1 Thessalonians 4:13-16 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own countrymen the same things those churches suffered from the Jews, 15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to all men 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.
 
IT is necessary to know that when we hear true Bible preaching and teaching, the words do not originate with the teacher. A Spirit-empowered teachers speaks words that come from God. We cannot blame the teacher for God’s Word that convicts us of sin. Or we should not credit the teacher for God’s Word that gives us hope and joy. Submission to God’s Word is crucial, so God’s Word will powerfully work to change our hearts. Paul was happy to see the Thessalonians lives change through the teaching of God’s Word.
    Paul also saw another sign of their conversion to Christ. The Thessalonica church imitated the suffering of the persecuted churches in Judea. This is a hard truth about the growth of the early church. The ruling Jews who opposed Jesus’ teachings were continuing the Jews’ legacy of centuries of persecution and murder against God’s messengers. Jesus had condemned them: “So you testify that you approve of what your forefathers did; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs.” (Luke 11:48) Then they killed the Lord Jesus. The Jews’ persecution was a deadly opposition to the church.
    Thessalonica experienced the Jews’ antagonism as every early church did. Still, many stories of persecuted churches and individuals through the centuries and to today tell of their joy in the persecution. To them, such trials meant God was approving their ministry and devotion to him. God will judge his enemies. God will save his church. This is God’s forever promise.
    When Paul writes, “he wrath of God has come upon them at last.” It seems God has judged the persecuting Jews, and their opposition has ended. But it is likely he is referring to God’s ultimate judgment as Jesus declared: “Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.” (Luke 11:51) God’s words of the future are as certain as if they have already occurred.
    If someone challenges you or condemns you for your faith, you can know you’re in excellent company. In fact, you are in fellowship with Jesus and all the persecuted saints who have lived and are living. Rejoice such people find your faith offensive to their sinful hearts. It means your heart is imitating all true believers. 

1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
 
PAUL may seem to have a high opinion of himself, Silas and Timothy as he characterized their relationship with the Thessalonians as holy, righteous and blameless. This seems contrary to his words in Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
    But we must remember Paul is defending the ministry team against people who were trying to dismiss their motives and purpose for ministering the gospel. Paul reminds the Thessalonians they personally witnessed how Paul, Silas and Timothy were faithful to God’s purpose.
    When Paul says they are holy, he is not saying they are perfect. Instead, he’s speaking a fact of their relationship with God. One who is holy is one God has set apart into his Kingdom. Each Cristian is holy as God has redeemed us. We can describe ourselves as holy, set apart to claim Jesus as Lord and Savior.
    To be righteous is to have an attitude of obedience to God’s law. This is not perfect behavior. None of us live perfectly. But it is a mindset to learn and know God’s law, so we can strive to obey it in the power of God. It’s important to show the world you are righteous as you make decisions about what is right and wrong. In a like manner, to be blameless before the Thessalonians was to live among them without accusation. There was nothing the evangelists did that harmed the Thessalonians.
    This is Paul’s defense, and it is also an example of a father’s care. Note he wrote, “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children.” Amid Paul’s defense, he offers a powerful lesson on fatherhood and on leadership. A good father is one whom God has set apart. The father is to live a righteous life, intent upon following God’s law. A good father is to be blameless in his relationships with his children. A godly father seeks God’s counsel, so he can live in joyful peace with his family. This is also meant for spiritual fathers. Many church leaders can use this as practical instruction for relationships within the church.
    Holy, righteous and blameless parents and leaders will also be encouraging, comforting and urging others to live lives worthy of God. One can’t urge others to live worthy of God if one is not living a life worthy of God.
    To make disciples of Jesus Christ, one must speak plainly of the gospel. And it is also necessary to live into the spoken words. One strong theme throughout Paul’s epistles is the admonition to live what you say. Speak and live the difference, so people will know.  
 

 

1 Thessalonians 2:3-9 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed – God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7 but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. 9 Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.
 
ONE way to know a message is true is to know the messenger is true. That, of course, was the great challenge for Jesus. Too few people believed his claim to be the Son of God, and they denounced him as a fraud. This would have been easy to also say about all messengers of the gospel. There had never been such a message for mankind so widely spoken until the Spirit empowered the apostles to begin the church.
    As noted, the Jews and other officials attempted to denounce Paul, Silas and Timothy as frauds, enemies of Judaism and of Rome. Now Paul has his turn to defend the evangelists’ work to the Thessalonian church.
    He makes three important points: 1) The gospel appeal is not an error. 2) Their motives were not impure. 3) They are not trying to trick the Thessalonians. These are very common accusations still today. When you don’t like what someone is saying, it’s easy to accuse them of lies, fraud and deceit to cast doubt on their words.
     Paul defends their purpose as men not trying to please men but God. They have answered a call from God to this work. The evidence of that call is the tests they endured. Evangelism, church planting and gospel preaching is intense work that causes much physical and spiritual labor. It can weary the soul when God’s servants experience loud opposition and only quiet acceptance. This tests our hearts, Paul says.  
    Other evidence that God has sent the men to Thessalonica is the message of sin. True preachers do not flatter an audience; they tell the truth of people’s lives. It is the difficult truth people must face before they know the glorious release of forgiveness.
    The evidence of their call is also in the fact they did not request money from anyone. Praise from men was not important. They could have requested, even demanded financial help form the Thessalonians, but they worked night and day not to be a burden. The ministry team treated the people with a mother-like tenderness. It was love that motivated them to share the truth of Jesus, and to give testimony of their own lives.
    The essential point here is that we must be true to God in all we are.  

1 Thessalonians 1:7-10 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia — your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead — Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.  
         
HAVE you ever been told, “The Lord’s message rang out from you.” Paul is excited for the Thessalonica church. He tells the good news that they have become a model for other churches. Their faith in God has become known everywhere. What is it like for your faith to “ring out”? How do people from “everywhere” know if a church has faith in God? Paul gives some answers.
    Frist, they tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God. This is worship in action. The church turned to worship God only. They rejected the worship of dead images and evil omens. They put aside legalistic rituals and useless sacrifices. The Thessalonians no longer bowed down to images of stone, wood and metal. Their worship became only God-focused. People in other regions knew Thessalonica turned to God because they worshiped God and worshiped him only.
    Second, their faith rings out to other nations because they serve God. Their daily lives changed when they began to “love one another”, tending and living God’s truth as they obeyed his commands. Jesus’ church lived into Jesus’ words from John 15:10-12 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. People know you worship God when you obey his commands based on your love for Jesus and for one another.
    Third, their faith in God is known because they wait for his Son from heaven. They have declared their hope and assurance is knowing Jesus will return one day to establish his Kingdom on earth. They know this because their faith tells them Jesus is raised from the dead. They can stand firm against persecution because they know it is Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath. Paul, Silas and Timothy have preached the gospel. They have declared the truth of sin, repentance, forgiveness, salvation and sanctification. The Holy Spirit has opened hearts and minds in Thessalonica to receive and live into Jesus’ truth. As a result, their reputation for God has spread to neighboring countries and cultures.
    Thessalonica demonstrated God’s character to the nations. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.”  (John 15:8-9) A church is known to worship God when it remains in Jesus’ love.
 

1 Thessalonians 1:5b-6 You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

INTEGRITY is essential to developing trusted, personal relationships. Children more easily obey parents who live by the rules they teach to their children. Communities are more united when neighbors live up to expectations to care for each other and their property. Churches are stronger when its members honor each other.
    Integrity is essential to spread the gospel. As Paul wrote we lived among you for your sake, he affirms the evangelists’ plan was to live among the Thessalonians. They wanted the people to both hear and see what it means to know and follow Jesus. Paul, Silas and Timothy faithfully imitated Jesus, so the Thessalonians could become imitators of the Lord. They were living out Jesus’ teaching: “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
    Be the light. Imitate the light with integrity. New believers in Thessalonica knew how to live the Christian life because Paul, Silas and Timothy truthfully modeled Jesus’ life, even his suffering.
    On another point, suffering is not something we look for, is it? We don’t say, “I’m going out to suffer today, so people will know about Jesus’ suffering.” But suffering is a constant element in our lives. Sometimes the suffering is from disease or accident. Often in the early church and throughout the centuries, suffering is from persecution. As Jesus humbly submitted to the suffering, we are to imitate Jesus with that same humility. Many a story through the ages describe how suffering saints became great catalysts to turn people to Jesus.
    It seems at each stop along the way, Paul and his helpers faced some form of persecution. The Lord proclaimed Paul’s ministry would be marked with suffering: Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man (Paul) is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Those who joyfully suffer for Jesus are bright, shining lights of God’s love, mercy and forgiveness to an unbelieving, hateful world.  
          God commands you to be true to his Word. If you say, “I’m a Christian.” Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22) 

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5a For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.
 
THERE are two wonderful truths about the people of the Thessalonica church: they are 1) loved by God and 2) chosen by God. When Paul writes, “We know.” he is affirming the three evangelists are certain the believers in Thessalonica have received these greatest gifts known to humanity.
    How do they know? They have witnessed the Holy Spirit’s power working among the people. This is evident when people repent of their sins and confess Jesus as Lord. Also, the Spirit’s power often came to the apostles through signs and miracles as Paul wrote in 2 Cor 12:12 When I was with you, I certainly gave you proof that I am an apostle. For I patiently did many signs and wonders and miracles among you. The evidence of the change is seen in the way new believers begin to live. Their faith works demonstrate they live with joy in the conviction that Jesus has forgiven their sins and saved them into eternal life.
    The Thessalonians understand God has chosen them. God’s calling of particular people is evident throughout Scripture. The Father’s choosing began with Abel, whose offering God chose over Cain’s. We see God choosing Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, etc. to speak and live God’s truth to the world and lay the foundation of the gospel message.
    We cannot truly worship God if we think we have any part in choosing God without his first choosing us. We are born completely dead to the knowledge of God. It is by his grace we come to know him, and we are saved. (Ephesians 2)
    Yes, most of you have often heard this throughout your Christian life. But do you grasp this profound truth for your life? Are you aware in your soul that your life belongs entirely to God as you confess Jesus, “My Lord and Savior.” You have been chosen with power to know God and to live in his blessings. The Holy Spirit has come to you to help and counsel you in your saved life. He will show you how to live out your faith works with deep conviction when you are fully aware God has chosen you from the multitudes of people born on earth throughout time.
    What is your response to  God’s eternal blessing? Are you sure of his love for you? Are you loving him with your heart, soul and mind? Are you eager to let go of your sin to more deeply live into your salvation? 

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
 
WHAT is one reason Paul, Silas and Timothy pray for the church at Thessalonica?  
    One reason is for their work produced by faith. What would that work be? One guideline for this is in Psalms 64:9 All mankind will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done. As noted several times, to fear God is to worship him with the  understanding he has all things in his hand. We worship him in love because he first loved us to save us from destruction. We fear God’s justice, knowing his way is the only true way to life everlasting.
    In a church then, the first work of faith is worship. Corporate worship is one evidence to the world that the church exists. That’s one reason pagan countries outlaw the assembly of God’s people. If a church does not meet to worship, people would not know the church exits. The Thessalonica church worshiped together.
    Another work of the church was to support Paul and others with offerings. A church is often called to support missions and other ministries with a faith commitment of an amount that may seem difficult to achieve. All offerings are a work of faith as we believe God will use our gifts to his glory.
    Another faith work is evangelism. The church had to continue growing after Paul and his partners left. The only way for that to happen was to work to proclaim Jesus to nonbelievers.
    One more faith work was their defense of the gospel. All early churches faced much opposition and false teaching. The church had to work to faithfully learn the truth, teach the truth and defend the truth.
    Certainly the church would work at prayer, teaching and preaching, too. A Jesus-centered church requires constant faith work. One who belongs to a church must be willing to work in the church help the church do the works of God.
    Continual faith works are sometimes difficult. They can seem impossible to accomplish. That’s why Paul commends your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope. It’s very difficult to steadily labor for Jesus if we only have a half-hearted relationship with him. And if we have no hope in God’s promised future, how can we endure the hardships of faith work? In another letter, Paul summarized it this way: And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13) God’s love for you caused him to do the most difficult work of all: to sacrifice Jesus to the cross. What work does your faith, hope and love cause you to do? 

1 Thessalonians 1:1 Paul, Silas and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.
 
TODAY begins a study of some New Testament epistles – teaching letters. We begin with Paul’s two letters to the church in Thessalonica. 1 Thessalonians is considered one of the apostle’s first letters to encourage a church begun under his ministry.
    The first thing we can learn from this letter is that Paul, Silas and Timothy represent a good model for church development and growth. The Holy Spirit seldom sent people alone to declare the gospel and to establish churches. Jesus modeled evangelism when he sent 72 disciples in pairs to declare and demonstrate the Kingdom power. On Paul’s first missionary journey, Barnabas accompanied him. Silas joined him on his second journey. And they welcomed Timothy as they traveled (Acts 16).
    Acts 17:1-4 tells of the church’s beginning after the three left Philippi, where they had been in prison: When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,” he said. 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women.
    Beginning and building a church into a faithful congregation is hard work. The three missionaries surely did not limit themselves to one Sabbath teaching per week. And they would not speak only to the Jews. Gentile and women converts tell us their message went throughout the city to all people.
    The three evangelists also had an excellent reputation in the church. After they had established the church, Silas and Timothy returned to help the church stand against false teaching and persecution. They displayed a united, persistent effort to teach and defend the gospel.
    A leader’s work is never done. That’s why it is a great help when two or three people work in harmony to proclaim God’s Word. There is strength in united numbers to defend against the enemy who persistently attacks Jesus’ messengers. We must strengthen one another to proclaim the gospel and stand firm against evil.
     But you don’t start churches? You’re not an evangelist? This doesn’t apply to you? But it does. Are you a child of God? Then you are commanded to make disciples and teach the gospel. Are you a member of a church? You are to partner with others to evangelize and defend the gospel. Are you a parent or grandparent? Your children and grandchildren are your first mission field. Your marriage is to be a partnership to evangelize and defend the gospel.
    Yes, it can be frightening to confront people with Jesus. But remember Jesus has first called to eternal life. He has sent you a Helper, the Spirit. And he has given you a model to follow. Partner with Jesus. Partner with others. Find a way through prayer, evangelism, service, teaching, etc. to build up the church through your God-given work. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
 
WE use Paul’s teaching to Timothy to contemplate Revelation’s message.
   Now it is done. We have examined The Revelation of Jesus Christ, this magnificent epistle to the church of Jesus Christ. Verse by verse we have seen God’s sovereign majesty over his creation now and forever.
   Too often Revelation is seen only as what will happen in the future. What God revealed to John was happening in the first century and is occurring now, isn’t it? The devil seems to have his way. Great turmoil has infected and affected the world for centuries. Peace seems nonexistent.
   Still we can rejoice knowing the future, eternal peace all God’s people will celebrate with him. Yes, there will be a final time when all is fulfilled. Awaiting that day, we must live in this knowledge: God is sovereign over the world. With God’s permission, trials and tribulations oppose his church. Satan will deceive much of the world. God has marked his own to be delivered from evil. God will come for his own to re-establish his perfection on earth. His faithful church will live in his light forever!
   This is the purpose of all Scripture. It is a living, breathing document from God to mankind. Each day we can open the Bible to discover useful, living truth for our lives. God breathes himself into us. We receive the Word, and it becomes alive in us as the Holy Spirit quickens our minds and hearts to know the truth.
   Praise the Lord. He has given us useful information to navigate life, so we will be prepared to meet him one day.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your useful, living, breathing Word. Open our minds to know how useful it is for our lives each minute of each day until we stand before you. Amen. 

Revelation 22:14-20 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” 17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. 18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.
 
AMEN. This is the last appropriate and powerful word of God’s prophetic message. Even more, “Amen” is the name of the Son, who has brought the message: Revelation 3:14b “These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation.” To say, “Amen.” is to testify you believe God is Lord of all. It is to testify God’s promises are true and sure: 2 Corinthians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God. Indeed, what else is there to say? Know and believe the message of this prophecy and of the entire Bible. Keep its words secure. Do not add or remove the Amen’s words.
   Receive and speak what is true. Be true to his commands in your heart. Love him with your thoughts, words and deeds. Trust in God, and he will welcome you into his city. You will eat of his tree of life and drink his living water.
   If you eject the Amen, you will be outside God’s city. You will be condemned to the lake of fire. He has given himself entirely to you, so you may enter freely into his city as you confess, “Amen.” to the gospel of salvation.
   Is your future secure in Jesus? Go to him from wherever you are – rich or poor, happy or sad, sick or healthy, hopeless or hopeful, confused or decided, indifferent or determined, proud or humble. Whatever your state of mind, body and soul, you can know the power of his living Word, Jesus Christ.
   The Amen is the Morning Star, who shines his transforming light into any darkness in your soul. He is David’s offspring, come in the prophecy fulfilled to affirm God’s kingdom is forever. 2 Samuel 7:13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. He is Living Water, pouring into you the full expression of the Father’s love. The Amen is the Bread of Life whose body is broken for you.
   Wherever you are in your faith journey, accept his invitation now to dwell more fully with him. Confess, “I have sinned, Jesus. You are my Lord and Savior.” Repent, “I have neglected your love, Abba Father.” Commit, “I will love you with all of my heart, soul and mind, Lord God.”  Declare, “Amen!” to the Living Word made flesh, who has given his all to your eternal life. Trust his salvation in all he gives to you. Anticipate a wonderful life in the eternal city with your heavenly Father. He is the Amen, who has given you himself. Amen.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for giving to us the way to Heaven. Amen.