1 THESSALONIANS 3:9-13 - PAUL'S IMPASSIONED LOVE

1 THESSALONIANS 3:9-13 (KJV)

PAUL’S IMPASSIONED LOVE

1 Thessalonians 3:9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; 10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

Paul and Silas were exuberantly overwhelmed with praise for the Thessalonians’ sonship and daughtership within their family of faith. They were overjoyed to hear that the Thessalonians were remaining strong in the Lord and thanked God for their growth. Paul wondered how he could possibly thank God enough for the results of the seed he had been able to plant in them.

Paul prayed fervently and frequently to be reunited with them. There were things he had not yet completely taught them. Things he had not had the opportunity to share on his previous visit. He was eager to have another chance to minister to them.

1 Thessalonians 3:11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

Paul realizes the journey back to Thessalonica could not be done by human effort alone, but would require God’s work to open up the way. Only God could raise up a standard to prevent the Enemy from blocking his return.

1 Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

Paul prayed the Lord would multiply and magnify their love of the familyship of God. What does he mean by love toward “all men?” Does that include non-believers? Loving all men extends beyond the boundaries of the Messianic Community, the body of believers. How can we love non-believers? Jesus is the example of this kind of love because He loved us when we were unlovable and unlovely, even when we were His enemies because we were dead in our hearts. We were cold and calloused toward the One True God.

Romans 5:8 (KJV) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Paul reiterated his own love for the Thessalonian believers as well.

1 Thessalonians 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Paul’s desire for the Thessalonians is that they will be perfected by the Lord Jesus as His beloved bride.

Ephesians 5:25-27 (ESV) Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 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.

Paul views the Thessalonians as his spiritual children, and he wants them to be prepared in every way for Christ’s return.

PONDER THIS: Paul’s passion for the spread of the Gospel and teachings of Jesus is evidence of his love for the Lord and the Lord’s chosen people, the body of believers. Are we as passionate to share the Lord as we should be? Or are we dangerously close to being what the Lord Jesus calls “lukewarm?”

Revelation 1:15-16 (KJV) I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

1 THESSALONIANS 3:1-8 - TIMOTHY TELLS TERRIFIC TIDINGS

1 THESSALONIANS 3:1-8 (KJV)

TIMOTHY TELLS

TERRIFIC TIDINGS

1 Thessalonians 3:1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; 2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

Paul says that when he could not stand being apart from the Thessalonians any longer, he sent the next best thing, his son in the faith, his very heart, Timothy to minister to them in his place. Paul and Silas needed to stay behind in Athens but wanted to make sure that the Thessalonians were rooted and grounded in the faith, so he sent his co-minister to them. Paul wanted to make sure their understanding of the truth, their doctrine, was solid and crystal clear. More than once Paul sent Timothy somewhere to meet this need.

1 Thessalonians 3:3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

Paul wanted Timothy to assure them that God had foretold to him that he would suffer for the Gospel. His present trials and afflictions should not distress them as they were a part of God’s plan. He wanted them to have confidence that God’s purpose was not being thwarted even though they were being persecuted. In our humanness, our first response when facing difficulties or persecutions is to think that God must have left us or is displeased with us. However, in our Christian lives, what we are faced with is not because we have done anything contradictory toward God’s ways, but may indeed be exactly what God has prescribed and predestined.

James 1:2-4 (NASB) Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Matthew 5:10 (NASB) “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

Paul sent Timothy, not only to instruct them and build them up in their faith, but also to report back to him concerning this portion of the Lord’s flock. This is similar to the way a parent will send in a sibling to get the skinny on a situation, to check on the younger sibling. 

1 Thessalonians 3:6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: 7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:

When Timothy reported back to Paul, he was greatly encouraged to hear that the Thessalonians were faring well and remaining strong in the faith. It gave Paul renewed strength to face his own trials with perseverance to know that his spiritual children were growing into mature Christians and spreading the love of Jesus. Timothy and the Thessalonian believers had a “good old home” week and couldn’t wait to do it again. The church body at Thessalonica missed Paul and Silas as well and longed for their familyship in their hearts. What a blessing it was to know that he was missed and that their memories of him were pleasant. Along with the Good News of redemption through Jesus, Paul had given them great memories to hold onto.

1 Thessalonians 3:8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

Paul had a celebration exhortation over the Thessalonians ability to now be Christ’s ambassadors. They had learned and were growing demonstrated by their ability to stand as determined soldiers in the face of an assault by Satan. They did not retreat to their old way of life when the going got tough. Paul rejoiced that his spiritual children could stand on their own even in his absence, knowing that Jesus would fight for them.

Romans 8:37-39 (NIV) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

PONDER THIS: Paul’s joy that the Thessalonians were standing strong in their faith was like that of a parent watching their baby taking their first steps. Are we nurturing those who are newer believers and helping them to stand and to walk faithfully following Jesus?

1 THESSALONIANS 2:14-20 - PERSECUTION AND PLEASURE

1 THESSALONIANS 2:14-20

PERSECUTION AND PLEASURE

1 Thessalonians 2:14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

Believers throughout history have suffered persecution from hostile non-believers, even within their own countries, cities, and households. In Judea, the followers of Christ were persecuted, ejected from the synagogues and the temple, by those Jews who did not recognize Jesus as their Messiah. The Thessalonians were being persecuted by their neighbors who still clung to idol worship rather than trust in Jesus as Lord.

1 Thessalonians 2:15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

Paul goes back to talking about the persecution of believers by the Jews. The Jewish leaders were the ones who demanded Jesus’ death. They could not legally put him to death themselves, so they manipulated the Roman official, Pilate, into having Him crucified. They incited the crowd to riotous behavior, demanding the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus. At times, the Jewish people were yo-yos: faithful to unfaithful, obedient to disobedient. They were a microcosm of the human condition. If they did not like what a prophet had to say, they would slay the man of God rather than change their ways. Jesus Himself spoke of this:

Luke 11:47-48 (NIV) “Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your ancestors who killed them. 48 So you testify that you approve of what your ancestors did; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs.

The Jews were no longer pleasing to God because of their unbelief. Their legalism overwhelmed their loyalty to their first love and left them empty because they refused to recognize their own Messiah in the person of Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

The Jewish leadership had forbidden preaching the Good News of Jesus, a prohibition Paul obviously ignored. The final wrath of God will come upon these non-believing Jews as well all who reject the Lord Jesus. Paul prophetically speaks as if this future event has already happened which it has in the mind of the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 2:17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. 18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

Paul indicated that although he and his companions were not with the Thessalonians in person, the connection through the Holy Spirit was sure, certain, and strong. He desired to see them again but had been hindered by spiritual warfare.

1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20 For ye are our glory and joy.

Paul’s greatest joy would be presenting the fruit of their labor, the Thessalonian believers, holy and blameless because of their belief, when the Lord Jesus returns. His glory came from glorifying the Lord by leading others to a relationship with Him.

QUESTIONS:

1.       Have you been ridiculed, maybe even persecuted, because of your relationship with Jesus? If so, you are in good company. Like Paul would say, “Press on!”

2.       Will you have the joy of seeing people in Heaven to whom you brought the Good News? Will you experience the joy and glory Paul wrote about?

1 THESSALONIANS 2:7-13 - APOSTLE PAUL, A MANNY?

1 THESSALONIANS 2:7-13

APOSTLE PAUL, A MANNY?

(A male nanny)

1 Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: 8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

Paul saw the new converts at Thessalonica as his spiritual babies, nurturing them with the Gospel. He realized they were now knit together, soul to soul. He compares himself to a mother suckling her infant, tenderly caring for his children in the faith. These children were ravenously hungry for the word and its nourishment.

1 Thessalonians 2:9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

Paul did not want to be a burden to these new believers, so he and his companions worked to pay their own way (see also 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9). He industriously worked as a tent-maker by day and poured himself out as a preacher as often as possible, proclaiming the Gospel with Holy Spirit power.

1 Thessalonians 2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

Paul reminded the Thessalonians that they could personally vouch for his character and exemplary behavior while among them. He also cited God as a witness  to his righteous living and as his chief advocate.

1 Thessalonians 2:11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

Paul had the heart of a nurturing father toward those he had introduced to Jesus. Paul inspired, encouraged, and consoled them. He charged them to live in a way that reflected their commitment to Jesus and showed evidence of the change their relationship with God had made in their lives.

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

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

Paul was thankful the Lord had opened the eyes of the Thessalonians to receive the Gospel not as his own words but as the word of God. Not only were their eyes opened, but their hearts were quickened to receive the message of truth and trust Jesus to redeem them. Paul noted that their lives showed evidence that the Lord was at work in them.

APPLICATIONS:

1.       Paul did not stop after introducing people to the Gospel. He spent time nurturing these baby Christians. Do you know a newer believer that you need to disciple?

2.       Paul recognized that it was not his own words but the word of God that changed people’s lives. Are you relying on your own power to witness and teach, or do you realize that this must be the Holy Spirit’s work through you?

1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-6 - UNDANTED, PAUL TENACIOUSLY TESTIFIED

1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-6

UNDAUNTED,

PAUL TENACIOUSLY TESTIFIED

1 Thessalonians 2:1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:

Paul reminded the Thessalonian believers that his visit to their city had merit, that the Gospel had a transformative impact on them. Many of them had received Christ due to Paul’s teaching.

1 Thessalonians 2:2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

In Philippi, Paul and Silas were falsely accused and brought before the authorities:

Acts 16:22-24 (KJV) 22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

Paul encountered similar difficulties in Thessalonica:

Acts 17:1-7 (KJV) Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: 2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, 3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. 4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. 5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; 7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

Even though Paul and company were embroiled in spiritual and physical battle on every side, they tenaciously continued to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

Unlike false teachers, Paul spoke the truth. His message was genuine and sincere from God’s heart through him. He did not have sexual or deceitful motives, but spoke from a pure heart. His desire was to impart wisdom and understanding about the true God and His saving grace empowered by His Holy Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

The Lord had entrusted Paul with His message of reconciliation, even compelling him to preach.

1 Corinthians 9:16 (KJV) For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

Father God gave Paul the privilege and responsibility of disseminating His most treasured gift of the Gospel to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles. Paul was not concerned about other people’s opinions of him because his work was unto the Lord, not to please men. Paul’s primary concern was to please the audience of One.

1 Thessalonians 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

Paul was in no way deceptive or pretentious with the Thessalonians or anyone else. Paul was all about God and the people, not about himself. He did not puff himself up and say, “Listen to me because I’m above all of you since I’m an apostle.” He was not haughty or arrogant about his apostolic position. He was selfless. His motivation was obedience to his calling from God and love for others, desiring them to know Jesus as he did. He worked, not for the praise of men or women, but solely for the glory of his heavenly Father.

PONDER THIS: How quickly do we give up sharing the Gospel when we meet opposition? Do we continue to tell others about Jesus even when we meet with ridicule? May Paul’s example inspire us to be undaunted when it comes to spreading the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ! May we be called “Those who have turned the world upside down” like Paul!

1 THESSALONIANS 1:6-10 - LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON (LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER)

1 THESSALONIANS 1:6-10 (KJV)

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

(LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER)

1 Thessalonians 1:6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.

Some translations say “imitators of us.” Since Paul was an excellent example of imitating Jesus, by imitating him, these believers were also imitating the Lord Jesus. Phillips, Craig, and Dean have a great song about a dad desiring to be like Jesus because his son wants to be like him. Here is a link to a U-tube version with lyrics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z8bXcBRIU0

This idea is also true for our spiritual children. Paul had led many of the Thessalonians to Christ, so they imitated Paul as an example of what is meant to follow Jesus. Children most often do what they see in you rather than what you tell them. This is true of those younger in their walk with the Lord as well. They imitate what they see in more seasoned believers.

Even though the Thessalonians were in the middle of trials and persecution, they were able to have joy in the Lord. The joy received from the Holy Spirit does not have anything to do with their circumstances. This joy comes from complete trust in and reliance on God. Their joy in receiving the Gospel, even though it did not alter their immediate difficulties, was another evidence of their true salvation, the Holy Spirit indwelling them.

1 Thessalonians 1:7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

The word “ensamples” is not in common usage today in 2017, so we looked it up for you:

Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language

Ensample

ENSAM'PLE, noun [ Latin exemplum.] An example; a pattern or model for imitation.

Being ensamples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:3.

Thessalonica was a key city in Macedonia, possibly with a population of more than 200,000 in Paul’s day. Macedonia was the northern part of Greece and Achaia was the southern half.

MacArthur Study Bible

1:7 examples. The Gr. word was used to describe a seal that marked wax or a stamp that minted coins. Paul commended the Thessalonians for being model believers leaving their mark on others.

Paul commended the Thessalonian believers for their exemplary behavior. Christians throughout the provinces of Macedonia and Achaia were now paying attention to Thessalonians to see what true believers’ character looked like.

1 Thessalonians 1:8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

Paul did not just make a difference in the lives of the Thessalonians in one specific instance, but he continued to be a difference among them as they were now in the familyship of God with him. The Lord he shared with them, through His Holy Spirit, continued being a difference in and through them that was undeniably observable to others. Paul heard good things about the complete change in them due to the Gospel message and their trust in Jesus everywhere he went. He even said that there was no need for him to speak because the Thessalonians had already been such a testimony to the power of the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

1 Thessalonians 1:9 (VOICE) You see, they go on and on telling us the story of how you welcomed us when we were introduced to you; how you turned toward God and realigned your life to serve the one true living God—leaving your idols to crumble in the dust

Believers in other cities repetitively waxed eloquently about the transformation they had seen in the Thessalonian believers because of Paul’s witness and the change the Holy Spirit had wrought in their lives. They left their idols, their false gods, to follow the One true and living God who demonstrated His love for them on the cross.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

The believers in Thessalonica now have an expectation, a certainty, that Jesus, their Messiah will return again to receive them. They will be with Him forever and ever. They will not taste the wrath of God in the Day of the Lord because Jesus suffered in their place on the cross, paying the debt they owed, was raised from the dead and is now seated at the right-hand of the throne of God interceding on their behalf.

Ephesians 1:20 (NASB) which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

Romans 8:34 (NASB) who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.

QUESTIONS:

1.       Who are you imitating?

2.       Who might be imitating you?

3.       Are you living in a way that should be imitated by a new believer?

4.       Does your changed life speak volumes about the Lord’s power in your life?

1 THESSALONIANS 1:1-5 - LIFE-EMPOWERING ENCOURAGEMENT

LIFE-EMPOWERING ENCOURAGEMENT

1 Thessalonians 1:1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Although Paul is the author of the letter, he includes his companions Silvanus (Silas) and Timotheus (Timothy) in the greeting as they were in agreement with what he was writing to the believers at Thessalonica. Why does Paul describe the church as being BOTH in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ? This highlights the oneness of the Father and the Son, therefore, underscoring the deity of Jesus Christ. As we learned in John chapter 10, Jesus holds us safely in His hand, and the Father holds us in His powerful hand as well.

John 10:27-29 (NIV) 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[a]; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

If we are in Christ, trusting Jesus, we are in God as well.

Paul accepted that the Father and the Son called him to be a megaphone, a mouthpiece, for them. On their behalf, he proclaims the grace and peace that only God can bestow on the believers at Thessalonica.

1 Thessalonians 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

Paul encouraged the Thessalonians that he was thankful for them and constantly, tenaciously interceded with the Lord for their needs.

1 Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

As Paul remembers them in prayer, he is praising God for their works as a result of their faith in Jesus, and the fact that they do them out of love. He commends them for enduring patiently due to the hope they have in Jesus. 

1 Thessalonians 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. 5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

Paul assures them that he knows their conversions were authentic, that they were separated unto God for His purposes. The Good News of the Lord Jesus came through Paul but from God, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the person of the God-Head who empowers us to share the Gospel message. It was not Paul’s words that brought them to Jesus, but the power of the Holy Spirit behind those words. Paul and his fellow ministers always strived to be living epistles of Christ’s message they were preaching. They made every effort to live exemplary lives.

1 Thessalonians 1:5b (VOICE) …what you experienced in the good news we brought you was more than words channeling down your ears; it came to you as a life-empowering, Spirit-infused message that offers complete hope and assurance!

APPLICATION: We need not be intimidated or shy when we share the Gospel with people because the message does not rely on the eloquence of our words but on the power of the Holy Spirit working within those hearing them. Our part is to be willing and available to share. God does the rest.