A little while ago, I produced a verse by verse series in Philippians. I really enjoyed that exercise and have been wondering if I should take on another book. Well it turns out that 1 Thessalonians is the victim of my machinations, and hopefully, the thoughts produced by this fantastic book will edify and encourage the reader.
As with Philippians I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
1 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,
Who are “they”?
As I mentioned in my last rambling, I think Paul may have spoke of both believers (regarding the Word of the Lord) and unbelievers (regarding the Faith of the Saints). If my thinking is correct, who might Paul be referring to when he speaks of “they themselves”? Am I getting lost in my pronouns!
Whoever is doing the reporting, “they” understood the impact Paul and his cohorts had on the Thessalonians, or more accurately, the reception the Thessalonians gave Paul and his gang.
What type of reception did you ask?
Well, the city did not show it’s best face to these visitors, but for a few of the citizens, they openly accepted these strangers with good news, exhibited a willingness to hear and listen, and an openness to be influenced by men that laid it on the line for others. They saw men speaking of a risen Savior, being in the middle of a riot erupting with some jealous Jews, eventually having their synagogue ruler dragged before the court, with these apostles run out of town.
The reception of those few Thessalonians resulted in conversion to a whole new life. They were willing to hear a message, they watched the messengers and they made a choice. People were hearing about it, and some of “them” were reporting about it!
And what were “they” reporting?
Two pieces of news!
turned to God from idols
Turning.
I want to speak of this word as defining repentance, and it might very well speak of that, but the Greek word usually used for repentance, μετάνοια metánoia, is not used here. This word is ἐπιστρέφω epistréphō. Interestingly it is used often of Gentiles becoming believers.
Nothing too earth shattering about it’s meaning, for it simply means to turn, or to turn oneself. These folk saw the gospel, heard the gospel and turned to God. This turning included one action with two results. These folks turned to God and these folks turned from idols. This is conversion, and this also informs us of the idol worship involved in those who did not turn.
Is this true for todays citizen of the world? If one you know hasn’t turned to God, is it safe to conclude they are still following after idols? Leave a comment, let me know your thoughts
to serve the living and true God
Many may hear the gospel, and say they believe in God. They say they believe and well enough they may. But the second piece of news being reported on was the commitment the Thessalonians exhibited. They turned to serve the Living and True God.
Let me be blunt. The Christian life is not a warm fuzzy feeling received every 7 days for 15 minutes while the music blares in the auditorium. The Christian life is a life of service, of following and caring for others in His name. At times there are very difficult decisions to be made in following the Master, decisions and actions that cause pain, loneliness, separation from friends and family, in order to follow after the One who walked a path to Golgotha.
To serve the Living and True God is a marker of the man or woman of faith, of one who has truly turned to God from idols.
The Thessalonians had turned even though no promise of an easy life. Pretty impressive. I guess it makes sense that “they” were telling everyone.
A little while ago, I produced a verse by verse series in Philippians. I really enjoyed that exercise and have been wondering if I should take on another book. Well it turns out that 1 Thessalonians is the victim of my machinations, and hopefully, the thoughts produced by this fantastic book will edify and encourage the reader.
As with Philippians I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
1 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.
Two messages are being discussed in this verse, as far as I can tell.
The word of the Lord.
This message is dispersed from the Thessalonians to those in Macedonia and Achaia, as Paul mentions. I am tempted to think Paul is referring to the Philippian and Berean churches in Macedonia, and the Corinthian churches in Achaia.
This is wholly my assumption, and I may be placing a limitation not intended – let my reader consider – but is this word of the Lord intended for those who already are in the Body of Christ, those who may have heard of the life these believers were experiencing? How after such a short visit, these believers became imitators and followers of the apostles, and his team?
These Thessalonians were living examples for these nearby congregations, flesh and blood imitators that could be easily witnessed, being placed “on stage” for other churches to see. This is the wonder of the gospel, for though we may have an understanding of walking out our faith, to see others exercise their faith only encourages us, helps us to realize we are not alone, and expands the possibilities in our own life of faith by seeing others work it out in their specific way.
This is not a light subject, for I call to witness my reader, that they along with myself, have been enriched in our lives by being with others who exalt the name of Jesus though in different situations, cultures, societies, and manners.
In our past we have predominantly been in the baptist persuasion of church, but occasionally my wife and I will visit other denominations, even joining one for a period of time. We found aspects of their faith to be challenging, forcing decisions to be made and belief’s to be accepted. More so though, we witnessed those in other denominations honor God and exalt Jesus in ways we never considered.
The Thessalonians were examples for the nearby churches. Whether examples to provide encouragement, or witnesses of a lifestyle that rebukes the viewing church, these men and women were examples for the regional body beyond their own local group.
your faith in God
The Word of the Lord may have been directed to the churches in the region, as an example of true imitators of the apostles, and as a good reflection of the Spirit of God working in a group of believers. The Word of the Lord, I think was a ministry to the faithful.
The Thessalonians also had a message for those outside of the faith. For those outside of the faith, these men and women had a faith that was going forth everywhere.
Consider there was no internet, telephone, telegraph, television, radio, or any other method of mass communication. The Thessalonians had one ace in the hole though. They were on a trade route.
Imagine these men and women, in their day to day jobs, speaking of a Risen Savior, of the Rabbi who had been crucified unjustly, of a Prophet who spoke words of radical upheaval for the people of God. Those travelers and business associates these believers came into contact with, experienced these believers faith in God, not only in their message, but I dare say in their changed lives, giving force to their message.
These visitors, travelers, business associates and foreigners were in contact with gospel people. Though these Thessalonians may have never left the city in their lives, the faith they lived travelled with those they came into contact with.
By way of application, let us not be discouraged if we spend our days faithful in a church, never travelling to the far flung mission field. If you live your faith, not just in the church environment, but in the Monday through Saturday world, your example of faith will travel.
True faith travels.
Consider the number of people in one week that you know and deal with that is outside of your local area. After a short time of reflection, it becomes apparent that our reach may be far greater than we first thought.
Be encouraged my friend, and live your faith in front of those you rub shoulders with, whether they be on the internet, though the telephone, even by way of telegraph…..
You get my point? Live your faith. Faith will travel.
A little while ago, I produced a verse by verse series in Philippians. I really enjoyed that exercise and have been wondering if I should take on another book. Well it turns out that 1 Thessalonians is the victim of my machinations, and hopefully, the thoughts produced by this fantastic book will edify and encourage the reader.
As with Philippians I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
1 Thessalonians 1:7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
Verse 7 speaks of the consequence of the actions described in verse 5 and 6, that the Thessalonians were presented the gospel and became imitators of the men who presented this gospel to them. We addressed the term “imitator” in an earlier posting, but Paul uses another term, somewhat related to imitator.
To be an imitator is to follow one as a model, a reference to finding and following a guide, having a goal to copy in order to become like that person. To imitate is to follow someone in their mannerisms, character, desires, ethics, sufferings and thoughts.
To be an example is to be that which others may imitate. Paul is beginning to teach on the very same principle he instructed Timothy of years later.
2 Timothy 2:2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
Although Paul is speaking to the church as a whole, in that their body life was a fantastic example for other churches to imitate, the process of multiplication in the same in body life as well in personal discipleship. Our lives either impact the church in a positive way, as the Thessalonian church did according to Paul, or our lives impact the church negatively.
One church that did not have the full endorsement of the apostle was the Corinthian church. His non-commendation is expressed throughout the first epistle, but man be clearly noted in chapter 11.
1 Corinthians 11:17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 1 Corinthians 11:22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.
Even though the apostle Paul stayed with the Corinthians for much longer than he did with the Thessalonians, his presence and manner of life did not seem to “stick” with the metropolitan Corinthians.
Note that in the epistle/letter to the Corinthians, the internal difficulties were addressed directly with the church. As my momma used to say, “don’t be showing everyone your dirty laundry!” Paul addressed the issues of the Corinthian church, with the Corinthian church. We have the privilege of reading this letter of holy writ, but it seems the intent of Paul was to be direct with the church and not enter into a public discourse “showing everyone the Corinthians dirty laundry”.
Not so with the Thessalonians. Paul spoke of them as examples to the churches in Macedonia and Achaia, (which coincidentally contained a church named Corinth.) These believers molded themselves to be such imitators that they became examples for others to follow. And Paul told everybody!
This is a very high compliment from the apostle to a small church he had not been able to return to. The word was getting out that the Thessalonian’s caught the life Paul exhibited, and the gospel he proclaimed.
The church was alive and was providing proof of that life, in the midst of much affliction!
Might the affliction the Thessalonians accepted be the missing element in the church of Corinth? I will let my reader consider the difference and make up their own mind.
No matter, the Thessalonians were examples, believers who could be watched by other churches as they lived their lives, providing an example to be imitated, as others sought to follow the Lord.
A little while ago, I produced a verse by verse series in Philippians. I really enjoyed that exercise and have been wondering if I should take on another book. Well it turns out that 1 Thessalonians is the victim of my machinations, and hopefully, the thoughts produced by this fantastic book will edify and encourage the reader.
As with Philippians I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
1 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,
Our verse today speaks of the response of a portion of the Thessalonian populace had to the love of God becoming evident to them.
The result of a rag tag group of men, tent makers and such, entering into a synagogue and speaking of a Rabbi that rose from the dead. The began to imitate them.
To imitate. The Greek used in this verse (and the following) is μιμητής mimētḗs. In only one of the six times the apostles used this exhortation, was the subject of imitation only God.
1 Corinthians 4:16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 1 Thessalonians 2:14 ESV – 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, Hebrews 6:12 ESV – so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Five of the six times saints were directed to imitate, the subject were saints or apostles. This is illuminating, for we often hear the battle cry “I only follow Jesus”, or “I only trust and follow God”. The Word is rife with commands, exhortations and instruction that we are to follow God and not man, and yet we see the apostles exhort believers, or at least describe believers as those who imitate, or follow them.
This is quite audacious.
Should we expect the same today? Are there men and women that follow so closely that we could (or should) see them as worthy of following in their shadows, imitate a lifestyle that would honor God.
That is a big question, and one that I believe Paul provides additional guidance on for the modern saint.
Let’s track with what Paul is saying.
They followed / imitated Paul in much affliction. These folks didn’t see a man teaching on the “Best Life Now” and then decided they wanted immediate gratification, or a man teaching they had influence over God, that they could demand things from an all powerful God to splurge on they own self interests.
They followed in the midst of affliction.
Now, the term affliction is a very interesting word. When I first tripped over this word in my studies years back, I couldn’t help but speak it out load. θλῖψις thlîpsis. It is a rare word to have the “thl” sound, and I couldn’t help myself from saying out loud as I walked about. But enough of my idiosyncracies!
Thlîpsis speaks of pressure. Oppression, affliction, tribulation, distress, straits and of a pressing together.
It is a force outside of our lives that is causing discomfort, pain and stress. It is not stress. Let me, for a short moment, try to explain the difference, from a strictly physical point of view.
Consider an inanimate object, sitting on a table. At one point, a large mass is laid on this object. This mass is a foreign object that is affecting the object. The effect of this mass on the object is the pressure we speak of. The reaction of the object to this mass is what we define as stress (or strain, but that is another topic). Stress may be developed as a reaction of the object to the mass being applied to the object.
Say the object is a brick and the mass is a feather. Internal within the brick a very minor stress is developed. Let’s go the opposite extreme for the sake of ridiculousness. Say the object is a marshmallow, and the mass is a concrete block. After massive deformation, and due to no internal strength in the marshmallow, we can conclude that the internal strength of the marshmallow is insignificant. Deformation was the reaction to the pressure applied to the marshmallow, giving us evidence of the internal strength of the marshmallow.
So let’s recap. These folks followed Paul, in the midst of pressure, showing evidence of an internal strength that was able to withstand being “deformed” back to their previous lifestyle. The pressure may have become quite intense, but the strength within the believers was equal to the task.
My question to you, my dear reader, is what was that inner strength? The passage speaks of the inner strength, and I would suggest Paul makes it clearly evident of the inner strength these folks relied upon.
Note that Paul speaks of these believers receiving affliction, accepting pressure with the joy of the Holy Spirit. He doesn’t describe their internal strength as being a moral fortitude, a righteous anger, or a holy determination. The strength these folks had received was joy. Joy of the Holy Spirit.
These believers seem to have resisted the forces being applied to their lives by the joy of the Holy Spirit. Make no mistake, the forces applied to these believers intended to deform these new believers into a “shape” they desired, a shape that was comfortable and malleable, usable for those who did not believe.
The joy of the Holy Spirit provided these men and women the strength to resist the deformation the world wanted!
Now, back to the big question about who to imitate.
Do you know someone in your life who is following in the midst of affliction, expressing the sacrificial love of God, even to those who despise and hate him or her. They may be doing something right, and he may be a great example to imitate.
Those who tickle your ears with promises of prosperity, success, health and wealth. They may be the ones who demand your loyalty, but it may be wise to consider why you should follow them as opposed to any other false teacher.
It seems we as believers have two choices. Either we follow those who provide (empty) promises or those who warn of earthly pressures.
Which preacher appeals to you?
What message are you looking for?
Where do you find inner strength?
What pressure are you experiencing, in which the joy of the Holy Spirit is providing strength to resist deformation?
Or have you listened to that popular message, allowing deformation as an acceptable reaction to trials or troubles?
Nehemiah 8:10 …And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
A little while ago, I produced a verse by verse series in Philippians. I really enjoyed that exercise and have been wondering if I should take on another book. Well it turns out that 1 Thessalonians is the victim of my machinations, and hopefully, the thoughts produced by this fantastic book will edify and encourage the reader.
As with Philippians I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
1 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.
In our last posting, I intentionally did not address the last sentence in the verse, since I anticipate it to carry a message worthy of it’s own consideration.
1 Thessalonians 1:5B …You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
At first glance, Paul seems to divert from his message of the Thessalonians new life, by speaking of his teams behavior among them.
I am not convinced this is a diversion, for he will refer to his witness among them a number of times in the letter, giving weight to the importance of the saint having not only a verbal message, but a life witness that speaks the same.
In our very next verse, Paul speaks of the impact of his physical witness, of his actions, and not simply agreeing to facts, precious as they are.
1 Thessalonians 1:6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord….
Notice that Paul spoke of imitation, not simply agreeing with him and his team. It wasn’t as if they had a debate and some in the audience gave mental assent to the argument provided. They imitated the apostle and those of his team. This implies very strongly that these folks had watched the apostolic team in their actions, had interacted with them in their decision making process, had watched them work and toil as they stayed in the city, and had been rejected by the populace.
Next chapter, Paul again speaks of sharing his life with them, and not simply his mental and spiritual understanding of the mysteries of God. He emphasizes his life with them.
1 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.
Paul again raises the topic of the importance of sharing the lives of the team with those they ministered to. Paul and his team were living out the gospel message, and the motivation of love was driving them to an open expression of life to the Thessalonians.
To be painfully honest, I can not imagine this environment was a typical church service type of situation, where Paul got up in front of the audience, provided a monologue of doctrine, and then went home until Wednesday night prayer meeting. In my mind’s eye, I can imagine a dialogue type of environment, where Paul spoke of personal experiences of the truth of the gospel directing his actions, with the resultant impacts, successes and disappointments being shared with those in his presence. He was with them, and seemingly an open book for them to read!
1 Thessalonians 4:1 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.
Paul pleads with the Thessalonians to remember their witness amongst them, that they walk as the apostle and his team walked, (not just thought as the apostles team thought), and to continue to please God.
This witness of Paul, in combination with the preaching of the Word, impacted these Thessalonians to the point where they repented of their ways, turned to Christ and pleased God.
Remember, Paul was amongst them for less than 21 days, and they saw enough to be convinced of the message, turning from idols and growing into Christians.
Truly amazing!
Who was your “Paul”? Did you have someone you could watch live the Christian life? Someone who did more than provide a message, a critical message, but also backed that message up with their own life, a sacrifice for others?
How about your life? Is it reflective of the Master, and is there enough there to make a difference in someone else, someone who has just heard and believed the good news of Jesus?
A little while ago, I produced a verse by verse series in Philippians. I really enjoyed that exercise and have been wondering if I should take on another book. Well it turns out that 1 Thessalonians is the victim of my machinations, and hopefully, the thoughts produced by this fantastic book will edify and encourage the reader.
As with Philippians I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
1 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.
In our last verse we spoke of the election of the Thessalonians, and of my refocused understanding of that particular verse. As a reminder, it is all about the love of God, not the choosing of us, whatever that may mean to my reader.
It is the love of God that is so importance for us to remember!
In verse 5, Paul will remind the saints of Thessalonica why he makes such a claim as in verse 5.
Why Can Paul Say this
Paul made a bold claim in verse 5, speaking of God choosing the Thessalonians, and more importantly of the love of God these saints (and all saints!) have possessed in their lives.
He now enters into a short passage that provides for us the reason he makes such a claim of their lives being the recipients of the love of God.
Word
Paul, with his team came into the town of Thessalonica, with a message. That message was delivered verbally, to all the people hearing them, through a teaching that all in the audience heard. Yet for these called out people, for these chosen folks, that message became a message of life. They recognized truth and it became a message to be trusted.
Think of that. Vibrations from the apostles throat entered into the audience’s ears, a series of ideas were offered to those who listened, and some of those listening acknowledged the truth of the message.
The word, or the message delivered to these folks became a fact that they accepted. It was not merely a claim that was developed and offered without consideration, but the message became factual for them, and for those who accepted it, it was the foundational factual truth of the life they now lived in.
Now some may say that their choice simply became the Thessalonian’s truth, as the common argument in todays culture. You know how those who reject the gospel will excuse their position. “If it works for you that is great”, or “everyone has their personal truth.”
Absolute truth exists. The grave is empty. Those who recognize this truth make it their truth, but not in the manner of denigrating this message to a personal preference. The gospel is factual, and these people recognized it and “joined the party!”
Power
For the message came to these people, and they recognized the truth of a resurrected man who is God Almighty. Upon this realization, the power of God was unleashed in their lives. The facts became energized. The message and the power were delivered simultaneously.
It is very interesting that the word “power” in this Greek term δύναμις dýnamis speaks of inherent power, power that resides in itself, that the nature of the gospel exerts authority, the message has power resident within it.
Paul is speaking of the Word being accepted by the hearer, and at the same time of the power resident in the message impacting the audience.
As you may know, I sometimes chase rabbits, but for this post I will simply offer a thought experiment. Did the power resident in the gospel impact those who rejected it? We know it did with the saints!
Holy Spirit
Here is the person of the message and the power.
A short witness of my history regarding the Spirit of God. Many years ago, as I was struggling with understanding the message of the charismatic movement, a dear brother once quipped that the Holy Spirit is the silent member of the Trinity. By saying this he was referring to the relative number of time the Word of God speaks of the Holy Spirit being referred to in the Word. He did not intend to communicate, as far as I understood, that the Holy Spirit did not communicate to God’s people. It was just that the communication the Spirit of God provided was to glorify Jesus, not Himself.
Consider
John 15:26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.
As I have sought to understand and follow Jesus, many distractions and tripping opportunities have been provided to me. When the Spirit of God reminds me of Jesus and His life, His teaching, His authority, His resurrection, His glory and His love, I am confident in the message is from the Spirit of God. There are many who seek a following, both man and spirit, but it is the Spirit of God that provides the life and teaching of Jesus in a living way to believers as they seek to honor God.
It is truly an amazing life to live, a life that is not dependent on me being good, but on listening and accepting the truth of His goodness, and out of a heart of thankfulness and wonder worshipping such a great Messiah.
2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
He will change us as we look to Him!
It is a common understanding that what/who we worship is what type of people we eventually become. For the believer, the Spirit of God provides us the day to day message of the Messiah, of His worthiness and His ministry in our lives. To worship the Living God is to become more and more like Him in His loving, self sacrificing nature, of His commitment to truth, for He is the Truth, and of His resurrecting power that is the core of our faith.
Much Assurance
Assurance. First off, may I suggest that assurance and security are two different concepts.
Security, specifically eternal security in relation to our faith is a topic that I have discussed on this blog numerous times since 2019. For a sampling of passages I have addressed, consider Conditional Security – Passage List.
Regarding assurance, may I suggest that assurance in a continuing work of the Spirit. February 19th of 1981, as I bowed my knee and confessed my sin, The Spirit of God provided me assurance of salvation by the Risen Lord. Surety of salvation was real, to the point I was willing to enter a building on fire to help someone if trapped. (If I haven’t told the story, and any are interested, let me know.)
As I have faltered and failed through my walk with Him, my assurance ebbed and flowed also. As I focused on my own abilities, needs, wants and desires, I found my assurance waned also. As I refocused on the Messiah, and centered on Him, I found my assurance being reestablished based on His abilities and not my own.
Assurance is an obedience issue. On the other hand, security, (that is eternal security), may sometimes become for the believer a crutch to depend on, understanding that the initial faith in the Messiah is a binding contract between God and the “believer”. Eternal Security may even an opportunity to avoid the Word of the Savior, thinking that refusal of obeying will only cost a crown in heaven and not the entrance to it.
My friend, if you are of the persuasion of the OSAS teaching, that is of the Once Saved Always Saved thinking, be sure you test it, as the apostle directs us later in this letter.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 but test everything; hold fast what is good.
Do not, as I have in my previous experience, depend a select number of verses without considering the opposing view. Be diligent in your study, and face difficult passages that will challenge your current thinking. Our faith is a life of repentance, not only in moral issues, but also in our understanding of the ways of God.
Nevertheless, in each of our understandings of the message of the gospel, we are to look to Him for all things, encourage those we come in contact with, and exhort those who are claiming a faith they are not living.
He is the One we are to look to and it is from the Spirit of God that we will receive the direction we so desperately need to honor the Father!
A little while ago, I produced a verse by verse series in Philippians. I really enjoyed that exercise and have been wondering if I should take on another book. Well it turns out that 1 Thessalonians is the victim of my machinations, and hopefully, the thoughts produced by this fantastic book will edify and encourage the reader.
As with Philippians I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
1 Thessalonians 1:4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,
Election. To be chosen.
There is a large portion of the Christian body that focuses on this term and develops a logical construction of the process of salvation with the help of this term.
I have spent much of my time as a believer deep in this teaching, defending the doctrine, all in an effort to promote the faith, to maintain the true gospel and to provide comfort and encouragement to those who have not found the truth.
In this teaching called Calvinism, I emphasized the need to believe the logical construction of the five points of Calvinism, in order to provide an eternal security to the believer. If you have been with me for any period of time, you will have come to know that this teaching has been found wanting in my mind and heart as I have aged, and that security in Jesus is found in the person of God and not a contract that I depended on 40 some odd years ago.
Yes I depended on that night in 1981 as my key to heaven, instead of the Living Christ!
The verse we are addressing this morning is one of seven verses that use the term “chosen” ἐκλογή eklogḗ. The full list of this specific word follows.
In our verse today, it is apparent that the evidence of the choosing by God of these Thessalonians is described in the next verse, and we shall develop that thought in our next post. For the verse today, let us consider the motivation of God in His choosing the Thessalonians at the time of Paul’s visit.
Loved by God
In this verse we have one verb. Simple. One action word by which Paul is trying to communicate to these people a message of comfort and encouragement. The verb is not “to choose” or “chosen”, but beloved.
This is the heart of the verse, and here our focus should rightly settle. As we get into our next verse, Paul will indicate that these people understood the love of God, and that Paul reminded them of God’s choosing of them by the evidence of their actions.
I do not understand Paul to be teaching an us / them scenario, in which he calls out believers as more special, or better than those who did not believe. He simply reminds them of the love of God they experienced, and of the proof of this through the actions they took.
Consider – Might there be some interplay between the love of God and the decisions/actions these believers entered into that exhibited the truth of their faith to Paul? Is Paul letting them know that based on the power of the Spirit in their lives and their steel convictions, it is evident they are children of God.
My friends, as I ventured into the logical reasonings of Calvinism – and it is logical! , I found I fell into a fatalism, a thinking (rightly or wrongly – I cannot tell) that caused a hardening in my heart, an indifference to those outside the faith.
In my focusing on my election, I fell into the rut of thinking “They weren’t chosen but I was”. Whatever evangelistic tone in my life morphed into a analytical defense of a teaching that created an us/them thinking. Are we to discern truth by the effect it has on our lives? I would argue that any teaching that hardens us to others is not the spirit of the Friend of Sinners!
This is my testimony, and I do not claim it to be anything other than my testimony, but to follow after the logical reasoning that in time past God chose me to be saved created questions I couldn’t grapple with, thoughts that limited God and froze me up.
But God loves me, a sinner and rebel that is weak, blind and crippled. He has provided a Savior that constantly provides blessing and gladness in spite of my history, my failings and my self love. His love is to be the Banner over our lives, not a teaching that creates questions, provides mysteries and borrows from a logical thought process of the ancients.
As mentioned above, I have walked away from a contractual perspective of Christianity, finding that security may be best, and I believe, only be found in the person of the Christ. As the believer seeks to follow the Messiah, we find that He provides the comfort, encouragement, strength, challenge and guidance for a daily walk.
To know Him and to follow Him is to have and gain an internal security that settles in the heart, as opposed to an eternal security based on a decision in some past point in time.
The decision to trust Christ is the start of a continual life adventure that is full of challenge, rife with repentance, and with abounding comfort and He ministers to His people.
He is so good. He loves us! Spend your day focusing on the great love of God, and His continued blessing in your life.
May God be honored in our lives by our remembering His great love to us!
A little while ago, I produced a verse by verse series in Philippians. I really enjoyed that exercise and have been wondering if I should take on another book. Well it turns out that 1 Thessalonians is the victim of my machinations, and hopefully, the thoughts produced by this fantastic book will edify and encourage the reader.
As with Philippians I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
1 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.
Let’s remember that this letter to the Thessalonians is the first of Paul’s many letters to churches and individuals that have become identified as Scripture.
In his career as an apostle, Paul would end up writing at least 13 books of the 27 in the New Testament.
Those books would be Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. I did not add Hebrews to the list as there is disagreement over the author of Hebrews!
I mention this fact due to the multiple times we will trip over seed thoughts of Paul’s in relation to the Christian life, church truths, end time discussions and general direction for the believer in this letter to the fledgling church.
Such is the case in this verse. The triad of Christian virtues is laid out for us in this verse.
Faith love and hope. It turns out that this was a very present theme on Paul’s mind and heart as he aged through the Christian life. Here we find the seed thought in 1 Thessalonians – twice, for he speaks of this again in 1 Thessalonians 5:8 but it is expanded for us in 1 Corinthians.
He doesn’t provide the expansion as he does in 1 Corinthians, but let us consider each on thier own.
Work of Faith
Faith without works is dead. James would coin that phrase for the church to be challenged by years later as he wrote his letter, but the truth for our ears was spoken by the apostle, the apostle of grace, the same apostle who wrote that by grace we are saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.
We often consider faith to be an internal gift from God, and for many we gravitate to verses such as Romans 3:28 to support the sense that faith is apart from works, as spoken by the same apostle Paul.
Romans 3:28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
How are we to relieve the tension between faith apart from works, and the work of faith?
Consider that the work of faith springs from a faith that was from works. The order is critical, and the work of faith is simply the response of the believer to the tremendous grace Jesus Christ has offered us.
To those who believe not, but are considering following the Master, a word of note. If you truly believe, if you truly repent and believe, you will receive life, an amazing life, and from that life you will desire to know Him first, and to serve Him always. The natural outcome of knowing His will be to produce a work of faith as the Thessalonians did.
LAbor of Love
Again, Paul settles on the concept of work, or labor. A different word here though. As the word “work” in our previous clause was the Greek word ἔργον érgon, meaning to toil or to work, our verb “labor” is κόπος kópos, and it brings into the message the idea of intense labor combined with trouble, or even in combination with a beating, or the voluntary acceptance of trials and pain in the work.
Will not love drive you beyond the efforts your would expend for a simple paycheck, even for a distant friend? To Labor is to push yourself, sacrifice your time, treasure and talent for the sake of someone else, maybe even an enemy. This is so reminiscent of the Master Himself, for He labored for us.
Steadfastness of hope
As I lay in bed this morning, my mind wandered onto this verse and prior studies I ventured into years back. For you see, this steadfastness is a word I have looked at previously and found it to be fascinating.
For those who are interested in the concept of patience and endurance, I spent a period of time considering the concept and its importance in the Christian life in an 8 part series titled Patience. The first in the series is Patience – A Component of Hope
The term is our verse is ὑπομονή hupŏmŏnē, and speaks of a cheerful endurance, a “stick to itiveness” that is not dismayed by trials or tribulations. The term literally means to “remain under”, for the Greek word is made up of “hypo”, meaning under, and “meno”, meaning to remain. To remain under. When pressure becomes intolerable, remain under. When other’s walk away from the faith, remain under. When all the world is yelling at you to concede, or to give up, remain under. Be patient. Endure. Stay the course.
Though I spoke of a “stick to itiveness” above, this characteristic we are to exercise has an object of motivation. It is not simply a “grind your teeth and bear it” type of mentality, a state of stubbornness, but a standing of hope, or of expectation. It isn’t to be fueled by a stubborn heart, a heart that refuses to move out of shear pride.
This abiding under pressures or trials is to be maintained because of the One who led the way. He has endured, “stayed under” the suffering of the cross, for the joy that was set before Him.
Hebrews 12:2-3 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Is not the hope we have that we will experience joy in the future. Our hope is the amazing future ahead, to know Him better, to be with Him in the future. This hope is the anchor that motivates us to “stay under” to remain for His sake.
May the Lord give us the heart of expectation, that we may stand our ground with joy, to “stay under the pressure” and be faithful unto death.
A little while ago, I produced a verse by verse series in Philippians. I really enjoyed that exercise and have been wondering if I should take on another book. Well it turns out that 1 Thessalonians is the victim of my machinations, and hopefully, the thoughts produced by this fantastic book will edify and encourage the reader.
As with Philippians I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
1 Thessalonians 1:2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers,
We ended our last verse with grace and peace being conferred onto the church in Thessalonica. This verse is the expression of an Apostles heart to God for the fledgling church he had to leave behind.
Pauls second missionary journey, in which he was instrumental in the birth of this church, was between 49 & 51 AD. His second journey took him through the following cities, planting the life of Christ wherever he could.
Antioch
Syria
Cilicia
Derbe
Lystra
Phrygia
Galatia
Troas
Phillipi
Samothrace
Neopolis
Amphipolis
Thessalonica – 15 days
Berea
Athens
Corinth – 18 months
Ephesus
Caesarea
Antioch
I provide this list to indicate that during the second missionary journey of Paul, which lasted less than 4 years, he didn’t get to Thessalonica until possibly the second year, maybe the third year of the trip. Being in Corinth and sending the letter meant that it was very little time between when he left the church and when he wrote to them. Chronologies of Paul’s journey’s suggest less than a year between the planting of the church and the first letter to them.
Paul missed the church of Thessalonica.
Remember the life of an apostle, especially in Corinth, where he labored on his own and preached during the time he wasn’t working. Paul was a man of much energy and with a drive that would not shut off. Corinth was exploding and he may have felt this was the success he missed out on elsewhere. If it had been myself, the tendency would be to focus on the success.
Paul loved the church of Thessalonica.
Paul was thankful To God
It is good to remember that Paul thanked God for the church, and not the church for believing the gospel. This may seem like a “splitting of hairs”, but consider the difference.
To be thankful to God is to find the source of the blessing, the source of the life, the source of the life, to direct thanks to. Yes the church believed, but the Lord is the One to be thankful to for not only the message and the power of the message, but the guidance to the town, the interest of the adherents, and the continued faithfulness of God in leading this church, even as Paul was missing.
Yes it is wise, and right to be thankful to God. To be thankful to our those we rub shoulders with is a blessing, for us and to them, and is not to be discounted. Yet in the final analysis, thankfulness, true thankfulness is to be directed to God.
Paul was thankful For All
Ok. We are to be thankful to God. Got it. Paul says for all. Even that saint that gossips, or is lazy and entitled, those that are fear mongers and busy bodies. Yes our churches are full of these type, and though Paul did not have to face these folk on a daily, or even weekly basis, he was thankful to God for ALL.
As we go through this letter to a church that had up to 12 months of life together in Jesus, Paul brings to the front certain issues that are of concern. He knows there are those who are not pulling their weight, that are going around spreading gossip, or spreading false hope. Problems, but he will get to the granularity of the church soon enough. For now, he is expressing his thankfulness to God for all the church, each saint no matter their maturity or dedication.
For us, we are involved day to day with those we have been joined to through Christ and we seen the issues, (though not our own!) Be thankful for those you worship with, for those you study with, for those you serve with, for those you mourn with and for those you rejoice with.
Nothing destroys a family faster than an unthankful heart to God.
Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they did not …. give thanks to him….
There is an option for the believer!
Colossians 3:15b …be thankful.
After all, to be thankful is a command, and that means we can (and should) exercise a thankful spirit unto God our Savior
A little while ago, I produced a verse by verse series in Philippians. I really enjoyed that exercise and have been wondering if I should take on another book. Well it turns out that 1 Thessalonians is the victim of my machinations, and hopefully, the thoughts produced by this fantastic book will edify and encourage the reader.
As with Philippians I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
1 Thessalonians 1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.
Three men. A simple greeting to a group of people that they barely knew.
These men arrived uninvited, interrupted their lives and vanished. When I say they interrupted their lives, I mean it in only in the most drastic way.
This group of people, I assume, were peaceful, law abiding folk, seeking to know about the God of Israel, for they were adherents to the synagogue Paul and his ruffians entered. After only one message, hearts started changing. One message my friend. No extended argument or debate – the message struck hard and deep, with such force that those who resisted it resorted to violence. How pitiful.
For those who believed, they were under instant resistance, enduring much affliction, as we will read in a later verse. Two sabbaths later, Paul and his buddies are gone.
Now what? No one to guide or encourage. Very minimal teaching has been provided, when compared to other churches that had been started. Some of the churches had Paul as a teaching apostle for years!
Not the Thessalonians. Two weeks, maybe three and they had been effectively abandoned.
Abandoned by those three men, not out of want, but forced to move on. Abandoned if they had placed their faith in the apostles. Yet the church soldiered on, exhibiting faith love and hope. They had caught the message of the resurrected Savior and were moving on with it.
Paul expressed three wishes or prayers for this fledgling church.
Grace
That which is partnered with joy, delight, loving kindness, favor, bounty and benefit. For grace to be provided means the recipients are the benefactors of Another, and that is Paul’s prayer, not that they may receive it, but that they realize they have it.
Grace is a merciful kindness to those recipients, a full dose of the sweetness and gentleness of God to a needy people.
Peace
Peace is not the absence of violence. Peace is not the absence of war, although there may be a link.
Peace in the first century spoke of a wholeness of life, of a harmony within and between people and God. There can be national peace – that is no war between nations, and yet the turmoil and upheaval inside a soul can be devastating. Let us not reduce peace to a simple visual understanding of actions of violence.
Peace is a tranquil state of the soul, even in the midst of uncertainty and upheaval. This is the Thessalonians state, for they lived amongst those who erupted their city for the sake of quelling the small group from advancing. They were, in their enemies minds, worthy of destruction.
And Paul sends peace.
Grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom it is obvious these folks followed!
A little while ago, I produced a verse by verse series in Philippians. I really enjoyed that exercise and have been wondering if I should take on another book. Well it turns out that 1 Thessalonians is the victim of my machinations, and hopefully, the thoughts produced by this fantastic book will edify and encourage the reader.
As with Philippians I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
A little background before we dig into this letter from Paul. It is a precious letter in that it is the first of Paul’s letters to the churches he founded and directed, so we may see in this writing, many seed thoughts he develops in messages to other churches.
So a bit of background.
The Thessalonian church was birthed after the Philippian church, quickly and under very stressful circumstances.
You see, Paul would always go to the cities where there was a synagogue (with the exception of Philippi) to reason first with those who had background in the Old Testament. It was a logical place to spread the Word since it seems so obvious that the Messiah Jesus was the fulfillment of all the prophecies scattered throughout the Old Testament.
But there was resistance! The most ungodly of resistance erupted, those who hate God and despise any mention of our Lord. You may assume it was some humanists, or antichrist movement. It turns out that the resistance Paul experienced in the city of Thessalonica was of the Jews. A bit surprising when I first read that years ago.
And you may ask – How did they cause resistance? Violence. They used violence in an effort to quell the preaching of the gospel.
Acts 17:5 But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd.
As an aside, it seems obvious that if violence is the first method of taking out a new way of thinking, those unleashing the violence obviously cannot win the debate, or provide an appeal for their adherents to remain. To be violent is a sign of weakness, a sign of the inability to provide cogent arguments against the opposing view. But this is the Jews only option, for who can argue against a man who rose from the dead?
It turns out that due to this violence, Paul and Silas moved on to the next city after only 3 Sabbaths. This could be as little as 15 days, and out of that 15 days, a church was born, and the life of Christ began spreading throughout the city!
Acts 17:7 and Jason has received them (the apostles), and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.”
The life of Christ began, but the opposition did not stop.
Note the earthly wisdom of the Jews. They knew they had no chance in the arena of religion, so they went political, spreading the news of Jesus being the King. Nothing like some competition for the ruling class to get up in arms over it. And get up in arms they did, for though they did not restrain the apostles, they did get hold of a fellow named Jason, who provided shelter for the apostles. How dare he!
As government often does, they will threaten some judgement on a traitor, for if Jason is following another king, he is a traitor to the king before! Note the solution to this “traitorous” activity of Jason, is to fine Jason. Money. An opportunity to make (or take?) a buck. Kinda sad, for the Jews had influenced an arm of the government to exercise a desired discipline, but it turns out the government was satisfied with a couple of bucks.
Nevertheless, Paul and his helpers made a huge impact on this city, and though Paul never returned, this letter from him holds many truths believers find comfort and challenge in.
I hope during our journey through Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, we can find up to date applications for the believers life in the here and now.
Our travels through the book of Philippians is complete, though not done. I have studied this book many times and been the richer for it each time. This frail effort at a verse by verse study has been a blessing to me, sometimes a challenge to me, but always edifying for this old man.
But we have come to the last verse in Philippians and I would like to offer my readers a chance to provide suggestions to replace the Philippian post on Sunday.
I have a number of topical and character studies I am pursuing and enjoying currently on this blog, and appreciate your interaction with me on them.
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion
For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
4:23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
As our last verse in this series, we come to what was my wife’s favorite verse in the New Testament when we first go married. Personally I though a simple benediction like this was somewhat odd as a favorite verse, but I stand corrected.
The passage speaks of the Savior in simple terms, and of His predominant nature, and the church as the recipients of His grace. It is a fitting closure to such a great letter between an apostle of the Lord and His people.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit!
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion
For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
4:22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
In our last post, we reviewed the command to greet all the saints. Paul reciprocates that command with the statement that all the saints greet the Philippian church, especially those who are guarding Paul, that represent the strongest negative force fighting the church at the time.
The very enemy of the church, the Roman empire, that would persecute the church for centuries, was being absorbed, sucked into the church, as it fought it. Paul’s inclusion of the saints in Caesar’s household is so appropriate, for it not only encouraged the Philippians that Paul had allies in Rome, but that those who may have taken liberties in their position was now bending the knee to the same God the church was worshipping, and that Paul was raising up.
As with the previous verse, the general attitude is victory, of acceptance, of making enemies into friends. Paul told his church to do it, and he provides evidence here that he is actively pursuing the same goal.
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion
For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
4:21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.
Paul is bidding farewell to his church and in this verse he is encouraging a relatively healthy church to greet EVERY saint in Christ Jesus.
How are they to know the true from the false brethren? How can the church at Philippi be sure they are not encouraging false brothers. Folks that travel through the area may claim to be Christians, but as per some churches today, they should accept someone as a believer only upon the acceptance and passing of some test, or by some commitment to a certain dogma or specific doctrine.
Paul’s encouragement to the church at Philippi to greet every saint says much about the attitude of a healthy believer. Suspicion takes a back seat to acceptance. Trust and a hopeful, expectant attitude towards others is a standard that is implied with this command.
Accept those who come into your circle of friends, care for them, give them the benefit of the doubt. Of course, as you get to know them, and there may be something of concern, the best approach to take may be to simply chat with them, ask pertinent questions, and teach the Word to them in order to find common ground. A judgement is to be a very last resort, and even if a concern cannot be worked out to continue in fellowship, hatred and animosity is not to be a part of the separation.
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. He is all about accepting those who are less than Him. We should do so also.
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion
For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
4:20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Paul is closing this letter to his dear friends and begins his sign off to the church without any defense of his apostleship, as with the Corinthians, or warnings as with the Galatians. He is simply bidding them farewell with final remarks that should represent each and every believers heart towards those in the family of God.
Our lives, weak, crippled, deaf and blind as we are can be instruments to bring glory to God, if we reflect the only Glorious One, as Paul refers to in our final verse.
As we reflect the mercy, grace, wisdom, patience, love, joy, longsuffering and peace of the Spirit of God, glory can be translated to the Father. But as we receive glory, might we be in the way somewhat to the only deserving beneficiary?
Remember that glory belongs to God, and that we are simply recipients of grace, love and mercy from the only Source of life!
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion
For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
If my memory serves me right, this is the first bible verse I ever memorized as a Christian. Of course John 3:16 was burned in my mind as I was taken to Sunday School for a year or so as a youngster, but it never connected.
Philippians 4:19 was precious to my wife and I as a young couple, for we spent years struggling to make ends meet. After a couple of years as newlyweds, we had the crazy idea of living in a different land without any known support for two years. And then move to a church hundreds of miles away to help the Pastor as he was planting a new work. (Little did we know that he was to run off after we arrived, and the church shrunk to one family and an elderly lady!)
Nevertheless, this short verse was referred to in our prayers often, but I would like to admit we only referred to this verse and ignored the context.
The Philippians sacrificed for Paul. They gave till it hurt, and then gave some more. The sacrifice given was a pleasing aroma unto God, and out of this context, Paul gave this promise.
Am I saying we were wrong in depending on the grace of God for his supply. Absolutely not, for He is gracious to all. But the context of this verse is also important to remember when the Lord calls on us to give till it hurts for those we love.
He is able to provide, in ways that is astounding. If I had a year, and three keyboards, (for I would definitely wear out two of them ), I would write some of the miraculous ways God has provided.
But my intent with this post is to encourage you to be a Philippian for the sake of love and not recompence, or the miraculous, to love someone and to sacrifice for them, even to their abundance, simply to please God (and not to congratulate yourself!)
Be a Philippian!
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion
For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
4:18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
Full payment for the services he has provided for the church? Full payment for his speaking itinerary? Full payment completing the contractual agreement the church entered into to support him? What is Paul receiving full payment for?
I do not understand why this translation includes the concept of payment. I am a simple fellow, but after Paul writes such a kind and subtle letter of thanksgiving, he introduces a concept of funds being supplied as a payment?
Something just doesn’t make sense here.
As I review some of the common translations of the modern era, I find that the concept of “payment” is introduced in the NIV, the RSV and the ESV. Of the 16 translations reviewed (see here), three introduce the concept of payment.
You see, a common thought associated with payment is that of money given to pay a debt, or in exchange for services rendered. After having travelled through Philippians with me now for close to 100 weeks, have you ever been impressed with Paul’s effort to require anything from this church? Remind me of a verse, or a phrase, where Paul speaks of a debt they owe him, that can be solved with money.
Paul is telling them he has everything he needs, and not only that but he has an abundance. He is specific regarding the current gift Epaphroditus has carried to him from the church, and begins to go full blown spiritual on these kind folks.
He confirms that this sacrifice of goods delivered to him through Epaphroditus is not simply a temporal support for their friend and apostle, but an offering unto God, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to the Father.
Paul has enough – more than enough. God is pleased.
There is no mention of book keeping, tax records, hours worked, holiday pay, vacations or sabbaticals. The entire book is about a man called by God who has introduced a small group of people to Jesus, and their continued acts of love toward each other.
It can’t get any simpler than that.
We tend to find ways to make rules and laws, guidelines and stipulations, negotiations and bartering practices between brothers and sisters for service to each other.
Lord – help us to love without contracts and fee schedules!
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion
For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
4:17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
There are motivations that are holy and their are motivations that are not! Is Paul defining the two in this verse?
Let us remember the example of Jesus, where he said it is more blessed to give than to receive, and that he stated the beautiful phrase of “freely ye have received, freely give”.
There is this principle within the Word that describes the mature believer as one who does not consider his own needs as important as another’s needs. It is a self sacrificial life, looking for the gain of others, even at the cost of his own.
This is based on the constant realization that the God of all has supplied the needs of the believer directly to the believer, that he is settled into this security, that he has faith in God to provide his needs and therefore looks to be a blessing to others.
Is this not what Paul is expressing? Paul is content with the situation God has placed him in, for the context of this passage began with his expression of contentment in both high and low times. He doesn’t have to seek a gift, for he knows the One who ultimately provides.
And based on this faith, this experience, this internal knowledge, he is able to consider the needs or benefits of others instead of his own.
Paul has expressed this heart of the gospel in this verse, being his own heart.
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion
For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
4:16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.
Twice while he was in Thessalonica?
Let’s think about this statement.
The church didn’t have UPS in the day, nor the technological wizardry of sending funds instantly through a phone app. To get funds to Paul would require travelling through Neapolis, Amphipolis, and Apollonia. (See graphic below).
The distance from Philippi to Thessalonica was about 100 miles! The average walking velocity is about 3 mph. This trip, if walked would take over 30 hours, if there was no rest stop for the evening.
Let’s say two days to travel!
Ok – Lets consider the time Paul was in Thessalonica. Can anyone remember? Acts 17:2 speaks of three sabbath days of teaching before the Jews starting causing some trouble. Once the uproar started, it seems that Paul was sent away immediately (Acts 17:10)
Given the earlier info, we can suggest Paul may have been in Thessalonica for four weeks, roughly a month. In that time, the Philippians sent his gifts TWICE.
This screams of a church that could not stop reaching out to Paul, that they were anxious to help, looking for ways to help their apostle.
Can you imagine being part of a body that is so connected with a missionary that the gifts are sent out almost machinegun like!
Paul definitely found fertile soil in the city of Philippi for the gospel to root in!
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion
For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
4:15 And you yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.
Paul began this book with a thankful attitude, beginning in verse 5, speaking of the Philippians partnership with him in the gospel from the very start!
1:5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
As I mentioned in an earlier post in discussing a different matter, a cursory review of the times the Philippians assisted Paul in his journeys, or in his trials, could be detailed as follows
When he left the Philippian church the first time
Twice while he was in Thessalonica (see next verse)
At least once in Corinth
At least once in prison (the core reason for writing the Philippians)
But note the strength of Paul’s resolve in his mission work.
From a purely theoretical perspective, when Paul entered a new area and started a church, providing the life giving message to the lost, it would seem obvious that gifts would flow to Paul to encourage him on in spreading the gospel. Yet the only church that entered into this was a small church that began near a river with some womenfolk!
Paul had no real support! Paul sought it not – I am getting ahead of myself here – , but as is evident in this letter, the gifts were more than a simple transaction of assets, a transfer of funding, a contractual obligation that was being kept! These gifts were evidence of a love for Paul that was active, and of fruit being produced within the church.
One other note that I find most interesting. Paul speaks of the church “entering into partnership” with him in giving and receiving. Does it make sense that the church initiated this act of love? Do you see the apostle Paul preach, (as many in the church nowadays preach,) of the obligation to support the full time worker, of the need to cough up the cash?
I am of the opinion that Paul allowed this gifting, even being surprised that the church initiated this act of partnership. I have no evidence to suggest that any other church prior to this letter entered into this type of care for the apostle.
Truly, Paul had found fertile soil for the gospel to flourish in.
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion
For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
4:14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.
Paul continues in this heartfelt letter to his church in Philippi, speaking of this gift they had provided. And yet Paul settled on the thought of sharing in his trouble.
He emphasized their sharing of his trouble, of their taking upon themselves a burden to be borne with Paul. He did not phrase this as simply a financial transaction, much like some of the gifts I may have given in the past, or of an obligation that was fulfilled due to some promise made, or commitment to be fulfilled.
This phrase screams of two things in my mind.
Proactive
I hope I am not reading into the passage, but the love this church had for Paul was expressed in a willingness to help, that when a “trouble” became known, the church did not wait for a plea from the apostle, for a request for assistance. They were proactive, looking for ways to be of assistance.
It seems they were on the lookout for the apostle, keeping their eyes and ears open for an opportunity to join with him in his mission.
Team Culture
A team culture. What might be a better description of what I am trying to communicate? Yes – a better description might be that the church was a family, and that Paul was a brother who was away.
When one in a healthy family is hurting, the rest of the family comes around them to protect, to provide, to encourage, to support and to forgive.
As my own family has went through trials, I have seen my children huddle together to protect the hurting, “conspire” to find ways of helping their brother or sister, and generally be sensitive to the needs of those who are on the edge. I am truly thankful for the family the Lord has given my wife and I.
A family is a picture of a healthy church, and I have been privileged to be a part of a church like this at different times in my life. If you are currently in a church that is a proactive family, give thanks to God. Give thanks to God and keep a look out for those who may be in trouble.
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion
For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
A few years ago, a sports figure began to display this verse on his clothing, and the implication was that nothing could stop him on the field/court. He could do all things because God was continually providing him the strength to perform on the field/court.
Does that make sense? Does that offend you? Is that a correct understanding of God’s working in our lives, that He provides not only skills, but the energy, ambition and drive to succeed. He is the One who provides our very breath, so in a sense, He does provide much of what I have described.
Yet is this what Paul is speaking of? Did Paul see a sports figure claiming God was in the middle of his experience in playing a sport, when he wrote this famous verse?
Since this is a blog that works through this book in a verse by verse method, let’s remember what we found out last time in verse 12. What was the topic? Sport related abilities to win championships?
Or might it be something much more important, much more valuable in the eyes of God.
Contentment. The context is contentment, and Paul is speaking how he can find this contentment in all things, in all situations, in all areas of life. Not that the believer is to find contentment passively, but to learn from experiences and situations in order to attain this contentment.
Two ways of interpreting this verse.
One way may be described that God is our servant, providing the needs to succeed in a vocation, to gain more and more victories, higher salaries, bigger houses, larger egos(?). More and more and more.
Or possibly, just possibly, that God would like us to be satisfied in Him, living a life in communion with Him, finding time for Him.
One practical suggestion in gaining this life of contentment is to minimize our exposure to the deadly advertising industry prevalent in our lives. Remember, to advertise is to make us desire what we don’t have, to make us uncontented.
And what are you going to do if you reduce your time spent under the influence of advertising?
I can think of a couple things that might please God, through Him who strengthens me.
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion
For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
4:12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
In our last blog, we spoke of contentment
In the Christian life, I am convinced that contentment falls back onto our relation with the Lord and our understanding that His will is above our will. If we are constantly seeking our will, and struggling to attain our wishes, our wants, our desires, we cannot experience contentment.
Contentment has the meaning of being independent of external circumstances. As circumstances come into our lives, our very continuing dependence on the Lord is tested.
A tragedy coming into our lives may reveal a lack of correct dependence, and as such, should be considered a welcomed notification from our Father.
A more difficult circumstance is success. As we seek to be faithful to our God, others should see our desire to do things properly and correctly, and out of this recognition of character, may be provided greater responsibility and greater rewards for our service. The rewards are the problem, for we sometimes get distracted with the rewards and move away from a contented, well placed dependence on God.
One additional meaning of contentment is the realization that you are strong enough to need no aid or support from others.
This I fear is where the modern believer may suffer want. Not that we do not have all we need in our work or in our ministries, but that the tempting messages bombarding our senses every day teaches us we are not complete until we have the latest iPhone, or the fastest internet, or the tastiest hamburger.
To be content. It is a goal that we are constantly required to learn in this culture.
If you have a sense of contentment, you are a thankful person. If you do not live in a thankful spirit, check out your contentment meter.
You may be running on fumes!
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion
Considering the Bible 