Tag Archives: Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 2- Walk Worthy of God

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For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12

Another thing that was very commendable about Paul’s ministry, is it was self funded. As Paul says here “For laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable or a burden to any of you” Paul actually worked as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3) , this is actually how he found Aquila and Priscilla, who were also tentmakers. The point is Paul didn’t go around begging people for money to support his ministry, he actually worked side jobs to accomplish this. Now with that said, many Christians did support Paul financially as they were led in their hearts by the Holy Spirit, but Paul never demanded any money from anyone to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ

Paul goes on to say that they treated everyone as a Father would treat their children. Paul loved Christ, but he is loved the souls he was trying to share the gospel with. Today we see alot of YouTube street preachers just condemning everyone for their sins, how is this loving? Treat people as if their were your child, try to relate to them, try to have a real conversation with them, of course teach them the true gospel of Christ. As Paul said “You are all witnesses and God, how we behaved” These Christians behaved in a way that they were respectable and honorable. They were not just stirring the pot to get attention, they actually cared about these peoples souls, as a Father cares for their children

Here is a statement I love what Paul says “Walk worthy of God, who has called you unto his Kingdom and Glory” We need to walk in a manner that is honoring Christ. If we act immoral or unfruitful, then this actually brings dishonor to God. To be called by Christ is the greatest calling you can receive , live your life as a servant to Christ, a life that would be worthy to be called a Christian

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

But lets remember that all the work we do is filthy rags, and the only one who can save people is God himself. Thats why Paul is saying “Be thankful for the elect, who heard the gospel and were able to receive it” Why do some people receive the gospel and some reject it? Only God knows the minds and hearts of people, we are just his vessels to spread the seed, the Word of God, and let the Holy Spirit work on their hearts

In your daily life, in your ministry, at your Church, at your job, walk worthy of your calling by God. People should be able to identify you as a Christian, just by your conduct and your fruits, because being a disciple of Christ is the highest calling a person can ever receive Amen!

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!