After going back through 1 Thessalonians, take this day to go back through 2 Thessalonians.
Read 2 Thessalonians
Does this all seem way too familiar? It’s probably because you’ve already gone through these passages in the past week or two. Today’s a day for you to go back and to review what you’ve already learned and maybe even learn new things. You could just coast through this devotional because you “already know everything” and “it is just review”, but there is always more to learn about our faith and our God.
In chapter 1, Paul talks about Christ’s Second Coming. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul also talks about the Second Coming and focuses on the joy and the hope we have because of our salvation. In 2 Thessalonians, Paul talks about the other aspect of this day: God’s wrath. God is a fair and just God, and those who do not follow Him cannot take part in the kingdom of heaven. A life without salvation results in a life in hell, but the good news is that Jesus died for all to be saved so that no one will perish.
In chapter 2 verses 1-12, Paul encourages the church not to be afraid or worried about Christ’s Second Coming. He references the lawless one, one who will try and deceive and mislead the people and pull them away from God. However, Paul reminds them that they are saved and that followers of Christ will endure. None of us can endure on our own, but God is always with us and He gives us the Bible so that we can be rooted in what is true. As Christ followers, we have to constantly root ourselves deeper in knowledge of God, through prayer, scripture reading, and experience, so that we can stand firm.
In verses 13-17 of chapter 2, Paul reminds the church that God will sustain them. Despite the adversity that will come in the times of the Second Coming and that will from each day,, God is omnipresent and God is at work. He fights for us day in and day out and will never let us go. We do not have to be afraid or worry about anything because God is on our side. We should be eternally thankful of what God has done and continues to do for us, so much so that He deserves thanks through every aspect of our lives.
In chapter 3 verses 1-5, Paul talks about evangelism. When evangelizing, we often leave out parts of the Gospel so that it will be more appealing to those around us who are unsaved so that they will become “saved”. But are they really saved through this this? Yes, more people accepting Christ is a good thing, but evangelism does not stop at the numbers. Like in the parable of the sower, spreading the Gospel is more than just scattering the seeds; those seeds need to grow roots. True evangelism takes spreading the seeds one step further and takes the time and work needed to help people grow roots and build their faith.
In verses 6-18 of chapter 3, Paul talks about busyness. Some of us have plenty of time but choose not to use that time for God. Others of us are busy and “don’t have time for God” or don’t honor God with what we do. God should be our number one priority and deserves honor in every part of our lives, whether we think we have time or not.
What sticks out to you the most in 2 Thessalonians? Are you unsaved and still need Jesus in your life? Are you worried about temptations and trials and need to stand firm? Are you unthankful for everything that God has done for you? Do you spread the Gospel but don’t help others build their roots? Do you busy yourself and only give God time when its convenient?
Take some time to pray and to ask God how you can better honor Him in your life. Ask Him to open your eyes to what you didn’t see before so that you can continue to grow in your faith.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Reflection Day: 1 Thessalonians
Now that you’ve finished going through 1 & 2 Thessalonians, take this day to go back and review what you’ve learned. Take this first of two reflection days to look back at 1 Thessalonians.
Read 1 Thessalonians
You’ve read all these passages before and looked into each of them in detail to discover what messages and big ideas God wanted Paul to convey. Now the question remains: Why did Paul write this letter? He is not just writing because he has nothing else to do; he has a purpose for writing. He is not just writing to the church in Thessalonica, but he writes to all followers of Christ back then, now, and in the future.
In chapter 1, you learned about a genuine, costly grace. Salvation leads to discipleship, and discipleship has a cost. Following Christ is no easy task; as true Christians, we are called to give up our entire lives to Christ. So often we give up only parts of our lives: the parts that are easy to give up, the ones that don’t hurt. This is not what Paul writes about. God intends for us to not to be lukewarm and half-hearted, but to wholly and completely devote our lives to God.
In chapter 2, you read about Paul’s ministry and reflected on your motives for service and for Christ. Why do you come to youth group? Why do you read these devotionals? Why do you play in the worship band? Paul sets an example of why we should serve God: not for ourselves, but to glorify God and to declare the Gospel.
In chapter 3, Paul talks about endurance and steadfastness. Through the struggles and adversities we face in life, God is with us. We are lost and weak, but God guides and strengthens us. Paul does not tell us to turn to worldly things or to ourselves for sustenance; only God can carry us through.
In chapter 4 verses 1-12, Paul talks about living a life pleasing to God. We please God when we live in a way that aligns with His will. What is His will for us? To honor and glorify Him in any and every part of our lives: actions, deeds, thoughts, words, relationships, everything. A life pleasing to God does not come from good works because good works without purpose are useful. A life pleasing to God comes through accepting Christ and giving up every aspect of our lives to glorify Him.
In verses 13-18 for chapter 4, we read about the second coming of Christ. Many people in the world have misconceptions about this day and fear this day, but this day gives us hope for those who follow Christ. Through all the thick and thin of this world we do not have to be dismayed because we are saved and will one day enter into heaven. The day when Christ comes again will be one full of joy and jubilee.
In chapter 5, Paul again talks about the second coming of Christ. He tells us to be awake and ready and not to be afraid. We are not destined for God’s wrath and hell, but we are destined for new life in heaven. God gives us eternal live! We are alive! Rejoice and be glad!
What is God trying to say to you through 1 Thessalonians? Is there one message Paul has for us that really sticks out to you? Take this time to pray and to honestly ask God how He wants to mold you and guide you as you continue to grow in your faith.
Read 1 Thessalonians
You’ve read all these passages before and looked into each of them in detail to discover what messages and big ideas God wanted Paul to convey. Now the question remains: Why did Paul write this letter? He is not just writing because he has nothing else to do; he has a purpose for writing. He is not just writing to the church in Thessalonica, but he writes to all followers of Christ back then, now, and in the future.
In chapter 1, you learned about a genuine, costly grace. Salvation leads to discipleship, and discipleship has a cost. Following Christ is no easy task; as true Christians, we are called to give up our entire lives to Christ. So often we give up only parts of our lives: the parts that are easy to give up, the ones that don’t hurt. This is not what Paul writes about. God intends for us to not to be lukewarm and half-hearted, but to wholly and completely devote our lives to God.
In chapter 2, you read about Paul’s ministry and reflected on your motives for service and for Christ. Why do you come to youth group? Why do you read these devotionals? Why do you play in the worship band? Paul sets an example of why we should serve God: not for ourselves, but to glorify God and to declare the Gospel.
In chapter 3, Paul talks about endurance and steadfastness. Through the struggles and adversities we face in life, God is with us. We are lost and weak, but God guides and strengthens us. Paul does not tell us to turn to worldly things or to ourselves for sustenance; only God can carry us through.
In chapter 4 verses 1-12, Paul talks about living a life pleasing to God. We please God when we live in a way that aligns with His will. What is His will for us? To honor and glorify Him in any and every part of our lives: actions, deeds, thoughts, words, relationships, everything. A life pleasing to God does not come from good works because good works without purpose are useful. A life pleasing to God comes through accepting Christ and giving up every aspect of our lives to glorify Him.
In verses 13-18 for chapter 4, we read about the second coming of Christ. Many people in the world have misconceptions about this day and fear this day, but this day gives us hope for those who follow Christ. Through all the thick and thin of this world we do not have to be dismayed because we are saved and will one day enter into heaven. The day when Christ comes again will be one full of joy and jubilee.
In chapter 5, Paul again talks about the second coming of Christ. He tells us to be awake and ready and not to be afraid. We are not destined for God’s wrath and hell, but we are destined for new life in heaven. God gives us eternal live! We are alive! Rejoice and be glad!
What is God trying to say to you through 1 Thessalonians? Is there one message Paul has for us that really sticks out to you? Take this time to pray and to honestly ask God how He wants to mold you and guide you as you continue to grow in your faith.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Working for God - 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18
Do you feel busy? As things begin to crowd towards the holidays, it seems like there are more and more demands of time everywhere you look, school, work, homework/projects. family events, fun holiday festivities. Sometimes I feel like everywhere I look is another thing waiting to claim my time. So how do we make the most of the time that we have?
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18
2 Thessalonians 3:6-18 (NIV)
6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. 14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.
In many ways the Thessalonian church didn’t have a problem with having enough time, but with doing things that were worthwhile. Some had a problem with spending their time being busybodies, into other peoples business. Paul wasn’t talking to people who couldn’t work and contribute to their community, he was talking to people whose priorities were being misspent. Whatever they were doing, they weren’t doing the important things. Let’s step back and think about this personally for a moment. What do you do to procrastinate? Internet? Games? I know for me its reading. These things are not necessarily bad of themselves, but the way we use them can be wrong. Likewise, this doesn’t just apply for procrastination from school work, in this case it was a spiritual and secular problem for the Thessalonians. It was such a problem that Paul told the church to warn their brothers and sisters and distance themselves if they don’t pay attention. What are we doing to procrastinate from what God has for us in our lives? Is our procrastination potentially getting in the way of other peoples’ growth and development in Christ? From what Paul is saying, it would definitely seem so. Paul also writes here to encourage those who are working hard in both their life and their faith. It’s a difficult thing sometimes for us to see that when we give Christ our life, it’s our whole life. It’s school and church. It’s friends from school, from extracurriculars, and from church. God wants to be our Lord in every aspect of our lives, and that includes how we work, when we work, and where we work.
Dear God,
Be LORD of how we work, and the quality of work that we do. Let it speak and show you to whoever we come in contact with. Help us to do it faithfully, and reveal to us whatever is getting in the way of giving our best work to you. Thank you for giving us the ability to serve and reflect you in what we do. Amen.
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18
2 Thessalonians 3:6-18 (NIV)
6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. 14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.
In many ways the Thessalonian church didn’t have a problem with having enough time, but with doing things that were worthwhile. Some had a problem with spending their time being busybodies, into other peoples business. Paul wasn’t talking to people who couldn’t work and contribute to their community, he was talking to people whose priorities were being misspent. Whatever they were doing, they weren’t doing the important things. Let’s step back and think about this personally for a moment. What do you do to procrastinate? Internet? Games? I know for me its reading. These things are not necessarily bad of themselves, but the way we use them can be wrong. Likewise, this doesn’t just apply for procrastination from school work, in this case it was a spiritual and secular problem for the Thessalonians. It was such a problem that Paul told the church to warn their brothers and sisters and distance themselves if they don’t pay attention. What are we doing to procrastinate from what God has for us in our lives? Is our procrastination potentially getting in the way of other peoples’ growth and development in Christ? From what Paul is saying, it would definitely seem so. Paul also writes here to encourage those who are working hard in both their life and their faith. It’s a difficult thing sometimes for us to see that when we give Christ our life, it’s our whole life. It’s school and church. It’s friends from school, from extracurriculars, and from church. God wants to be our Lord in every aspect of our lives, and that includes how we work, when we work, and where we work.
Dear God,
Be LORD of how we work, and the quality of work that we do. Let it speak and show you to whoever we come in contact with. Help us to do it faithfully, and reveal to us whatever is getting in the way of giving our best work to you. Thank you for giving us the ability to serve and reflect you in what we do. Amen.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Not Just About Speeding Ahead - 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
In Christianity, there is a difference between discipleship and “marketing Jesus.” What is marketing? It is the task of persuading consumers that a certain good or service is desirable, and possessing that good or service will make one’s life easier, or at least, cooler. Do we all really “need” an iPhone? No. But Apple’s marketing has persuaded many of us that it is cool and useful to have one. And thus many of us are hungrily awaiting the near-apocalyptic Fifth Coming of the holy iPhone. Discipleship is vastly different. It is, as Dietrich Bonhoeffer has put it, a radical following of Jesus, even at the expense of what or whom we hold dear. The goal of evangelism is to persuade others that not only is following Jesus good, but it is right. The relationship between discipleship and evangelism is something we will investigate today.
In his closing, St. Paul closes with a prayer request. Note that he begins by asking that the word of the Lord may “spread rapidly” and “be honored.” The “and” is important, because we need to remember that evangelism and discipleship are not separate issues. To tell others about Jesus is not the raison d’etre, the reason of existence for the Church – discipleship is. True evangelism must lead to discipleship, otherwise all we’re doing is marketing the Jesus brand. That’s why Paul desires that the spreading of the Gospel will be accompanied quickly by its honoring.
Many churches today operate on an evangelism-only basis, which is quite a shame because if we all we do is evangelize, we face the temptation to water down the Gospel in order to make Jesus palatable to others. We tell others about how Jesus loves you, John 3:16, but we don’t tell them about Mark 8:34-35, for example. Some take it much further by lying to them that if they believed in Jesus, everything will be okay. We need to understand that Jesus did not come to this world to be “cool” or “acceptable.” Nor did Jesus come to be the solution to all of the world’s problems or the answer key to all the blank philosophical questions we may have. We don’t worship the “God of the Gaps.” We worship Jesus the Christ, not Jesus the Cool. This is the Jesus who died on the cross, and taught all who follow him that we must take up our own crosses. Evangelism is the task of telling people that this is the Jesus whom it is good and right to follow.
“But Henry,” you might say, “this is utterly impossible!” You’re absolutely right. Any right-thinking American would never follow Jesus if we tell them that following Jesus means taking up our crosses. What if we tell them that following Jesus meant selling our possessions (See Mark 10:17-31)? What if it meant loving God above our careers, our money, our jobs, our family? But to hide these things is to tell a false gospel. So what shall we do? Are we just going to tell the Gospel as it is, and wait for rejections or maybe even face gun-pointing from everyone?
Perhaps. Indeed, Paul constantly faced such adversities when preaching the Gospel… minus the guns. Thus, he asks the Thessalonians to pray that they may be “delivered from wicked and evil people”, for not all believe (vs. 2). Indeed, when we present the true Gospel to the world, not all will believe, and many will react violently against it. But more importantly, this telling of the Gospel needs to be met with a living out of the Gospel. Evangelism must be accompanied by discipleship. That’s why in vs. 4-5, Paul praises, but encourages them to “continue to do the things we command.” It’s not a matter of believing, but also a matter of living what we believe.
The challenge of the church is to live out the Gospel we claim to accept. Only by living it out can we tell others what it means to receive the Gospel, what it means to have faith in Jesus. In my seven years at WCAC, it was a joy to see many youth group alumni graduate and serve God’s kingdom in many capacities. But there were some who have left the faith. Accepting the Gospel in its entirety is not an easy task. It requires great courage and faith. That is why why it is right for Paul to pray that the Gospel spread rapidly and be honored.
Saving God, free us from hardness of heart. Take from us all pride and pretension. Strip us clean of all that makes us incapable of being witnesses of your gentle love. Make us worthy agents of your peace, so that even as we contend with one another, the world may say, “But see how they love one another.” Amen.
(the prayer above was written by Stanley Hauerwas)
In Christianity, there is a difference between discipleship and “marketing Jesus.” What is marketing? It is the task of persuading consumers that a certain good or service is desirable, and possessing that good or service will make one’s life easier, or at least, cooler. Do we all really “need” an iPhone? No. But Apple’s marketing has persuaded many of us that it is cool and useful to have one. And thus many of us are hungrily awaiting the near-apocalyptic Fifth Coming of the holy iPhone. Discipleship is vastly different. It is, as Dietrich Bonhoeffer has put it, a radical following of Jesus, even at the expense of what or whom we hold dear. The goal of evangelism is to persuade others that not only is following Jesus good, but it is right. The relationship between discipleship and evangelism is something we will investigate today.
In his closing, St. Paul closes with a prayer request. Note that he begins by asking that the word of the Lord may “spread rapidly” and “be honored.” The “and” is important, because we need to remember that evangelism and discipleship are not separate issues. To tell others about Jesus is not the raison d’etre, the reason of existence for the Church – discipleship is. True evangelism must lead to discipleship, otherwise all we’re doing is marketing the Jesus brand. That’s why Paul desires that the spreading of the Gospel will be accompanied quickly by its honoring.
Many churches today operate on an evangelism-only basis, which is quite a shame because if we all we do is evangelize, we face the temptation to water down the Gospel in order to make Jesus palatable to others. We tell others about how Jesus loves you, John 3:16, but we don’t tell them about Mark 8:34-35, for example. Some take it much further by lying to them that if they believed in Jesus, everything will be okay. We need to understand that Jesus did not come to this world to be “cool” or “acceptable.” Nor did Jesus come to be the solution to all of the world’s problems or the answer key to all the blank philosophical questions we may have. We don’t worship the “God of the Gaps.” We worship Jesus the Christ, not Jesus the Cool. This is the Jesus who died on the cross, and taught all who follow him that we must take up our own crosses. Evangelism is the task of telling people that this is the Jesus whom it is good and right to follow.
“But Henry,” you might say, “this is utterly impossible!” You’re absolutely right. Any right-thinking American would never follow Jesus if we tell them that following Jesus means taking up our crosses. What if we tell them that following Jesus meant selling our possessions (See Mark 10:17-31)? What if it meant loving God above our careers, our money, our jobs, our family? But to hide these things is to tell a false gospel. So what shall we do? Are we just going to tell the Gospel as it is, and wait for rejections or maybe even face gun-pointing from everyone?
Perhaps. Indeed, Paul constantly faced such adversities when preaching the Gospel… minus the guns. Thus, he asks the Thessalonians to pray that they may be “delivered from wicked and evil people”, for not all believe (vs. 2). Indeed, when we present the true Gospel to the world, not all will believe, and many will react violently against it. But more importantly, this telling of the Gospel needs to be met with a living out of the Gospel. Evangelism must be accompanied by discipleship. That’s why in vs. 4-5, Paul praises, but encourages them to “continue to do the things we command.” It’s not a matter of believing, but also a matter of living what we believe.
The challenge of the church is to live out the Gospel we claim to accept. Only by living it out can we tell others what it means to receive the Gospel, what it means to have faith in Jesus. In my seven years at WCAC, it was a joy to see many youth group alumni graduate and serve God’s kingdom in many capacities. But there were some who have left the faith. Accepting the Gospel in its entirety is not an easy task. It requires great courage and faith. That is why why it is right for Paul to pray that the Gospel spread rapidly and be honored.
Saving God, free us from hardness of heart. Take from us all pride and pretension. Strip us clean of all that makes us incapable of being witnesses of your gentle love. Make us worthy agents of your peace, so that even as we contend with one another, the world may say, “But see how they love one another.” Amen.
(the prayer above was written by Stanley Hauerwas)
Monday, November 7, 2011
Thanksgiving and Encouragement - 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Before you read the passage, take some time to reflect, and just be with God. Pray Psalms 119:18. Pray that God will let you see how this devotional applies to you.
Psalms 119:18 (NIV)
18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
Read 2: Thessalonians 2: 13-17
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 (NIV)
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits[b] to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings[c] we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Here, we see that in verses 13-15, the author is telling the people to stand firm in their faith and in Jesus. We can see that there is an abundance of things to give thanks for: that God chose us, that he sanctifies us. Take some time and really reflect on this. A lot of times it’s really easy to just “be a Christian” but not really thank God for what He has truly done for us. We should all be in awe of the mere fact that God did choose us and chose to die for us. When I read this verse, I realized my own faults for not really giving glory to God. Personally, I know I’m neglecting to thank God for his amazing grace, so much so that when I die, God doesn’t see me, but instead sees the image of Jesus. What can you thank God for? The possibilities are endless.
In verses 15-17, though, we can see a shift. The author is now encouraging the believer. He asks of the Lord, who comforts us eternally to comfort our own hearts. Has anything been on your mind lately? Too much worrying? Just ask God to help you lift your worries for him. I believe that true comfort can only come with God.
Just take some time to reflect on all of this. The author has told us to give thanks, and also written to encourage all of us. Take the time to build that relationship with God, whether it be through prayer, or just sitting there in awe of him.
Psalms 119:18 (NIV)
18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
Read 2: Thessalonians 2: 13-17
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 (NIV)
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits[b] to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings[c] we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Here, we see that in verses 13-15, the author is telling the people to stand firm in their faith and in Jesus. We can see that there is an abundance of things to give thanks for: that God chose us, that he sanctifies us. Take some time and really reflect on this. A lot of times it’s really easy to just “be a Christian” but not really thank God for what He has truly done for us. We should all be in awe of the mere fact that God did choose us and chose to die for us. When I read this verse, I realized my own faults for not really giving glory to God. Personally, I know I’m neglecting to thank God for his amazing grace, so much so that when I die, God doesn’t see me, but instead sees the image of Jesus. What can you thank God for? The possibilities are endless.
In verses 15-17, though, we can see a shift. The author is now encouraging the believer. He asks of the Lord, who comforts us eternally to comfort our own hearts. Has anything been on your mind lately? Too much worrying? Just ask God to help you lift your worries for him. I believe that true comfort can only come with God.
Just take some time to reflect on all of this. The author has told us to give thanks, and also written to encourage all of us. Take the time to build that relationship with God, whether it be through prayer, or just sitting there in awe of him.
Friday, November 4, 2011
The Man of Lawlessness – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Just a few months ago, people were predicting the end of the world on May 21st, 2011. When that didn’t happen, they pushed the start date for the end times to October 21st, 2011. That too has passed, and so now the latest reports have the big day coming December 12, 2012. I don’t know when the world will end. We’re reminded in Matthew 4:36 that not even the Son of God knows that, but only God the Father. So even if the world ends on December 12, 2012, whoever predicted it will have gotten it right for all the wrong reasons. It seems that we as a society have a preoccupation with what is coming. Some people worry because they want to get all their affairs in order. Others want to know what’s coming next. Indeed its easy for us to fall into the trap of be overly preoccupied with the end of the world. The truth is, Jesus IS coming again someday. Could be tomorrow, could be 1000 years from now. We need to be less preoccupied with the end of the world, and solely focused on the coming of the King. In Paul’s second letter to the church in Thessalonica, it was clear that they also struggled with having their focus on the wrong thing.
Read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
The Thessalonicans were worried. They were worried they had already missed the coming of the King. For some reason, this church was being easily deceived into believing that end of the world had come and they had missed it. Paul reminds them that this is not what they had heard preached from him when he had last been at this church. Paul’s reminder to them was that their primary defense against false teaching and being misled by others was to remember the Word that God had spoken to them. The moment they forgot these things, they quickly filled their hearts and minds with misleading theories. Take a moment to think about the things we fill our heads and hearts with. Are we easily misled by whatever new fad or teaching the word has to offer? Perhaps it’s because we have not rooted ourselves in the anchor that is the Word of God.
Paul also reminded them that the coming of the King would be accompanied by signs. Paul spends quite a few verses describing the man of lawlessness. This is a reference to the antichrist who will try to do his best to overthrow the kingdom of God. He is the embodiment of rebellion and all he does is in opposition to God and His kingdom. Now, Paul doesn’t tell us and the Thessalonicans this so that they will be afraid, but rather so they will be watchful. Paul wants them to be vigilant so they aren’t misled into believing what the Deceiver would have them believe. Again, their vigilance had to be rooted in their understanding of the Word of God. They had to guard that deposit. Are you guarding the deposit entrusted to you? Are you clinging to the Word of God and growing in your knowledge of them daily so that you can walk worthy?
Paul gives a sobering reminder that those who have been led astray by this man of lawlessness did so because they did not “believe the truth and had delighted in wickedness.” As you re-read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 spend some time asking God to help you be lovers of Him and lovers of the truth.
Dear God, help me to love you more each day. I want to grow in my knowledge of you both intellectually and experientially. Keep me from being led astray by whatever the world is telling me. Give me a thirst for your Word, that I might know you and make you known to the world that is in desperate need of you. Amen.
Read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
The Thessalonicans were worried. They were worried they had already missed the coming of the King. For some reason, this church was being easily deceived into believing that end of the world had come and they had missed it. Paul reminds them that this is not what they had heard preached from him when he had last been at this church. Paul’s reminder to them was that their primary defense against false teaching and being misled by others was to remember the Word that God had spoken to them. The moment they forgot these things, they quickly filled their hearts and minds with misleading theories. Take a moment to think about the things we fill our heads and hearts with. Are we easily misled by whatever new fad or teaching the word has to offer? Perhaps it’s because we have not rooted ourselves in the anchor that is the Word of God.
Paul also reminded them that the coming of the King would be accompanied by signs. Paul spends quite a few verses describing the man of lawlessness. This is a reference to the antichrist who will try to do his best to overthrow the kingdom of God. He is the embodiment of rebellion and all he does is in opposition to God and His kingdom. Now, Paul doesn’t tell us and the Thessalonicans this so that they will be afraid, but rather so they will be watchful. Paul wants them to be vigilant so they aren’t misled into believing what the Deceiver would have them believe. Again, their vigilance had to be rooted in their understanding of the Word of God. They had to guard that deposit. Are you guarding the deposit entrusted to you? Are you clinging to the Word of God and growing in your knowledge of them daily so that you can walk worthy?
Paul gives a sobering reminder that those who have been led astray by this man of lawlessness did so because they did not “believe the truth and had delighted in wickedness.” As you re-read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 spend some time asking God to help you be lovers of Him and lovers of the truth.
Dear God, help me to love you more each day. I want to grow in my knowledge of you both intellectually and experientially. Keep me from being led astray by whatever the world is telling me. Give me a thirst for your Word, that I might know you and make you known to the world that is in desperate need of you. Amen.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
A Growing Faith - 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Read 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Take a moment to read this passage and meditate on it.
Paul acknowledges the perseverance and faith of his brothers, but it is not because of the hard times that they are going through, but because their faith is still strong. Their “faith is growing more and more” and their “love…is increasing.” This growth is coming from persevering through trials. How often we dread trials and the difficulties in life, when in fact they are opportunities to grow and to strengthen our spiritual lives!
In verses 5-12, Paul talks about the judgment at Christ’s coming and the idea of revenge. When he says, “God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you” (v.6) he does not say to take it into your own hands to exact revenge; God has reserved that right. God has made justice necessary, and that makes revenge necessary, but we are not the ones to carry it out; Paul is indicating that because of this, we are to endure without compromise, but also to look to God for justice.
In verse 8, Paul says “He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” We are called to spread the gospel, and if we go about idling our way through life, then those who do not know God will never come to know God. Of course we aren’t all to pack our bags and go to a far away country to preach the gospel. Take some time to pray on what God is calling you to do, now and in the future.
At the end of this passage, Paul says “To this end we always pray for you, that our god may make you worthy of his calling…” (v.11). Staying faithful and being a light to everyone around us is one of our greatest challenges, impossible to do alone. And Paul informs his brothers that they are being prayed for, to continue to grow in their spiritual lives and to stay on the right track. Now take some time to meditate on those that God has placed on your heart, and pray for them and yourself to stay strong in God.
Take a moment to read this passage and meditate on it.
Paul acknowledges the perseverance and faith of his brothers, but it is not because of the hard times that they are going through, but because their faith is still strong. Their “faith is growing more and more” and their “love…is increasing.” This growth is coming from persevering through trials. How often we dread trials and the difficulties in life, when in fact they are opportunities to grow and to strengthen our spiritual lives!
In verses 5-12, Paul talks about the judgment at Christ’s coming and the idea of revenge. When he says, “God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you” (v.6) he does not say to take it into your own hands to exact revenge; God has reserved that right. God has made justice necessary, and that makes revenge necessary, but we are not the ones to carry it out; Paul is indicating that because of this, we are to endure without compromise, but also to look to God for justice.
In verse 8, Paul says “He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” We are called to spread the gospel, and if we go about idling our way through life, then those who do not know God will never come to know God. Of course we aren’t all to pack our bags and go to a far away country to preach the gospel. Take some time to pray on what God is calling you to do, now and in the future.
At the end of this passage, Paul says “To this end we always pray for you, that our god may make you worthy of his calling…” (v.11). Staying faithful and being a light to everyone around us is one of our greatest challenges, impossible to do alone. And Paul informs his brothers that they are being prayed for, to continue to grow in their spiritual lives and to stay on the right track. Now take some time to meditate on those that God has placed on your heart, and pray for them and yourself to stay strong in God.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Caring For Leaders - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Take a moment to pray to God and ask him to allow you to see what this passage really means in your life.
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
As Paul is wrapping up his letter here, we see an emphasis on many things- Kindness to others, respect, humbleness etc. These things all end up wrapping into one main thing, community. As seen in verse 12-13, Paul is telling the people to respect those “who are laboring among and are over you in the Lord”, which is basically the leaders of the Church. We can see that it is not a respect simply because of a position, but because of what they do, and how much they care for their work for God. Paul then goes on to urge the people to “admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted…” (verse 14). At the start of the sentence, it seems to be all about telling people off. One person is too lazy and not doing something and so on. Yet, at the end of the passage, Paul tacks on the phrase “be patient with them all” to show that its not simply about telling people off, but there is a manner in doing so, one of respect. Paul’s main underlying theme in this is slowly becoming clearer. We see in verses 15-21 of how our life isn’t truly one lived for ourselves, but for others. Not only should we stop people from doing evil, but also, we should do good onto others. We should rejoice, pray constantly, abstain from evil. There’s one story going on, and it’s definitely not yourself as the main character. Paul is giving a call to just do good onto others, and in doing removing ourselves from the pedestal and putting God on there instead. Then again, easier said then done. What Paul says sounds so simple, but in practice is much, much harder. However, there is hope at the end of the tunnel! Paul ends on an inspiring note. In verses 23-28 we see that this is a process, in which God is slowly making us more and more holy. We can see that in the end, because we are so faithful, God has our backs.
In the end, it’s a process. As you go about your daily lives, just try to be a bit more conscious about what is happening around you and humble yourself enough to show respect to everyone.
Side note: Interestingly enough, every chapter of Thessalonians has some mention of the second coming. Though surprising at first, I guess it makes sense, because of what’s happening. We know that Paul is writing to a church suffering from persecution etc. and he writes to encourage them, to tell them to hold on strong, and do good with others and so on. Therefore, it serves to help us, the reader, understand that earth is but a temporary home, and there is so much in store for us elsewhere. All the riches in the world mean nothing in the face of Christ. To me, it’s a great comfort, to know that eventually, we will have endless joy, not temporary happiness, but real joy to be with God.
Take some time to pray with God. Talk with him, have a relationship. Prayer is your time to spend with God, and enjoy it for what it is.
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
As Paul is wrapping up his letter here, we see an emphasis on many things- Kindness to others, respect, humbleness etc. These things all end up wrapping into one main thing, community. As seen in verse 12-13, Paul is telling the people to respect those “who are laboring among and are over you in the Lord”, which is basically the leaders of the Church. We can see that it is not a respect simply because of a position, but because of what they do, and how much they care for their work for God. Paul then goes on to urge the people to “admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted…” (verse 14). At the start of the sentence, it seems to be all about telling people off. One person is too lazy and not doing something and so on. Yet, at the end of the passage, Paul tacks on the phrase “be patient with them all” to show that its not simply about telling people off, but there is a manner in doing so, one of respect. Paul’s main underlying theme in this is slowly becoming clearer. We see in verses 15-21 of how our life isn’t truly one lived for ourselves, but for others. Not only should we stop people from doing evil, but also, we should do good onto others. We should rejoice, pray constantly, abstain from evil. There’s one story going on, and it’s definitely not yourself as the main character. Paul is giving a call to just do good onto others, and in doing removing ourselves from the pedestal and putting God on there instead. Then again, easier said then done. What Paul says sounds so simple, but in practice is much, much harder. However, there is hope at the end of the tunnel! Paul ends on an inspiring note. In verses 23-28 we see that this is a process, in which God is slowly making us more and more holy. We can see that in the end, because we are so faithful, God has our backs.
In the end, it’s a process. As you go about your daily lives, just try to be a bit more conscious about what is happening around you and humble yourself enough to show respect to everyone.
Side note: Interestingly enough, every chapter of Thessalonians has some mention of the second coming. Though surprising at first, I guess it makes sense, because of what’s happening. We know that Paul is writing to a church suffering from persecution etc. and he writes to encourage them, to tell them to hold on strong, and do good with others and so on. Therefore, it serves to help us, the reader, understand that earth is but a temporary home, and there is so much in store for us elsewhere. All the riches in the world mean nothing in the face of Christ. To me, it’s a great comfort, to know that eventually, we will have endless joy, not temporary happiness, but real joy to be with God.
Take some time to pray with God. Talk with him, have a relationship. Prayer is your time to spend with God, and enjoy it for what it is.
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