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.
No comments:
Post a Comment