances which opposed/frustrated the will of Paul:     

First, there was the mob which originally forced him to flee from Thessalonica to Berea.  Under normal circumstances, the angry mob would have spent their rage, calmed down and then gone back to their everyday lives.  However, in this case, the Jews instigated the mob to travel to Berea, where they chased Paul out of that city too.  Upon leaving Berea, he travelled to Athens.  Satan was clearly the one who was influencing the Jews to harass and persecute Paul.   

As Paul waited in Athens for Silas and Timothy, he was disturbed by the number of idols throughout the city.  As we would expect, he went to the synagogue, declared the gospel, and reasoned with the Jews.  Scripture tells us that every day he also spoke to ‘devout’ persons which he encountered in the public marketplace (Acts 17:16-21).   

When the Stoics, the Athenians, the Epicurean philosophers and other foreigners heard the gospel, they asked him to stay in the city and speak again.  Sadly, their main desire was not to be touched with the gospel.  It was to have a new idea to debate and dispute.  Scripture tells us that some people did come to Christ, (Acts 17:32-24), but nevertheless these events prevented Paul from returning to Thessalonica.

Paul’s return may also have been frustrated by general disturbances among other churches caused by false teachers or internal disputes among believers.  These types of situations were urgent and required him to visit those places in person to oppose and refute false doctrines, and to settle controversies/quarrels within the church.  It seems like Paul spent a considerable amount of time just putting out fires!  

Some scholars believe that Paul was making reference to the numerous attempts by the Jews to kill him.  For instance, when Paul first began to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah, the Jews were so enraged at the effectiveness of the gospel that they plotted to capture him at the city gates and kill him.  Through the intervention of Holy Spirit, the plot became known to Paul and he escaped by having his disciples lower him in a basket down the city wall at night (Acts 9:20-25).

Later, after spending time in Greece and planning to depart by ship to Syria, he discovered yet another plot/ambush set against him by the Jews (Acts 20:1-3).  This too was unsuccessful.  There may very well have been other attempts on Paul’s life which we do not know about.

What we do know is that Paul credits the attempts on his life and the thwarting of his plans to Satan.  When writing to the Ephesian church, he reminds Christians that we do not fight against men, but against the evil powers that influence them:

Ephesians 6:12 – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Paul teachings were very clear on this point – wicked men and women are fighting under the banner of Satan; they follow his lead and obey his orders.  Even now, Satan and his human soldiers constantly seek to hinder and obstruct the work of the church, the unity of the church, and the encouragement of the saints. 

Fortunately, we as Christians are in a spiritual army too.  Under Jesus Christ our Commander and Chief, we are arrayed in battle against the forces of darkness.  Just as the Israelites had to fight to possess the Promised Land, so the church must fight to possess new territory for the kingdom of heaven.  As we battle to win the souls of men and women to Christ, Satan will hinder us at every turn, just as he did Paul.

But we have no reason to fear.  Scripture tells us that the gates of hell cannot prevail against the church:

Matthew 16:18 – And I [Jesus] tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  

Question:  What do we know about city gates?

Answer:  They are a defensive weapon, not an offensive one!  In other words, under the direction of Holy Spirit, the church will storm the gates of hell and violently tear them down.  We will then invade the kingdom of darkness and rescue lost souls, bringing them into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 11:12). 

Satan greatly fears this because he knows he is powerless to stop it.  That is why he works so hard to impede our plans and to destroy us, if possible:

I Peter 5:8 – Be sober-minded; be watchful.  Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

In his attempts to render us ineffective in the army of God, Satan ‘baits’ us with temptations.  The Christian who ‘takes the bait’ or embraces sin becomes a hindrance to the very gospel he or she is trying to promote!  In a way, we could say that committing sin is similar to committing treason against our King. 

For this reason, it is important that all of us pay attention to our own personal holiness. 

I Peter 1:14-15 - As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.

Obviously, none of us are perfect and we will continue to sin as long as we are on this earth.  But that does not give us the ‘green light’ to carelessly indulge in sin.  We must circumcise our hearts and remove as much sin from our lives as possible. 

The good news is that we have Holy Spirit to help us. He leads and guides us into all truth.  He helps us identify Satan’s ambushes and avoid them (II Corinthians 2:11).  He abides with us and draws us closer to Christ.  Because we love and honor Jesus, we will desire to keep ourselves holy and to be obedient to his commandments (John 14:15-24).

As we study this portion of scripture, there is an important point that we do not want to overlook:  Satan can hinder the will/plans of man, but not the will and plans of God. 

Satan foiled the plans of Paul by keeping him from returning to Thessalonica.  However, he cannot stop the will of God which was for Paul to minister in other places.  Indeed, sinners were saved in every place that Paul preached the gospel. 

Romans 16:20 – The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the only power Satan has is the power which God allows him.  And not only is his power limited, he will only exercise it for a very short season.

I Thessalonians 2:19-20 – For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming?  Is it not you?  For you are our glory and joy.

Paul now gives the reason why he was so concerned about leaving them and why he was so anxious to see them again – because they were his hope, his joy, and his crown of boasting. 

HOPE:  Hope is the desire of something good accompanied by the expectation of obtaining it. 

Paul’s hope is that the Thessalonian converts would be found in Christ at his second coming (I Thessalonians 3:13).  Paul expects this to be the case because of two things. 

One, God is always faithful to his promises. 

Two, the Thessalonian believers were fully committed to serving God.  This was evident by the spiritual fruit that was being produced in their lives.  Since being redeemed by the blood of Christ, they exhibited faith, holiness and love.  They showed perseverance in the face of persecution.  They were a strong witness to Christ in their region and beyond. 

JOY:  Paul endured many hardships in order to bring the gospel to Thessalonica, and he could rejoice knowing that his work was not in vain!  He is full of joy because the Thessalonians now displayed the glory of God.  They walked in the truth and led lives that honored Christ.  

Upon the second coming/return of the Lord, Paul would be able to give an account of them with joy, not with grief (Hebrews 13:17).

CROWN:  The Thessalonians were Paul’s crown of boasting because they were like trophies of divine grace - captives delivered from the power of Satan (sin and death) and set free in the kingdom of Christ (forgiveness and life).

When God brings the events of this world to a conclusion, true ministers of the gospel will have no greater source of joy or happiness than the salvation of the souls they attended to. 

The conversion and steadfast faith of the Thessalonians was like a seal of Paul’s apostleship.  It was proof that God had sent him (and his team) to bring them the gospel.

Overall, the expressions used by Paul in this verse are meant to assure the Thessalonians that he held them in high regard and he had great love and affection for them.  His long absence from them was not caused because of a lack of love or concern for them; it was due to their mutual enemy.      

Let me offer you some encouragement and relief:

In today’s post, we noted that the soldiers of darkness look for every opportunity to obstruct the unity of the church.  You don’t hear many sermons about church unity.  It’s probably not a topic that we think too much about unless there is a problem.

However, church unity is vitally important.  Jesus tells us that a house divided against itself will essentially self-destruct (Mark 3:25).

As believers, it is our responsibility to overlook minor offences in our relationships with those in our body.  In truth, it can be humbling or difficult to let those annoyances go, but we must learn to do so, in order to avoid giving Satan an opening into the church. 

If you are letting minor annoyances build into anger or resentment against another believer, please stop!  Take the time to remember the good qualities of your brother/sister.  Make note of the circumstances they are experiencing.  Pray for them.  Give thanks to God for their service and the gifts they bring to the body. 

By doing so, you can rediscover all the good things about them and keep unity in the body.

Let me offer you some strength:

When we discussed Paul’s crown of boasting, we noted that at the end of this age, true ministers of the gospel will have no greater joy or pleasure than seeing the salvation of souls. 

The title ‘minister’ doesn’t just refer to spiritual leaders like Paul or your pastor.  A minister is anyone who attends to the spiritual needs of another.  All Christians are part of this group. 
In fact, scripture tells us that we have become priests in the kingdom of God (I Peter 2:9).  Priests were the men who acted as the conduit or means of communication between men and God. In this role, we are to offer spiritual life, spiritual comfort and spiritual encouragement to all those around us.  When we are faithful to do this, it brings life, joy and strength to others. 

Think of it - we can make an eternal difference in the lives of others!  What greater legacy can we leave to the next generation?  What greater reward can we ask for in the next life?

 

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I Thessalonians 2:13 – And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

Paul has already mentioned a number of reasons why he is thankful when he considers the Thessalonian church: 

• They have grown in their relationship with the Lord. 
• They display faith, love and good works. 
• They have become ‘imitators’ of Paul and the Lord. 
• The testimony of their faith has gone out to all of Macedonia.

He is also thankful that they received the gospel as divine truth from God, not a message of mere human origin (created by man).  

More specifically, we can say that the Thessalonian believers did not accept the gospel because it made sense in terms of human reasoning.  If this were the case, they could easily be persuaded to abandon the gospel when an opposing point of view was presented.   

They did not accept the gospel because of the persuasive way it was presented to them. If this were the case, they could also be persuaded to drop the gospel in favor of a lie/false doctrine as long as it was presented by an eloquent speaker.   

Neither did they accept the gospel out of respect for Paul or his team.  If this were the case, they could be convinced to abandon their faith once culture or popular thought moved in a different direction. 

Had they accepted the gospel for any of these reasons, it would be ineffective, because it was not received with true faith:

Hebrews 4:2 – For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.

However, when the gospel is embraced with faith and believed to be a divine revelation of the only true God, then it has the power to permanently change the lives of people.  Only then will it cause people to circumcise their hearts from sin, to devote themselves to God, to live pure/holy lives and to hold onto their faith through trials, temptations and even persecution. 

Furthermore, only the divine word of God could produce reverence and obedience from mankind, who is rebellious by nature.

So we can conclude that even though the Thessalonians received the gospel through the mouth of a mortal man, they recognized that God was the author of it.  Paul can be thankful for their salvation and he can be thankful that his labor among them was not in vain!

I Thessalonians 2:14 – For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea.  For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews,

What does Paul mean when he says the Thessalonian believers have become ‘imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus’?  

To imitate is to copy or to follow as a model.  In this case, it refers to the fact that the Thessalonian church was being harassed/persecuted in the same manner and by the same people as other true churches in their region.  We might say there was a clear pattern of harassment, opposition and persecution against all true churches in that area.

It also means that these believers endured and responded to this opposition with the same righteous spirit as their counterparts.

This persecution is coming from their ‘own countrymen’ and/or the Jews.  Let’s examine that statement further.

In nearly every case, the Jews were the leaders of all persecution against the apostles and the infant Church.  In the region of Palestine, they openly persecuted the church/Christians themselves. 

However, in Macedonia the Jews rarely came against the churches personally.  Instead, it was their habit to incite heathens or idolaters in these cities to do the work for them (Acts 17:5-9, Acts 17:13-15, Acts 14:1-2, etc).   

The Jews would stir up base and foolish people by telling them lies about Christians and Christianity.  They frequently claimed that Christians were in rebellion against civil institutions and, whenever possible, they inferred that Christianity was going to negatively impact the heathen financially/economically.  They encouraged the heathen to make public protests and uproars, which often resulted in arrests, imprisonment and beatings for believers.  Thessalonica was just one of the many places this occurred.

So even though the Thessalonian Christians were technically being persecuted by their fellow countrymen, we know these Gentiles were merely tools or pawns being used by the Jews. 

The true source of this opposition was probably troubling to the believers, because the Jews were the only nation in the world which claimed to be the people of God – the same God they were now serving! 

They might have wondered this: If the gospel is true, why do the Jews, who are the chosen people of God, oppose it with such hostility?

Paul answers this question in a couple of different ways.  First, he confirms that the experience of the Thessalonians was common among the churches in Judea. 

Second, He goes on to show that the unbelieving Jews are actually enemies of God and of all sound doctrine; they are the very people who oppose Paul and his team everywhere they go. 

These statements were a comfort and assurance to the church.  It shows that the Thessalonian church was not alone; nor were their circumstances unusual.  Furthermore, the persecution they suffered was NOT evidence that they were believing a false doctrine.  In fact, the opposite was true.

The Thessalonians were obviously true believers - they were gathered out of the world by the grace of God, they were united in their reverence and obedience to Christ, they assembled for his worship, they were a testimony to the life changing truth of the gospel, and they reflected the glory of God.  Any church that displayed these traits could count on suffering at least some affliction:

Hebrews 10:32-35 – But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 

Paul commends the church because they exemplified patient endurance and undaunted courage as they endured the assaults/trials that the kingdom of darkness made upon them.  They held tight to the gospel, and their obedience to Christ, even in the midst of suffering.  Again, this was evidence that their faith was genuine.

Many scholars see this as a fulfillment of Christ’s words that a man’s enemies will be those of his own house (Matthew 10:36).

I Thessalonians 2:15 - …who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind…

The ‘who’ in this verse refers to the obstinate, unbelieving Jews.  It was their normal MO (method of operation) to engage in the work of persecution.  They had a long history of abusing, imprisoning and killing God’s prophets and messengers (Nehemiah 9:26, I Kings 19:14, Acts 7:52, Romans 11:3, etc).

They often did their dirty work ‘behind the scenes.’  Case in point: The crucifixion of Christ. 

Though Pilate condemned Jesus to death and the Roman soldiers executed the sentence, it was the malice and envy of the Jews that brought charges against him.  It was the Jews and only the Jews who fervently demanded that Christ be crucified.  Therefore, it is correctly said that the Jews were responsible for killing the Prince of Life (Acts 3:13-15). 

But as bad as that was, the Jews didn’t stop there.

After Jesus rose from the dead, they turned their wrath against the apostles (Acts 4:18, Acts 5:41, Acts 14:1, 14:6 etc).  When they still couldn’t put a stop to the gospel, they began to persecute the churches too.  

John 15:20 – Remember the word that I [Jesus] said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’  If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.  If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.

Paul assured the Thessalonians that no one should find it strange that the unbelieving Jews had now turned their wrath against true believers in Christ.  It was to be expected; it was exactly what Jesus said would happen.  

Paul goes on to say that the Jews were displeasing to God.  Although they considered themselves the peculiar people of God who found favor in his sight, they were sadly mistaken. 

God was not pleased with them personally, because they stubbornly refused to accept the truth of the gospel.  Their carnal minds made them enemies of God.  This left them without faith (in a state of sin) and without faith it is impossible to please God.

In addition, their actions were also displeasing to God.  They actively opposed the spread of the gospel, doing everything in their power to hinder people from receiving salvation.  Believing themselves to be the only servants of God, they despised the Gentiles and set out to wage war against both God and man.  The path they chose to travel only had one outcome - unless they turned from this great wickedness, they were destined for destruction.     

I Thessalonians 2:16 - …by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved – so as always to fill up the measure of their sins.  But wrath has come upon them at last!

Let’s take a moment to dig a little deeper into this issue.  Under the old covenant, the Jews were the people who kept the Law, which they considered to be sacred.  The original intent was for them to be a public example of the relationship between God and man.  They were to introduce others to God through the Law.

However, at some point the Jews made rules which said that because the Law was sacred, it could never be shared with an unbeliever.  Although they probably did this to ensure the Law was treated with reverence and holiness, it eventually became a disaster.  By the time of the incarnation, it was strictly forbidden for a Jew to share the Law with any uncircumcised person, or to allow that person to study the Law until they became a proselyte to the Jewish religion.

I don’t know about you, but in my mind, this makes the actions of the unbelieving Jews in Paul’s day utterly absurd!  Think about it:

They despise the gospel; they have completely rejected it.  In fact, the only thing they loathe more than the gospel is the Gentiles.  So why would the Jews care if the gospel circulates among the Gentiles?  You’d think they would encourage it! 

But they didn’t.  It seems that their hatred and envy was so intense, the Jews didn’t want the Gentiles to hear the gospel just in case it was true.  They resorted to treating the gospel in the same manner they treated the Law – they did everything in their power to keep it from being revealed or shared.   

God has chosen to spread his gospel through preaching/speaking.  This is the ordinary or most common way for people to learn about salvation and to become a child of God.  So, as we would expect, the Jews attempted to stop the message by discrediting Paul and his team, by twisting the truth, by using their influence and position to condemn the gospel, and by stirring up trouble in the civil realm.

The mandate to keep the Law from unbelievers (Gentiles) was so deeply ingrained in the Jewish culture, it even effected the Christian Jews who had accepted salvation.  

During the earliest days of the church (before Gentiles were invited in), the Christian Jews were requiring the Gentiles to become proselytes or converts to Judaism – they were required to follow the law and observe all of its rites and customs, especially circumcision.  At that point, the Gentile became a Jew and thus ‘eligible’ to receive salvation through the gospel.   

However, it quickly became apparent that God was doing something totally new.    

All the apostles (including Paul) taught that there was no longer a difference between Jews and Gentiles; the sacrifice of Christ had broken down the wall of partition between the two. 

All people (Jews and Gentiles alike) had sinned and come short of the glory of God and all people (Jews and Gentiles alike) could be redeemed by his blood.  Salvation was obtained by grace through faith, not through circumcision or religious rituals or even keeping the Law.  In other words, you didn’t have to become a Jew in order to be saved!   

Acts 15:7-9 - …Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.  And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.”

This truth was confirmed by the early church fathers who met at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15).  They formally declared that the Gentiles were no longer required to be circumcised or observe the customs of the Law in order to receive salvation. 

This, of course, created quite a stir in the early church.  If left up to the wisdom of man, we might have ended up with two churches, one Jewish and one Gentile.  However, through the power and wisdom of Holy Spirit, we are all united in one, single church with Jesus Christ as our head! 

Now let’s turn our attention back to the unbelieving Jews.  Paul states that they are always filling up the measure of their sin.

The word ‘always’ is significant.  It means that at all times and in every generation the Jews consistently resist and/or oppose God.  We can find evidence of this throughout the scriptures.  It was certainly true of the Jews in Paul’s day.

The expression ‘filling up the measure of their sin’ implies that those who persevere in an evil course produce more and more guilt which is stored up until it overflows and results in judgment (Genesis 15:16, Daniel 8:23, Matthew 23:32). 

In our minds, we might picture a measuring cup or a beaker.  Each time the unrepentant person (or nation or church) sins, it adds more judgment to the cup.  Once the cup overflows, God’s wrath comes upon them.

This picture helps to explain why the punishment of the wicked is often delayed (or seems to be absent) – because God is allowing them a season in which to repent before they experience his wrath and destruction.  

In this case, when the Jews hindered or obstructed the gospel from being shared with the Gentiles, it added more iniquity to their cup, which would soon overflow, resulting in wrath.

Scholars universally agree that the wrath being mentioned here refers to the events which occurred in AD 71 when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem.  During that war, the Jews were slaughtered by the thousands.  After the altar had been desecrated, the temple was razed and burned.  From that day to this, the Jews have never had another temple.  God had completely abolished the practice of the Law, which the Jews loved more than the Messiah.   

This raises an interesting question: I Thessalonians was penned around AD 50, but the temple was not destroyed until approximately 20 years later.  Since Paul could not have known about the destruction that was coming, why does he say wrath “has” (past tense) come upon the Jews?  

Paul senses that the ‘cup’ of the Jews was already full; their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah was “last straw” - the moment when the cup began to overflow.  From that very moment, wrath was decreed for the Jews, even though it had not yet manifested itself. 

Interestingly, the root word for ‘has come’ means to unexpectedly overtake.  So from that moment forward, whether the Jews knew it or not, they were already sentenced to a destruction so certain that Paul confidently spoke of it as an indisputable fact.

Let me offer you some encouragement, relief and strength:

Paul wants the Thessalonians to understand that trials and difficulties in life are not necessarily indications that you are outside of God’s will for your life. 

On the surface, that doesn’t seem like an encouraging thought, but actually, it is. 

God doesn’t waste anything.  When a situation arises that causes you suffering, you can be sure of two things.  One, the root cause of your suffering stems from Satan and two, God is doing something amazing in that situation, even if you are not currently aware of it.  

• Mary and Martha suffered when their brother Lazarus died.  Jesus allowed them to endure that suffering so that his glory was revealed and many people believed on him as the Messiah.  Was their suffering fun?  Of course not!  But did God use it for his glory?  Yes!  Furthermore, God is rewarding Mary and Martha right now, for their sacrifice here on earth.

• God also uses trials or suffering to draw us closer to him.  Many Christians who have experienced a health crisis or a sudden loss (like a house fire) can testify that that event brought them closer to the Savior, as they depended upon him.  

• Remember the old saying which still holds true: The purpose of any test is to create a testimony.  When you walk through the storms of life, you create a living testimony to the power and grace of God.  That testimony is powerful; it will encourage other believers and it will draw sinners to the Savior.

• Faith grows faster when we use it.  We know that all of us have a measure of faith (Romans 12:3).  As we trust in the Lord during times of difficulty, persecution and testing, our faith in him grows and multiplies.  This in turn allows us to trust in him for even greater things in the future.    

Whatever you may be experiencing right now, don’t despair - God is in control and he can see the end from the beginning.  Right now, he is working behind the scenes for his glory and your good!

 

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I Thessalonians 2:9 – For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

We now continue with our study of chapter two.  In his letter to the Thessalonian believers, Paul defends his ministry, so they will stay faithful to the gospel they have received.  He is forced to do so because the unbelieving Jews have been spreading vicious rumors about him in an attempt to discredit him.  The Jews were jealous because people were turning from the Law to the new covenant of grace through Jesus Christ.   The Jews believed that if they could discredit Paul, it would discredit his message as well, and they could destroy the church.

This verse confirms what Paul had mentioned earlier – despite what the Jewish leaders were saying about him, he was NOT making himself rich at the expense of the Thessalonians. 

When God set up the systems associated with the tabernacle, he mandated that the priests would receive basic support from the temple offerings.  For example, when an Israelite brought a peace offering to the temple, the priest specifically received the right thigh:

Leviticus 7:33 – Whoever among the sons of Aaron offers the blood of the peace offerings and the fat shall have the right thigh for a portion.

The priests were also permitted to eat the bread of presence once it was removed from the table of showbread (I Samuel 21:1-6, Mark 2:23-26).  This rule was in effect until the temple was destroyed in 71 AD. 

This was standard practice for the church as well; Paul teaches that every church should provide its ministers with some basic support – food and other necessities:

I Corinthians 9:13-14 – Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

(See I Corinthians 9:1-14 for fuller details). The fact is, Paul and his companions were entitled to expect some sort of support or compensation from every church they ministered to and/or planted.  

Yet, there were several instances (Corinth, Ephesus and Thessalonica) where Paul did not exercise his right to these benefits.  In these particular cities, Holy Spirit prompted him to earn his own livelihood and refrain from having the church pay any of his expenses. 

Reading between the lines, we can surmise that Paul earned his own living and paid all of his own expenses so that the unbelieving Jews had no basis for accusation against him.  Thus, we see that Paul was willing to take on the burden of manual labor (tent making – Acts 18:3), in order to avoid any hindrance to the gospel message.

In his letter to the church, he reminds the Thessalonians that he and his companions ‘labored and toiled’ both ‘night and day’. 

‘Labored and toiled’ – Labor is physical servile work which is difficult or fatiguing; work that is done under conditions which make it especially hard or wearisome.  We often refer to this as manual labor.  ‘Toil’ on the other hand, refers to working for a long duration of time which results in weariness, pain and fatigue of both mind and body. 

‘Night and day’ – Paul and his companions were constantly working to support themselves.  When they were not preaching the gospel, praying, disputing with the Jews or teaching/encouraging the new believers, they were working.  We might say they worked both first and second shifts, picking up as many hours as they could.

Now stop and think about this situation for a moment:  Paul is mentally exerting himself each day by not only preaching and teaching, but by confronting the Jewish religious leaders who opposed him at all times.  He was constantly using the Old Testament scriptures to reason and prove that Jesus was the Messiah, but they wouldn’t listen.  How frustrating would that have been?   

Meanwhile, he was acutely aware that at any time the Jews may decide to stir up the crowds and attempt to have him killed during a riot, arrested and whipped by the authorities or bodily removed from Thessalonica.  That is a lot of mental stress.

In addition, he was working what we would refer to as a full time job – he was exerting himself in physical labor so that he would not be a financial burden to the Thessalonian church as a whole, or to any single believer. 

This was a truly incredible burden to assume for any length of time.  Paul must have been depending on Holy Spirit to help him stand up under that kind of pressure.

These actions prove that Paul did everything in his power to remove any obstacle that would keep people from accepting the gospel:

II Corinthians 6:3-5 – We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger…

As we discussed in our introduction to this book, Paul preached in the synagogue for three weeks and then began to share the gospel with the Gentiles.  He ministered among them for some time, eventually founding a church in that city.  Indeed, it appears to have been the steady growth of the church that led the Jews to stir up a riot against him and have him cast out of the city.

The bottom line is that Paul diligently kept up this excruciating schedule for a very long time.  He was willing to pay any price in order to share the gospel message.  Paul, Silas and Timothy were all very familiar with the concept of self-sacrifice for the spiritual good of others. 

I Thessalonians 2:10 – You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.

As a defense against the lies of the Jews, Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they themselves were witnesses of his conduct while he was among them.  They could testify to the fact that his actions were holy, righteous and blameless.

Holy – Paul practiced what he preached; although not perfect, he did all he could to remove sin from his life.  To the best of his ability, he conformed to the revealed will of God.

Righteous – Paul did no wrong to anyone at Thessalonica.  He was righteous in his relationships with individuals, with the church as a whole, with his companions and most importantly, with God. 

Blameless – When Paul describes his conduct as being blameless, he is not saying he was perfect.  He is referring to the fact that he was faithful to carry out all of his duties to both God and man.    

Let’s stop and consider ourselves for a moment.  Every Christian should be able to describe their lives as holy, righteous and blameless.  What about you?  Are there areas of your life that need to be changed?   

Paul’s heart was free of the impurity and filthiness which polluted the lives of false teachers.  This righteousness was reflected in his conduct among them.  So, Paul once again calls upon the people of the church to affirm his integrity, based on their own experience/knowledge of him and his actions. 

And in full confidence, he also appeals to an even greater witness – God himself, who discerns the thoughts and intents of every heart (Hebrews 4:12).

I Thessalonians 2:11-12 – For you know how, like a father with his children we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

By the time a person becomes a parent, they have seen and experienced a lot of the world.  Thus, they are able to guide their children with authority, wisdom, experience and knowledge.  Paul spiritually guides the Thessalonian believers in the same way.
  In our last post, Paul compared himself to a nursing mother whose tender compassion and protection for her children knows no bounds.  This was appropriate for new believers in Christ who were fed with the milk of the word (I Corinthians 3:2).

Now, as the believers are maturing in their faith, he comes to them with the authority of a loving father.  Just as a good earthly father takes a close interest in the development and welfare of his natural children, Paul took a close interest in the spiritual development and welfare of the Thessalonian believers.

He exercised true paternal care and diligence in instructing and exhorting them in the whole truth of the gospel.  Specifically, he did not shy away from discussing the more difficult commands and responsibilities involved in being a Christian.  Paul made it clear that while God is love (as clearly demonstrated by the sacrifice of his Son), he is still a holy God who requires faith, love, holiness and obedience in his children. 

Sadly, there are some churches today who adhere to a diluted gospel sometimes referred to as ‘sloppy grace’ – they have little concern for sin, obedience and personal holiness.  They believe it’s unnecessary to live disciplined lives because forgiveness is free and unlimited.    

This is a twisted and false view of the gospel.  There is a cost to discipleship.  Throughout both Old and New Testaments, God’s people are instructed to be diligent in righteousness, to circumcise sin from their lives and to fully obey God’s commands.  

Jesus’ interaction with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) is a good example of this.  It is true that Jesus showed love and compassion to the woman.  By squatting down and writing in the dirt, he created a situation in which the religious leaders recognized their own guilt.  Because of this they essentially ‘dropped the charges’ against her by walking away.  However, that is not the end of the story. 

After this demonstration of love, Jesus very specifically commands her to stop sinning:

John 8:11 - …And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”

True love is not allowing your children to do anything they want without limits.  Loving and wise parents set limits, expectations and boundaries for their kids.  They make it clear that obedience is expected and the child’s actions (both good and bad) will have consequences.

God, our wise, holy and loving heavenly Father, also sets limits, expectations and boundaries for his children.  God understands that we are not perfect, but he still requires us to do our best to obey his clear rules and commands. 

These expectations/commands of God were faithfully relayed to the Thessalonian believers through Paul.  He did this with a spirit of tenderness and love, because he considered himself their spiritual father.

And truthfully, the commands of God are not burdensome; they set you free rather than putting you in bondage (Matthew 11:28-30).  The true Christian always has a desire to obey God’s commands, because we love him. 

John 14:23 – Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”

In addition to sound teaching, Paul and his team spent a lot of time and effort encouraging/urging the believers to walk in a manner that would please the Lord.

No doubt, they needed this encouragement.  Not only were they dealing with the trials and temptations of daily life, they faced additional conflicts because of the intense opposition of the Jews to the church.  

In partnership with Holy Spirit, Paul ‘parented’ the church in such a way that the believers would be mature enough, capable enough and knowledgeable enough to conduct their lives in a way that is pleasing to God (Ephesians 4:1).  Paul is still ‘parenting’ believers today!

When a Christian obeys God’s commands, lives a life of purity/holiness, and directs his/her life in a manner that is pleasing to God, they reflect the glory of God.  This reflection will be seen by sinners.  It will act like a magnet, drawing the lost to Christ.

John 12:32 – And I [Jesus], when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.

Here is an interesting thought: There is no real reason to assume that this will change in eternity.  As the bride of Christ, it is not far-fetched to assume that other created beings/worlds will see and know us.  They will undoubtedly hear the story of our salvation and rejoice in what God has done.  If this is true, then we will be an everlasting reflection of the incomprehensible love and glory of God! 

God further displayed his incredible love towards the Thessalonian believers (and us) by calling them into his own kingdom and glory.  It is astonishing to think that a perfect, all-powerful, all-knowing Holy God would not only save sinners, but that he would actually invite us into his kingdom of righteousness and peace as his own sons and daughters!   

It’s even more stunning to think that this privilege was prepared for us from the foundation of the world as a gift - free for us, but at the cost of God’s only Son.  What greater honor could have been given to us, than to be children of God?

Because God has called us out of darkness and into the glorious light of his Son, how can we live our lives in any other manner than that which is pleasing to him and which brings him glory and honor??

I Peter 2:9 – But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you might proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Any glory we have in this world is temporary and practically worthless because it will soon pass away.  But the glory of God is bright and eternal; it never fades or ends.  It is well worth pursuing!  

Let me offer you some encouragement:

Throughout the New Testament we find that Paul was always ready to defend his faith.  He knew enough about the scriptures to give a sound answer to the questions of those under his spiritual guidance as well as unbelievers outside the faith. 

Are you and I ready to defend our faith?  If we were in conflict with an unbeliever, could we patiently, clearly (and in love) give an account of what we believe?  Could we back up our statements with scripture and if so, do we know the reference for those scriptures? 

Have we systematically studied the scriptures in such a way that we are ready to disciple new believers who were not raised in church and know literally nothing about the bible? 

Not everyone will be called upon to constantly defend the faith like Paul was.  Nevertheless, we should all be ready to give an account of our faith to those who ask.  Are you ready?

Let me offer you some relief and strength:

Paul and his companions were carrying some pretty heavy burdens.  They were witnessing to the lost, establishing and discipling the church, confronting the Jews and working full time jobs! 

Obviously, they were able to do all of this for an extended period of time, because God had called them to do it.

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Likewise, Holy Spirit will assist us too.  He will provide wisdom, strength, resources, partners and anything else we need to complete the tasks God has set before us. 

Here is something else to keep in mind:  We have no indication that Paul and his team were constantly complaining about their burdens. 

Can we say the same thing?  For many of us, complaining is a bad habit.  We complain about what we don’t have, rather than being thankful for what we do have.  We always think that someone else has an easier life or more money or more benefits than we do, when in reality they might be under more burdens that we are. 

Remember, we are kings and priests in the kingdom of heaven, called to reflect the glory of God.  Considering our position, what grounds to we have to complain about anything?  Complaining is an insult to our Father and a detriment to his glory.

What sinner would want to know God if they heard us complaining about his treatment of us or his unfairness?

If you are in the habit of complaining, it’s time to stop! 

 

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I Thessalonians 2:2 – But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.

Our study of chapter two focuses on the ‘defense’ of Paul.  In other words, Paul and his companions have been unjustly accused and attacked for spreading the gospel.  In verse one, we found that the unbelieving Jews had accused them of being imposters or false teachers. 

After refuting those claims with facts, Paul now goes on to say that he and his team were bold enough to share the true gospel, despite the way they were treated at Philippi. 

If you are unfamiliar with that narrative, you can read the full account in Acts chapter 16, but here are the basics:

Holy Spirit led Paul, Silas and Timothy to the city of Philippi, where they joined a prayer group that met outside the city, because there was no synagogue in that place. 

At some point as Paul was going to that place for prayer meeting, a slave girl came across his path.  She was possessed by a demonic spirit, and her owners grew rich by using her as a fortune teller.  Apparently this girl constantly followed Paul around the city, crying out that Paul and his companions were ‘servants of God who proclaimed the way to salvation’. 

Eventually, after a few days of that, Paul became annoyed and he cast the demon out of the girl.  When that happened, she lost the ability to tell the future, so she could no longer make money for her masters.  Enraged, the owners grabbed Paul and Silas and brought them to the police/magistrates. 

They basically accused Paul and Silas of disturbing the peace and urging people to adopt ‘unlawful customs’.  The charges were flimsy at best, but Paul and Silas were stripped, severely beaten/whipped (which was unlawful to do to Roman citizens), cast into the innermost cell of the prison and bound with stocks.  All this was done without a trial.

As you may recall, Paul and Silas spent the night singing praises to God and around midnight there was an earthquake which shook the prison and set them free.  That night, the jailer and his family came to Christ.  He took Paul and Silas home with him, treated their wounds and fed them.

In the morning, the city officials sent word that Paul and Silas were free to go, but Paul was not going to accept a quiet, behind-the-scenes release.  Since they were Roman citizens, publicly reviled, whipped and treated as criminals, Paul insisted that they received a public apology and a personal escort out of the city.

Acts 16:37 – But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly?  No!  Let them come themselves and take us out.”

So, it was no secret that Paul and his companions were shamefully and unfairly treated by the officials at Philippi.  They suffered physical and mental abuse as well as having their reputations publicly smeared.  The good news is that through their ministry, a Christian church was established in that city (probably in the house of Lydia).  

This, however, was one more proof that they were genuine servants of God.  If they were false teachers who were looking for recognition or dishonest gain, they would have given up or gone to a city far away from Macedonia. 

After all, there was no guarantee that Paul and his team would be treated any better at Thessalonica than they were at Philippi, but they still went anyway, and proclaimed the gospel message with boldness. 

Notice that in this verse Paul refers to the word as the Gospel of God.  He does this in order to differentiate salvation in Christ from the works of the law and from all religions invented by man (the message of false teachers). 

The true gospel came from the wisdom and grace of God, was made possible by the sacrifice of his Son, and was proclaimed by the power of his Spirit.  It was a complete gospel which included election, redemption, justification, pardon, adoption, regeneration, glorification and eternal life. 

It was a divine message delivered straight from God to the people of Thessalonica.  Because God was its author and because the message was of vital importance, Paul and his companions were willing to risk further harm and injury in order to proclaim it.  Only a true messenger of God would do such a thing.   

In fact, as the team ministered in Thessalonica, they probably still bore traces of the wounds they suffered from the Philippians. 

And, as the scripture shows, their preaching did indeed result in further conflict, contention, litigation, anger and debate in the city of Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-9). 

I Thessalonians 2:3 – For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive,

In their boldness, Paul, Silas and Timothy must have powerfully exhorted/encouraged the citizens of Thessalonica to embrace the life-giving gospel. 

Paul provides three reasons why the Thessalonians can continue to have the utmost faith in the gospel they received:

One:  It did not come to them in error.  In other words, there was no false doctrine or doctrines of man mixed in with the gospel message.  The Thessalonians had received the pure, undiluted, uncompromised new covenant of grace through Jesus Christ.  They were never tricked into believing a lie.  

Two:  The gospel did not come to them with unclean or impure motives.  Paul and his companions had no earthly motivation to give them the gospel.  They were not going to receive any awards from mankind, they were not going to make any money and they were not going to earn any favors from those in places of authority (the opposite was probably true – they were hated by those in civil authority because their message often produced an uproar). 

Paul and his companions were not trying to gain a following and run for political office.  They were not going to become famous and write best-selling books.  They had no worldly reason or motive to spread the gospel. 

In fact, as we just noted, by spreading the gospel, they were putting themselves at further risk of beating or imprisonment.

Three:  The gospel was not given to the Thessalonians in an attempt to deceive them. There was nothing fraudulent or malicious in the gospel they presented.  They had been presented with a firm, unshakable foundation for their faith.

I Corinthians 3:11 – For no other foundation can a man lay than what is laid, which is Jesus Christ.   

While Paul made strong arguments that he and his companions were true messengers of God, the Christians of Thessalonica did not have to rely on his word alone.  The final and ultimate proof/confirmation came from God himself.    

Romans 8:16 – The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

Despite the smooth lies of the unrepentant Jews, the Thessalonians knew in their heart of hearts that they had received salvation, as confirmed by Holy Spirit.  

I Thessalonians 2:4 - …but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

As if the changes in the lives of the Thessalonian believers were not enough, Paul goes one step further in the defense of himself and his companions – he appeals to God himself as the author of his apostleship. 

God, who knows the hearts of all people, trusted Paul enough to put him in the office of an apostle.  From eternity past, God had chosen/appointed Paul, Silas and Timothy to this work.  He equipped them with the gifts they would need, and at his divinely appointed time he opened the door for their ministry.

Acts 9:15 – But the Lord said to him [Ananias], “Go, for he [Paul] is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” 

God also confirmed their message with signs and wonders.

Paul is in awe of the way God was using him.  He obviously recognized that the gospel was a rich treasure of immeasurable worth; to be trusted with the spread of the gospel was the highest honor God could have awarded him.  With this in mind, he was always faithful to the commission God had given him.

In light of what God had called him to do, Paul was NEVER going to deliver anything but the pure gospel message.  He added nothing and took nothing away; he never softened or altered the message to make it more agreeable to sinners.  Paul had no desire to gain the favor or honor of men, to escape persecution (if needed) or to obtain a worldly reward by preaching a tainted gospel that would appeal to the masses. 

Paul answered to one voice alone – that of God, who appointed him to his office and who ‘tests the hearts’ of every man.

Paul, like all true ministers of the gospel, knew that he answered to God alone.  Our omniscient (all knowing) God has the ability to look into the heart of every person and discern their true intensions and motivations.  Nothing can be hidden from him – he can search the deepest most secret places of our hearts and minds.  He sees through any wall or façade that we present to the world. 

So again we see that Paul defends himself and the gospel by pointing out that they have a divine ‘seal of approval’. 

I Thessalonians 2:5 – For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed – God is witness.

Flattery is one of the principle tools of false teachers.  Even in today’s society we find false teachers/ministers who care nothing for the souls of people.  They are charlatans who make empty promises and teach false doctrines in order to become rich.  This is sometimes known as ‘fleecing the flock’. 

(God had a lot to say about this type of behavior in the book of Zechariah.  In case you haven’t yet read our study of that book, let me just say that God not only condemned their behavior, he has vowed to bring judgment upon these deceitful wolves.) 

Because Paul is addressing the issue of false gain in his letter, we can assume that the unbelieving Jews have falsely accused him of preaching lies in order to line his own pockets.  

However, Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he never gained an audience with them by flattery or praise for their accomplishments (beauty, wealth, talent, etc).  He never used false pretenses in order to trick them in some manner or gain something from them.

In fact, he did the opposite.  As we will see later in this chapter, Paul and his companions worked secular jobs in order to meet their own needs/pay their own way.  They did not ask the Thessalonian church for money or earthly support of any kind. 

Furthermore, Paul did not hesitate to declare the truth of the gospel which was sometimes painful and difficult to accept.  He gave them the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, which was proof of his integrity.  As God was witness, Paul had been honest and faithful to the Thessalonians in every way, warning them of the eternal danger they were in, and offering them new life in Christ. 

I Thessalonians 2:6-7 – Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.  But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.

To ‘seek glory’ means to be haughty and presumptuous; to seek a position of leadership or authority over people based on fame or vain glory/pomp.  In our day, it would be similar to an actor or actress using their fame to get preferential treatment. 

As a chosen apostle of God, Paul actually had the right to a higher degree of respect, dignity, leadership and authority than ordinary people, but he never demanded it.  instead, he presented himself ‘gently’ among the Thessalonian church. 

The root word for ‘gently’ (your translation may say ‘we might have been burdensome’) means anything that is weighty, burdensome or oppressive.  This statement has a dual meaning.

First, it refers to material support.  Since Paul was a minister sent directly from God for their salvation, it would have been appropriate for the Thessalonians to take up offerings to pay for their expenses.  However, Paul and his team did not demand this benefit.  Instead, they worked manual labor jobs and supported themselves.

Second, it refers to a level of authority which demands complete obedience.  Paul and his team were ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ, and as such they were in a position to command respect, reverence and a degree of authority.  From this position of power, they could have made rigorous demands of the church.  But again, Paul did not do that.    

He presented them with the gospel, he encouraged them, strengthened them, and corrected them in love.  He watched over them tenderly like a nursing mother watches over her child.  In other words, Paul and his team ministered to the Thessalonians in a modest and unassuming manner.  Their ultimate goal was clearly the spiritual good of the believers; they put their own needs on the back burner in order to do the most good for the church. 

This analogy makes sense, because Paul and his team were spiritual parents to these people: 

• They travailed with the Thessalonians until they were born into the kingdom of heaven. 
• They fed them with the milk of the word until they grew and matured in the faith. 
• They did everything in their power build them up and give them every advantage in the spiritual realm. 
• If necessary, Paul and his companions were ready to die for their spiritual sake, just as a mother would sacrifice herself for her child.  

Clearly, this was not the conduct of false teachers or men who were looking for personal gain and fame.

I Thessalonians 2:8 – So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

The term ‘affectionately desirous’ goes back to the analogy of a mother – just as a mother yearns for her children when they are separated from her, so Paul yearned for the Thessalonian believers. 

As discussed above, God’s ministers took the utmost delight in working among the church; they freely and fully labored for the spiritual good of them, without every taking an advantage for themselves. 

In fact, as a loving parent, they were ready to ‘share’ their own selves or in other words, they were willing to suffer and even die so that the gospel might come to full fruition in the lives of the Thessalonians.  There is no higher expression of love than to lay down one’s own life for someone else.

John 15:13 – Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Of course, Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of this principle!

John 10:17-18 – Therefore does my [Jesus] Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.  No man takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself.  I have the power to lay it down, and I have the power to take it again.  This command I received of my Father.

Let me offer you some encouragement:

Today’s post mentions the boldness of Paul and his companions in the preaching of the word, in spite of the very real possibility of physical, mental and social persecution.  Their boldness was not just foolish daring; it was a spiritual boldness that came from Holy Spirit. 

Christians in the early church prayed for boldness to declare the gospel:

Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto your servants, that with all boldness they may speak your word,

With that in mind, how can we pray for anything less?  When was the last time you prayed for the kind of boldness that disregards pain, suffering and humiliation?

Let me offer you some relief and strength:

In the book of John, Jesus tells us that no man has greater love than to lay down his life for others. 

Back in the early days of the church, this was often literal – the apostles and others were beaten, banished and martyred for spreading the gospel.

While that is still true in many parts of the world today, in the United States the odds of being martyred for the sake of the gospel are very low.

Yet, we can still ‘lay down’ our lives for others.  Think of it this way – each of us has a finite amount of time on earth.  Once you ‘spend’ you time, you never get it back.

Therefore, when we choose to spend time on our knees interceding for another, in a manner of speaking we are laying down our lives for them. 

We can also lay down our lives by putting their spiritual welfare over our own desires. 

For instance, you may choose to spend your free Saturday evenings hosting a bible study, or preaching on a street corner, or serving meals to the poor instead of going to the movies or reading a book.  Or, you may decide to spend a day in fasting and prayer for revival.

Have you made any personal sacrifices this week?  How are you laying down your lives for others and/or for the spread of the gospel?    

 

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I Thessalonians 2:1 – For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain.    

Before we begin, I suggest you take five minutes and read the entire second chapter of Thessalonians. 

Did you notice that Paul pretty much spends the entire chapter talking about himself and his companions? 

Have you ever wondered why Paul did that?  Why would he  make note of the fact that they (Paul, Silas and Timothy) did not come with flattering words, or that they worked to support themselves, or that they did not claim authority as apostles of Christ, or that they exhibited blameless behavior in front of the Thessalonian church? 

Frankly, why do we care?  What difference does any of that make?  Are there any lessons for us to learn in this portion of scripture, or can we just dismiss it and move on to chapter three?

Well, I believe (and I’m sure you do too) that Holy Spirit had a purpose in preserving this letter for us, so let’s dig in and find the spiritual wisdom and instruction contained in this scripture.  Just as a head’s up, the study of chapter two is going to require some critical thinking on your part, so get ready!

One of the keys to understanding this portion of scripture is to remember that we are hearing only one side of the conversation.  We must use Paul’s comments to figure out or ‘hear’ the other side of the story. 

Let’s begin by looking at the bigger picture being presented in this chapter.  What we find is Paul defending himself, his team and the gospel message.

Now ask yourself this question:  If Paul is defending himself and the gospel, then what can we safely assume?  What must, be default, be true?

Answer:  Paul and the gospel had been attacked, slandered or discredited by a person or group of people in Thessalonica. 

There are no ancient documents that give us specific details of the internal state of the Thessalonian church (or any of the New Testament churches for that matter), however, by examining the arguments or rebuttals that Paul gives in this chapter, we can read between the lines and discover some of the problems and difficulties that the church of Thessalonica was experiencing. 

We can pinpoint some of the issues that were hampering church growth, some of the doctrinal errors that arose, and some of the ways in which Satan attempted to gain a foothold in the church.

For example, in chapter one Paul emphasized the power of the gospel in the lives of the Thessalonian believers.  Through Holy Spirit the gospel had the power to open their spiritually blind eyes/deaf ears, and to soften their hardened hearts leading them to salvation in Christ.  Subsequently, that same power produced a remarkable change in their daily lives; they were fully engaged in works of faith, labors of love and the spreading of hope.  These changes were indisputable. 

Reading between the lines we can safely assume that there were members of the Thessalonian church who denied the divine origin of the gospel.  

For this reason, Paul gave evidence to defend or support the truth - he reasoned that the gospel did indeed have divine origins, for no plan of man could have produced such heavenly changes in the lives of the church members, especially in the face of opposition.  

Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  

In other words, the transformation of the Thessalonian believers could only have been accomplished by Holy Spirit, who is the power behind the gospel message.  Thus, by showing evidence of the power of Holy Spirit working in their lives, Paul proves that the gospel had divine origins.   

Now, let’s look at today’s text.  As chapter two opens, Paul is asking the Thessalonian believers to remember what they know about him and his companions.  Over the next several verses, he is going to give specific details about the conduct and actions of himself and his team as they ministered to the Thessalonian church. 

Reading between the lines, what do you think was going on in the Thessalonian church?  Why was it necessary for Paul to remind them of his ministry among them?

Well, we know that the unbelieving Jews had a demonic hatred of the gospel.  Not only did they oppose Jesus at every turn, they went so far as to play a pivotal role in his death.  After the day of Pentecost, the Jews turned all their hatred upon Christians.  They made it their business to persecute, harass and oppose the church at all times.

Although the unbelieving Jews pretended to have great zeal for truth and pure religion, they were really engaged in subverting or overturning the gospel.  They used their already established positions of religious expertise and authority to slander and discredit the apostles and other Christian leaders. 

The theory is that if they could successfully convince the Thessalonian believers that Paul and his team were false spiritual teachers (imposters), then people would abandon Christianity and the church would fail.

Now we understand why Paul took the time to remind the Thessalonians about the conduct and activities of him and his team – he is offering proof (defense) that they are NOT false religious leaders.  They are true spiritual guides sent by the Lord to aid and assist the church.  Whatever slander/false rumors had been spread about them were untrue and should be disregarded.  

Paul opens his defense by calling the Thessalonians his brothers.  As we discussed in chapter one, this was significant because the church was mostly made up of Gentile (Greek) converts.  As we already mentioned, by using the term ‘brothers’, Paul gives equal status to both the Jews and Gentiles who were part of the church.

He reminds his brothers and sisters in the faith that his coming to them was ‘not in vain’.

‘Vain’ can be defined as empty or fruitless.  Paul may be referring to the pomp and splendor often associated with the arrival of a dignitary or ambassador in town.  While his or her arrival may create quite a stir, it will be unlikely to have any real or lasting effect upon the ordinary citizens of the city.  Therefore, the coming of the dignitary is essentially pointless.   

‘Vain’ can also be defined as false.  There is no question that the Jews were portraying Paul as a false teacher – a person who was attempting to deceive people into abandoning the only “true” religion (the Law).

It was not uncommon for false teachers to give stirring speeches about earthly wisdom which pleased or tickled the ears of the hearers.  They often spoke deceitful words laced with flattery and guile in order to obtain an advantage over their audience. 

Paul, however, was NOT a false teacher, neither was his ministry among the Thessalonians fruitless.

I Corinthians 2:4-5 – And my [Paul] speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

In order to defend himself against the slanderous attacks of the Jews, Paul appeals to the Thessalonian believers themselves.  They had ample opportunity to personally interact with him and observe his day-to-day conduct. 

They could easily confirm that Paul’s preaching was accompanied by signs and wonders and changed lives.  They themselves were witnesses that Paul’s actions (his daily conduct) was in alignment with the doctrines he taught them.  He was practicing what he preached!

Based on their own observations, it should be apparent to the Thessalonians that Paul and his team were not imposters who had nothing substantial to offer them.  A true examination of their own hearts and consciences would prove that Paul’s message was neither vain nor deceptive.  In truth, he brought them a treasure of inestimable value - the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ!   

Through the power of Holy Spirit, that gospel had completely transformed their lives.  This was ample proof that Paul was not the false teacher the Jews claimed he was; he was leading them into true religion, not away from it. 

Let me offer you some encouragement:

The unrepentant Jews spread lies and rumors about Paul and other Christian leaders, in an attempt to discredit them.  Their message resulted in serious damage to a lot of people’s lives.  It also caused a lot of pain and grief to Paul and others who were preaching the true gospel. 

In our day and age, you don’t have to work very hard to discredit someone or to do a lot of damage to their lives.  All you have to do is act irresponsibly with social media.

Social media is a part of everyday life for most people in our society.  It doesn’t matter if you are poor or rich, old or young, male or female; social media is a universal phenomenon that has permanently altered the ways we think, act and communicate. 

Because this is the case, Christians need to be absolutely sure that we are stewarding our social media accounts in a manner that brings glory to the Lord.

Think about the last few things that you posted on social media, whether that was Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Tick-tock, X or some other platform. 

Did your postings glorify the Lord, encourage people and speak the truth in love?  Or did your posts center around complaining, making disparaging remarks about people, sowing discord/disunity and spreading rumors and half-truths? 

If an outsider who knew absolutely nothing about you read all the posts you made in the last two weeks, would they conclude that you were a true disciple of Christ or an imposter?

Anytime Paul had a platform to speak, he spoke the truth of the gospel.  What are you proclaiming from your platform?

Let me offer you some relief:

How did the Thessalonian believers know that Paul was a true messenger from God and not an imposter?  More importantly, how can we be sure we are hearing truth?

Jesus said that you could recognize a false prophet by examining the spiritual and temporal fruits they produce in their lives (Matthew 7:15-20).  As the Thessalonians reflected on the life of Paul, they could clearly discern that he was a true man of God, because of the fruit he produced.  We can still discern false teachers the same way today.

We can also rely on the voice or witness of Holy Spirit.  If we hear something being taught that makes us uneasy in our spirit or in our heart, we need to stop and take it seriously.  It may be a warning.

We also have the added benefit of easy access to the Bible.  If someone delivers a doctrine or a teaching that does not line up with the word of God, then we can immediately identify it as false.   

With these safeguards in place, we shouldn’t have to worry about being led astray by false teachers.

Let me offer you some strength:

Paul established and ministered to the church in Thessalonica.  He was their spiritual father and mentor.  He delivered the gospel message which completely transformed their lives.  

But of course, his ministry was not without hardships and opposition.  We should expect nothing less.  When we are actively engaged in spreading the gospel and conquering territory for the kingdom of heaven, we too are likely to face some kind of opposition.

When that happens, don’t be discouraged – be happy!  It is cause for rejoicing, because God is using you to destroy the works of the devil.  No matter what kind of opposition we face, we can be strengthened and encouraged because God is our strength; he is a very present help in the times of trouble. 

Psalms 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  

Remember, the difficulties of this life are temporary.  One day we will leave them all behind when the trumpet (shofar) sounds and we join Christ in the heavens!

 

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I Thessalonians 1:8 – For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything,

The believers at Thessalonica held fast to their faith, despite furious opposition from the Jews.  Although their salvation was an invisible, inward change, it manifested in their lives through works of faith, labors of love and hope (present and future). 

They had received the gospel with much affliction, but their troubles were mitigated by the joy of fellowship with Holy Spirit and the hope of the gospel.  Their continued spiritual life and growth made them an example to other believers on a national level.

In fact, Paul says their testimony ‘sounded forth’ to the nation.  The word rendered ‘sounded out/forth’ refers to the sounding of a trumpet. 

This tells us that their testimony of faith was not something that was quiet/still which went unnoticed.  The gospel message they proclaimed was rich, full and vibrant; it had life changing power and it commanded attention, just like a strong trumpet blast.

Let’s take a brief look at the significant role of trumpets in the history of Israel.

There were two main types of trumpets in ancient Israel. 

The first type was made of beaten silver.  Way back in the day, God commanded Moses to make two trumpets of beaten silver which were used to call the Israelites together when they were about to move camp (Numbers 10:2).  Later, silver trumpets were used exclusively by the priests for announcing the approach of certain festivals and in giving signals of war.  They were also used during times of praise and worship at the temple.

The second type of trumpet, the Shofar (or Shophar), was made from a ram’s horn (Joshua 6:8).  Unlike the silver trumpets used in the temple, these trumpets could be blown by any Jewish male.  They were blown before battle, so the Lord would remember his people and fight on their behalf.  They were sounded at special festivals and used to herald the arrival of special seasons. 

For example, trumpets were used to proclaim the beginning of the civil year, the beginning of the sabbatical year (Leviticus 23:24, Numbers 29:1), and the beginning of the jubilee (Leviticus 25:9-10, II Kings 11:14). 

In fact, one of the seven feasts that God commanded Israel to observe each year (see Leviticus chapter 23) was the Feast of Trumpets also called Rosh Hashanah.  

Leviticus 23:24 – Speak to the children of Israel saying, “In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of solemn rest, a memorial proclaimed with blast of trumpets, a holy convocation.”

Based on this scripture, we must ask ourselves two questions: What was the purpose for blowing the trumpets, and what did the trumpet blasts memorialize or proclaim?

Scripture does not give us a great deal of detail about this feast; however, Jewish tradition provides a wealth of information.

The Feast of Trumpets or Rosh Hashanah marks the first day of the Jewish New Year, the first of Tishri.  This month would fall from mid-September to mid-October on our calendars.   

[Did you know that it is traditional for Jewish families to eat apples dipped in honey on that day?  The thought/expectation is that the New Year will be as sweet as the fruit they have just eaten!]

The Jews have several other names for Rosh Hashanah:

• Yom Teruah, which means ‘Day of Awakening Blast or Resurrection’
• Yom Hadin, which means ‘Day of Judgment’
• Yom Zikaron, which means ‘Day of Remembrance’
• Yom Hamelech, which means ‘Day of Coronation of the King’

As Christians, it is easy for us to see that all these names point to the second coming of the Messiah.  We can conclude that one of the purposes of the Feast of Trumpets is to proclaim or remind God’s people that at the appointed time, he will return to earth to claim his bride (the church) and bring her to heaven.  

But wait – there’s more!

According to Michael Norten in his book ‘Unlocking the Secrets of the Feasts’, there are four distinct types of trumpet blasts sounded during the Feast of Trumpets:

Tekiah – This consists of one longer blast (a three second sustained note) and signifies an alarm.  Tekiah literally means ‘to be struck’ or ‘to stop and pause’.  It is a sound associated with the coronation of a king.  This trumpet blast calls us to stop and consider or appreciate who God is.

God uses this trumpet blast to get us to focus or ‘lock in’ on him. 

Psalms 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.                                                                                                                                        

Sometimes we are so busy, we squeeze God out of our thoughts.  It would be beneficial for us to take some time to stop and meditate/remind ourselves just who God is – He is all powerful, all knowing, omnipresent and immutable (unchanging). 

He is the Alpha and the Omega; the beginning and end.  He is the creator, sustainer and King of the universe.  We are his children, and he is our Father.  He loves us beyond measure, but like any good Father, he has given us jobs to do, and we need to be about his business.  

Remembering who God is helps us in a number of ways:

• It builds up our faith so we can claim the promises found in his word. 
• It causes us to live holier lives here on earth. 
• It becomes natural to tell others about him.
• It reminds us that we have been given gifts which we must steward.
• It reminds us that we must be about the Father’s business.

Shevarim – This sound consists of three medium blasts and signifies wailing or sobbing.  According to Jewish tradition, it represents a cry of the heart reaching out to God from the depths of the soul.  When this blast is heard, one should remember that we stand before God with nothing hidden:

Hebrews 4:13 – And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.                                                                                        

Shevarim literally means ‘to be broken’ and it signifies a time of repentance and asking for forgiveness. 

Teruah – This sound consists of nine quick blasts in short succession (about three seconds).  It resembles/represents an alarm clock, arousing one from spiritual slumber.  This shofar blast brings clarity, alertness and focus to the hearer. 

The Jews say that on Rosh Hashanah, they need to wake up and be honest and objective about their own lives.  It is an opportunity to examine who they are, where they’ve been and where they are headed.  This makes sense, as Rosh Hashanah is the first day of the Jewish New Year.  Even in our day, people ‘take stock’ of their lives at the new year.   

The overall thought is that the hearer needs to prepare to receive the king; they need to be alert and active because the king’s arrival is imminent.

Tekiah Hagedolah – This sound consists of a long (as long as you can, but a ten second minimum) and very loud blast.  It is the final blast in the series of sounds blown during the Feast of Trumpets (see below). 

Tekiah Hagedolah literally means ‘big Tekiah’ and it signifies a call to come forth or arise.  This is the trumpet blast which announces the arrival of the king. 

Michael Norten goes on to tell us that there is a specific pattern to the ceremonial trumpet blasts that take place during the Feast of Trumpets.  This pattern never varies from year to year.  The pattern is as follows:

Tekiah, Shevarim, Teruah, Tekiah, Tekiah, Shevarim, Tekiah, Tekiah, Teruah and finally Tekiah Hagedolah. 

Now let’s look at some math.  Each Tekiah sound consists of one blast.  Each Shevarim sound consists of three blasts.  Each Teruah sound consists of nine blasts and Tekiah Hagedolah is one long blast.  Therefore, the series of these sounds equals 30 distinct blasts of varying length.    

During the Feast of Trumpets, the musician will repeat the sequence three times, for a total of 90 blasts.  This is followed by a series of 10 blasts which close the service, making the total number of trumpet blasts an even 100.

Question:  What do the trumpet blasts memorialize or proclaim?

Answer:  They are an abbreviated version of the gospel!

Christians can’t help but notice the mandate to stop and focus on who God is and where we are in our relationship with him.  This will inevitably lead us to repentance and recommitment to God and his ways. 

The sound of the ‘alarm clock’ certainly reminds us to redeem the time that we have here on earth; we need to prepare for the return of our King!  And the final trumpet call reminds us that one day, God will return to gather us up and take us to our heavenly home!

I Thessalonians 4:16 – For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first.

Isn’t that amazing!  Our God is so awesome!

Here is something else you might find interesting about the shofar: When the horn is removed from the ram, it is hollowed out.  The sound of the blasts can only be produced when wind/air is blown into it. 

Each individual Christian can be said to function as a shofar – we are spiritually empty until we are filled with the breath of God. 

As Holy Spirit fills us/moves within us we become his voice, spreading the gospel message far and wide, sounding the alarm of repentance and encouraging people to be ready for the coming of the King.

Matthew 10:20 – For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.                                                                                                                                                                         

Now let’s circle back to our original text.  When Paul writes that the ‘word of the Lord sounded forth’ from the Thessalonian believers, he wasn’t just using random words.  This was no meaningless metaphor; there can be no doubt that in his mind’s eye, he was picturing the Jewish Feast of Trumpets. 

He was commending the church of Thessalonica for trumpeting the gospel message to a lost and dying world!  

I Thessalonians 1:9 - …for they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

‘They themselves’ refers to anyone that Paul spoke to about the Thessalonian church.  Those who had anything to say about them confirmed their great piety and faithfulness to Jesus and the gospel.  Everyone was fully aware of how the majority of the church members (Gentiles) had forsaken false idols and dedicated themselves to God alone.

Paul reasons that the fruit exhibited by the Thessalonian Christians (their works, their spreading of the gospel, their decision to forsake false/dead idols, etc) is proof that Paul and his companions were sent by God to be their spiritual fathers. 

Paul probably felt the need to make this point clear, because many of the unrepentant Jews were accusing Paul and his companions of being anarchists who were intent on subverting the rule of Caesar by ‘turning the world upside down’ (Acts 17:8). 

These false accusations were dispelled by the amazing work that Jesus had done among the Thessalonians.  After all, how could imposters and deceivers produce the peace, freedom and joy experienced by this church?

I Thessalonians 1:10 - …and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Having forsaken false idols, the true believers in Thessalonica are how serving the Lord and anxiously awaiting the return of Jesus.  Paul takes this opportunity to highlight two very basic yet significant gospel truths:

One, the wrath of God is set to fall on the entire human race, for all of us have broken his law.  We are deserving of eternal death.

Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.                                                                                                                                       

And two, because of his great mercy, God has made a way of escape through the sacrifice of his Son Jesus. 

Jesus willingly set his glory aside to clothe himself in a body of flesh.  He came to this earth to fulfill the Law, to show us the Father, and to make atonement for our sin by laying his life down on the cross. 

But, hallelujah, he did not stay there!  On the third day, God raised him from the dead and now he is at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for us.  By his blood he has delivered us from the wrath of God which will fall on the wicked in the day of judgment.

All Christians are waiting for the Son to come from heaven.  In other words, we expect/await a future state of glory in which our bodies will be resurrected and changed.  Jesus was the first fruits of the resurrection, and all those who trust in him will also be resurrected to eternal life.  (We will examine this concept in depth later in our study of Thessalonians.  However, we can’t help but notice that the topic of the resurrection is evident throughout this wonderful book.)

Once he returns to earth to claim us (the church, his bride) we will be taken to dwell with him forever in heaven.  These are glorious truths which inspire every Christian to be ready for his return!

Let me offer you some encouragement and some relief:

In today’s post, we took a closer look at how the gospel message was ‘sounded out’ during the Feast of Trumpets. 

The four basic trumpet blasts represent a time to stop and consider God (and our relationship with him), the act of repentance, a wake-up call to get busy in the service of our King, and the expectation of the final triumphant return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

This week, instead of focusing on the things that are wrong in your life (which will undoubtedly produce complaining and grumbling), why not focus on these four sounds?

Let’s spend some time meditating each one and see how they affect both our actions and our words!

Let me offer you some strength:

How does a Christian ‘sound forth’ the gospel message?  Here are a few points to ponder:

1. God could have simply left his written word for mankind to read and left it at that.  But he didn’t – his will is for each of us to be filled with the wind/breath of Holy Spirit and to proclaim his glory to those who have not yet repented. 

If you are still living and breathing on this earth, then you still have purpose in the kingdom of heaven!  God wants to use you to sound forth the message with your words.  He wants to use you to enforce his kingdom on this earth through prayer and by declaring the scriptures.       

2. God desires for each one of us to be an example of his grace and mercy; a living epistle that can be easily seen by the lost.  The clearest, loudest and most eloquent proclamation of the gospel comes from the changes in our own lives. 

Perhaps you’ve been delivered from some grievous sins.  If that is the case, don’t be embarrassed.  The profound changes that Christ has made in your life sound forth a message of hope to those who are still seeking deliverance.

3. The truth, peace and joy of the gospel can be sounded forth even in the midst of trouble and affliction.  The troubles of the Thessalonians tested their faith, making it stronger and purer, which in turn led to a fuller, deeper and richer proclamation of the gospel.  

Are you in the midst of a trial right now?  Are you currently experiencing an affliction?  If so, remember that your actions and words during this time can sound forth the gospel to those around you.

 

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I Thessalonians 1:5 - …because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.  You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

Paul is writing to the Thessalonian church.  He confirms that they are a true member of the body of Christ who enjoy all the same spiritual privileges as the converted Jews, without being circumcised or following the rituals of the Law.  Clearly, the Thessalonian church has been elected or chosen by God.  This election is clear to Paul based on their displays of faith, hope and love (see our prior posts). 

Paul goes on to point out further evidence of their election by God - the gospel came to them in power, not in word only.  What does that mean?  Let’s take a closer look. 

The first thing we notice is that Paul speaks of ‘our’ gospel.  Obviously, this does not mean that Paul and his companions were the authors of the gospel.  Salvation comes solely from God; it is a product of his wisdom, grace and mercy, revealed and manifested through his Son Jesus Christ and empowered by his Spirit:

Ephesians 2:8-9 – For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.                                            

Paul, Silas and Timothy had already fully embraced the gospel (which made it theirs), and now they were fulfilling the commission given to them by God – they were moving about the known world, going where the Spirit led them, and establishing new churches.

So, we find that Paul uses the phrase ‘our gospel’ in the sense that when he and his companions first came to Thessalonica, they were bringing the gospel with them as a precious gift to be given to all who would hear and believe (Greeks/Gentiles as well as Jews).  Paul uses this same phraseology in his other epistles as well (II Thessalonians 2:14, II Timothy 2:8, etc).  These ministers were happy share the good news so that the Thessalonians could consider the gospel theirs too.

The gospel was obviously preached to them with words, but the message wasn’t vain babbling that went in one ear and out the other.  When the gospel was preached, the message came in power.  What does that mean?

Well, we can certainly assume that Paul preached powerful sermons, because he was a devout Jew, highly educated and well versed in the scriptures.  In fact, he had studied under Gamaliel, a noted religious leader of that day (Acts 22:3).  He had also been touched by Holy Spirit and his mind was opened to the truth/fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesies which spoke of the Messiah. 

We can also assume that Paul preached in a powerful manner.  He was a skilled orator who preached the gospel to countless people, including governors and kings (Acts 25:14 – 26:32).

But no matter how eloquently Paul spoke, he did not have the power to convict men and women of sin and lead them to faith in Christ.  That is the exclusive work of Holy Spirit, and that is the power Paul is referring to in this verse.

As the gospel was preached, Holy Spirit enlightened those who were dead in trespasses and sin.  The Spirit opened their blind spiritual eyes, unstopped their deaf spiritual ears and softened their hearts of stone to allow the gospel message to take root in their hearts and minds.  Thus, Holy Spirit delivered them from the bonds of sin/death and gave them new life through Jesus Christ.   Now that’s power!

The power of Holy Spirit was also on display when he confirmed the gospel message with miraculous signs and wonders.  This was a common occurrence in the early New Testament church:   

Mark 16:20 - And they [the apostles] went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.  Amen.                                                    

When people are miraculously set free from demonic oppression, healed of diseases or otherwise restored to health (mental, physical or emotional), it awakens faith in that person and those who witness the healing.  This in turn confirms the truth of the gospel and draws people to salvation.   As we have noted before, God chooses to work in partnership with us – when we are faithful to share the gospel, he provides the power for people to be saved and transformed.   

But, hallelujah, Holy Spirit doesn’t stop there.  Once a soul comes to Christ, he then proceeds to sanctify the believer, making him over into the image of Christ.  The Spirit works with us to produce spiritual fruit within us; he implants his graces of faith, hope and love into our lives.  Now that’s power!

I Corinthians 2:4-5 - And my speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.   

On the other hand, there were many false teachers during this time who tried to win converts solely on their oratory skills:

I Corinthians 4:19-20 – But I [Paul] will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but of their power.  For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.

One way to discover false teachers is to examine their lives for evidence of the power of Holy Spirit.  If that is missing, it should raise red flags!

Fortunately, in the case of the Thessalonians, the genuine gospel was received with ‘full conviction’ or full persuasion of its truth.  In other words, there was no doubt, uncertainty or skepticism in their minds about the truth and validity of the gospel. 

They not only fully believed it, they also fully embraced it ‘heart and soul’.  In fact, this whole chapter indicates that the Thessalonians accepted the gospel with an uncommonly strong conviction.  It completely changed their lives.  This is further evidence that they had been chosen/elected by God.

Paul’s next point is that the Thessalonian believers are well aware of ‘what kind of men we proved to be among you’.  Paul often appeals to his converts as true/competent witnesses of his own conduct and character.

Unlike false teachers who only serve themselves and seek their own glory, Paul and his companions overcame difficulties, suffered abuse/persecution, endured hardships, paid their own way and yet were continuously faithful to minister day in and day out.  Their actions were consistent with the gospel they preached.  For this reason, the Thessalonians could be sure that Paul was a true minister of the gospel, sent by the Lord for their good. 

I Thessalonians 1:6 – And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,                                                                                     

Here is another way that Paul knows/recognizes that the Thessalonian believers are chosen or elected by God – they imitated Paul, Silas, Timothy and the Lord.  What does that mean?

I Corinthians 11:1 – Be imitators of me [Paul] as I am of Christ.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

First, let’s examine the word ‘imitate’.  One of the definitions of ‘imitate’ is to produce a semblance or likeness of something in form, color, character, conduct or manners; to counterfeit or to copy.  

For most of us, that word has a negative connotation; we associate it with something false or deceptive.

For example, you can buy various foods at the store which are imitation.  Imitation crab meat looks very much like the real thing.  It is of similar color, form and even taste.  But it isn’t crab – it is made from minced white fish combined with sugar, starch, flavoring and other additives. 

The same could be said of imitation cheese, which is made from non-dairy ingredients like vegetable oil, protein, emulsifiers and flavoring.  (Personally, I am not convinced this is really food… perhaps we should rename this product ‘phony cheese’!)  

And of course, we have all heard stories of counterfeit money – fake currency that is designed to resemble real money in color, form and quality, but is completely worthless. 

My point is that based on this common definition of the word imitate, we might be tempted to think that it would be a bad thing for the Thessalonian Christians to imitate Paul and his companions.  We might get the idea that their walk with Christ was phony or fake. 

But ‘imitate’ has another definition – one that is a bit less common.  Imitate can also be defined as ‘to follow a pattern, model, or example; to strive to copy in acts, manners, etc.’. 

If the Thessalonian Christians are imitating Paul, Silas and Timothy in this way, then they are striving to live their lives in a holy manner.  They were witnesses to the kind of men these ministers were, and they strove to follow their examples or patterns.

In general, we surmise that these former idol worshipers are now casting aside their old ways.  They no longer bow down or sacrifice to idols, observe new moon festivals, or utilize cult prostitutes.  They are leaving behind such sins as unforgiveness, envy, lying and stealing.  They are probably speaking in a manner which shows mercy and grace to others without using detestable language.  

They no doubt observed how their spiritual leaders responded when contradicted and confronted by ungodly men or unrepentant Jews.  They saw examples of how to handle persecution and suffering.  These examples were of infinite value to the newly established church in Thessalonica. 

Although Holy Spirit is working within the Thessalonians to prompt these changes, they were looking at their spiritual leaders/teachers as an example of what to do and what not to do.

Specifically, Paul makes mention of three areas in which the Thessalonians imitate their leaders:

• Receiving the word in much affliction.
• Experiencing the joy of Holy Spirit.
• Becoming an example to other believers.

Receiving the word with much affliction:  Based on what we read in our introduction, we know that these men and women became believers in a city where Christians were generally harassed and persecuted (See Acts 17:4-10). 

At a time when some people abandoned the gospel out of fear or intimidation, there were men and women in Thessalonica who still received the gospel.  They were willing to follow Christ no matter the cost!  They found the ‘pearl of great price’ (Matthew 13:45-46) and no amount of suffering or affliction was going to stop them from being a child of God! 

How then, were they to handle affliction/persecution? 

From their spiritual leaders/examples, they saw how to walk a fine line – to be courageous for the gospel, but not to put themselves in harm’s way unnecessarily.  For example, Paul was forced to flee the city of Thessalonica, however, Silas and Timothy were able to stay.  They continued the work of establishing the church and standing for truth without being antagonistic to those who opposed them.  

We know that the civil authorities were involved, so legal charges were going to be filed against some of them, including Jason, Silas and Timothy.  We see the leaders paying the required fee and they no doubt appeared for the hearings.  In other words, they did not promote civil disobedience, even though they were speaking the truth.

Matthew 10:16 – “Behold, I [Jesus] and sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”                                                                                                  

When we arrive at a moment of affliction/persecution, we should use the wisdom God has given us for our particular situation.  We can also rely on Holy Spirit to lead us and give us examples to follow. 

Experiencing the joy of Holy Spirit:  The affliction/suffering/persecution of the Thessalonian Christians was bearable because of the joy of the Lord which was given to them through the Spirit. 

Joy is the natural outcome when our spirit is united with Holy Spirit:

Acts 13:52 – And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Romans 14:17 – For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.                                                                                                

Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.                                                                              

Have you noticed that the gospel does not prevent trials, tribulations and afflictions?

Though the gospel is good news which brings joy and gladness, it often comes to us along with great storms and/or periods of suffering in this life.  This should be expected, as our enemy tries to retaliate against us for becoming children of God. 

God does not promise us a life free of difficulty (John 16:33).  What he promises is something much, much better – his continued presence during those times.  When our Father chooses to allow trouble to touch us, he will also give us joy, peace and gladness which will counteract it.   

Clearly, the joy that was experienced by the Thessalonians was a result of their relationship with God, not their outward circumstances.  The same is true for us.  For this reason, our joy can never be taken from us by the devil.  The only way he can get our joy is if we let him steal it!

I Thessalonians 1:7 - …so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.                                                                                                                                                                     

Becoming an example to other believers:  The Christians of Thessalonica were met with swift and harsh persecution almost immediately after receiving the gospel.  In other cities the apostles often took the brunt of this persecution while the converts were spared, but here the full assault fell upon the infant church. 

In the midst of that situation, they followed the examples of their spiritual leaders and in turn became an example to others.

The word ‘example’ is from the root word ‘type’.  It denotes anything produced by means of blows as in a mark/print/impression made by a stamp or die.  Thus, the stamp or print produces a resemblance, a pattern or an example – essentially a model.  The Thessalonians became a model or pattern which other believers should follow. 

Paul clearly indicates that their example/influence went beyond the borders of their own city.  Remember, Thessalonica was a thriving seaport.  The Christians of that city were in a perfect position to spread the gospel to foreigners as they encountered them in daily life.  In this way, the gospel crossed national boundaries, spreading to the nation of Greece. 

When Greece was overtaken by the Romans, it was split into two provinces. 

One province was Macedonia, which was the northern portion.  The chief city of that region was Philippi.  The other province was Achaia, which was the southern portion.  The chief city of that region was Corinth. 

Paul credits the Thessalonian believers for providing living examples to the new believers in these other regions/nations.  As you well know, Paul eventually established churches in both of those major cities, and we are still reading/studying his letters to the Philippians and Corinthians today!  Isn’t it awesome to think that the believers in Thessalonica were a positive, encouraging influence on other churches?

Let me offer you some encouragement:

The life of Paul, Silas and Timothy matched up with the gospel message they were preaching (and Holy Spirit was confirming by his power). How they preached is how they lived.  They provided an example for other believers to imitate/follow.

With that in mind, let’s ask ourselves a question:  If new believers were imitating us, would they be living holy lives? 

Would they be praising or complaining?  Would they be stingy or generous?  Would they be trustworthy or unreliable?  Would their lamps be empty or full? 

Now is a good time to remind ourselves that whether we realize it or not, we are often being watched not only by the world, but by other Christians.  By biblically handling things like personal tragedy, severe trials and unforeseen crises, we can be an encouragement and a powerful example to other Christians. 

Let me offer you some relief and some strength:

In today’s world, many sinners are searching for happiness.  The problem is that happiness is based on outward circumstances.  If we get what we want (like a promotion), or we avoid what we don’t want (like an illness), that equates to happiness.

So, by default, we can only make ourselves happy to the extent that we can control all our outward circumstances!  Since that is impossible, we can never guarantee our own happiness.

Christians, on the other hand, should be seeking joy.  Joy does not come from the world around us; it has a divine source – Holy Spirit.  Because it comes to us from God, it can never be taken away from us.  Because it is not based on outward circumstances, we can experience God’s joy no matter what situation we are in. 

In fact, trouble/affliction actually help us attain greater joy, because they cause us to turn to God for comfort.  When we do, Holy Spirit is right there to sustain us by his comfort, strength and joy!

 

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I Thessalonians 1:4 – For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you…                                                                                                                                                                                                    

In today’s installment of our study, we find that Paul (along with Silas and Timothy) continues to encourage and exhort the Thessalonian believers.

For we know:  Paul does not hesitate to say that he knows, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God loves and has chosen the Christians at Thessalonica.  How does he know?

The answer to this question is simple and straightforward. As we discussed in our last post, the gospel message caused an internal, invisible change within the lives of the Thessalonian believers.  This change then manifested itself in their outward visible actions.     

So, Paul ‘knows’ the gospel has taken root in their lives because of the evidence he can see – their works of faith, their labors of love and the hope which influenced their everyday individual lives.

Brothers loved by God:  Paul goes on to make a statement that seems perfectly ordinary to us but was actually very contentious and even explosive at the time.  In order to fully understand its significance, we need to review a bit of history.

As you are well aware, when God called Abram out to become the father of the Jewish nation, he made three great promises to him.  He would make his offspring into a great nation, the nation’s population would be as vast as the stars of heaven (innumerable), and they would be a blessing to all the nations on earth:

Gensis 12:2-3 – And I [God] will make of you [Abram] a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

In accordance with his promise, God made Israel into a great nation.  He called them his chosen people, established a covenant with them, and gave them the Law (aka, the Law of Moses). 

Nevertheless, Gentiles were not 100% excluded from serving God.  All throughout the history of Israel, Gentile men and women could choose to become proselytes to the Jewish religion.  In other words, they would forsake all heathen religions and the worship of multiple gods/idols.  They would live with the people of Israel and worship only the Lord.  They agreed to be bound by all the laws of the covenant, including circumcision. 

Once they did so, they were considered Israelites.  They could enjoy all the benefits of being one of God’s people.  This included the right to celebrate Passover, the event that foreshadowed the work of Jesus the Messiah:

Exodus 12:48 – If a stranger shall sojourn with you and would keep the Passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised.  Then he may come near and keep it; he shall be as a native of the land.  But no uncircumcised person shall eat of it.

This was the dynamic between Jews and Gentiles for hundreds and hundreds of years – the Jews despised the Gentiles as heathens, however, if you were a Gentile, you could become one of God’s chosen people by converting to Judaism.  

This dynamic was in full force when Jesus came to earth in the flesh.  Even during his incarnation Jesus ministered primarily to the Jews, because he was still in the process of fulfilling the law. 

For example, in Mark chapter 7:24-30, a Gentile woman asked Jesus to cast a demon out of her daughter.  Jesus’ reply was that the children (the Jews) should be filled first; it was not right for their bread to be given to the dogs (Gentiles).  Because of her great faith, Jesus did heal her daughter, but the point is that until the resurrection of Christ the Law was in full effect and Gentiles were expected to become Jews if they wanted to be considered a child of God.

However, once Jesus fulfilled the law by his death and resurrection, the new covenant of grace came into effect.  It would be a epic understatement to say that grace was a real game changer!!

Jesus had broken down the wall of separation between the Jews and Gentiles; all people could now enter the kingdom of heaven through the sacrifice of Christ.

Ephesians 2:14-16 – For he himself [Jesus] is our peace, who has made us both [Jews and Gentiles] one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross…

 That was good news for the Gentiles.  They could leave their heathen ways behind and be reconciled to God through Christ Jesus, without having to become converts to Judaism!

But things were a bit more difficult for the Jews.  They simply could not grasp the concept that the law had been fulfilled and subsequently replaced.  At the time Paul penned his first epistle to the Thessalonians, it had been fifty years since Christ had risen and many, if not most, of the believing Jews STILL had the mindset that Gentiles had to become Jews (particularly through circumcision) before coming to Christ (Acts 15:5).

Acts 15:5 – But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.” 

This was an enormous controversy within the new body of Christ; it was a major stumbling block for many within the church.  Eventually, the apostles and other church fathers had to get together and decide which rules (if any) the church was to follow. 

This event was called the Jerusalem Council, and you can read about it in Acts 15:1-35.

Now let’s circle back to our text.  When Paul addresses the Thessalonian church as ‘brothers loved by God’ he is affirming that they are true children of God.  Regardless of the opposition without and/or within the church community, they were not second-class Christians or Gentile dogs. 

In the age of grace, there was no difference between Jew and Gentile believers – all were equal, genuine members of the kingdom of heaven.  They were spiritual brothers and sisters of the believing Jews as well as co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).

There is no doubt that this one single phrase (brothers beloved by God) was a great encouragement to the believers of that day, who were sometimes looked down upon by other Christians.

Consider this:  Scripture tells us that our words have the power of life and death:

Proverbs 18:21 – Death and life are in the power of the tongue…                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Can you remember a time in your life when someone gave you a word of encouragement that meant all the difference in your situation?  Do you remember how that word caused hope or strength or resilience to rise up within you and instead of quitting you were victorious?

Isn’t it amazing how powerful a sincere word of encouragement can be to someone?

Does that realization make you want to encourage someone else right now?

Since words of encouragement are both free and life changing, why aren’t we giving them to others on a regular basis??  Are you speaking words of encouragement into the lives of your children, your relatives, your friends and your church family?  If not, why?   

God has chosen you:  Paul goes on to say that God had chosen (your translation may say ‘elected’) the believers of the Thessalonian church.   What does he mean by that?

Well first off, we should make mention of what it does NOT mean.  God did not choose the Gentiles to the exclusion of the Jews.  It is God’s will that ALL people become his children through the atoning sacrifice of Christ:

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.                                                                                                         

Every true believer can be described as ‘chosen by God’.  After all, man did not choose God; it was God who chose us by an act of his will before the world began. 

Ephesians 1:3-5 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.  In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will…

Our righteousness and justification spring from God’s sovereign will as manifested through Jesus Christ our Savior.  Salvation flows to us not because of anything we have done, but by his immeasurable love and favor towards us.

Furthermore, the gospel would have been fruitless unless Holy Spirit quickened the message in the hearts of the lost.  Once the message takes root in the heart of a believer, he or she will still need Holy Spirit to empower them in their spiritual walk, to seal them until the day of redemption, to give them spiritual gifts, to bring the word to their remembrance, and a host of other things.  In short, when we consider the work of Holy Spirit, it is evident that God chose us, we did not choose him. 

Now let’s consider the church for a minute.

     * Every true church proves that they are chosen by God when they display a zeal for righteousness while practicing self-denial, when they freely give of their material possessions, and when they  do everything in their power to further the kingdom of God.

     * Every true church proves they are chosen by God when they exhibit faith, love and hope as discussed in our last post.

     * Every true church proves they are chosen by God when the Spirit attends their services.  While Holy Spirit remains invisible to our naked eyes, his presence can easily be felt; his gifts will also be in operation whenever believers gather together.  It is the presence of Holy Spirit which distinguishes the true church from false churches or from other clubs/associations of people.     

Let me offer you some encouragement:

You may be familiar with the old adage ‘No man is an island unto himself’.  This is a true saying, especially in the kingdom of heaven. God never intended for believers to walk through this world alone.  In fact, he commands us to assemble together with other like-minded believers (Hebrews 10:25).

We can strengthen and encourage other believers by simply speaking a word of truth and victory into their lives. 

Is someone in your church facing a health issue?  Proclaim that they will live and not die and declare the word of the Lord (Psalms 118:17).  Remind them that Jesus bore all of our sicknesses and diseases (mental, spiritual, physical and emotional) to the cross; by his stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). 

Is someone in your church having a financial crisis?  Remind them that it is God who gives them the power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).   He is the one that blesses the work of their hands (Malachi 3:10). 

We could give example after example, but I think you get the point – ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TODAY.  In fact, why not make it a point or a goal to encourage someone every single day?

Let me offer you some relief:  

Do you realize that YOU have been chosen by God?  Do you realize that YOU are his child, and he adores you?  Do you know that your heavenly Father has amazing plans for YOUR life? 

Perhaps you have experienced a fall or a setback recently and you feel anything but loved and chosen by God.  If that is the case, let me give you some relief – feelings have a tendency to ignore the facts!  Feelings are fickle and they frequently do not line up with what God says about us. 

In fact, Satan will often use feelings to try and place an unnecessary load of guilt upon us, hoping to drive a wedge between us and the Father.  Don’t fall for his tricks!

If you have failed in your Christian walk recently, that doesn’t mean that God has given up on you or expelled you from his kingdom.  You are still chosen by him!  Take a few minutes to repent.  Then, pick yourself up and get back to kingdom work!  Don’t believe your feelings; believe what the word of God says about you!

Let me offer you some strength:

Do you feel needed in your church body?  If not, this may be an indication that you need to be more involved.  Remember, God has not just chosen you out of the world, he has chosen you to be in his service. 

What is your ministry?  If you don’t have one, it’s time you picked one up.  You can start by looking for opportunities to serve in your local fellowship.  You can volunteer to assist in children’s ministry or worship.  You can host a small group in your home or send encouraging cards to those who are sick.  You could administer communion to someone in the hospital.  The list of possibilities is endless. 

You can also look for opportunities in para-church organizations such as the Gideons, a soup kitchen/pantry or a local crisis pregnancy center.  It is God’s will for you to be a strength to others, so take a cue from the Thessalonian church and get involved!  

 

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I Thessalonians 1:3 – …remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.                                                                          

Welcome back, dear readers!

We are currently studying the letter which Paul (along with Silas and Timothy) wrote to the church at Thessalonica.  One of the main reasons for the letter was to encourage these believers who had received salvation in the midst of fierce opposition.

Immediately after his greeting, Paul commends the Thessalonian church for their faith, love and hope.

These are the three great abiding principles of the true Christian life, which Paul constantly mentions throughout his epistles:

I Corinthians 13:13 – So now faith, hope and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.                                                                                                                                                                 

Work of Faith:  Faith is belief in a statement or truth declared by another, which rests solely and implicitly on their authority and veracity (truthfulness).

In the present case, we might say that faith is a belief in the gospel message as declared by Jesus Christ the Messiah, the one who is the source of all divine truth and the one who possess all authority.  

In other words, as Paul preached to the sinners in Thessalonica, they became fully persuaded that the gospel message of Jesus Christ was true - in their minds and hearts they believed and accepted that Jesus Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God, who came to earth and died as the atonement for their sin.  They were absolutely convinced that through Christ they were reconciled to God the Father and that Holy Spirit lived within their hearts, sealing them until the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14). 

Obviously, they received salvation the same way you and I did – by faith in Jesus Christ.  But our journey of faith doesn’t end there.  In fact, salvation is only the beginning.

One of the most basic principles of true biblical faith is that it is active/actively working in us.  True faith will always have an influence upon our hearts and lives:  

• Faith will affect the things we say and the things we do. 
• Faith will rearrange our priorities. 
• Faith will change our relationships. 
• Faith will impact the way we treat others. 
• Faith will enable us to ‘move mighty mountains’ (Matthew 21:21-22, Mark 11:22-24). 
• Faith will urge or impel us to work for the glory of God. 
• Faith motivates us to ‘work out’ our own salvation with fear and trembling.

The apostle James puts it this way:

James 2:26 – For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.                                                                                                                                                            

In other words, active faith (which is inward and invisible) produces fruit which is outward and visible in this world.  Paul knew that true faith was working in the lives of the Thessalonian believers because it manifested itself in outward actions or ‘works of faith’.

For example, faith caused these believers to abandon their worship of false idols.  Instead, they joyfully offered sacrifices of praise and worship to Christ. 

Faith prompted them to turn away from sin (envy, lust, pride, drunkenness, etc) and embrace righteousness and holiness.      

Faith motivated them to share the gospel with others (even in the face of persecution) and thus expand the kingdom of heaven.

Faith allowed the Thessalonians to receive gifts from Holy Spirit, which assisted them in completing the works they were called to accomplish.

We could go on and on, but I think the apostle James said it best:

James 2:18 - … I will show you my faith by my works.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

So, let’s pause for a moment and ask ourselves this question:  What evidence do we have of active faith in our own lives?

Each one of us will have a unique answer to this question because we’ve all had unique journeys through life.  Some of us came to faith in Christ early in life, while others were older.  Some of us came from the throes of sin and addiction, while others did not.  Some came to faith from false religions, while others were brought up in Christian households. 

While individual details will differ, the same Holy Spirit works in the life of every believer, and thus we find some general principles of faith that will be common to us all.  

• In conjunction with Holy Spirit, faith prompts the Christian to search the scriptures, find the promises of God and lay hold of them.
• Faith allows us to keep a grip on those promises, holding them tightly until we see them come to pass.
• Faith is the basis of all prayer – we can’t see God or his throne room, but we know our prayers are funneled to him through Christ our mediator.  
• Faith is importunate, which is to say it allows us to earnestly and persistently enter the throne room of grace in our time of need. 
• Faith calls things that are not as though they are. 
• Faith marches forward to share the gospel, to defeat the devil and to stand firm in the face of adversity. 
• Faith makes it possible to receive pardon when we fail and to get up once again.
• Faith empowers us to patiently and cheerfully be obedient to God’s commands.
• Faith keeps the promise of heaven continually in our hearts and minds.

So again, I ask you: How is faith working in your own life right now?

Labor of Love:  Let’s be honest… in many instances, love requires labor!

It’s easy to love people that you admire or respect.  It’s easy to love people that have the same ideas and opinions as you do.  It’s easy to love people who shower you with gifts and compliments. 

But it’s much harder to love those who are the opposite of you in every respect.  What about people who annoy you?  What about the people standing on the corner asking for money?  What about the homeless people who haven’t bathed for a month, and reek of alcohol?  What about those who despise you and make your life miserable every chance they get?

I have colleagues at work that have spiritual and moral viewpoints that are the complete opposite of mine.  Every day, I must work to find common ground with them.  I have to be careful what I say, so that I don’t agree with them, but I don’t alienate them either; I have to show them the love of Christ.  My guess is that it’s not just me - every one of us have people in our life that we must labor to love.   

In the gospel of Luke, Jesus laid out some really tough and non-negotiable commands about loving others:

Luke 6:32-35 – “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you?  For even sinners love those who love them.  And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you?  For even sinners do the same.  And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you?  Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount.  But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.”   

If we were left to fulfill this mandate in our flesh, we wouldn’t last one day!  In fact, I doubt I could last even an hour, unless I was home alone! 

But thankfully, Jesus never sets us up to fail.  He gave us the command to labor in love, and he also gave us his indwelling Holy Spirit who makes this possible.

Holy Spirit empowers us to show kindness and compassion to those who seem unlovable.  Through him we can provide the necessities of life to the poor, and in showing them love, we can present the gospel to them.

Through Holy Spirit, we can be kind to those who mistreat us and in showing them love we will make an impact upon them; we will earn the opportunity to share the love of Christ. 

Through Holy Spirit, we can love people while hating their sin.  We can afford to be merciful, compassionate and kind, because Christ has been merciful, compassionate and kind to us!  As we labor to love those who oppose us or those who are difficult to love, Holy Spirit will anoint us to bring the message of salvation into their lives.

As a whole, the church of Jesus Christ has always labored in love.  She has been persecuted, hated, constrained, smeared, condemned, mocked and in some cases martyred.  But nevertheless, God has chosen to spread the gospel message through his church, and she continues to be an example of Christ’s all-encompassing love in every generation. 

Clearly, Paul was able to identify the ‘labors of love’ in the Thessalonian church, because these labors were outward visible signs of their relationship with Christ.  How are you outwardly living out ‘labors of love’ in your own life?

Steadfastness of hope (your translation may say patience of hope):  Hope is a feeling of trust or expectation that something we desire will happen.  Along with faith and love, hope is an indelible part of the Christian life. 

For the Christian, hope is always based on the firm, unwavering knowledge that God keeps his promises. 

Jeremiah 1:12 – Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.”                                                                                                                                                     

Numbers 23:19 – God is not a man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind.  Has he said, and will he not do it?  Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?                  

However, it should be noted that God’s timing is not always the same as ours!  He alone is in complete control of all things; he knows the exact right moment to fulfill the promises he has made.  Because of this, patience will always be a component of hope in the Christian life. 

Fortunately for us, God knew this, and he has already made provision for our weak natures by making patience one of the fruits of the Spirit:

Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.                                           

Now, what promises do you suppose the Thessalonian church was waiting for?  My guess is that they were waiting for the same things we are waiting for:

• We wait for revival to break forth on our loved ones, in our cities and on our nation. 
• We wait for the conclusion of trials and tribulations, knowing that our ‘test’ will give us a ‘testimony’ to share in the world. 
• We steadfastly wait for the return of Christ and the end of evil in this world.

Basically, patience of hope means that no matter what happens in this life, no matter what circumstances we face or what lack we endure, we remain victorious in Christ.  We are unconquered by adversity, grief or suffering because our hope is not fickle or temporary, it is steadfast and sure.  We know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God will be faithful to keep his promises and bring us to the hope we have…

In Our Lord Jesus Christ:   Jesus is our Rock and our Redeemer; our hope is founded on him alone as our Savior.  I don’t know about you, but this truth makes me burst with joy!

Just think of it – in this life, we are never alone!  Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts, helping us to stretch/exercise our faith as we perform our labors of love.  He gives us the unwavering assurance that at the proper time, all of God’s promises will come to pass!  There is NO WAY we can lose in this life, unless we give up.  And why would we do that, when we know our hope in Christ is never in vain? 

Our hope differs from the hope of the lost.   They sit around fretting, because their hope has no solid foundation.  They hope for the best but prepare for the worst because that is exactly what their father the devil will give them. 

By contrast, our hope is rock-solid and secure, because it is based on the Lord Jesus Christ (I Timothy 1:1), who never fails and never changes! 

Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

And then there is the world to come – our everlasting existence in the presence of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit!

Scripture tells us that each person will face a day of reckoning after this life. 

Hebrews 9:27 – And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment…                                                                                                                                                                           

For the Christian, this will be a joyous day because Jesus has already made payment for our sin.  In fact, he has allowed us to earn heavenly rewards (I Corinthians 3:14, Matthew 10:42) and crowns (I Peter 5:4, Revelation 3:11) for our service to him on earth.  He will welcome us into his kingdom with love and open arms; we have absolutely no reason to fear our meeting with him.  Hopefully, we have been diligent servants who will hear him say, ‘Well done good and faithful servant’. 

Such is not the case for sinners.  They will stand before God’s throne to be judged by what is recorded in God’s account books (Revelation 20:12, Daniel 7:10).  For them, this will be a dreadful day like no other. 

Hopefully, the thought of anyone being in such a position hurts your heart.  Hopefully, at this very moment Holy Spirit is causing you to experience godly sorrow for those who do not yet know Christ. 

Holy Spirit wants to use that sorrow to motivate or spur you on in exercising your faith, continuing in labors of love and remaining steadfast in your commitment to Christ.   We must remain faithful and diligent in his service, allowing him to work through us for the salvation of others. 

Let me offer you some encouragement:

In today’s post, we spoke about our individual journeys of faith.  I want to encourage you to stop for a moment and consider your own path to salvation. 

What events happened that put you in the right place and right time to hear the gospel?  What bondages did God break for you?  If you were raised in a Christian home, what impact did your parent’s belief have on you?  How did their everyday witness affect your decision to serve Christ?

How did you feel when your sins were first washed away? 

Where are you at in your journey of faith today?  How far has Holy Spirit taken you?  What vision or goal has he given you for the future?

These considerations should bring you encouragement because God has promised to continue working in you until the day he calls you home to heaven:

Philippians 1:6 – And I [Paul] am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.                                                                                                     

Let me offer you some relief:

God ALWAYS keeps his promises!  As a Christian, I am sure that you have certain scriptural promises that you are clinging to.  Perhaps it seems as though the answer is taking forever.

In those cases, you will be relieved to know that God is never late.  Even when we are unaware of it, he is working behind the scenes to orchestrate the fulfillment of our promise.  We can continue unwavering in our faith, because our God is both perfect and loving.  In fact, we can praise him now, for the answers we expect to come!

Let me offer you some strength:

When Paul speaks about faith, love and hope the order isn’t random – it is sequential. 

Faith is the path we take to salvation; it opens the gate to our spiritual life.  Once we have entered by faith, we can proceed to walk the paths of life, engaging in labors of love all along the way.  These labors of love manifest as good works, which bear fruit for the kingdom of heaven and please the Lord.

Colossians 1:10 – So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.                                                              

 Meanwhile, we walk with confidence and assurance, knowing that at the end of our journey, we will find the ultimate fulfillment of the hope we have carried all along the way - an indescribable eternity spent with the Father, Son and Spirit!  

Take the time to strengthen and encourage yourself as well as your brothers and sisters in Christ, because salvation is not the ‘end game’ of our spiritual life.  It’s actually the beginning of an exciting and amazing adventure!