Thursday, October 10

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

Jeremiah 14:11–16:15

1 Thessalonians 2:10–3:13

Psalm 80:1–19

Proverbs 25:1–5

 

 

Today’s reading in 1 Thessalonians provides a unique view into the missionary Paul and his beloved friends in Christ, even though they had shared less than a month together.  In Christ, their connection had strengthened through the Gospel, and their similar experiences of persecution had knitted them together in hope of the Second Coming.

 

 

“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:11,12)

 

Paul demonstrates how those who would like to win souls and to build up the church must approach their ministry with a spirit of flexibility, becoming “all things to all men.” (1 Thessalonians 9:22)  In yesterday’s passage from 1 Thessalonians, we read how Paul had treated the Thessalonian believers as a nurturing mother.  Here, he explains how he encouraged, comforted, and urged his children in the Lord, helping them to live worthily for God Himself.  He had prepared the Thessalonians to become fruitful, bringing renown to the Name of Christ:  “And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.  The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia — your faith in God has become known everywhere.  Therefore, we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,  and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead — Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.” (1 Thessalonians 1:7–10)

 

 

“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

 

Please note that the word of God holds its own authority.  Its eternal value contrasts with the passing value of man’s wisdom.  Furthermore, the word of God, which may represent both the Scriptures or the Gospel, actively changes our hearts.  Hebrews 4:12,13 explains:  “…  The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

 

 

“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?  Is it not you?  Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” (1 Thessalonians 2:19)

 

Both letters to the Thessalonians discuss the Second Coming of Christ quite prominently, with Paul’s words turning to this subject, either directly or indirectly, in each chapter.  For Paul the servant of God, he found his “glory and joy” in the lives of the faithful Thessalonians, not in the trappings of the world.  A growing love for souls may empower evangelism and bring righteous joy in witnessing changed lives in the Gospel.

 

 

“Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.  May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.  May he strengthen your hearts to that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with his holy ones.” (1 Thessalonians 3:11–13)

 

Paul prays for an overflowing love and a strengthening of the Thessalonians’ heart to become “blameless and holy.”  In this chapter and in No. 4, Paul frames no just his desire for the believers, but also God’s will for them.  We may benefit from joining Paul in praying these items for Grace Church and for our friends and relatives in Christ:  that we might become ready for Christ’s coming.

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