Monthly Archives: October 2022

1 Thessalonians 2- Gospel of God

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For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-4

 What is the greatest career you can have in your life? Some would say a doctor or a lawyer, others would say a professional athlete or a rock star, however the greatest calling you can have in your life is to be a preacher of the gospel. This is a calling that has no career path, there is no money, there is no bragging rights, there is no retirement plan or benefits, however its a calling that has the highest honor and privilege than any other occupation in the world, because its to please our God and has eternal results

As Paul mentions, they have suffered and have been shamefully treated, however they still preach the boldness of the gospel. Being a real  preacher of Christ  is not an easy job, its not prestigious, its not glamorous, however notice what Paul says “We were allowed of God to be put in trust of the gospel” The honor and privilege is God trusts you enough to faithfully and honestly preach the gospel, that’s an amazing calling

But notice Paul calls it “Gospel of God”, for those who believe Paul didn’t see Christ as God, scripture once again rebukes you. We know the gospel is about Christ, and Paul refers to Christ as God. As Paul says “Not pleasing men but God” Doesn’t matter if modern day society doesn’t like the true Gospel, we are to please God not people. The Church can’t be compromising the gospel to be more accepted by the world, this is a fall into heresy

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. 1 Thessalonians 2:5-8

Again we see the Apostle Paul use the term “Gospel of God” , he didn’t misspeak and it wasn’t an error, Paul was referring to Jesus Christ as God in the flesh (John 1:14, Isaiah 9:6) Paul mentions they didn’t water down the gospel to please people, they didn’t use flattering words, they preached the gospel the same way it was revealed to them by Christ himself

But Paul also says “We were gentle among you” The early Church wasn’t looking for a fight, like many Christians today on social media, the early Church was stern about the gospel and still treated people with respect. If someone rejects the gospel, then we need to shake the dust off our feet as Jesus said (Matthew 10:14) Remember to preach the gospel of God to everyone and everywhere, Amen!

1 Thessalonians 1- Example for Christ

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We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:  1 Thessalonians 1:2-6

The Apostle Paul opens up his letter to the Church of Thessalonica , telling and reminding them, he is praying for them always. This should be the model for all of us and the Church, we should be praying for one another continually, especially the Pastor. If the Shepherd of the Church is not praying individually for every person under their watch, they should step down as the Pastor. And as fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we should be praying for one another without ceasing

The next thing Paul mentions is the Churches, work of faith and labor of love. This means the Church was actively busy fulfilling the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) being the hands and feet of Christ , helping the poor, administering to the sick, sharing the gospel of Christ. The Church is not dead, just sitting on their couch waiting for the Rapture to come. They are the light of the world and the salt of the Earth (Mathew 5)

Also Paul reminds the Church, you are here because you are the elect of God. These believers not only heard the gospel, but were baptized by the Holy Spirit (John 3) They were Christians because they answered the call from the Great Shepherd Jesus Christ (John 10) Even though the Church is being persecuted and afflicted, they had the joy of the Holy Spirit inside them, because they are Born Again

So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye 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, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 7-10

Paul gives the Church of Thessalonica a great compliment, he says “You have become an example to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia”  The other Christians around the Asia Minor noticed the Church of Thessalonica, they were not fake Christians, they not only talked the talk but they walked the walk. Other people could see the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5) in the Christians of Thessalonica.

We as Christians need to be a good example for others around us also, whether you realize it or not, others are watching you including non-believers. When you declare yourself a Christian, the microscope is on your life. Jesus said “You will be known by the fruit you produces” (Matthew 7:16) So how do you become fruitful? You need to become Born Again in Christ through the Holy Spirit (John 3) A dead Church is often indicator of the Holy Spirit is missing. Just like the Church of Thessalonica, we need to be good examples to the world, the body of Christ, Amen!

Ephesians 6- Pray Always

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Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.  Ephesians 6:18-20

What is Pauls advice here to the Church? Pray, pray, and pray some more! Prayer should be an essential part of our lives, just as oxygen to breath. Prayer should never be an afterthought or an act of a emergency, prayer should be a daily routine. Can you have a relationship with your spouse or anyone without communication? Of course not, then how do you expect to have a personal relationship with God, if you don’t have a strong prayer life?

The late Leornard Ravenhill once said this ““No man is greater than his prayer life. The pastor who is not praying is playing; the people who are not praying are straying. We have many organizers, but few agonizers; many players and payers, few pray-ers; many singers, few clingers; lots of pastors, few wrestlers; many fears, few tears; much fashion, little passion; many interferers, few intercessors; many writers, but few fighters. Failing here, we fail everywhere.

Ravenhill always had a way with words, however his point is clear, someone who doesn’t have a strong spiritual life, probably has a weak prayer life. As the Apostle Paul says here “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” We need the Holy Spirit also, we can’t expect to understand God or want a relationship with him unless we are Born Again.  The natural man doesn’t understand the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Paul also insisted on praying for the saint (Christians) and hoping they would pray for him also. We should be actively praying for one another daily, praying for your family, praying for your children, praying for your Church, praying for your Pastor, there should never be no enough people to pray for. Pray for your community and neighbors, that the Holy Spirit will work in their lives and unhardens their hearts to hear the gospel. Instead of Christians arguing and fighting with each other, pray for one another, allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us during our daily walk

When we examine Jesus’ ministry on Earth, prayer was an essential part of his life. Often The Lord would get alone and spend time praying with our Heavenly Father. This should be the model of our lives. No matter how busy our lives become, we always need to find time alone with God. We need to pour out our hearts to The Lord so God will pour out the Holy Spirit on us, Amen!

Ephesians 6- Armor of God

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Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:10-13

The Armor of God is one of Pauls classic teachings that almost everyone remembers from Sunday School. Paul is introducing the spiritual warfare we will face as Christians on a daily basis. This is more practical spiritual advice that we all can take and apply it to our daily lives and walk with Christ. If we don’t put on the Armor of God, we are really opening ourselves up for demonic attacks, which is what you really see in society today

“Put on the Armor of God, so you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” Notice without the Armor of God, you won’t be able to stand against the demons. Without the Word of God as your sword, without the Holy Spirit living inside of you, you are opening yourself up for demonic attacks and schemes that will destroy your life and eventually your soul

“We don’t wrestle with flesh and bone, but against the principalities and powers of darkness” We are all fighting a spiritual warfare, you are not just fighting against your enemies or maybe your health problems, you are fighting against demonic forces that have orchestrated this attack on you. You need to realize, you will not win this fight on your own, the only way to victory is Jesus Christ, the Lord over all things including Satan and demons. 

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  Ephesians 6:14-17

What are some things we can learn from Paul’s analogies? You need the shield of faith, meaning you need to have strong faith in Christ so when the demonic attacks come, you will be able to withstand them. Without faith, when the arrows of Satan come after you, you will fall away and be devoured. Put your faith in Christ, your rock and foundation, then you will be able to stand against anything in this world

Secondly , you need your swordy, the Word of God. You can never go to battle without being equipped with your spiritual sword, the Bible. Without your sword you will be quickly destroyed by the lies and deception of Satan. However when you have your sword of truth, the Word of God, you can stand against any form of evilness and rebuke them in Jesus name!

Don’t go anywhere without your Armor of God, build your faith, pray without ceasing, study the Word of God and be filled with the Holy Spirit, Amen!

Ephesians 6- Slaves and Masters

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Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. Ephesians 6:5-9

Today we look at passages that are considered controversial today, mainly because it’s a misunderstanding from the Greek to English language and a lack of understanding of the context of the scriptures. Many Atheists and skeptics will jump on these scriptures to say “Aha, the Bible is racist” or insist Paul is promoting slavery as we known it from a Western culture. However taking a deeper look and doing a little bit of research, you will find that its not the case here at all

The original Greek word here is “Doulos” this word can be translated as slave but also translated a “bondservant” which is the way the NKJV translated it “Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;” (Ephesians 6:5 (NKJV) When translated to bondservant , it gives the context a total different meaning to this teaching.

In Roman times, the term bondservant or slave could refer to someone who voluntarily served others (gotquestions.org)  A bondservant was someone who voluntarily served others, much like an employment agreement we have today. In today’s world , a company recruits you for work, you agree to their terms, and you have an agreement to be their employee.Technically you then have a master/servant relationship.  This was the same relationship with a bondservant and a master in the first century. Paul is not talking about slavery as we know it from a Western cultural perspective

Now to understand the principle Paul is teaching here “Serve with good will, as to The Lord and not man” (v7) Whatever we do in life, we should do it for the glory of God. If you are working a job, you should do your best with honesty and integrity, as to represent Christ. Maybe you have a bad boss, or maybe you hate your job, you should still do your best as if you are working for The Lord Jesus Christ himself

This goes the same for “Masters” or employers/businesses. If you are a business owner or manager, you should treat your employees with the love of Christ. You should operate and conduct your business with integrity as Jesus Christ is your Lord. While these scriptures are usually taken out of context in today’s society, there are great principles here that we can apply to our daily lives Amen!