December 6 - I Thessalonians 1-5
The thing that struck me about this letter to the Thessalonians this morning was Paul's sincere love for them and his desire to give them aid in their time of affliction. Today, it seems that often the CEO model is followed by the ministers in a church. They see themselves as directors or as the bosses of the lay people. Paul did not have that idea at all. His heart was full of love and concern for the believers in Thessalonica. It was very touching for me, and I hope it was inspiring for you, too. I pray that it gives all of us an authentic example of how we should love each other today, too.
In chapter 1 Paul commends their faith, their love, and their hope as he did when he wrote to other churches. However, here he says that the believers in Thessalonica had become examples to all of the other churches in Greece. (v.7) That is a wonderful compliment. Do we strive to be examples to other Christians and to other churches? What are you known for as a Christian? What is your church known for in the community or state in which you live? I believe we all should seek to be examples for those around us, not for our glory, but for God's glory.
Chapter 2 is Paul's testimony of how much he loves them. He recounts how he led them when the church was first started. He was both like a mother and a father to them. Isn't that a great way to say that he was tender and tough at the same time? He did what was right for them to grow up in the Lord. Our desire for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ should be that they grow strong in the Lord, and we should be willing to help them in any way we can.
Chapters 3 and 4 reflect upon their trials and how to stay strong through the persecution. Paul says that it is a matter of sanctification. (4:3) This means that to be strong we must stay away from sin and to grow mature in the things of the Lord. It is a double edged sword to protect against Satan's attacks. Too many people want to try to live in sin, while going to church. They think that will be enough to get them through life in a happy and successful way. That is never true. The sin will eventually destroy their lives.
The end of the letter is an exhortation to remain faithful as they wait on Christ to return. I believe it teaches that the Christians will be kept from the worst part of history on earth, which is the Tribulation time. (5:9) However, it does mean that whatever happens, we must love the Lord and walk in His ways, instead of trying to do it our own way. (5:14-22) The list of closing admonitions is direct and to the point. If you miss those, you miss what life in Christ is about. Remember, Jesus wants your entire being, body, soul, and spirit to be preserved blameless at His coming, not just your spirit. (5:23) When He comes, He wants to find us having matured in Christ to where we are living a holy life with our bodies, in our mind, will, and emotions as well as in our spirits. That is a comprehensive way of understanding our growth as a Christian. How are you doing? Be ready! He could come today.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Thessalonians 1-3.
In chapter 1 Paul commends their faith, their love, and their hope as he did when he wrote to other churches. However, here he says that the believers in Thessalonica had become examples to all of the other churches in Greece. (v.7) That is a wonderful compliment. Do we strive to be examples to other Christians and to other churches? What are you known for as a Christian? What is your church known for in the community or state in which you live? I believe we all should seek to be examples for those around us, not for our glory, but for God's glory.
Chapter 2 is Paul's testimony of how much he loves them. He recounts how he led them when the church was first started. He was both like a mother and a father to them. Isn't that a great way to say that he was tender and tough at the same time? He did what was right for them to grow up in the Lord. Our desire for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ should be that they grow strong in the Lord, and we should be willing to help them in any way we can.
Chapters 3 and 4 reflect upon their trials and how to stay strong through the persecution. Paul says that it is a matter of sanctification. (4:3) This means that to be strong we must stay away from sin and to grow mature in the things of the Lord. It is a double edged sword to protect against Satan's attacks. Too many people want to try to live in sin, while going to church. They think that will be enough to get them through life in a happy and successful way. That is never true. The sin will eventually destroy their lives.
The end of the letter is an exhortation to remain faithful as they wait on Christ to return. I believe it teaches that the Christians will be kept from the worst part of history on earth, which is the Tribulation time. (5:9) However, it does mean that whatever happens, we must love the Lord and walk in His ways, instead of trying to do it our own way. (5:14-22) The list of closing admonitions is direct and to the point. If you miss those, you miss what life in Christ is about. Remember, Jesus wants your entire being, body, soul, and spirit to be preserved blameless at His coming, not just your spirit. (5:23) When He comes, He wants to find us having matured in Christ to where we are living a holy life with our bodies, in our mind, will, and emotions as well as in our spirits. That is a comprehensive way of understanding our growth as a Christian. How are you doing? Be ready! He could come today.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Thessalonians 1-3.