Unpacking 1 Thessalonians: Chapter 2

 

In this Chapter, Paul is defending himself, Silvanus and Timothy to the Thessalonian Church, reminding them of their honesty when they was with them and how they had preached the gospel with God given authority and with all truth and integrity.

Because of this steadfast stance they took whilst with them, they had attracted many enemies amongst the Jews and other unbelievers there that were trying to discredit them and their authority to preach the Gospel. Their effective preaching had provoked these people to jealousy, and they in turn had stirred up “evil men”, mostly layabouts and thugs from the marketplace, to slander their name – see Acts 17:5-8.

Paul’s concern here was not that he was worried about their character being slandered but that the gospel and the name of Jesus would be slandered! If the unbelievers could discredit Paul and his companions, then they could discredit the gospel. In Chapter 2 Paul, counteracts the lies of the Jews and other unbelievers by confirming to them that their preaching and actions were approved by God.

Note: In the body on this article the verses from 1 Thessalonians 2 are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.

Paul’s Conduct
1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. 3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.

In the first three verses of this chapter Paul reminds the Thessalonians that his and his companions coming to Thessalonica and their teaching of the gospel to them was not in vain as they themselves (the Thessalonian Church) through the change that had come upon their physical lives, was evident for all to see! They were a good example of a true Christian church.

This is clear evidence that when we are living life in the Spirit in obedience to God’s Word, people notice and our faithful lifestyle becomes a testimony to others that we are born again! But if we are not living in obedience to the Word then we are no different to non-believers and no good example to the world!

Even in our suffering we are to keep our eyes on Jesus and remain faithful to Him so that we maintain our Christian witness to the world in all integrity. Troubles will come our way but In Christ Jesus we overcome adversity and in Him we find peace, the peace that passes all human understanding!

John 16:33 |(NKJV)

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you [will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Not People Pleasers
4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. 5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.

In verses 4-6, Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he, Silvanus and Timothy were entrusted and approved by God to preach the gospel to them, and they did not come to them to be people pleasers but rather to challenge them to accept the gospel and put their faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Their preaching was not done in a manner that would just make the Thessalonians feel good about themselves by flattering them with meaningless words. Nor did they preach it on the pretext of getting money out of them, nor to get the adoration of men and nor did they demand anything from them. They came to them in obedience to God and in the love of Christ expecting nothing in return.

My dear Readers, this is how the gospel should still be preached today!

But what do we get today? In many Churches and by many “celebrity preachers” and other such charlatans we get, ear ticklers, liars, money driven wolves in sheep’s clothing! Run from these Churches – the prosperity preachers, the “make me feel good preachers”, the entertainment centered churches – their lies and distortion of the true gospel will lead you to hell! Have nothing to do with them!

Matthew 7:15 (NKJV)

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

2 Timothy 4:1-4 (NKJV)

I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

In everything we do let’s be like Paul and his fellow missionaries, let’s not seek the praises and favour of men, but speak the truth of the Bible in love and give all glory, honour and praise to Jesus!

Sharing lives in fellowship with each other
7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 9 For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

In verses 7-9 Paul not only shows how he and his companions loved and cherished the Thessalonians whilst they were with them but also how they worked amongst them physically so that they would not be a burden to them. Just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children!

This also shows us today how we should be amongst our brothers and sisters in Christ. We should be gentle and loving and carry each others burden in times of trouble. 

The meaning of the word cherish, when expanded from the Greek word “thalpó” from which it comes is: to warm somebody by nourishing them (feeding them the Word), by nurturing them (mentoring them in the Word) and comforting them through the Word. Living life in the Spirit so that we can glorify the name of Jesus! Let’s put the needs of others before our own!

Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)

 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Philippians 2:1-4 (NKJV)

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Spiritual Fathers
10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; 11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

In verses 7-9 Paul mentions how they cared for the Thessalonians as nursing mothers would care for their children. In verses 10-12 he flips the coin and tells them how they became spiritual fathers to them. 

So here we get the picture of how important is the spiritual parenting of new converts. Something that today’s Church should be doing as well – mentoring new converts until they are mature enough to become spiritual mothers and fathers themselves. Our strength lies in Christ Jesus being manifest in our lives in the power of the Holy Spirit.

If you are reading this and you are a Pastor or leader in your local Church, I encourage you to put this into practice in your congregation and you will see within a short period of time how strong the congregation becomes in Christ Jesus – living as the family of God in the unity of the Spirit and to the glory of Jesus. Amen! The kingdom of God has come upon you! Let’s imitate Paul as he imitated Christ!

1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV)

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

John 10:27-30 (NKJV)

27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

Let us hear the Lord’s voice and let others hear the Lord’s voice through us, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s us build each other up to reach the whole measure of the fulness of Christ in our Christian walk.

Ephesians 4:11-13 (NKJV)

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Thanksgiving
13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

In verse 13, as in many of his letters, Paul says that he thanks God without ceasing because the Thessalonian Church had received the gospel as the Word of God and not as the word of men. The Thessalonians recognized the truth of the Word that was being preached to them as they recognized the effective work it was doing in them in their daily lives.

Church let’s give thanks to the Lord as often as we meet, for our own salvation and for the salvation of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ!

Colossians 3:17 (ESV)

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Facing opposition
14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary (hostile) to all men, 16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.

In verse 14-16 Paul commends the Thessalonians for standing firm when they faced opposition and persecution from the Jews and other unbelievers, just as the churches did in Judea, as he and his companions did and indeed just as Jesus did to the point of death on a cross.

When we become born again Christians we must expect persecution from unbelievers. The Lord never promised us a trouble-free life once we became His children. We must expect persecution and suffering but in Christ Jesus we have overcome the world, and we have the victory. Stand firm in the face of suffering, persecution and opposition. We are in the world but not of the world! Apart from Christ we cannot do this and nor can we do it without the help of our brothers and sister in Christ moving in the unity and power of the Holy Spirit who will lead and guide us in all truth!!

John 16:33 (NKJV)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 15:18-23 (NKJV)

18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father as well.

John 6:13-14 (NKJV)

13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 

Paul assures us in verse 16 that God’s wrath will come upon those that persecute the Church. We need not worry or seek vengeance as it is God Himself who fights for us and will bring judgement upon all unrepentant sinners!

Our duty is to love our enemies and pray for those that persecute us in obedience to His Word! When we do this, we prove to the world that we are indeed different to them and are true followers of Christ and are the children of God. When we react to the world in the opposite spirit, the love of God, we reveal Jesus to them!

Matthew 5:43-48 (NKJV)

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Longing to See Them
17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. 18 Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.

In verses 17 and 18 Paul assures the Thessalonians that even though he is not physically present with them, his heart is with them, and he still eagerly desires to come to them. He explains his reason for not being with them – it was Satan who hindered him. We are in a battle not against flesh and blood but against Satan and his evil spirits!

Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

This is a similar situation to that which the prophet Daniel faced when he was waiting for an answer to prayer. God will make a way – be patient and trust in Him alone.

Daniel 10:12-13 (NKJV)

12 Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. 13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.

Hope in Christ Jesus alone
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy.

Paul ends this chapter in verses 19 and 20 by turning their eyes, and ours today, to Jesus who alone is our hope of future glory in heaven and when we build up and edify each other in the power of the Holy Spirit our joy, righteousness and peace in Christ Jesus will become even greater! 

The kingdom of God is Spiritual it is not about the things that the flesh desire, not even eating and drinking, it is the spiritual things that are pleasing to God! What is pleasing to God receives human approval! It's not about us it's all about Christ in us the hope of glory.

Romans 14:16-18 (NKJV)

16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.

Colossians 1:27 (NKJV)

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Prayer
Dear Father
In the name of Jesus, I pray that you would continually fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to ever keep my eyes on Jesus and to be a good example in Christian lifestyle to my brothers and sisters in Christ and help me to be a good and faithful servant within my local congregation and to spread the gospel to others and let my lifestyle reflect Jesus and help me to faithfully stand against persecution! Amen!

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!

Unpacking 1 Thessalonians: Chapter 1

 

Brief Background History to Thessalonica
Thessalonica was an ancient city of Macedon in northern Greece which today is the city of Thessaloniki. Made capital of the Roman province of Macedon, the city flourished due to its location on the major trade route to the east and continued to thrive as one of the most important cities in the Byzantine Empire. In Biblical times it was a prosperous city and a centre of Roman and other pagan cultures that attracted people from all over the Roman Empire. A very cosmopolitan city.

The people of Thessalonia at the time of Paul’s visit were steeped in idol worship from many different countries and cultures. Some of the foreign Gods and idols that were worshipped by the Thessalonians at the time of Paul’s visit were: several Roman gods besides the emperor: Zeus, Heracles, the Dioscuri, Apollo, and Aphrodite. The Egyptian gods Isis, Serapis, and Osiris were also worshipped; a temple to Serapis was discovered in 1917 after a fire in the ancient temple sector of the city. Serapis was a Greco-Egyptian god of the sun. 

Historical Overview
Traditionally Thessalonica was founded in circa 316 BCE by the Macedonian general Cassander who named it after his wife Thessalonike, a daughter of Philip II of Macedon. However, there is archaeological evidence of a settlement dating back to the 5th century BCE. The city was well-positioned on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea at the point where lucrative trade routes from Byzantium and the Danube basin met. It quickly replaced Pella as the most important Macedonian port, and extensive fortifications were built to protect the city. It was used effectively as a military base from which attacks were launched on Pyrrhus, King of Epirus, circa 273 BCE.

Made a free city (civitas liberas) by Rome with certain tax exemptions, the prosperity of Thessalonica in this period is attested by a prolific production of coinage.

Thessalonica was the capital and most populous city in Macedonia in Paul’s time. Paul and Silas, in AD58, came to Thessalonica from Philippi, which was 100 miles northeast of Thessalonica during Paul’s second missionary journey.

When the Greek Empire was later replaced by the Roman, Macedonia was made a Roman province, with Thessalonica as its political centre. The city was on the main route from Rome to Asia Minor and is still an important city today being Greece’s second largest city.

Paul’s Visit
Paul visited the town, together with Silas and Timothy, on his 2nd missionary journey. He had been at Philippi, and traveled to Thessalonica by the Egnatian Road, passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia on the way (Acts 17:1).

The Via Egnatia was a road constructed by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. It crossed Illyricum, Macedonia, and Thracia, running through territory that is now part of modern Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, and European Turkey as a continuation of the Via Appia.
(Wikepedia)

Starting at Dyrrachium (now Durrës) on the Adriatic Sea, the road followed a difficult route along the river Genusus (Shkumbin), over the Candaviae (Jablanica) mountains and thence to the highlands around Lake Ohrid. It then turned by parts south, following several high mountain passes to reach the northern coastline of the Aegean Sea at Thessalonica. From there it ran through Thrace to the city of Byzantium (later Constantinople, now Istanbul). It covered a total distance of about 1,120 km (696 miles/746 Roman miles). Like other major Roman roads, it was about six metres (19.6 ft) wide, paved with large polygonal stone slabs or covered with a hard layer of sand.
(Wikepedia)

Acts 17:1 (NKJV)

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.

The Thessalonian Church Itself
The Thessalonian church was a strong and flourishing one, composed mostly of Gentiles with a smattering of Jews. This Church demographic can be assumed from the tone of the two Epistles addressed to the Church and the absence of quotations from and references to the Old Testament, and the phrase “You turned to God from idols” (1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:14).

The two letters to the Thessalonians are considered by most commentators to be the earliest of Paul’s Epistles.

Paul was eager to revisit the Thessalonians very soon after the enforced departure of his first visit: “once and again” the desire to return was strong in him, but “Satan hindered” him (1 Thessalonians 2:18).

1 Thessalonians 2:18 (NKJV)

Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.

But though Paul himself was prevented from returning to Thessalonica, he sent Timothy from Athens to visit the church and confirm the faith of the Christians amid their daily hardships and persecutions (1 Thessalonians 3:2-10). The favorable report brought back by Timothy was a great comfort to Paul, and at the same time intensified his longing to see his converts again (1 Thessalonians 3:10-11).

Note: in the body on this article the verses from 1 Thessalonians 1 are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 1 - NKJV

Greeting the Thessalonian Church
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 from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

As in all Paul’s letters to the Church he starts off with greetings and then identifying who the letter was coming from. In this case it was Paul, Silvanus and Timothy. He then goes on to pronounce a blessing over them in the names of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

My dear Readers, pronouncing a blessing on each other in the name of Jesus is something I believe that we should all be doing whenever we get together! Don’t you?

Paul as we all know, was the former persecutor of the Church then named Saul until his radical encounter and salvation with Jesus on the Damascus Road after which he became known as Saul.

Silvanus is a variant of the name Silas, and he became a missionary companion of Paul after his (Paul’s) separation from Barnabus in Acts 15:40. He had also been imprisoned with Paul in Phillipi - Acts 16:19-40. It was here in prison when Paul and Silas were praying when an earthquake struck, and their chains were miraculously loosed, and the Jailer and his family got saved. This was the very first Jailhouse Rock, long before Elvis Presley!

Acts 15:39-40 (NKJV)

39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God.

Timothy was a young follower of Christ from Lystra whose mother was a staunch believer – Acts 16:1-5. Paul took the young Timothy under his wing and mentored him. He also became Paul’s missionary companion along with Silas (Silvanus). It was this Timothy that Paul wrote two letters to, 1 and 2 Timothy, whilst Timothy was Pastoring the Church in Ephesus.

The Thessalonian Church's Good Example
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God

In verse 2, Paul tells the Thessalonians of how much he, Silvanus and Timothy give thanks to God for them and how much they pray for them.

It is always good for church leaders to pray for their flocks and give thanks to the Lord for them and vice versa!

In verses 3 and 4, Paul encourages and edifies the Thessalonian Church by telling them what a great example they have been as a Church in faith, labour of love, and in the patience of the hope they have in Christ Jesus in the eyes of God the Father.

This is the kind of good, Christian example that every Christian and every local Christian congregation should be to the world around them. This is being the salt of the earth and the light in the darkness.

Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

The way in which Paul encourages the Thessalonians here is the way in which all Christian leaders should encourage their congregations and the way in which the body of Christ should encourage one another, including their leaders, always!

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV)

24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Ephesians 4:29 (AMP)

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

The Power of the Gospel
5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

In verse 5, Paul emphasises and reassures the Thessalonian Church that when he, Silvanus and Timothy preached the word to them it was not only in word, but it was also with great power as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. They also preached the gospel, in the power of the Holy Spirit, with full assurance, boldness, self-confidence and great conviction. But not only this they showed it in their exemplary lifestyles, willingness to serve and in the love of God. All of this in the power of the Holy Spirit brought glory to Jesus!

Acts 1:8 (NKJV)

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 2:14 (NKJV)

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.

We also see here that Paul and his companions were emulating Christ in word, deed and lifestyle. Isn’t that what we, the Church, should be doing today as well. Preaching the Word in the power of the Holy Spirit. Being conformed to Christ’s image and doing the things He did? Living life in the Spirit and being led by Him is Spirit and in Truth to the glory of Jesus.

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV)

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

John 14:12-14 (NKJV)

12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

Paul, Silvanus and Timothy were being Jesus to the Thessalonian Church by way of their active and Word obedient lifestyles!

Today, if we call ourselves Christians, let’s do the same!

Responding to the Gospel

6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.

In verses 6 and 7 we see Paul further encouraging the Thessalonians by telling them how well they have done since they came to know Jesus as Lord and Saviour even though they had received much opposition and persecution form unbelievers (Satan’s attack through people). They were able to resist these attacks through the power and joy of the Holy Spirit.

This reminds me of a chorus we used to sing back in the day that contained the words, “righteousness, peace, joy in the Holy Ghost!”

Romans 14:17 (NKJV)

17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.

Let the verses in this section encourage us to encourage each other just as the Thessalonians did where Paul says in verse 7 that they became good examples to all the other churches in the surrounding areas. It doesn’t cost anything for us to encourage each other to the glory of Jesus! Amen!

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV)

24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Let’s be imitators of Christ and encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ no matter what congregation they belong to! Let’s all “do good” to each other especially to our brothers and sister in Christ!

One Church, one Lord, one Saviour – Jesus Christ!

Galatians 6:9-10 (NKJV)

9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Sending out the Word
8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.

In verse 8 Paul further encourages the Thessalonian Church by “bragging” about how they have faithfully spread the good news not only where they are in the region of Macedonia but also in Achaia and many other places that he doesn’t mention by name. They are fulfilling the great commission.

This is a practical lesson for the Church today and especially to the local congregations. How well are we doing in encouraging our brothers and sisters in our local communities. Are we fulfilling the great commission in the towns and cities and surrounding areas in the places we live?

Let’s do it, let’s be good examples of living good Christian lives where we are now!

Let the evidence of our salvation be seen in our lifestyles
9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

In verses 9 and 10 Paul tells the Thessalonians that the evidence of their conversion from idols to Christ and how well they had received the gospel with eagerness from Paul, Silvanus and Timothy was plain to see throughout the region, and other Churches in the surrounding areas were talking about them. The Thessalonians had set a good example to their brothers and sisters in Christ in Godly faithfulness and in their future hope of eternity in Christ Jesus.

What kind of example are we setting to our brothers and sisters in Christ in today’s world? Do our lifestyles, actions and speech reflect Jesus? Can others see Jesus in me?

Today, Church, we need to answer these questions to ourselves. What kind of Church do we reflect to others, to those inside and outside the Church? What kind of Church/Christian do you want to be?

Prayer
Dear Father
In the name of Jesus, I pray that you would continually fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to ever keep my eyes on Jesus and to be a good example in Christian lifestyle to my brothers and sisters in Christ and help me to be a good and faithful servant within my local congregation and to spread the gospel to others. Amen!

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!

Holding Fast to the Head!

This article was written by my good friend and brother in Christ, Tony Kettle, and is published with his permission on my blog site as a guest writer.

Image by courtesy of: http://www.heartlight.org/

From a thorough study of 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (see below), we see that the Holy Spirit gave the Apostle Paul a beautiful vision of how the Church should function - operate - express itself. That vision was the human body and, in particular, the way in which the different limbs, organs and other parts of the body collaborate and support each other, in order to sustain the complete human being and enable him/her to live and move.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (ESV)

12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

This was the ‘blueprint’ for the “body of Christ” - the Church:

Acts 17:28 ESV

“for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’”

Focusing on the ‘model’ of the human anatomy as used in 1 Corinthians 12, I think it is important to mention that I always endeavour to take cognisance of the warning about “adding to” and “taking from” scripture (Revelation 22:18-19) when I compile my articles. In this case, though, because 1 Corinthians 12 unambiguously uses the different components of the human body as part of its theme, I think that some details concerning the makeup of the body that are NOT covered in the passage can be just as spiritually significant as those that are.

Therefore, for the purpose of this article, let us consider one specific aspect relating to the anatomy of the human body not mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 - that being the manner in which the brain controls the actions of the other body parts. I pray that this will be meaningfully illuminating to readers.

The human brain is located in the HEAD of the human body, and it controls the actions of the limbs, organs and other components in the body. A ‘message’ is transmitted from the brain, through the central nervous system, and ‘commands’ the particular limb or organ etc to function. It says, ‘arm bend’ – and it bends, ‘leg raise’ – and it raises. It does the same thing with every part of the body.

We can say that the particular limb or organ ‘hears’ the ‘command’ from the brain and then immediately it becomes a ‘DOER’ of that ‘command.’ Notice that it does NOT negotiate or argue with the brain – it obeys! It is only when the human body is sick or dysfunctional in any way that any of the body parts cease to operate properly!

Jesus Christ is the “HEAD” of the “body of Christ” - the Church:

Ephesians 1:22-23

22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 5:23 (ESV)

For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.

Colossians 1:18 (ESV)

And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

The “mind of Christ”, originating in our spiritual “HEAD”, and operating through His Word, ‘transmits’ various commandments to the members of the “body” of Christ. Therefore, AS IN THE CASE OF THE HEALTHY HUMAN BODY, we should be not only “hearers” of His Word but “DOERS” of it – promptly, without excuse and without argument!

1 Corinthians 2:1 (ESV)

“For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

James 1:22 (ESV)

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

But here we come to a spiritual ‘crossroad!’ Do we, “promptly, without excuse and without argument”, ALWAYS obey the command from the “HEAD?” 

What if the command is “forgive - seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22; Luke 17:3-4)? Can we honestly say, “YES WE DO?”

Again, using the HEALTHY human body as the ‘benchmark’, if we procrastinate in our response to the command from the “HEAD”, what does that say about our own spiritual ‘health’ - as well as that of our local church? It is extremely challenging when we ‘see the light’ in regard to the above and, in application, it does not give us any room in which to manoeuvre! This is why Jesus said:

Matthew 7:14 (ESV)

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Three of the four human physical senses (seeing, hearing and tasting) are located within the human head, the fourth, feeling, being found in the body as a whole. Therefore, the body needs the head, containing the brain (which we have previously discussed) and the three specific senses, in order to steer it safely in the right direction and to avoid eating anything harmful.

The “body” of Christ needs the “HEAD”, the Lord Jesus Christ, to give it proper ‘direction’ in life and to keep it safe from harmful influences. Without the “HEAD”, the “body” would be ‘aimless’ and lacking true purpose.

The nostrils, set in the human head, take in the “breath of life” (oxygen) and send it down into the body (via the lungs). Our spiritual “HEAD” – the Lord Jesus Christ – sent the “breath of life” (Holy Spirit) down into His “body” – the Church (John 15:26; 20:22 - in conjunction with Genesis 2:7).

John 15:26 (ESV)

“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.

Genesis 2:7 (ESV)

then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.

The human body cannot function without the “breath of life” (oxygen) flowing through it. The “body” of Christ cannot function, effectively, without the “breath of life” (Holy Spirit) flowing through it and energizing it (Acts 1:8; 2:17-18; 4:31).

Acts 1:8 (ESV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 2:17-18 (ESV)

17“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,

that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,

and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

and your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams;

18 even on my male servants and female servants

in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

Acts 4:31 (ESV)

And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

The same skin and flesh that covers the human head covers the body. The same bone structure found in the human head is found in the body. The same veins and blood that run through the human head run through the body. So, in a sense, we can say that as the head is, so is the body.

Spiritually-speaking, the same thing applies with our “HEAD” – the Lord Jesus Christ – and His “body” – the Church.

We are “…of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones”

Ephesians 5:30 (KJV)

For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

God’s Word tells us that “…as he is, so are we in this world”.

1 John 4:17 (KJV)

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Also, Peter 1:4 tells us that we, as the Church, are destined to be “partakers of the DIVINE nature” (emphasis added).

2 Peter 1:4 (KJV)

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

In this context God’s plan is NOT to have a Holy “HEAD” with a ‘worldly’, ‘lukewarm’ “body”:

1 Peter 1:14-16 (ESV)

14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Just as the head of the human body is at the top of - is above - the body, so the “HEAD” - the Lord Jesus Christ - is ABOVE His “body” - the Church.

May we as Christ’s Church - His “body” - have the “eyes of [our] hearts” opened to the vital reality of our position - showing absolute reverence for, and being in total obedience to, our Precious “HEAD” at all times.

Ephesians 1:18 (ESV)

having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

John 14:15 (ESV)

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Colossians 2:18-19 (ESV)

18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

Considering, further, the fifth and sixth paragraphs of the this article, here is something else to ponder on:

Limbs, organs and other parts of the human body do NOT have minds of their own. There is only *ONE* mind and that is located in the *HEAD*!

There should be only *ONE* “mind” directing the Church - the “body” of Christ - and that is the “mind of Christ” which originates with our *”HEAD”*- the Lord Jesus Christ:

1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV- emphasis added

“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you BE UNITED IN THE SAME MIND and the same judgment.”

1 Corinthians 2:16 ESV - emphasis added

““For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST.”

Philippians 2:2-5 NKJV - emphasis added

“fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, BEING of one accord OF ONE MIND. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU which was also IN CHRIST JESUS…”

If we, as ‘limbs’, ‘organs’ - “members” - of the “body” of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12 ESV), insist that we have “minds of our own” in addition to the “mind of Christ”, this then implies that we have two minds. Another word meaning “two” is “double”, so perhaps we should reflect on what (James 1:8 ESV) says about a “double-minded” person!!!

1 Corinthians 12:12 (ESV)

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.

James 1:8 (ESV)

he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Prayer
Dear Father
In the name of Jesus, I pray that you would continually fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to ever keep my eyes on Jesus - the Head of the Church and the Head of my Life! Help me, Lord, to be of one mind with you and quick to be obedient to your Word and quick to be a doer of you Word. Help me by the power of your Holy Spirit not to be double-minded and unstable in my ways that my ways my bring glory, honour and praise to Jesus alone!

Amen!

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!