Unpacking 1 Thessalonians: Chapter 3

In this chapter Paul shows his concern about not being able to return to the Thessalonian Church in person to help and encourage them in their time of affliction and persecution. Although Paul could not go himself, he did the next best thing which was to send his trusted companion and fellow missionary Timothy.

The reason Paul could not go himself was that he had his hands full in Athens where he was ministering to the Jews in the Athenian synagogue and also to the gentile worshippers that were there, and on top of this he was contending with the Greek philosophers who gathered regularly at the Areopagus, which was a “rocky outcrop” meeting place for the Areopagus, a group of men who were named after the rock itself. 

The Areopagus was the earliest aristocratic council of ancient Athens. In pre-classical times, the Areopagus was the council of elders of the city of Athens, like the Roman Senate. Its membership was restricted to those who held high public office. You can read about all this in Acts 17:16-34.

Note: in the body on this article the verses from 1 Thessalonians 3 are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.

Paul sends Timothy  

1Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.

In verses 1-5 we see the depth of Paul’s love and concern for the Thessalonian Church. He uses the phrase “when we could no longer endure it” which would indicate that his concern for them was always on his mind! And when he could stand it no longer, he decides to make a personal sacrifice by sending Timothy to them even though he still needed Timothy’s help in Athens!

Paul so desperately wanted to bring encouragement to the Thessalonians to strengthen them in their faith and to help them to overcome the afflictions, persecution and trials that they were going through.

Shouldn’t this still be the aim of today’s believer and today’s Church? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! It should still be our aim and purpose to strengthen and build each other up!

Paul’s action here is a glowing example of putting others needs before our own. This is something that we, today’s believers, need to be putting into action in our lives daily. Let’s make every effort to put the needs of our brothers and sisters before our own and imitate Paul as he imitated Christ!

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV)

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

Philippians 2:3-5 (AMP)

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. 4 Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility],

Romans 15:1-2 (AMP)

Now we who are strong [in our convictions and faith] ought to [patiently] put up with the weaknesses of those who are not strong, and not just please ourselves. 2 Let each one of us [make it a practice to] please his neighbor for his good, to build him up spiritually.

Hebrews 13:16 (AMP)

Do not neglect to do good, to contribute [to the needy of the church as an expression of fellowship], for such sacrifices are always pleasing to God.

We find In verse 4 Paul’s stark reminder that we, all born again Christians, will go through times of struggle and affliction, and these are not times to pull away from Jesus and fellowship with others, but rather it is time for us to draw closer, to humble ourselves before God so that He can lift us up!

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.”

James 4:10 (NKJV)

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Verse 5 is a reminder that we, the Church, need to look out for each other, encourage each and help each other in times of trouble so that none of us fall into the clutches of Satan and none of us allow our faith in Christ Jesus to crumble in the face of adversity! Especially in these end times!

Galatians 6:2 (AMP)

Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love].

Encouraged by Timothy's Report back
6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you— 7 therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.

9 For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith?

When Timothy returned from his visit to the Thessalonians, he brought Paul good news. The Thessalonians were doing well in their faith in Christ Jesus and in their love for Him and each other. Paul’s letter to them served to not only tell them how pleasing this was to him but also to encourage them further.

As followers of Jesus, dear readers, we need to always actively encourage each other in word and deed building each other up in our faith at all times and especially in these last days!

Romans 14:19 (NKJV)

Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

Hebrews 3:13-14 (AMP)

13 But continually encourage one another every day, as long as it is called “Today” [and there is an opportunity], so that none of you will be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [its cleverness, delusive glamour, and sophistication]. 14 For we [believers] have become partakers of Christ [sharing in all that the Messiah has for us], if only we hold firm our newborn confidence [which originally led us to Him] until the end,

This is a reminder to today’s Church whether pastor, elder or ordinary congregant that this is the kind of relationship which ought to exist amongst between us as part of our daily Christian Walk. When things are not going well with us, we are to count ourselves blessed and be grateful in the knowledge of our salvation and the love we have in Christ Jesus, even though in other respects we are surrounded by and probably going through much distress and affliction.

In verses 7-9 Paul lets the Thessalonians know that he and Silvanus were overjoyed with the good news that Timothy had brought them that they were standing strong in the faith which has stirred them (Paul, Silvanus and Timothy) up to pray even more for them and giving thanks to God for them and rejoicing at their steadfastness.

Church, let us be the same, showing joy and thanksgiving for each other and helping each other, through encouragement to grow stronger and stronger in our faith in Christ Jesus especially during times of trial and tribulation!

And as Paul says in verse 10 let’s pray for each other more and more in these last days and help each other’s faith to grow stronger and stronger day by day!

Paul’s Prayer for the Church
11 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, 13 so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.

Paul, in verses 11-13, ends this chapter by praying for the Thessalonians. In verse 11 of his prayer, he continues to show his desire to return to Thessalonica when he asks both the Father and the Son to make a way for them to return.

In verse 12 Paul asks the Lord to make the Thessalonian Church’s love for one another increase and abound so that He (Jesus) may establish their hearts as blameless in holiness in the eyes of the Father, in preparation for when the Lord returns. He was looking to the future as well so that the Church will be blameless before God when we stand before Him to give an account of ourselves!

Romans 14:12 (NKJV)

So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

Paul’s prayer leaves us, the Church today, with a great example of how we should be praying for each other so that we can be blameless in holiness in our hearts and in Christ Jesus when we stand before God to give an account of ourselves. We are charged to help each other in our Christian Walk.

Life application for today’s believers

We should:

1. Have God’s love and concern for one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.

2. Put the needs of others before our own.

3. Be building each other up through encouragement and edification.

4. Be doers of the Word and imitators of Christ.

5. Be drawing closer to God in the bad times.

6. Be serving God and each other in submission and humility.

7. Be giving thanks to God for each other always.

8. Be seeking peace and not strife.

9. Be praying continually for each other.

10. Always give glory to Jesus.

Prayer
Dear Father
In the name of Jesus, I pray that you would continually help me to put the needs of others before my own and to humbly serve the congregation you have placed me. Help me. Lord, to be an encourager and to help build others up in their most holy faith in Christ Jesus. Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirit and lead and guide me in all truth. Help me Lord to fulfil the Father’s will for my life that I may glorify the name of Jesus! 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!

Let's Go Fishing!

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.

Matthew 4:19 (ESV – emphasis added by author)

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of MEN.”

Luke 5:10 (ESV – emphasis added by author)

…….from now on you will be catching MEN.

When Jesus carried out His earthly teaching ministry, He often used parables and other illustrations which had a significant bearing on day-to-day life. He spoke to farmers, shepherds, fishermen and people from other walks of life – all the while making reference to various aspects of their specific occupations as a vehicle, or platform, for conveying spiritual truth. However, most of His audience did not have a clue what He was talking about – they missed the point of His teachings – they missed the deep, spiritual significance of His words. In fact, Jesus had to explain to the disciples in private the meaning behind His teachings.

Let us consider the deeper meaning of the scriptures reproduced above. Jesus said, “I will make you fishers of men”, “from now on you will be catching men.” When He spoke these words, He was addressing men who were engaged in commercial fishing and there are a number of processes involved in the commercial fishing industry which have great impact when seen in a spiritual light. Unfortunately, space constraints prevent me from dealing with these processes in detail for purposes of this article – but, briefly, they include catching, de-scaling, gutting, cleaning and washing, salting, and other preparation procedures.

When Jesus said, “I will make you fishers of men”, “from now on you will be catching men”, He was not telling Peter and his partners that they would stop fishing – no, He meant that they would carry on fishing (including all the processes inherent in commercial fishing) – but with a new kind of ‘catch’ in mind – men. Of course, we understand that, from a New Testament perspective, the ‘catch’ includes men and women.

Galatians 3:28 (NKJV)

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Commercial fishermen are a hardy breed! Their work is dangerous and they often have to face severe storms and the risk of their ship being submerged – being flooded – by pounding, treacherous waves while on a fishing trip. However, they face the dangers without flinching, in order to ensure that the catch is brought home.

God’s “fishers of men” must have the same steadfastness when facing the ‘storms of life’

Matthew 7:24-24 (ESV)

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

and Satan’s “flood” of accusations

Revelation 12:10 and 15 (ESV)

10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.

15 The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with a flood.

They need to ‘set their faces like a flint’ so that they can help to usher, into God’s Kingdom, people caught in the “net” of the Gospel.

Isaiah 50:7 (ESV)

But the Lord God helps me;

therefore I have not been disgraced;

therefore I have set my face like a flint,

and I know that I shall not be put to shame.

Luke 5:5-7 (ESV)

5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.

By acting on the Word of Jesus the fishermen were rewarded. If we persevere in carrying out the Great Commission, by continuing to act on the Word of God – by being “doers” of the Word, we will see results and growth in the numbers of people coming to our Lord Jesus Christ.

James 1:22-25 (NKJV)

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

Take note that the scripture in Luke 5:7 above does NOT read,

“And they said to their partners, which were in the other boat, keep your greasy fingers off our catch – they are our fish!”

OR

“And they said to their partners, which were in the other ministry – the other fellowship – keep away from the ‘catch’ – they are our converts. We can’t have you involved – you don’t preach prosperity – you don’t pray in tongues! You will contaminate the ‘catch!’

No, they “signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them.” A ship - a boat - is a biblical ‘type’ of church fellowship’, ‘floating’ in the ‘sea’ of the world like Noah’s Ark.

Genesis 6:17-18 (ESV)

17 For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life under heaven. Everything that is on the earth shall die. 18 But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you.

Revelation 17:15 (ESV)

And the angel said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages.

In the same way that a ship carries and supports the fishermen who catch fish, as well as the crew - those involved in preparing the catch, so a fellowship carries and supports evangelists, teachers and crew - members of the ministry of helps.

1 Corinthians 12:28 (ESV)

And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.

Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV)

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

As believers, we are in the ‘sea’ of the world primarily to work, and our chief occupation is to ‘catch’ “fish” of a particular ‘variety’.

Matthew 4:19 (ESV)

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Luke 5:10 (ESV)

and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”

However, we also need to be involved in the follow-up work of ‘de-scaling’ and ‘gutting’ the “fish”

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

‘Cleaning and washing’ them as Christ cleans and sanctifies His Church.

Ephesians 5:26-27 (ESV)

26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish

‘salting’ them.

Matthew 5:13 (ESV)

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

Colossians 4:6 (ESV)

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

and generally, ‘preparing’ them.

Ephesians 4:11-16 (ESV)

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds[c] and teachers,[d] 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,[e] to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

So that they can be given (in a ministry sense) to a ‘starving’ world ‘hungry’ for spiritual ‘food’.

John 3:16-17 (ESV)

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John 6:35 (ESV)

35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

Jeremiah 15:16 (ESV)

Your words were found, and I ate them,

and your words became to me a joy

and the delight of my heart,

for I am called by your name,

O Lord, God of hosts.

There is a vital point which must not be overlooked, viz; that in order for the “fish” to become ‘edible’ (again in a ministry sense), they must first be ‘cooked’ in God's ‘oven’, His ‘refiner’.

Malachi 3:2-3 (ESV)

2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.

1 Peter 4:12-19 (ESV)

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Furthermore, BEFORE we can be effectively used in this range of work, we have to go through the same processes as the “fish” we subsequently ‘catch’.

A company which is involved in commercial fishing is ONE business entity – but it has a fishing fleet comprising a number of fishing vessels. Each vessel has its own distinctive name. The individual vessels comprising the whole fleet are identified by this unique name but, on the other hand, they do not work in conflict with each other. They operate as a team in order to achieve the goal, the objective, of the company, which is to catch enough fish to make a profit and provide food to people. If the fleet spent their time fighting with each other, each vessel trying to prevent the others from operating, there would be no time to catch fish, the company would suffer and the world would be denied food.

There is ONE body of Christ – the Church – reflected locally, nationally and internationally, comprising a number of groups (1 Corinthians 12:5-6, 12). Each one has its own distinctive name, but they (should) operate as a team in order to achieve world evangelisation.

1 Corinthians 12:5-6, 12 (ESV)

5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.

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.

When different church groups compete fiercely with each other, when they try to discredit each other, the work of the ministry is hindered. The body of Christ suffers because the world of unbelievers ridicules its lack of unity, Jesus is mocked, the world is denied the power of God which should be reflected in Christian unity (John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 3:1-9) and the impact of the Gospel message – spiritual ‘food’ – is weakened.

John 13:34-35 (ESV)

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

1 Corinthians 1:10-13 (ESV)

10 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. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. 12 What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

1 Corinthians 3:1-9 (ESV)

But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human?

5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.

A desire of my heart is for every Christian fellowship in this town, in this country, in the world to turn to their “partners in the other boat” and say to them, “come and help us, the net is breaking” – and for those other “partners” – those other groups – to lay aside pride and doctrinal barriers and respond positively. Remember, Luke 5:6 shows that the net broke through the weight of the fish and if the other “partners” had not helped, the fish would have been lost.

“And they came and filled both the boats, SO THAT THEY BEGAN TO SINK.”

Really, two ships were not enough to support the catch – they needed a third, maybe even a fourth, to do it effectively.

No single church fellowship can evangelise a town or country on its own. It needs to be a team effort. If a fellowship allows pride to dominate it and tries to ‘go it alone’, sooner or later the “net” is going to “break” and they will lose “fish” – or, there will be a glut of “fish” that they are not able to handle and the fellowship will “sink!”

Consider another point. If the skipper of a fishing vessel tries to catch fish on his own, he will not be able to handle the net if it is full and it will end up breaking anyway. Alternatively, if that skipper, alone, tries to clean and prepare the fish after they are caught, he will become worn out because of the lengthy time taken in these processes and end up being totally ineffective as a skipper. Either the skipper does not trust the crew to carry out their duties, or he is trying to impress the Board of Directors. In the meantime, the fish could become rotten and chaos is likely to ensue on the ship as there is nobody to run it properly. Eventually, the crew will become bored and seek to be transferred to another vessel – or they will start a mutiny!

We might be tempted to regard this scenario as ludicrous but when viewed in a spiritual light, it comes close to the situation I have seen in various church fellowships over the years. Hopefully, it teaches a valuable lesson - which is that no single member of Church leadership can effectively carry all ministerial duties and responsibilities. Again, it needs to be a team effort involving leadership and all able members of a congregation.

To this end, Church leaders need to actively encourage and help members of a congregation to discover and operate in the spiritual/ministry gift to which they have been called (1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 28-31; Ephesians 4:11-16). As I have pointed out before, there is no room for inertia or laziness in the Church. We are NOT meant to be static and have a ‘parking’ mentality!

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 and 28-31 (ESV)

7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts.

And I will show you a still more excellent way.

Ephesians 4:11-16 (ESV)

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Another important point, we have been using the commercial fishing industry as a platform for expressing spiritual truth – but it needs to be made clear that the work of proclaiming the Gospel is not meant to be a commercial undertaking for selfish financial gain.

1 Timothy 6:5 (ESV)

and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

Jesus said, “…freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8 KJV). Let me also make it clear that I am not referring to genuine kingdom enterprises which generate finances for the work and benefit of God's kingdom here on earth.

When I lived in Zimbabwe, there was a flourishing kapenta (sardine) industry on Lake Kariba, and the most effective technique for catching them was to go out on the lake at night with a bright lamp. The fish were attracted to the light, and this facilitated the job of catching them!

The Bible shows that the ‘sea’ of the world is in “darkness”.

Isaiah 60:2 (ESV)

For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,

and thick darkness the peoples;

but the Lord will arise upon you,

and his glory will be seen upon you.

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Therefore, we need to “shine” the “Light” of the Glorious Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in the “darkness” in order to ‘catch’ the “fish”.(Matthew 5:14-16; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Philippians 2:15; 1 Timothy 1:11).

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[b] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

2 Corinthians 4:4 (ESV)

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Philippians 2:15 (ESV)

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

1 Timothy 1:11 (ESV)

 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.

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 become an effective fisher of men in the power of the Holy Spirit and to the glory of Jesus! Amen!

Jeremiah‬ ‭16‬:‭16‬ ‭NKJV

““Behold, I will send for many fishermen,” says the Lord...”

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 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!