Author: drthomasclothier

² “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. ³ At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— ⁴ that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” Colossians 4:2–4 (ESV)

The reading, studying and application of God’s Word, corporate along with individual worship, communion or fellowship with fellow believers and the sharing of the gospel to the lost are indispensable disciplines and responsibilities for each believer in Christ. Along with these is the discipline and practice of prayer. Since God speaks to the believer through His inerrant Word, then the believer speaks to God through the privilege of prayer.

“Oh! divine Redeemer, out of whose inexhaustible fullness I would daily draw a rich supply of grace into my needy soul, be pleased to impart unto me an undivided heart; that to please You, may be my greatest happiness, and to promote Your glory my highest honor. Preserve me from false motives, from a double mind, and a divided heart. Keep me entirely to Yourself, and enable me to crucify every lust, which would tempt my heart from You. Enable me by Your grace to walk in one uniform path of holy, childlike obedience. When tempted to turn aside to the right hand or to the left, may I keep steadily Your way, until brought before Your throne, I see Your face, behold Your smile, and fall in ecstasy at Your feet, lost in wonder, love, and praise.” — Thomas Reade, “On the Blessedness of a New Heart”

The Apostle Paul was not only concerned for the Thessalonians’ personal prayer of continua steadfastness, watchfulness and thanksgiving. He was also concerned these believers in Christ would be praying for him, Silas and Timothy.

Paul’s prayer request was as all prayers should be; specific and God honoring. Paul asked the Thessalonians to pray so “that God may open to us a door for the word,” Prayer is not to be a passive posture of good thoughts. God directs us to make our requests appeals to Him. Missionary and author Elizabeth Elliot writes, “Things happen which would not happen without prayer. Let us not forget that.”

John Calvin writes, “He does not say this by way of pretense, but because, being conscious to himself of his own necessity, he was earnestly desirous to be aided by their prayers, and was fully persuaded that they would be of advantage to them. Who then, in the present day, would dare to despise the intercessions of brethren, which Paul openly declares himself to stand in need of? And, unquestionably, it is not in vain that the Lord has appointed this exercise of love between us — that we pray for each other. Not only, therefore, ought each of us to pray for his brethren, but we ought also, on our part, diligently to seek help from the prayers of others, as often as occasion requires.”

Paul used a familiar biblical metaphor regarding the spread of the gospel. He requested his fellow believers specifically pray for an open door for the word. Door (θύραν; thyran) refers to an opening and entrance. It is a means of approach or access. In this context, Paul desired an opening and entrance for the gospel or the word of God. He knew prayers to this end by the Thessalonians would prove indispensable.

The phrase “to declare the mystery of Christ” refers to the gospel. Paul mentioned this in Col. 1:26-27 and 2:1-3. It is a euphemism Paul also used in his letter to the Ephesians. “For this reason, I Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— ² assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, ³ how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. ⁴ When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, ⁵ which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. ⁶ This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:1–6 (ESV)

Paul’s preaching the gospel was the reason for him being in a Roman prison (Acts 28:1-31). However, even while incarcerated for preaching he desires to continue to herald the word of God clarity and a commitment to the truth.

“The following story is about Duncan Campbell, a minister of the United Free Church of Scotland. He was a personal friend of Wesley Duewel and told him many stories of God’s amazing guidance during the late 1950s and ’60s in the Hebrides (the islands just west of Scotland) where Campbell was serving.”

“On the Monday after Easter in 1952, Duncan was seated on the platform after speaking to the Faith Mission Convention in Bangor, Northern Ireland, when he sensed the inner voice say to him, “Berneray!” (That is a small island in the Hebrides.) Duncan bowed his head and prayed silently. Again came the name “Berneray.” He prayed on, and the name came a third time.”

“So Campbell turned to the chairman and whispered, “Brother, you will need to excuse me. The Holy Spirit has just told me that I am to go to Berneray.” The chairman objected mildly, “You are the speaker tomorrow.” But nothing could stop him. He knew the Spirit had spoken.”

“He reminded Wesley Duewel, who was telling this story, “I had never been to Berneray, had never known anyone from there, and had never received a letter from anyone there.”

“He went to the hotel and packed his two suitcases and contacted the airport. There were no connections with Berneray because it was too small and out of the way. So he caught the first flight to the nearest island.”

“When he got there he went down to the coast and asked how to get to Berneray. The answer from a fisherman was that there is no usual commercial way, but that he would take him for such and such an amount. It was almost the exact amount Campbell had in his pocket.”

“When they got to Berneray the fisherman returned and left Campbell alone on the shore. He climbed the bluff and found himself on the edge of a plowed field and a farmer not far away. He said, “Please go to the nearest pastor and tell him Duncan Campbell has arrived.” The farmer responded, “We don’t have a minister for the church now.” “Do you have elders?” Campbell asked. “Yes.” “All right, go to the nearest elder and tell him, Duncan Campbell has arrived.”

“The farmer looked at him quizzically, then started off across the field as Campbell rested on his suitcases. After a while the farmer returned and said, “The elder was expecting you. He has a place ready for you. He has announced the meetings begin at nine o’clock tonight.”

“While Campbell had been ministering in the convention at Bangor three days earlier, this elder had spent the day praying in his barn for God to send revival to the island. God gave him the promise in Hosea 14:5: “I will be as the dew unto Israel.” He claimed it in faith. His wife in the house heard him praying in the barn, “Lord, I don’t know where he is, but You know, and with You all things are possible. You send him to the island.” He knew in his heart that God was going to send Duncan Campbell, who had been used in mighty revival in other parts of Scotland, to Berneray. He was so sure that he would be there in three days that he made all the arrangements to use the local church and had announced the services.”

“Wesley Duewel goes on to say that great revival came to the island of Berneray and a great door for the Word was opened that no man could shut because God opened it. He draws out this lesson: “When God has people who prevail in prayer, and people who know how to recognize the voice of the Spirit and obey without question, there is no limit to what God can do.”

(Story taken in part verbatim from Let God Guide You Daily by Wesley Duewel, Zondervan, 1988, pp. 117–119.)

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁴ “For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, ¹⁵ who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind ¹⁶ by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!” (1 Thessalonians 2:14–16 (ESV)

“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church>” – Tertullian (155-220 AD).

“We must all have the spirit of martyrdom, though we may not all die martyrs.” – George Whitfield (1714-1770)

^“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15 (ESV)

The Thessalonians were dedicated mimics or imitators of the Lord, Paul, Silas and Timothy along with the churches in Judea. They loved the truth of God.

“In order to bring home this idea Paul states that not only the Thessalonians are grateful for the spiritual blessings which they have received, but so are the missionaries (hence, “we also,” that is, “we as well as you”). Without ceasing they thank God for the manner in which the Thessalonians have accepted the message and for the influence which this word of God has exerted upon their lives. In other words, we have here a further elucidation and amplification of 1:6, just as 2:1–12 is an expatiation of the thought begun in 1:5,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

“The word, accordingly, was operating; it was “at work,” effective in the lives of believers. And the reason why the word was at work, and this in a favorable sense, was that it was the word of God: by means of that word, God himself was working (cf. Phil. 2:13).”

The Thessalonians proved the power of God’s Word as they faced fierce persecution from their fellow citizens, which they endured with God given faith and joy (Acts 17:5-9). The Apostle referred to those “who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind.” To displease (ἀρεσκόντων; areskonton) refers to causing someone to not feel happy or joyful. These opponents of the Thessalonians were ultimately opponents of God. To oppose (ἐναντίων; enantion) means to be hostile. These individuals were not only hostile to God but anyone who was a follower of Jesus Christ.

Enemies of God have always hated Him and His disciples. Therefore, it is unwise for the church to try to become friendly with the fallen world and to make the gospel appealing and attractive. This never works because rather than seeing people converted to Christ, the church converts to the philosophy of the fallen world.

“When Paul mentions the Jews and the havoc which they had wrought in Judea, he realizes, of course, that they, too, as well as the Gentiles, had tried and were trying to destroy the faith of the Thessalonian believers. It was as a result of their instigation that the missionaries had been forced to leave the city (Acts 17:5–9). In the beginning the Jews had aroused the Gentiles, including the magistrates, to take a stand against the Gospel and its messengers. There is no good reason to believe that their hostile attitude had ceased since that time (see, e.g., Acts 17:13),” continues Dr. Hendriksen.

Paul continued further about these opponents to the gospel. He wrote they were, “hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!”

“History shows that there will always be opposition to the Word of God from those outside the covenant,” states Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“For example, when Moses charged Pharaoh to free the Israelites from slavery, Pharaoh made life even harder for God’s people (Ex. 5). More tragically, however, people who belonged to the covenant community of Israel also opposed the Word of God. Jeremiah was put in stocks for preaching the word of the Lord (Jer. 20:1–2). Zechariah, through whom the Holy Spirit spoke, was killed by King Joash of Judah for prophesying against him (2 Chron. 24:20–22). Worst of all, Jesus Himself was put to death by those Jews who rejected Him and who handed Him over to the Romans for execution (John 18:1–19:37).”

“Having saving faith in the Lord makes oneself a target of the devil’s ire, and the Thessalonians’ persecution by fellow gentiles for their faith demonstrated the truth of their commitment to Christ.” concludes Dr. Sproul.

The wrath of God of which Paul spoke is explained in Romans 1:18-21. “¹⁸ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. ¹⁹ For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. ²⁰ For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. ²¹ For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (Romans 1:18–21 (ESV)

“What Paul teaches is in full harmony with Rom. 9–11. (See also p. 19.) However, in Romans there is additional revelation. He there shows that though this wrath to the uttermost has reached the Jewish masses, there is, nevertheless, in every period of history, “a remnant according to the election of grace.” These remnants of all the ages, taken together, constitute “all Israel” which “shall be saved” (Rom. 11:26a). Hence, no one has a right to say, “God is through with the Jews.” Anti-Semitism, moreover, is very definitely anti-scriptural! In the present passage (1 Thess. 2:16), however, all the emphasis is on the curse which the Jews have called down upon themselves by rejecting the Christ and his ambassadors,” concludes Dr. Hendriksen.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a God honoring day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁴ “For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, ¹⁵ who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind ¹⁶ by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!” (1 Thessalonians 2:14–16 (ESV)

In the Upper Room Jesus said to His disciples, “^I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 (ESV)

 The Apostle Paul wrote to his young protégé Timothy, ¹² “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, ¹³ while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:12–13 (ESV)

The Apostle Peter explained, “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?” (1 Peter 4:12–17 (ESV)

Suffering on behalf of the Lord Jesus has always been the lot of the believer in Christ. It has always been so. Why? Jesus said, “

¹⁸ “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. ¹⁹ If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. ²⁰ Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. ²¹ But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. ²² If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. ²³ Whoever hates me hates my Father also. ²⁴ If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. ²⁵ But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’” (John 15:18–25 (ESV)

Therefore, it should not be surprising to us that Paul, Silas and Timothy acknowledged the Thessalonian believers had suffered for the Lord. This was a definitive mark of the true believer in Christ (I Thess. 1:6-7). It always has been throughout church history and in today’s contemporary church.

“For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea.” Imitators (μιμηταὶ; mimetai) means to walk or to follow. It parallels the Hebrew word “halak” meaning to follow God’s ways. We derive the English word “mimic” from this Greek noun. Not only had the Thessalonians been imitators of Paul, Silas and Timothy and the Lord, they also were imitators of other churches in the region of Judea (I Thess. 1:6).

The imitation Paul spoke of regarding the Thessalonians was their willingness to suffer for the sake of the Gospel and the Lord Jesus Christ. “For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews.” Acts 17:1-9 chronicles the jealous reaction by unbelievers towards the early Thessalonian church which paralleled what the early Jewish Christian encountered (Acts 8:1-3).

“Not only were the Thessalonians imitators of Paul and the Lord (cf. 1:6), but also of the churches in Judea in the sense that they both were persecuted for Christ’s sake (cf. Acts 4:1–4; 5:26; 8:1). They drank Christ’s cup of suffering (Matt. 26:39) and walked in the way of the OT prophets (Matt. 21:33–46; Luke 13:34),” explains Dr. John MacArthur.   

“The Thessalonians has in good earnest embraced the gospel, as being presented to them by God, inasmuch as they courageously endured the assaults which Satan made upon them, and did not refuse to suffer anything rather than leave off obedience to it. And unquestioningly, this is no slight test of faith when Satan, by all his machinations, has no success in moving us away from the fear of God,” concludes John Calvin.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹³ And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13 (ESV)

The Thessalonian church was a growing and godly assembly of believers in Christ. The Apostle Paul previously mentioned their work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ (I Thess. 1:3). They were imitators of the Lord while they received the Word of God in much affliction (1:6). They possessed the joy of the Holy Spirit (1:6). They were examples to all believers; then and now (1:7). They turned from idols to serve the living and true God (1:9). They gave evidence of walking in a manner worthy of God, who called them into His own kingdom and glory (2:12).

If that was not enough, Paul, Silas and Timothy were constantly thankful to God for them, as today’s text explains. Why? It was because, as previously stated, they received the Word of God. To receive (παραλαβόντες; paralabontes) means to actively welcome and accept. To receive may refer to welcoming an individual with friendliness. In this context, it refers to the Thessalonians friendly acceptance of God’s Word when they heard it from these three missionaries.

The Thessalonians did not receive and welcome the message of the Gospel (Acts 17:1-9) as coming merely from these men. Rather, they received it as it truly is; the Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). At the same time, God’s divine truth was not just objective reality outside of them. It was also objective truth working within their souls. This was, and is, accomplished by the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 55:11; Acts 20:32; Phil. 2:12-13; 2 Tim. 2:15-17; Heb. 4:12).

“Paul’s message from God is equated with the OT (Mark 7:13). It was the message taught by the apostles (Acts 4:31; 6:2). Peter preached it to the Gentiles (Acts 11:1). It was the word Paul preached on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:5, 7, 44, 48–49), his second (Acts 16:32; 17:13; 18:11), and his third (Acts 19:10). Cf. Col. 1:25. which is at work. The work of God’s word includes: saving (Rom. 10:17; 1 Pet. 1:23); teaching and training (2 Tim. 3:16–17); guiding (Ps. 119:105); counseling (Ps. 119:24); reviving (Ps. 119:154); restoring (Ps. 19:7); warning and rewarding (Ps. 19:11); nourishing (1 Pet. 2:2); judging (Heb. 4:12); sanctifying (John 17:17); freeing (John 8:31–32); enriching (Col. 3:16); protecting (Ps. 119:11); strengthening (Ps. 119:28); making wise (Ps. 119:97–100); rejoicing the heart (Ps. 19:8); and prospering (Josh. 1:8–9). All this is summarized in Ps. 19:7–9,” states Dr. John MacArthur.

The 5^th century church theologian Augustine of Hippo explains Paul thanked the Lord for the Thessalonians’ reception of the gospel because it was the Lord who enabled it: “God . . . is the one who brought it about that the Thessalonians, when they had received from the apostle the word by hearing it, received it not as the word of men but, as it truly is, as the word of God.”

“This word of God “is at work in you believers” (1 Thess. 2:13). Many commentators point out the Greek verb translated here as “work” (energe ) is used elsewhere in the New Testament almost exclusively for God’s working. Paul uses it specifically in 1 Corinthians 12:4–11 for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment of spiritual gifts in the people of God,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“We see, therefore, a close connection with the power of God and the word of God in today’s passage, which emphasizes that the Lord works in believers primarily through His word and Spirit. In context, this word refers primarily to the gospel but can be extended to cover the Old Testament and the entire Apostolic tradition, or the New Testament. Putting this all together, we see that the Lord achieves His purposes in His people chiefly by using the Word of God—the Scriptures—to regenerate us, correct us, and build us up in the faith. Moreover, He works through His Word continually over the course of a believer’s life, for God is presently “at work in you believers” (1 Thess. 2:13).”

The Westminster Shorter Catechism states, “The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching, of the word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith, unto salvation.”

“The word of God at work in the Thessalonians (1 Thess. 2:13) was the message Paul preached to them. This indicates a close connection between the Spirit of God and the preaching of the Word of God. It is vital for us to sit regularly under the faithful preaching of God’s Word by appointed elders, pastors, and teachers because that is where the Lord regularly chooses to do His work,” concludes Dr. Sproul.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹¹ For you know how, like a father with his children, ¹² we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:11–12 (ESV)

Paul, Silas and Timothy previously compared themselves to a nursing mother when describing their relationship with the Thessalonian Church (I Thess. 2:7-8). They then compared themselves to a father with his children. What do the Scriptures say about fathers? Here is but a brief sampling.

Psalm 103:13 (ESV)– “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.”

Proverbs 4:20–27 (ESV) – “²⁰  My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. ²¹ Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. ²² For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. ²³ Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. ²⁴ Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. ²⁵ Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. ²⁶ Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. ²⁷ Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”  

Proverbs 17:21(ESV) – “He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.”

Proverbs 23:24 (ESV) – “The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.”

Ephesians 6:4 (ESV) – “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Hebrews 12:7–11 (ESV) – ^7 “It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? ⁸ If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. ⁹ Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? ¹⁰ For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. ¹¹ For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Paul listed three characteristics of godly natural and spiritual fathers. They exhort, encourage and charge their children. What did the apostle mean?

To exhort (παρακαλοῦντες; parakalountes) is a present, active participle. It means to urge and implore. The word admonish is used in some translations to carry the idea of corrective instruction and challenge.  

To encourage (παραμυθούμενοι; paramythoumenoi) is a present, middle participle. It also to comfort and console. This characteristic of a father is necessary when children are hurting: either physically, mentally or emotionally.

To charge (μαρτυρόμενοι; martyromenoi) is a present, middle participle. It means to call to witness, and to solemnly affirm.

The pronoun “you” after each participle is repetitive. It is not a superfluous repetition but emphasizes the missionary’s ministry to both the collective congregation along with individual believers.

“They had admonished them so they would act freely, encouraged them so that they would act gladly, and testified so that they would act reverently,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

“They had dealt with each one of them, having done individual pastoral work among them. They had also dealt with all of them as a group, addressing them collectively, teaching them, explaining the Word of God to them, and exhorting them to accept it by faith and to live in accordance with it. They had figured the immaturity of these people, and had loved them dearly. Both of these ideas, immaturity and love, are implied in the term children.”

Paul, Silas and Timothy did all these things so the Thessalonian believers in Christ would live in a manner worthy of the Lord. This thought from in the New Testament parallels the Old Testament psalmist’s thoughts in Psalm One. The principle of Scripture interpreting Scripture applies.

This worthy walk is due to God’s sovereign call, or invitation, into the kingdom of God. It is because of this sovereign, gracious and efficacious call that believers in Christ are to give God all the glory.

“Exhorted . . . encouraged . . . charged. Paul used these three words to describe his fatherly relationship with the Thessalonians since they were his children in the faith. They emphasized the personal touch of a loving father (cf. 1 Cor. 4:14–15). his own kingdom and glory. This speaks of the sphere of eternal salvation (cf. Col. 1:13–14) culminating in the splendor of heaven,” explains Dr, John MacArthur.

“Paul clearly refers to moral instruction— “a manner worthy of God.” God’s Word commands parents, particularly fathers, to make sure that children learn the Scriptures, especially its eternally valid moral principles (Deut. 6:6–7; Prov. 1:8–9; Eph. 6:4),” states Dr. R.C. Sproul.

“Second, given that Paul ministered in Thessalonica for only three weeks or so, this moral teaching was delivered at roughly the same time as or immediately after his preaching the gospel (Acts 17:1–4). Moral instruction could not be delayed but had to take place right away, which shows that the Christian ethic is inseparable from the Christian gospel. Lose one, and the other will disappear as well.”

“Third, Paul indicates that living the Christian ethic is “worthy of God” (1 Thess. 2:12). Essentially, the Apostle means that believers must live in such a way that it can rightly be said of them that they belong to God. In other words, our conduct must reflect the character of God Himself,” concludes Dr. Sproul.

How may we accomplish this worthy walk? It is a cooperative effort between each believer in Christ and God the Holy Spirit. ^12 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³ for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure,” (Philippians 2:12–13 ESV).

As we seek to pursue a holy life, let us remember God is working in us; not only to desire holiness but also to pursue it for the Lord’s honor, glory and praise. May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!  

⁹ For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. ¹⁰ You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.” (1 Thessalonians 2:9–10 (ESV)

Paul, Silas and Timothy loved the Thessalonian believers in Christ. Their ministry to them was free of error, impurity and deception (I Thess. 2:3). Everything the evangelists did and taught was to please God (2:4). They did not use flattery, nor did they behave with a pretext for greed (2:5). Neither did they glory from people (2:6). On the contrary, they were gentle to the believers like a nursing mother taking care of her own children (2:7). They cared for this church (2:8).

“Apparent throughout this section is Paul’s deep affection for his spiritual children, who only months before were complete strangers to him, alienated by race, culture and religion,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

The apostle continued to remind the Thessalonian church, his spiritual family in Christ, of his, Silas’ and Timothy’s labor and toil among them. Labor (κόπον; kopon) refers to hard work and toil. Toil (μόχθον; mochthon) means hard exertion of energy and effort.

For these three missionaries, the ministry was not easy nor was it supposed to be. God called them to serve and to serve Him, and the church, well. To serve God well is by working hard and to do so for His glory. Ministry success is not about large numbers, numerous accolades, widespread notoriety, and high salaries.

Paul said ministry was about working; night and day. Apparently, Paul and his companions were bi-vocational. They worked a secular job because the Thessalonian church could not pay them an affordable salary. Luke records Paul was a tentmaker by trade (Acts 18:1-3). He worked through the week and spoke on the Sabbath in the synagogue (18:4). The trio’s reason for being bi-vocational was so they would not be a financial burden to the church, while preaching the gospel of God.     

“Paul and his companions must have reflected very carefully on the question, “Shall we accept financial remuneration for the work of bringing the gospel; particularly, shall we accept it from the converts themselves?” Paul’s stand may be summarized in the following ten propositions,” states Dr. William Hendriksen.

(1) Titus 1:11: He definitely does not want to give any occasion for being placed in a class with “vain talkers” who are interested in “filthy lucre.”

(2) 1 Cor. 9:6–15: He, nevertheless, emphatically asserts the right to receive remuneration from the church for performing spiritual work, and to receive it even from the converts themselves (see especially verse 11). Nevertheless, as far as the latter group is concerned (the converts), he has decided not to make use of that right (see verse 15).

(3) Acts 20:33: He will now be able to say, “I coveted no man’s silver, gold, or apparel.”

(4) 2 Cor. 11:8: He does at times “take wages” from already established churches, while he is working in a new field.

(5) Phil. 4:10–20: He accepts gifts from an already established church (Philippi).

(6) Acts 20:34, 35; 1 Thess. 2:9 and 2 Thess. 3:8: Most of all, he provides for his own needs (and even for the needs of others) by laboring with his own hands.

(7) Acts 18:3: He is tent-maker by trade.

(8) 1 Cor. 6:12; 8:9, 13; 9:12; 10:23: The principle on which he insists again and again (applying it to various questions) is this: All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful: there are a good many things which I have a right to do, but that does not mean that I should therefore do them! The real question is always: “What course of action will be most useful in promoting the work of the kingdom and the glory of God?”

(9) 2 Cor. 11:7: Even so, in spite of this carefully worked out plan with respect to work and wages, he does not escape criticism. If he takes money, or if his enemies suspect that he does, they are ready to charge him with selfishness, greed; if he does not, they accuse him of making a show of his humility.

(10) 1 Cor. 4:12; Eph. 4:28; 1 Thess. 2:9; 2 Thess. 3:8, 10: He (and the Holy Spirit through him!) dignifies labor, and proclaims the great principle: “If any man will not work neither let him eat.” Now in his day and age, laboring with the hands is not always and everywhere being held in honor.

“Ideally, every pastor would receive a sufficient income from his church so that he would not have to take up a second vocation. But those who must work as bi-vocational pastors are actually part of a noble lineage that stretches all the way back to the Apostle Paul. As we learn from Acts 18:1–3, Paul was a tentmaker by trade, and he worked with leather to earn an income to meet his needs and fund his ministry, at least at certain points during his missionary career. We see in 1 Thessalonians 2:9–10 that Paul engaged in tentmaking during his ministry in Thessalonica,” explains one commentator.

Paul reminded the Thessalonians they were witnesses (μάρτυρες; martyres) or testifiers of his, Silas’ and Timothy’s behavior and ministry. The men’s conduct was holy, righteous and blameless. To be holy (ὁσίως; hosios) means to be pure, devout and to have high, moral qualities. To be righteous (δικαίως; dikaios) means to be upright, fair and just. Blamelessness (ἀμέμπτως; amemptos) refers to innocence and guiltlessness. Such were these ambassadors’ conduct (ἐγενήθημεν; egenethemen) and behavior.

“Paul’s surrendering of his rights to be supported by the Thessalonian church demonstrated the falseness of the charges against him. He was not just another religious teacher looking to enrich himself at the expense of others. It provided further evidence that Paul was holy, righteous, and blameless (1 Thess. 2:10)—not that he was sinless but that he had sincerely good motives for engaging in ministry and that he was a true servant of God,” states Dr. Sproul.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

⁷ But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. ⁸ So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 (ESV)

How do you view ministry? How does your pastor view ministry? In other words, how are believers in Christ to view serving other believers in Christ, or unbelievers for that matter? Is it a task, a toil, and a tiresome tyranny to people who love to take advantage of the individual’s good will? Do we like to minister and serve when it is convenient and hate it when it interferes with our plans and enjoyments?

Admittedly, there are too many horror stories of unkind churches who abominably treated their pastor(s), and unkind pastors who abominably treated their parishioners. There is enough blame to go around.

How are pastors and churches to treat each other? The Apostle Peter wrote this in his first epistle.

“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: ² shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; ³ not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. ⁵ Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:1–5 (ESV)

This text was examined in our initial series of blogs in 2017. I encourage you to access those essays for your enjoyment and edification. What I find interesting is Peter’s words parallel the Apostle Paul’s, in his first letter the Thessalonian church. This should not surprise us because ultimately the Holy Spirit is the author of Scripture (2 Peter 1:20-21).   

In their ministry to the Thessalonians, Paul, Silas and Timothy were gentle (ἤπιοι; epioi) like infant children to the Thessalonians. They were also like a nursing mother (τροφὸς; trophos) meaning to feed and to rear her children. They viewed believers in the church as their own children. Taking care of them (θάλπῃ; thalpe) means they spiritually fostered and cherished each believer in Christ.

They were affectionately desirous of them. Affectionately desirous (ὁμειρόμενοι; homeiromenoi) refers to a present and personal caring and a desire to be in the company of certain individuals. This was Paul and his companion’s perspective toward this church.   

They were also ready to share with them. This included not only the gospel of Jesus Christ but also their own lives. No sacrifice was too great. No task too small. This was because this group of believers were very dear to these three men.

“Paul and his companions dearly loved the church at Thessalonica. They were ready to share not only the gospel but even their own selves—they were ready to go above and beyond for the Thessalonians’ sake,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.”

“Paul says they were as gentle with the Thessalonians as a nursing mother is with her own children (vv. 7–8). In the ancient world, nursing mothers were often hired to feed the children of other people. A tender bond frequently developed between a wet nurse and the child she was paid to care for, but it could not compare to her love for her own children. Paul and his coworkers had such love for the Thessalonians, giving us a model for ministers.” 

“Paul may have had in mind Moses’ portrayal of himself as a nursing mother to Israel (cf. Num. 11:12). He used the same tender picture with the Corinthians (cf. 2 Cor. 12:14–15) and the Galatians (cf. Gal. 4:19). Paul’s affection for the Thessalonians was like that felt by a mother willing to sacrifice her life for her child, as was Christ who was willing to give up his own life for those who would be born again into the family of God (cf. Matt. 20:28),” states Dr. John MacArthur.

Do we as pastors view our congregations in this matter. Do we as parishioners prompt this type of response in our pastors? May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

² “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. ³ At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— ⁴ that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” Colossians 4:2–4 (ESV)

The reading, studying and application of God’s Word, corporate along with individual worship, communion or fellowship with fellow believers and the sharing of the gospel to the lost are indispensable disciplines and responsibilities for each believer in Christ. Along with these is the discipline and practice of prayer. Since God speaks to the believer through His inerrant Word, then the believer speaks to God through the privilege of prayer.

“Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the One who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.” – Max Lucado

John Calvin proposed four indispensable rules for prayer.

1. The first rule is a heartfelt sense of reverence.

In prayer, we must be “disposed in mind and heart as befits those who enter conversation with God.” Our prayers should arise from “the bottom of our heart.” Calvin calls for a disciplined mind and heart, asserting that “the only persons who duly and properly gird themselves to pray are those who are so moved by God’s majesty that, freed from earthly cares and affections, they come to it.”

2. The second rule is a heartfelt sense of need and repentance.

We must “pray from a sincere sense of want and with penitence,” maintaining “the disposition of a beggar.” Calvin does not mean that believers should pray for every whim that arises in their hearts, but that they must pray penitently in accord with God’s will, keeping His glory in focus, yearning for every request “with sincere affection of heart, and at the same time desiring to obtain it from him.”

3. The third rule is a heartfelt sense of humility and trust in God.

True prayer requires that “we yield all confidence in ourselves and humbly plead for pardon,” trusting in God’s mercy alone for blessings both spiritual and temporal, always remembering that the smallest drop of faith is more powerful than unbelief. Any other approach to God will only promote pride, which will be lethal: “If we claim for ourselves anything, even the least bit,” we will be in grave danger of destroying ourselves in God’s presence.

4. The final rule is to have a heartfelt sense of confident hope.

The confidence that our prayers will be answered does not arise from ourselves, but through the Holy Spirit working in us. In believers’ lives, faith and hope conquer fear so that we are able to “ask in faith, nothing wavering” (James 1:6, KJV). This means that true prayer is confident of success, owing to Christ and the covenant, “for the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ seals the pact which God has concluded with us.” Believers thus approach God boldly and cheerfully because such “confidence is necessary in true invocation… which becomes the key that opens to us the gate of the kingdom of heaven.”

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

Soli deo Gloria!

⁵ For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. ⁶ Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 2:5–6 (ESV)

The Fox News Channel recently reported one of the wealthiest religious broadcasters in the world is looking to offload his luxury condo in Florida. The report stated “the beachfront residence of Brazilian billionaire televangelist Edir Macedo in the ultra-exclusive Porsche Design Tower Miami is now listed for just under $14.6 million after a price cut, according to public real estate records.”

The article continued to say “Macedo, founder and bishop of the Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus (Universal Church of the Kingdom of God), is no stranger to lavish living or controversy.  His net worth is estimated at $1.8 billion, ranking him 1,901st on Forbes’ real-time billionaire index. By comparison, Kim Kardashian’s net worth is $1.7 billion.”

The report stated “the Trinity Foundation, a nonprofit that investigates religious fraud, has long tracked Macedo’s financial activities.  Macedo’s empire includes media companies, banking interests, and international real estate, the group noted, citing his control of Brazil’s Record TV network and Banco Renner. The Universal Church isn’t just active in Brazil. It operates worldwide, including in Portugal, Mexico and the United States. The church even built a modern version of Solomon’s Temple in São Paulo, Brazil.”

Finally, the article said, “Despite its clear wealth and power, the church’s “Contact Us” page on its U.S. website claims “the Universal Church does not provide financial aid programs. Their 24/7 livestream available on the Universal Church’s website currently offers ‘Blessed Water’ for sale, which purports to heal everything from depression to cancer. According to the Trinity Foundation, the organization also owns four private jets and a helicopter, assets rarely seen in the nonprofit religious world.”

“People love to be told what they want to hear. Who among us has not turned an ear to those who reinforce our high estimation of ourselves, while ignoring those who are critical? We tend to look for confirmation of what we want to be true about ourselves, not for our flaws to be revealed to us,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“This desire has characterized men and women alike for millennia, and flatterers have taken advantage of this longing to enrich themselves in many different ways. Ancient writers recognized this, with even the great philosopher Aristotle authoring works that give signs for how to recognize disingenuous words. Then, as now, purveyors of false religion frequently used flattery to gain a hearing so that they could then convince audiences to give them money.”

Apparently, there were individuals who accused the Apostle Paul of greed and avarice. They slandered the apostle before the Thessalonian believers. In writing to them, Paul wanted the church to know that he, Silas and Timothy were pure in their motives in ministry; by their speech, sincerity and in not seeking glory.

First, regarding their preaching Paul wrote, “For we never came with words of flattery, as you know.” The phrase words of flattery (λόγῳ κολακείας; logo kolakeias) means having a message appealing to an individual’s vanity. The word “blarney” refers to skillful flattery. Paul would have nothing to do with this type of speech. He never preached what people wanted to hear but rather what they needed to hear (2 Tim. 4:1-5).

Second, Paul also stated, “…nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness.” Pretext (προφάσει; prophasei) means to pretend or to have a pretense. This means Paul, Silas and Timothy were not con artists, hoaxers, grifters or deceivers pursuing greed (πλεονεξίας; pleonexias) referring to covetousness and exploitation. They did not desire to acquire more and more material possessions irrespective of need. Their hearts were not trained in greed (2 Peter 2:12-16; vs. 14). In invoking the phrase “God is witness,” Paul was affirming God Himself would testify to their sincerity of heart.

Third, Paul wrote, “Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.” They did not presently, actively and collectively seek (ζητοῦντες; zetountes) or demand glory (δόξαν; doxan) or praise and honor from the Thessalonians. This was in spite of their status as apostles and missionaries of God.

John Calvin comments, “All that would be . . . true pastors must exercise this disposition of Paul—to have more regard to the welfare of the Church than to their own life, and not be impelled to duty by a regard to their own advantage, but by a sincere love to those to whom they know that they are conjoined, and laid under obligation.”

“Not any impure but the purest possible motive had been the subjective source of the entreaty. To prove this, Paul permits the facts to speak for themselves,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

“By saying, “as you (well) know,” he appeals to the readers’ memory of these facts. Had the motive been impure and selfish (see verse 3), the missionaries would have copied the charlatans who roamed the country. Like these quacks they too would have made use of flattery. And their message would have amounted to nothing more than a pretext to cover up their greed.”

“But with an appeal to God the writer of this epistle solemnly affirms that they have never made use of either flattery or disguise. Their aim, moreover, had never been to seek human fame (see John 5:41), whether from the Thessalonians or from anybody else; and this in spite of the fact that they were in a position to make weighty claims with respect to themselves, being Christ’s apostles (used in the broader sense) commissioned to represent him, and therefore invested with authority over life and doctrine,” concludes Dr. Hendriksen.

From Scripture, let us evaluate who is a true servant of the Lord: Edir Macedo or the Apostle Paul, Silas, Timothy. As we serve the Lord, may we be like that latter three. May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

³ For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, ⁴ but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” (I Thessalonians 2:3–4 (ESV)

“Throughout church history, preachers who have left a lasting impact upon the church and their generation have always been known for their strong, biblical preaching. God’s work is to be done God’s way if it is to know God’s blessing. This necessitates the centrality and primacy of biblical preaching in the church. If we are to see another Reformation, Puritan era, or Great Awakening, then we must see a return to expository preaching in the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul commanded Timothy to “Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). In this present hour, we must see again preaching that is biblical, preaching that is authoritative, and preaching, quite frankly, that is dominant,” wrote one preacher about his craft and God’s calling to preach.

In writing to the Thessalonian church, the Apostle Paul explained it was the Lord working through him, Silas and Timothy to boldly declare the gospel of God to them (I Thess. 2:1-2). Therefore, their preaching was biblical, authoritative and effectual because it was obedience to God driven and not pleasing to the audience driven. Paul previously stated the gospel came to the Thessalonians not only in word, referring to what the missionaries said, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction (I Thess. 1:5).

“The Apostle defends his ministry because some people were criticizing his work in the hearing of the Thessalonians. To understand why some Thessalonian Christians might listen to these criticisms, we need to consider the first-century religious context of the Thessalonians,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“In that era, many would-be philosophers and leaders of new religions traveled from city to city, seeking to gain an audience. Some of these individuals believed what they were teaching, but others were charlatans who sought to take advantage of men and women for their own financial gain. Although Paul preached the gospel of the one true God, it was easy for his opponents to accuse him of exploiting his students just as other teachers did.”

Paul used two words in today’s text when referring to his preaching the gospel of God. The first was the word appeal (παράκλησις; paraklesis), which means to encourage, comfort and to earnestly plead.

“The noun and the verb appeal (παράκλησις, παρακαλέω related to παράκλητος; see N.T.C. on John 14:16), basically a calling to one’s side, can have various meanings: appeal or entreat(y), exhort(ation), encourage(ment), comfort. The exact meaning depends on the context in each instance,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

“Here appeal or entreaty (cf. the use of the verb in 2 Cor. 5:20), fits as well as any. It was the message by means of which the missionaries, clothed with authority from God and with yearning sympathy, had pleaded with the hearers to forsake their wicked ways and to turn to God in Christ.”

Paul stated this appeal to repent of sin and to turn to God in Christ did not come from error (πλάνης; planes) by self-deluded imposters, from impurity or immorality (ἀκαθαρσίας; akatharsias), or any attempt to deceive (δόλῳ; dolo) or to trick, to be cunning or treacherous.

Rather, the motivation to preach the Word of God (2 Tim. 4:1-5) was because all three men, note the personal pronouns “our” and “we,” were God approved (δεδοκιμάσμεθα; dedokimasmetha). God examined them and judged them to be good.

Good for what? God judged them worthy to be entrusted (πιστευθῆναι; pisteuthenai), or faithful, committed, and dependable with the gospel. This a holy trust. This is a sacred trust. This is an important trust.

Paul then used a second word; speak (λαλοῦμεν; laloumen). This refers to presently and actively communicating to individuals. What Paul and his companions spoke was the gospel. The goal was not to please men but to please God. To please (ἀρέσκοντες; areskontes) in this context means to make God happy and not people. This is the overall goal of preaching.

It is God who tests (δοκιμάζοντι; dokimazonti) and examines the preacher’s heart to see if it is genuinely committed to preach the Word. The Lord does this presently and actively.

The good news that comes from God, had been the objective source of Paul’s appeal to the Thessalonians. These three official ambassadors had been approved by God and therefore stand approved (the perfect of abiding result of a verb which in the present tense means to test; perfect tense, to have been tested, here: with favorable results; hence, approved,” continues Dr. Henriksen. “For the divine approbation entrusting Paul, Silas, and Timothy with the gospel of salvation, the following passages come into consideration: Acts 9:15; 13:1–4; 15:40; 16:1, 2; 1 Tim. 1:2, 12, 18; 6:12, 20; 2 Tim. 1:5, 13, 14.”

“Now it was in strict accordance with God’s directive, that these missionaries were always telling (note present continuative) the good news. Hence, their message was not an error, but truth springing from the highest source. And the motive in bringing it was not selfish—for instance, pleasing men in order to gain favor; cf. Gal. 1:10—but most commendable: pleasing God (cf. 4:1; 2 Thess. 2:4), the One before whom nothing is hid, and who tests our hearts (see Jer. 17:10; then 11:20; Ps. 7:9; Ps. 139). The human eye cannot discern the inner motive of his fellowman, whether good or bad; hence, Paul, as it were, appeals to God’s omniscience,” concludes Dr. Hendriksen.

Do we seek to share the gospel of God to people with the goal of making them happy or God? Who ultimately are believers in Christ to please? May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a God pleasing day.

Soli deo Gloria!