1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 Prophecy

Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. [1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 NASB]

The Spirit is quenched when we despise prophetic utterances. Sadly, much of the church chooses to quench the Spirit of God because prophecy doesn't fit in with their doctrine, or because they are afraid it would be disruptive if people are allowed to prophesy, or they simply don't know what to do with it.

Some denominations teach that the spiritual gifts such as prophecy have been done away with, but there is no scriptural reference that says so. They most often quote Paul saying;

Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. [1 Corinthians 13:8-12 NASB]

He says gifts of prophecy will be done away. But when? He doesn't say, "When I die," or "When the last apostle dies." He says, "when the perfect comes." I look around me and see that the world is not yet perfect. He compares the gifts of the Spirit to childish things that you put away when you grow up. We will no longer need gifts of the Spirit when we are seeing the Lord face to face. It will be perfect when we see His face.

Prophecy is an important gift of the Spirit. Don't think of prophecy as predicting the future; that is only a very small part of prophecy. Through the gift of prophecy, the church can receive direction in times of uncertainty, or comfort and encouragement in times of trial. When the church is doing well, prophecy can bring confirmation and encouragement to continue on the right path.

This doesn't mean that every so-called prophecy should be taken at face value. Rather, they should be judged. A prophecy from God will never contradict the scriptures, and it will never contradict the character of God. Prophecies are not self-serving; they are for the church, and will direct praise toward God, and not the prophet. Prophecy does not replace scripture, nor does it add to scripture.

When a prophecy is judged, then you should hold onto the good, and discard the bad. Not every person who has uttered a false prophecy is evil. Sometimes, there are well-intentioned and over-eager young Christians who haven't yet learned to fully walk in the Spirit. They should be taught and nurtured, not shunned. 

On the other hand, there are wolves in sheep's clothing whose intention is to sow discord and confusion. And false prophecy is a favorite tool. If they cannot be taught, they should be shunned and avoided because they are false prophets.

Church leaders - I urge you to encourage prophecy. The member who sits quietly, and doesn't speak, may have prophetic word from God. But he may never speak it if he is afraid of your reaction.

Church members - don't despise prophetic words, but test them. If you think you have a prophetic word, test it yourself before you speak. Don't be disruptive or contentious. You have the choice to speak or not, and you have the choice of when and how to speak. As Paul said;

and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. [1 Corinthians 14:32-33 NASB]

Prophecy shouldn't be despised because it comes from a common church member. Nor should it be accepted without question if it comes from a minister. All prophecy should be judged equally against the word of God.

Thank You, Father, that Your gifts are still operating in the world. I pray for discernment to know true prophecy, and separate it from the false. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice, Pray, and Give Thanks

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. [1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB]

Paul is telling us to be joyful at all times. Everybody rejoices when he gets a raise at work. The Christian rejoices when his salary is cut. Everybody rejoices at the birth of a baby. The Christian rejoices at the death of a loved one. Everybody rejoices when they are healthy and strong. The Christian rejoices in the midst of a pandemic.

It doesn't make sense, unless you know why we rejoice. The Christian's joy doesn't come from circumstances. Our joy comes from the Lord. We rejoice in Him, in every circumstance. While the world frets and stresses about the CoViD-19 pandemic, we can rejoice, viewing it as a trial of our faith. James said;

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. [James 1:2-4 NASB]

You can remember to rejoice in the Lord at all times if you are praying to the Lord at all times. Paul tells us to "pray without ceasing". The Greek means to pray without intermission. In other words, there is no gap between "sessions" of prayer. There are no sessions. There is only constant, unceasing, prayer.

Of course you can't close your eyes, bow your head, and kneel in prayer all day, every day. But these things are only customs of prayer, not the prayer itself. There is great value in spending time alone in prayer with God. Jesus often went off to be alone in prayer. But, that is not the only kind of prayer there is. 

You can pray out loud. It can be faith-building to hear your own voice praying to God. You can also pray silently, in your mind. The Holy Spirit lives inside you, and He knows your heart and your mind, and He knows when you are praying with your mind. If you are quiet and listen, he will also speak into your mind. At its best, prayer is a conversation with God.

It is possible to pray all day, every day, without ceasing. It doesn't take an act of supreme effort, but is simply turning your mind to God. 

I think all of us have some kind on internal monologue. We are reviewing our day, or anticipating the day to come, thinking about the things we need or want, thinking about people we know and either like or dislike. And so on. We can discipline our minds so that the internal monologue becomes an internal dialogue with God. In Romans we are told;

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. [Romans 12:2 NASB]

Constant prayer, with constant joy leads to a heart of gratitude. Some people read this verse and interpret it to mean that we are to give thanks in everything, but not for everything. By doing so, they are short-sheeting God. Paul said;

always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; [Ephesians 5:20 NASB]

The grateful Christian is grateful for all things, even if it seems evil to us, we know that God is using it for our good. We are told;

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. [Romans 8:28 NASB]

God is not the author of pain and suffering. Jesus said;

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. [John 10:10 NASB]

Although He doesn't cause suffering, He uses it to help us grow, and perfect our faith. He takes what the enemy meant for evil, and He turns if for good. Therefore we give thanks, not only in everything, but also for everything.

Paul says that this is God's will. By "this" he means these three things; rejoice, pray, and give thanks. And do all three of these things, always.

If you can master these three things, then you can live a perfect Christian life.

My Lord God, I rejoice in You. I thank you that You have given me reason to rejoice always. Thank You that you work all things for my good. I pray for the grace to maintain the conversation of prayer at all times, without ceasing. 

1 Thessalonians 5:15 Forgiveness

See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. [1 Thessalonians 5:15 NASB]

As part of the Lord's prayer, Jesus taught us to pray, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." [Matthew 6:12 NASB]

Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian experience. None of us - not one - would be a Christian if God hadn't forgiven our sins. Our appropriate response to this is to forgive others.

Jesus told the parable of a servant who owed 15 years wages to his master. His master forgave the debt. the servant then went out and found a fellow servant who owed him a single day's wages. When the fellow servant couldn't repay him, he had him thrown in jail. Jesus concluded the parable, saying;

“Then summoning him, his lord said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. ‘Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ “And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” [Matthew 18:32-35 NASB]

 Paul, quoting Proverbs 25 appeals to our baser nature by saying;

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. [Romans 12:17-21 NASB]

Don't be content to simply refrain from getting vengeance when you feel wronged. Instead, actively do good to the wrongdoer. 

Paul says that we should do good for all people. This means we don't just do good for our friends, or the people in the church, or even the Christian community at large. He means everyone.

The Pharisees in Jesus' time took the command to love their neighbors, and twisted it. They interpreted it to mean that they should hate their enemies. Who were their enemies? Primarily, all Gentiles, and ultimately, anyone who disagreed with them. But Jesus said;

“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. [Matthew 5:43-45 NASB]

By doing good to those who oppose you, you may win them over. But, whether you do or not is irrelevant. The important thing is that you are obeying the Spirit of God by forgiving them from your heart, and demonstrating that forgiveness by acts of kindness.

Lord, please give me the same mind that was in Jesus who did not seek vengeance on His persecutors, but died for their sins, as well as mine. 

1 Thessalonians 5:14 Bear One Another's Burdens

We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. [1 Thessalonians 5:14 NASB]

Paul is passing on some teaching to the church. He says to admonish the unruly. That is, we are to warn, or reprimand those who don't hold with sound teaching, or who are giving in to the desires of the flesh. He says;

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. [2 Thessalonians 3:6 NASB]

He reiterate this command to the Corinthian church;

I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES. [1 Corinthians 5:9-13 NASB]

If we see a fellow Christian who is living in a manner inconsistent with the Spirit of God, then we are to warn or reprimand him. If he refuses to listen, but continues in an ungodly lifestyle, then we are to disassociate ourselves from him. This is a form of discipline that will, hopefully, draw him back to Christ. It is also for our own benefit, so that we will not be drawn into ungodly practices with him.

We are to encourage the fainthearted. The proverb says;

The spirit of a man can endure his sickness,But as for a broken spirit who can bear it? [Proverbs 18:14 NASB]

It is true that God heals a broken spirit. But it is also true that He often uses us to effect that healing. He has given us the tools. We have the Spirit of God living in us, who gives us wisdom and knowledge to minister to those in need. We have the word of God;

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. [Hebrews 4:12 NASB]

We are to help the weak. Don't view the weak with disdain. The one who is weak today may be the strong one who is helping you tomorrow. We are given this account of Moses;

So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. [Exodus 17:9-13 NASB]

Moses wasn't a weak man, but in that moment, he was too weak for the task. But with the support of others, he had the strength that he needed to prevail.

We are to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others.

These instructions are written to everybody in the church, not just the leaders. If we maintain the concept of a professional clergy who looks out for all the needs of the saints, then we remove ourselves from all of the responsibility, and the privilege, of ministering to one another. Galatians 6:2 says that we are to bear one another's burdens. This is the calling of every believer in Christ.

Lord, Thank You for my brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray that You will open my eyes to see their needs, and grant me the means to meet those needs. 

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 Appreciate Your Leaders

But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. [1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 NASB]

God wants us to appreciate our spiritual leaders. We are to hold them in high regard, not because they have a title such as "Reverend" or "Pastor", but because of what they do.

Paul says that we should appreciate those who diligently labor among us. Many think of the pastor as working a couple hours a week on Sunday morning, and spending the rest of the week playing golf or sitting is cozy office with his feet on the desk. 

There may be some lazy people who wear the title of the clergy, and who do as little work as possible, but I have never met one. The true shepherd of the flock is a hard worker. It is not a light thing to study and know the word of God, and to teach and direct his people each week. And that is only the public aspect of his labors. He comforts those who are bereaved, counsels those who are lost, he racks up the miles on his car visiting those who are shut in. He oversees the various ministries and outreaches in the church, leading the leaders. On top of that, many pastors work a second job to support themselves so that they can do the work of the ministry.

Your church leaders have charge over you in the Lord. Please understand that this doesn't give them the right to dominate you. A leader in Christ doesn't issue commands like a drill sergeant leading his troops. Rather, he gently leads them like a shepherd guiding his flock.

Jesus refers to himself as "the good shepherd". Leaders in Christ are to follow Jesus in example. Jesus says;

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. “He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. “He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep. [John 10:11-13 NASB]

A good leader gives instruction. Again, these are not orders in the line of "Thou shalt" or "Thou shalt not". A leader teaches people how to live a holy life. He uses his words to teach, patiently explaining the ways of the Spirit vs. the ways of the flesh. And he uses his own life, a living example of how to live the holy life, walking in the Spirit, and putting to death the deeds of the flesh.

Our leaders are to be esteemed. Not out of obligation nor out of fear, but out of love because of the work they do.

I have known a few pastors in my life. The hardest part of their job, and the reason many give up and leave the ministry is because of disrespectful parishioners. It seems some people think it is their calling to keep the pastor humble. They oppose him whenever they can, and if they are on a church board, they threaten his livelihood if he doesn't agree or give in to them, and preach "their" gospel. And don't dare preach the truth if it opposes what the board already "knows".

If a minister is abusing his position for ungodly purposes, then, of course, the situation must be dealt with and corrected. But what often happens is a godly pastor is opposed by reason of politics and power. Pharisees in the church are more concerned with their tradition than they are the truth of the Bible. Be sure that if you are one who stands in the way of God's ministers on earth, then you will one day have to stand before Jesus and give an accounting.

Don't be like that. Respect your leaders for the work that they do.

Father, I thank You that you have established order in Your church. Thank You that You have given us leaders and teachers. I pray for the pastors and leaders of my church that You will direct them, and guard over them. I pray that I may be a blessing to them. 

1 Thessalonians 5:4-11 Sons of Light

But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. [1 Thessalonians 5:4-11 NASB]

This is continuing the thought from the previous verses. The day of the Lord will come upon the world suddenly and without warning because they are living in darkness. We, however, do not live in darkness, so that day will not come upon us unexpectedly.

It is true that we will not know the day that Jesus will return for His church. But, if we understand the prophecies, we will be able to see the time growing closer. A lot of people like to inject current events into the end-time prophecies, and claim to have the inner track on their meaning. But Jesus said;

“See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs." [Matthew 24:4-8 NASB]

All of the events in the world today are not the end times. Just as it has been for the last 2000 years, this is the time before the end times.

In that day, there will be unmistakable signs. The Abomination of Desolation in the Holy Place must happen first. There will be signs in the heavens. Jesus said;

“But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. “And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. [Matthew 24:29-31 NASB]

The description that Jesus gave closely matches the description in Revelation;

I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” [Revelation 6:12-17 NASB]

After these events in Revelation, the wrath of God will be poured out on the inhabitants of the earth, and the earth's population will be decimated.

We, however, are not destined for wrath, but for salvation. This applies, of course, to our eternal salvation. But, within the context of end time prophecy, it also means that we, the believers in Christ, will not be on the earth to endure that wrath. Whether we die in Him, or are taken up to meet Him, will be with our Lord.

Paul said that we should comfort one another with these words. 

Don't neglect the teaching of end-time prophecy. Don't simply believe everything someone tells you about the end times; when it comes to prophecy, people can get pretty weird. 

Be open to learning from others, but also study it out for yourself to see if the teaching is truly scriptural. Don't be afraid to change your mind when you learn more about prophecy. I was taught a certain tradition as a young Christian, and thought that way for many years, until I became convinced that the Bible was teaching something different.

If you don't understand something, don't worry about it. Pray for wisdom and understanding. Continue to study, and add to your knowledge a little at a time.

Father, I thank you for Your promise that if I ask for wisdom, You will give it. Thank You for Your Spirit will teach me all things. I pray that You will open the eyes of my understanding to fully comprehend Your word.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 The Day of the Lord

Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. [1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 NASB]

Paul only spent a short time with the Thessalonians, but in the three weeks he was with them, he apparently went into some detail about the end-time prophecies. This tells me that it is an important topic, and should not be ignored. This disputes those preachers who consider the subject to be unimportant, or, because they don't understand the prophecies, they ignore them.

Biblical prophecy is often not completely understood until it has been fulfilled. There were a great many prophecies about the Messiah in the Old Testament. His birth, His life, His death and resurrection were all foretold. But even Jesus' disciples didn't understand them until after Jesus' resurrection.

When it comes to end-time prophecies, there are things that we can understand now, and there are other things that will not fully understand until He has come again. But we should understand as much as we can.

Paul reminds them, because he already told them, that the Lord's coming would be like a thief in the night. After Jesus' resurrection, His disciples came to Him;

So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; [Acts 1:6-7 NASB]

He had previously told His disciples;

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. [Matthew 24:36 NASB]

Since we can't know the day of Jesus' return, we must remain vigilant, and not give in to the ways of the world, because we consider Him to be slow in keeping His promise.

Every few years, some "prophet" will claim to have figured out a Bible code, or has unlocked prophecies, or has received a "revelation" that the Lord will return on a certain day. Invariably, he gathers a number of followers who foolishly sell all that they have, and give it to their "prophet", then go sit on a mountain top to wait for the Lord's return. Of course, they are always disappointed, because no one knows the day or hour.

That does not mean that we cannot discern the signs of the times, and understand prophecies.

People will be saying, "'Peace and safety!' then destruction will come." Daniel prophesies of the Antichrist;

“And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.” [Daniel 9:27 NASB]

He will broker a peace treaty between Israel and all of her enemies. It will be a time of unprecedented peace in the middle east. Then, after 3 1/2 years, he will break the treaty, and proclaim himself to be God, demanding to be worshiped. Jesus said,

“Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains....“For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will." [Matthew 24:15-16,21 NASB]

After the tribulation, God will pour out His wrath on the earth. Jesus said;

“But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. [Matthew 24:29 NASB]

We need to be prepared for the Lord's return. Don't be like the foolish servant who began drinking and carousing because his master delayed his return. 

We may live to see the Lord's return. Or, we may die before He returns. Either way, we need to be ready. Don't think the Lord is being slow. He is not slow, He is patient, wanting every soul to have the opportunity to be saved.

Lord, I thank You that You are coming back for me. I pray that you will keep me in Your hands, and deliver me from the wrath to come. 

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 The Rapture

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NASB]

During his brief stay in Thessalonica, Paul presented the gospel, which included the message that Jesus will return for His church. In his absence, some confusion arose regarding those who died before Jesus' return. Since Jesus was coming for His church, they were afraid that their loved ones who had died would be lost. Paul wrote to correct their thinking and to comfort them.

In the 21st century, most believers accept that we will one day die and be with the Lord. It's the fate of those who are alive at His return that is in dispute.

Some Christian denominations deny the rapture. I have personally spoken to some who have never heard of it. The most frequently used argument against the rapture is that the word "rapture" is not in the Bible. In this, they display their ignorance. The word "rapture" is a theological term derived from the Latin "raptura" meaning, "to be caught up." As in, "we who are alive and remain will be caught up..." 

It's true that the word "rapture" is not found in most English translations of the Bible. Then again, neither is the word "theology". Shall we say then, that since "theology" is not found in the Bible, that God is not real? Of course not. In the same way, the concept of being "caught up" to meet the Lord in the air is clearly stated in the Bible. It is real.

Paul reiterates this teaching to the Corinthians;

Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. [1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NASB]

Some will say, "But it's been 2000 years, and He hasn't come back. Perhaps He isn't coming again." Don't be discouraged. If He hasn't yet returned, that means we are closer than ever to His return.

Whether we "fall asleep" in the Lord, or are alive at His return, our hope is the same; the joy of seeing Him face to face.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your promise, that you will come back and take us to be with You. And if I die before Your return, I thank You that I will be with you that much sooner. 

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 The Peace of God

Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need. [1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 NASB]

The world's idea of ambition is climb the ladder of success. It doesn't matter how many people you have to climb over, as long as you reach the top.

An oft repeated phrase in the business world is, "If you're not moving forward, you're moving backwards." In other words, your ambition needs to grow. You set a goal, then if you meet that goal, you set another one, ad infinitum. There is no end game beyond climbing the ladder. And if you succeed, it's not enough. It is famously said that Alexander the Great, upon seeing the breadth of his domain, wept because there were no more worlds to conquer.

The world moves at a frenetic pace. Everybody is in a hurry. We have work, children are rushed out the door for school, deadlines are demanding our attention. We work ourselves into a frenzy until we burn out. Some turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the pace. We take out our frustrations on our families, because we can't afford to melt down at work.

This is not how it should be for the Christian.

Instead of climbing over others to ascend the ladder of success, we should be reaching behind to help someone else.

The ambition of a Christian should be to live a quiet life. Jesus said;

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30 NASB]

Paul told us;

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:6-7 NASB]

It's easy to become anxious in the world, but God gives us peace. As I write this the COVID-19 coronavirus is gaining momentum in the United States and in the world. When I did my bi-weekly grocery shopping, I saw long, empty rows where the paper supplies should be. I noticed the anxious expressions on people's faces, and heard the panic in their voices.

It was tempting to be influenced by the panic around me, and by the news that I read. But, I remember who my God is, and I find peace. Jesus doesn't want us to be afraid of anything in the world, even to the point of death. He said;

“I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows." [Luke 12:4-7 NASB]

Until the Lord comes, we must live int the flesh. Because we inhabit flesh, our bodies will get sick. Sometimes we recover, and sometimes we don't. Paul said;

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. [2 Corinthians 4:16 NASB]

We have a hope that is far beyond anything this world can offer. I hope I don't catch the virus, but I have a greater hope that I will stand before my Lord in glory. That is why I can live without fear, even in a crisis. There is nothing in this world, including the coronavirus, that can separate me from the love of God.

Father, I thank You for Your peace that passes all understanding. Thank you for the Hope of Your calling. I pray for my brothers and sisters in the world, that you will protect them and give them Your peace. 

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 Sexual Purity

Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you. [1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 NASB]

The first century Roman world known for it sexual amorality. The typical Roman man had a wife to manage the household, plus mistresses and prostitutes for pleasure. The women were also expected to have lovers.

In the brief time that Paul spent in Thessalonica, he made it clear that this was contrary to God's will. The word "commandment" is used sparingly in the New Testament, and in only two contexts; that we love one another, and that we abstain from sexual immorality.

The will of God is our sanctification. "Sanctification" means that we are set apart for God; that we are holy and purified. A very big part of that sanctification is sexual purity.

When we commit a sexual sin, we sin against God, acting contrary to His will. We sin against Jesus, as we are taught;

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be! Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, “THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.” But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him. [1 Corinthians 6:15-17 NASB]

 We also sin against ourselves. Paul goes on to say;

Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. [1 Corinthians 6:18 NASB]

And, as today's passage states, we sin against others when we engage in sexual immorality.

In the 2000 years since the days of the Roman Empire, society has not progressed in this regard. Pornography is pervasive. Sexual immorality and perversion are promoted in popular entertainment as normal and desirable. Young people are ridiculed if they decide to take a stand and save their bodies for marriage.

Society's attitude has also invaded the church. I have known Christians who think it is perfectly okay to live together and/or have sexual relations outside the bonds of marriage. They do so in open defiance of God's word, giving in to the demands of the world, rather than the command of God.

Do not be like the world. We are in the world, but we are not of it. Our citizenship is in heaven, and we are answerable to God. Therefore honor God with your body. As Paul also said;

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. [1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB]

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me Your Spirit to empower me to live as You command. I pray that You will keep me free from sin. 

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 Love

Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. [1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 NASB]

It is Paul's fervent desire to return to Thessalonica, and be reunited with the believers there. And he prays for that end. Spoiler alert: It takes longer than he originally anticipated, but he does find his way back to Thessalonica.

He is also praying for the Thessalonians that their love would increase. This is not a judgment against them. He says later in this letter;

Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, [1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 NASB]

He equates their love for one another with holiness before God. Peter tells us;

Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. [1 Peter 4:8 NASB]

Jesus said;

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. [John 14:15 NASB]

 Then He said;

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. [John 15:12 NASB]

When we think about sanctification, we usually think inwardly, about our personal holiness. We consider the areas where we stumble in sin; the weakness of our flesh; or the pride that we have yet to overcome. 

Yet, many areas of holiness are relational in nature. Consider the fruit of the Spirit. Joy and peace are internal. But love, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are all about relationships. Paul tells us;

Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [Ephesians 4:1-3 NASB]

We see in these verses that walking worthy of our calling in the Lord means being in a right relationship with one another. Being humble, gentle, patient and tolerant; all under the province of love.

Let us join Paul in his prayer;

Father, I agree with Paul's prayer for me and my Christian community, that You will cause us to increase and abound in love. I pray that our hearts will be ready when we see You face to face. 

1 Thessalonians 3:9-10 Fellowship

For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith? [1 Thessalonians 3:9-10 NASB]

The letter to the Thessalonians was written by Paul from Corinth only a few months after he left them. When he came to Corinth, Paul was dispirited. He told them;

I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, [1 Corinthians 2:3 NASB]

However, when he heard the news from Thessalonica about the faith of the church, he was revived. He told them;

for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. [1 Thessalonians 3:8 NASB]

As joyful as Paul was concerning them, he was also concerned that there was more that they needed to be taught. He believed that, since he was force to leave them so quickly, he was not able to complete his work among them. As a result, there was confusion in the church, especially in regard to end times. It is also likely that some of the sinful practices were creeping back into the church. These are issues that Paul addresses in his letter.

But his prayer was that he would see them face to face. The letter was a stop-gap; it was not a substitute for in-person teaching.

Many Christians seem to forget the value of in-person teaching. They become, in a sense, spiritual hermits, staying away from the church and the fellowship of the saints.

They say, "You aren't saved by going to church." This is a true statement, but it is not a valid reason for avoiding people. It is a self-justification.

One attitude that is frequently expressed is "I love God, but I don't like His people" John says;

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also. [1 John 4:20-21 NASB]

If you love someone, you don't go out of your way to avoid them.

A benefit of live teaching is the ability to ask questions. You can read books or watch preaching on TV, but they give you no opportunity to ask questions. What's more, you may have the answer to someone else's questions. The proverb says;

Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another. [Proverbs 27:17 NASB]

That only happens through personal interaction. If you try to be sharpened by watching TV preachers, it's like running a razor against a pillow. You need your brothers and sisters in Christ. We are told;

and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. [Hebrews 10:24-25 NASB]

It's true that you are not saved by going to church. But your spiritual growth depends a great deal on your relationships with other believers. You don't get that by watching TV, reading books, or by hopping around from church to church as your spirit leads you. Relationship involves commitment. That means staying in one place, and getting to know the people there.

If you don't have a church, find one. If you are at a church, but are not comfortable there, find a new one. If you have a church, be consistent in assembling with others.

Lord, I thank you for the brothers and sisters I have in Christ. I pray that You will help me to establish deep, loving relationships with fellow believers. 

1 Thessalonians 3:5-8 New Believers

For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain. But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. [1 Thessalonians 3:5-8 NASB]

Paul was afraid that the new Christians in Thessalonica would fall away from the faith. This was a reasonable concern since Paul was only able to be with them for a short time.

It was Paul's practice to stay in an area long enough for a church, and the faith of the believers, to be established. It troubled him that he was not able to do that with the Thessalonians. He was relieved to find that their faith remained strong.

It is possible that in your life, you will be influential in the life of a new believer. Perhaps you have been instrumental in leading them to the Lord, or perhaps they entered your life shortly after their conversion.

It is always good to follow up with new Christians, to help them get established and grounded in their faith. Paul was concerned about the new believers giving into temptation and leaving the faith. Jesus told the parable of the sower, and said;

“When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. “The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. “And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. “And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.” [Matthew 13:19-23 NASB]

It's a given that not everyone will be saved. But, perhaps, the Lord can use us to clear some of the weeds away. That is, we can teach them more of the word of God, and give them the tools to overcome temptation, and not give in to the worries of the world.

But, what about those people that you can't follow up with? You have to understand that their salvation is God's responsibility, and not yours. As Paul said;

I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. [1 Corinthians 3:6 NASB]

It is God who causes the growth. If you can't follow up with a person, trust God to bring someone along who can fill the gap.

In the case of the Thessalonians, God used what Paul was able to impart in a short time. Paul was not able to follow up, but God finished the work. Paul said to the Philippians;

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. [Philippians 1:6 NASB]

Follow up if you can. But, in any case, trust God to complete what He started.

Father, I thank you that it is You who give the increase. I pray for the new believers that You will establish them and complete the work that you have started in them. 

1 Thessalonians 3:1-4 Comfort

Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know. [1 Thessalonians 3:1-4 NASB]

After Paul left Thessalonica, he went to Berea. From there, the Bible gives this account;

But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds. Then immediately the brethren sent Paul out to go as far as the sea; and Silas and Timothy remained there. Now those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they left. [Acts 17:13-15 NASB]

Paul had been driven out of Thessalonica by an angry mob. No doubt, the word came back to them that the same thing had happened to Paul in nearby Berea. 

Paul sent for Timothy and Silas while he was in Athens, but first, he had Timothy go back to Thessalonica to provide comfort to the believers there, who were concerned for him.

It seems that Paul was destined to suffer persecution throughout his ministry. He told this to the Thessalonians in advance. Apparently it was his practice to tell this to all the churches he visited. We read;

After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” [Acts 14:21-22 NASB]

Paul's concern was not for himself, but for others.

This is often the way for us. Have you ever been around a loved one who was sick or suffering? It seems it is often harder on us than on them. We feel helpless in those situations. 

Consider this from the opposite perspective. Whenever you are sick or suffering, it is often harder on those who love us than it is for ourselves. 

When we are suffering, it is natural for us to moan about our circumstances; to say "Why me?" It's the subject of comedy that when a big tough man gets sick, he reverts to a little boy, wanting to be taken care of. It's funny because it hits so close to home.

The next time you are going through a hard time, whether it be a sickness, or financial hardship, or anything else, consider Paul's example. You may be suffering, but those who love you are suffering with you. Try comforting others, while you are in the midst of your suffering. You may find that in providing comfort to others, you will receive the comfort you need.

Lord, You have told me  ahead of time that I would go through trials and tribulations. I know that it won't always be easy. Please give me the grace to endure, and to comfort those who are anxious on my behalf. 

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 Obstacles

But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short while—in person, not in spirit—were all the more eager with great desire to see your face. For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—and yet Satan hindered us. For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and joy. [1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 NASB]

Paul had to leave Thessalonica because he was driven out by the Jews. Even though he had to leave, he told them that he is still with them in spirit - that is, he is thinking about them and praying for them.

Paul wanted to reassure them that he didn't want to leave, but was taken away, and that he still has a great affection for them. He said he wanted to return to them, but was hindered by Satan. 

This was probably a reference to the opposition he faced in Berea, where he was initially well received. We read this account in Acts;

Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds. Then immediately the brethren sent Paul out to go as far as the sea; and Silas and Timothy remained there. [Acts 17:11-14 NASB]

You need to be careful whenever you try to apply this scripture to your own situation. I have known many people who, whenever they face an obstacle, they are convinced they are "under attack" by Satan. But not every hindrance is Satanic in nature. We read again in Acts;

They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; [Acts 16:6-7 NASB]

They tried to go to Asia, but the Spirit of God prevented them, and they ended up going to Galatia. They tried to go to Bithynia, but Spirit of God prevented them, and they ended up in Philippi and Thessalonica.

Sometimes the obstacles we face are God telling us to go in a different direction. How do you know if your obstacle is God or Satan? You can pray and ask for discernment. You may not know until long after the obstacle is gone. If that's the case, then how should you react?

American culture tells us that if you are facing an obstacle, then kick it down. No matter how great the obstacle, persist until it is overcome. But, what does the Bible say?

Using Paul as an example, let's see how he handled each situation, and what the results were. 

Had Paul persisted in going to Asia, in spite of the obstacles that God placed in his way, his ministry would likely have suffered, and we would not have the book of Galatians. Had he persisted in going to Bithynia, we would not have the books of Philippians or 1st and 2nd Thessalonians.

Had Paul persisted in going back to Thessalonica as he intended, in spite of the obstacles that Satan put in his way, he would have faced a still enraged crowd, and may or may not have been martyred early. Instead, he allowed the obstacle to change, and to a degree, direct his course, and ended up in Corinth.

Since Paul was not able to go back to Thessalonica, he decided to write a letter instead. This was the first of his letters to the churches. In the mean time, he stayed and ministered in Corinth for a year and a half.

So, no matter the source of the obstacle, Paul did not resist. Satan, no doubt, meant to hinder Paul's ministry, but what he meant for evil, God turned to good. By the way, Paul was able to visit the cities of Macedonia (which includes Thessalonica) on his return trip to Jerusalem.

Don't feel like you have push through every obstacle. You may be fighting against God. And even if you are not, God will still work it all out for the best if you trust Him.

Lord, I trust You to lead and guide me in all things. I thank you that You are in me, and that You are greater than he who is in the world. 

1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 The Jews

For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. They are not pleasing to God, but hostile to all men, hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the utmost. [1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 NASB]

The church in Thessalonica endured persecution at the hands of their own countrymen, just as the Jewish believers in Judea suffered at the hands of their own countrymen.

If read out of context, this passage would suggest that all the Jews are cursed. But he is only speaking of those Jews who oppose the gospel. Jesus said;

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had been living in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ “So you testify against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. “Fill up, then, the measure of the guilt of your fathers. [Matthew 23:29-32 NASB]

It wasn't that Jesus held them guilty for their ancestors' crimes. It was the hypocrisy of their denial, when Jesus knew that they would soon crucify Him and persecute His followers. He went on to say;

“Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city, so that upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. [Matthew 23:34-35 NASB]

Although they brought condemnation on themselves by their actions, Jesus continued to love them, and mourned for them. He said;

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. [Matthew 23:37 NASB]

Paul also had a heart for Israel, in spite of the persecution he suffered at their hands. He said;

I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, [Romans 9:1-4 NASB]

He says concerning them, "God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. [Romans 11:2 NASB] God still loves Israel and the Jews, even when they are condemned for their sins. Paul says;

From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; [Romans 11:28 NASB]

Some people, in their ignorance have used selected passages from the Bible to justify their antisemitism. They are not following the heart of God, and in their zeal to condemn Jews, they themselves will be condemned.

Pray for Israel. Pray for their salvation. As Paul says in Romans 11:26 "All Israel will be saved."

Father, I thank You that You have never taken back Your gifts or calling. Thank You that Israel is still Your beloved. I pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and for all Israel. I pray that you will bring salvation to Your people. 

1 Thessalonians 2:13 The Word of God

For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. [1 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB]

The Bible is the word of God. What Paul preached and taught came to him by way of revelation from God Himself. When he taught, he repeated what God had told him; his words were the word of God. 

We can accept that the New Testament Bible is the word of God because we have 2000 years of history to back it up. But imagine what it was like for those early believers. They had people coming through and telling them about every religion that came along - the Roman and Greek pantheons, local religions Eastern religion, secular philosophy, Judaism - each claiming to be the one true religion.

So what made Paul's preaching so different? How is it that he "turned the world upside down?" God said;

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,And do not return there without watering the earthAnd making it bear and sprout,And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;It will not return to Me empty,Without accomplishing what I desire,And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. [Isaiah 55:10-11 NASB]

The word of God is not just a collection of words. It is the nature of God's word be active, and to have power. When Paul spoke God's word, the power of that word penetrated to the spirit of the listeners. We read in Hebrews;

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. [Hebrews 4:12 NASB]

The power of God's word produced faith in the believers. As it says in Romans;

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. [Romans 10:17 NASB]

When you are speaking to an unbeliever about Jesus, your words matter. There are people who make a career out of using logic and reason to defend the gospel. The problem is, logic and reason can be refuted by more logic and reason, or even by emotional arguments that defy logic and reason. Your words, that is the words that come from your natural mind, have no power. Jesus said,

“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." [John 15:5 NASB]

The same is true when speaking to fellow believers. Psychology has limited value to a hurting Christian. The love and care of fellow Christians, the prayers of the saints, and the word of God, spoken in love, have the power to heal.

Study the Bible so that you can have an answer. Don't be afraid to speak the God's word into the life of others as well as yourself. His word will perform its work in we who believe.

Father, I thank You for Your word; that is powerful and effective. I pray for the wisdom to apply Your word to my life, and to speak Your word into the lives of others. 

1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 Walking Worthy

For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. [1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 NASB]

Paul said that he worked "night and day". That doesn't mean that he worked 24 hours around the clock. According to customs in the first century, the day didn't start until the sun was up. As long as it was still dark, 5:00 a.m was still night. It was a common expression that referred to getting up before dawn to work. Most likely, Paul began work in the early morning before the sun was up, and worked part of the day. This would give him time to preach the gospel as well as work. Although it is not always mentioned, this was, apparently, his practice wherever he went. The book of Acts tell us;

After these things he left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them, and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working, for by trade they were tent-makers. [Acts 18:1-3 NASB]

Some churches cite Paul's example, making it a doctrine that preachers should not be paid. This does a disservice to the preacher, and is not scripturally sound. Paul had the right to be paid by those to whom he ministered, but chose to work instead. He says;

Do we not have a right to eat and drink? Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working? Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock? I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things? For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He? [1 Corinthians 9:4-9 NASB]

Paul chose to work because he knew his enemies would accuse him of taking advantage of the people. He could refute them by citing his own work record. Paul's behavior was above reproach.

Earlier, Paul compared himself to a nursing mother caring for her children. Now he compares himself to a loving father teaching his children. His goal was that they would walk worthy of God.

That should be our goal for ourselves as well - to walk worthy of God. We know that in ourselves we can never be worthy. But God has forgiven our sins, cleansed us from all unrighteousness, and made us worthy in His eyes. He also gave us His spirit to empower us so that we can walk in that worthiness. To be spiritual, you need to devote your mind to spiritual things; prayer, scripture, good deeds in His name.

If you want to be like Jesus, you need to know Him. Study the gospels. Last year I spent six months immersed in studying the gospel of Matthew. It changed my understanding of who Jesus is, and also of who I am. Also, quality time spent in prayer is essential. You can't know a person if you don't spend time with him.

Father, thank You for forgiving my sins, and for giving me your Spirit. I pray that You will give me the power and grace to live in a manner that is worthy of You. 

1 Thessalonians 2:5-8 Leadership

For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness— nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority. But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. [1 Thessalonians 2:5-8 NASB]

As Paul continues to defend his ministry, he addresses some of the accusations against him and his team.

He didn't try to influence them using flattery, and he wasn't after their money or their praise. In other words, he was neither trying to please the Thessalonians, nor was he trying to please himself.

As an apostle, Paul had the natural right to assert his authority. In the world, it was normal for a leader to display his authority for all to see. From Esther we read;

In those days as King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne which was at the citadel in Susa, in the third year of his reign he gave a banquet for all his princes and attendants, the army officers of Persia and Media, the nobles and the princes of his provinces being in his presence. And he displayed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor of his great majesty for many days, 180 days. [Esther 1:2-4 NASB]

But, for the Christian, this is not the way. Jesus said;

“He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. [John 7:18 NASB]

True leadership isn't about asserting your authority. It is about becoming a servant. Jesus said;

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” [Matthew 20:25-28 NASB]

Jesus is the perfect example of this. He was God. Paul said;

For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, [Colossians 2:9 NASB]

As God, Jesus had ultimate authority over heaven and earth. But he chose to lead by example, and didn't assert His authority. Paul said;

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [Philippians 2:5-8 NASB]

Do you want to be a leader? Be a servant. Do you want to be a great leader? become as a slave.

Paul compared his ministry to the Thessalonians to a mother nursing her child. It is a tender and selfless act, motivated by pure love. When you lead, consider the attitude of the nursing mother, and act tenderly and selflessly toward those you lead. You are not their commander; you are their servant.

Father, I pray that you will give me a tender heart; the heart of a servant.