1 Thessalonians 2
-Chapter two is a tender part of the letter that instilled
hope and encouragement from the apostle to this beloved group of believers.
Paul and his team’s coming to them was not in vain as they declared the gospel
of Jesus Christ among them without any error, impurity, deception, flattery,
greed, or man pleasing (1 Thessalonians 2:1-5). In other words, these apostles
feared God too much to let these new converts to Christ down. God was their
witness (1 Thessalonians 2:5b), and they not seek glory from the people even
though they may have had a Divine right as apostles to make demands on them for
gain (1 Thessalonians 2:6). But, they were gentle among the Thessalonians like
a nursing mother who tenderly takes care of her children as infants. They were
not only ready to share the gospel with them, but also their very lives because
they were sooo dear to them. They worked hard night and day so as to not be a
burden on any while they proclaimed their message. Their conduct was holy,
righteous, and blameless towards the believers. Like a father, they exhorted
and encouraged the flock there in Thessalonica to walk in a manner worthy of
God who calls into His own Kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:7-12). These
people were their hope, joy, glory, and crown for boasting before the Lord
Jesus Christ at His coming (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20) *Application* Notice the camaraderie
that flows from this relationship that the missionaries shared with their
converts. It was passionate and kind, fruitful and considerate, challenging and
expecting. Whatever relationships we have in Kingdom work need to necessarily
include these Godly qualities as we toil in the work of the Lord. Be a blessing
to those you care for.
-Paul was thanking God and them for receiving the message of
Christ Jesus into their lives by the Word of truth (1 Thessalonians 2:13). This
group of believers shared in some of the suffering and persecution of the
Judean Christians. Paul relates how the spirit of those who killed Jesus, the
prophets, and drove the apostles out of the region was the same as the
Thessalonians’ countrymen. This hindrance of the speaking of the gospel fills
up the measure of these people’s sins and will incur the wrath of Almighty God
very quickly (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16). *Application* While God is patient and
wants all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9-10), there will come a point and
time when the last opportunity is given for the sinner to turn to Him and after
that is the fury. We must remember to endure under persecution and torment as
righteous believers. We must overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of
our testimony (1 Peter 1:17-19, Revelation 7:14; 12:11). Justice will prevail
in the end, count on it!
Verse to Memorize- 1
Thessalonians 2:8
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