Free Bible Commentary
1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 5:23-28
Thursday, November 22, 2018“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
Yahweh is “the God of peace” (verse 23). There can be no real peace in your life if your life is not right with God. Through Christ we can have a peace that surpasses all comprehension and explanation. But if we are not on good terms with the Lord (according to His terms), we will have turmoil on earth and agony in eternity. Paul wrote in Romans 16:20, “the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet.” The devil is the source of all confusion, lies and false teaching. But the power of his chaos is no match for the awesome might of the great God of peace
God wants us to be “perfectly holy” in “spirit, soul, and body”. He wants nothing less than our complete sanctification. Of course, sanctification is God’s work, and there is no way for us to pull this off without His grace, love and mercy. But thanks be to Him, because of the great love that our Savior has for us, we can now be sanctified and live lives of holiness by the power of the blood of His cross.
God who calls us “is faithful, and He will also accomplish” our complete sanctification for us (verse 24), but it is completely up to us to offer our “bodies as a living sacrifice,” and to allow God’s word to transform us by “the renewal of” our minds (Romans 12:1-2). We must have the necessary faith and make the necessary sacrifice of our lives, our minds and our bodies; and cede our own, faulty, stubborn wills to His good, acceptable, perfect will. God’s perfect plan for us is that our obedient faith converge with His amazing grace.
Lord willing we will have some introductory remarks on 2 Thessalonians for tomorrow.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you” (verse 28)!
Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!
- Louie Taylor
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
Wednesday, November 21, 2018“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances. Test everything; retain what is good. Refrain from every kind of evil.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
“Rejoice always” (verse 16). The truth is, no matter how badly things may be going for us at any particular point in time, we can always find a reason to be joyful. Just the profound fact that we are children of God and heaven bound (if we are faithful Christians) is enough to rejoice about. I know that it seems impossible to find the joy in moments of crisis and extreme sorrow, but it will always be there waiting for you when the crushing weight lightens up a bit. Never give up even in your darkest hours. God will make the sun to shine in your heart again if you will just hang in there and hold on to His hand.
“Pray without ceasing” (verse 17). In the good times. In the bad times. In the daytime. In the nighttime. When you are young. When you are old. And all points in between. Pray when you are feeling happy. Pray when you are feeling sad. Pray when you feel like you are standing on top of the world. Pray when you feel like your world is caving in on you. Prayer is a lifeline to the Great Comforter in heaven and we often fail to avail ourselves of its many rich blessings. Prayer should be a way of life and not a thing that we sometimes do.
“In all circumstances give thanks” (verse 18). When you are praying to God, do not forget to always thank Him for all the good things that He has done, is doing, and promises to do for you. Thank Him for how awesome and loving and good He is. Be an appreciative person. Grateful people are nearly always optimistic and joyful people. Grateful people find reasons to give thanks “in all circumstances.”
Verses 19 and 20 obviously had special significance in the age of 1st century miraculous inspiration, but we can still make application for ourselves today. Don’t let the fire go out on your faith in Christ, your love for the Father, and your zeal for the Spirit’s word. Do not “despise” or diminish the value of the living, piercing, powerful word of God when it is being taught, preached or when you are reading it. Receive it, embrace it and give it free recourse to affect you in the ways that God has designed it to.
“Test everything” (verse 21). Never take someone’s word for truth. Always examine the Scriptures (Acts 17:11), and “test the spirits” (1 John 1:4), and prove what the good will of God is for you (Romans 12:2). When you hear and learn that which is good, “retain” it or cling to it with all your might. When you learn what is evil, “refrain from every kind” of it (verse 22). Even though abstaining from every “appearance” of evil is a wise thing to do, Paul is not saying avoid giving people the wrong impression. He is saying learn what is good and evil and cling to all that is good and abstain from all that is evil.
There is definitive, objective, absolute good, and there is definitive, objective, absolute evil. Good is everything that God tells us to believe, think, say and do, and evil is everything that God tells us to avoid believing, thinking, saying and doing.
Please read 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 for tomorrow.
Have a joyful day!
- Louie Taylor
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
Tuesday, November 20, 2018“But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
I love Paul’s closing quick-hitters in chapter 5. Rich. Powerful. To the point.
Respect your elders (verses 12-13). We should have respect for all people but hold special esteem in our hearts for the elders who labor among us and lead us and admonish us. There is disagreement as to whether Paul is referring to teachers, prophets or elders specifically, but these verses certainly apply chiefly to elders in the post-direct-inspiration era of the church. The calling of elders is of the highest order and their work is truly indispensable in the body of Christ. We are encouraged to have “special love” for them because of their work. There is no more important obligation than being responsible for watching over the souls of human beings (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17).
“Live in peace with one another” (verse 13). We should strive for peace so that the body of Christ can be unified in its efforts to serve the Lord and save the lost. It is also important to do this so that the difficult job of our elders can be as pleasant as possible (Hebrews 13:17).
Be aware of the condition of your brethren in Christ and treat them appropriately (verse 14). If any are walking disorderly “admonish” them to do what is right in God’s sight. If any are discouraged try to cheer them up ("encourage them"). If any are spiritually weak provide the “help” that they need to bolster them in the faith and embolden them to stay the course. We should help our brethren from a heart of love and with a hand that is “patient”.
Never respond to evil and sinfulness by fighting fire with fire (verse 15). It is only possible to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). When we return anger for anger, insult for insult, violence for violence, evil will consume us and destroy us. Blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), but cursed are ones who turn their hearts away from the Lord (Jeremiah 17:5).
Always, ALWAYS seek what is good!!! For every person! In every situation! No matter how much we want to blast them! God help us (ME) in this endeavor!
Please read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 for tomorrow.
Blessings!
- Louie Taylor
1 Thessalonians 5:6-11
Monday, November 19, 2018“So then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
The majority of the people in the world are groping in the darkness of sinfulness and religious error and ignorance of God’s will. That is not being judgmental or pessimistic, it is just factual truth revealed by God’s word, and Jesus Himself. “We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
The only way to find and walk the narrow way and make it through the small gate that leads to heaven is to be sober-minded and spiritually alert (verse 6). People do not make it to heaven by accident. Eternal salvation requires a vigilant and diligent pursuit of God and what the Bible reveals that He desires and requires of us. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 6:11).
Jesus went on to say the following in Matthew 7:21-24: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
God requires obedient, alert, sober-minded, solid-rock living from those whom He has “destined…for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (verse 9). We need to suit up every day in preparation for the repeated spiritual assaults that Satan is certain to hurl at us (verse 8). It takes time and effort and wisdom for a soldier to strap on his breastplate and helmet before entering into battle, and the same is true for the soldier of Christ and his/her spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-17). Living life on planet Earth is continual existence in a spiritual war zone. If we are not fighting and defending our faith we are giving ground to Satan and losing the war for our eternal, spiritual lives.
Wake up (verse 6)! Suit up (verse 8)! Build up (verse 11)!
Please read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 for tomorrow.
Have a great day!
Louie Taylor
1 Thessalonians 5:1-5
Sunday, November 18, 2018“Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety!’ then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness.”
--- End of Scripture verses ---
The Thessalonians needed more elaboration on the events that would take place at the Lord’s Second Coming so that they would not be grieved by the passing of their faithful brethren (4:13-18). But they needed no further instruction about the timing of the Lord’s return (verse 1). They knew it would happen at a time that the world least expected it. “The Lord will come just like a thief in the night” (verse 2).
A thief doesn’t announce beforehand the timing of his larceny. He uses the element of surprise to catch his target off guard. When the Lord returns it will be to the shock of the vast majority of the people who are not prepared for His arrival. And, no matter how long the Lord chooses to wait, in the end His coming will be sudden. Even though a woman in the 39th week of pregnancy knows for certain that her baby is coming soon, when the labor pains hit her, they hit her severely and swiftly.
The best that we can do is to live our lives each day as if it is the day that Jesus will descend, and to be spiritually prepared for His coming, no matter when that day might be. We take precautions and make preparations in advance to protect our homes against theft, and to be ready for our babies when they are born into the world. It is the height of foolishness to not make the necessary preparations for the most important inevitability in the life of every single human being—the certainty of the Final Judgment.
“We must all appear before the Judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Jesus came to the world the first time to be our Savior. When He returns the second time He will be our Judge. Please do what you need to do to be ready for “the day of the Lord” (verse 2). By the way, anytime that phrase is used in the Old Testament, it refers to Yahweh God as LORD (Amos 5:18; Zephaniah 1:7; etc.). Jesus is the great God of heaven. He is our Almighty Creator, our Blessed Savior and our Righteous Judge.
Take the time to learn of Him and get to know Him. There is no good reason for the day of the Lord to “overtake you like a thief” (verse 4). There is no good reason for any of us to remain in the “darkness” when it comes to knowing the Lord’s will for us and what pleases Him. Learn the truth and obey the Gospel and live your life in all righteousness and goodness as “sons of the light and sons of day” (verse 5).
“The Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)
BE READY!
Please read 1 Thessalonians 5:6-11 for tomorrow.
Please come study the Bible and worship God with us today at the Taylorsville Road church of Christ, and start learning what you need to do to make your life right with God in preparation for the Day of the Lord.
We are located at 3741 Taylorsville Road in Louisville Kentucky.
We have Bible study period at 9:30 AM on Sundays and 7:30 PM on Wednesdays.
We have worship services at 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM on Sundays.
Have a blessed Lord’s Day!
- Louie Taylor
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Saturday, November 17, 2018“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
--- End of Scripture verses ---
We do not need to “grieve” over our loved ones who fall “asleep” (die) if they are faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus (verse 13). Now, naturally we WILL grieve over losing them from our earthly lives, and we may even grieve over the way that they die if it is particularly disturbing and painful. But there is no reason to grieve in the WAY that the rest of the world “who have no hope” do, when their loved ones die. The reason is that faithful Christians DO have hope that carries on past the earthly grave. If we live and die in faith and obedience to Christ, we know we will be reunited with the faithful departed when the Lord returns to claim His own (verse 14).
What will happen on that final day when time and earth and death will be no more?
“The Lord himself will descend from heaven” (verse 16). Jesus will return personally to raise the dead who died in the Lord, and to “change” the living who remain at His coming (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). He came to this earth personally to live for us, die for us and arise from the grave in order to save us from our sins. And on the last, promised day, He will personally “descend from heaven” (verse 16), not to alight upon the earth, but to receive His own to Himself “in the air” (verse 17).
Jesus will descend from heaven “with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God” (verse 16). I’m not sure what all of that is going to sound like, but I guarantee you that it is going to be as LOUD as all get out! Some religious groups maintain that the Lord has already returned to the earth, but He has done so secretly and silently. If their story is true, then the Bible is not! The return of Jesus will be audible and visible and every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7)!
The resurrected dead and the living faithful will all be changed (given spiritual bodies suitable for an eternity in heaven – 1 Corinthians 15:42-49), and all “will be caught up together…in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (verse 17). After Jesus was resurrected from the dead, he ascended into heaven through a cloud (Acts 1:9). Two angels told the Apostles who were looking on that He would return “in just the same way” (Acts 1:11). Paul tells us here that when the Lord comes back, we will meet Him in the clouds, “and so we shall always be with the Lord” (verse 17).
When Jesus takes His faithful home to heaven, there will be no coming back to earth to set up a kingdom or to fight bloody wars or anything else! And honestly, who in their right mind would ever want to leave the glories of heaven and return to this earth of sin, pain and death? The Lord would never be so cruel as to play a dirty trick like that on us. No, when Jesus returns on the last day, it will be to destroy the earth, and to judge the living and the dead (John 6:39, 40, 44, 54; 1 Corinthians 15:23, 24; 2 Peter 3:10). But, most importantly for faithful Christians, we can “comfort one another” with the fact that, at the Lord’s Second Coming, He will return to take us all home to heaven to be with Him forever (verse 18)!
Please read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5 for tomorrow.
Have a great day!
- Louie Taylor
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
Friday, November 16, 2018“Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.”
--- End of Scripture verses ---
The Thessalonians obviously excelled in the area of brotherly love because Paul urged them to “excel still more” in loving their brothers and sisters in Christ (verse 10). The spiritual tie that binds Christians together should be stronger and run deeper than that of any earthly relationship, even blood-relatives. We share in the most precious substance to ever grace this earth—the lifeblood of the Only Begotten Son of God (Acts 28:20). Sharing in Christ’s calling and sacrifice makes us kin on both the spiritual and blood level.
In verse 11 Paul told the Thessalonians to make it their ambition to do three things in particular that would actually be expressions of love for their brethren:
“Lead a quiet life” – When individual Christians comport themselves in ways that express the inner peace of Christ, it helps to quell the anxieties of the body of Christ as a whole.
“Attend to your own business” – It is good and appropriate to get involved in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ, but we must be careful to not allow our concern for them to lead to meddling in their private affairs.
“Work with your hands” – Any of us could fall upon hard times at any time and need a helping hand, but if we refuse to work to support ourselves and our own families, we become an undue burden on the congregation.
Yes, it is true that we should have affection for our brothers and sisters in Christ (Romans 12:10), and that we should do good things for them (Galatians 6:10), and give preference to them in honor (Romans 12:11). But maybe we’ve never considered that when we take good care of ourselves (mentally, spiritually and financially), we are actually demonstrating a deep love and concern for the body of Christ.
Please read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Thursday, November 15, 2018“Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
Paul had prayed that his brethren would increase their love for one another and all people (3:12), and in today’s passages he exhorted them to “excel still more” in their endeavors to please God in their daily walk of life (verse 1). It is not spiritually healthy for us to remain stagnant in our love and faith. While it is true that sometimes we may struggle to try to stay the course and hold on to what we’ve got (Philippians 3:16), our goal should be to excel, increase, and abound as much and as often as possible.
In order to please God and do His good will, it requires our personal, intentional “sanctification” (verses 2 and 7). Things that are sanctified are separated from common and ordinary usage, and dedicated to special service to the Lord. That means that the words, actions, bodies, minds, and lives of God’s chosen people must be removed from typical, worldly, sinful activities, and devoted to holy, consecrated attendance to Him and His desires for us. Paul specifically hones in on sexual purity in the context for today.
A Christian is commanded to “abstain from sexual immorality” (verse 3). No matter how a person may try to justify sexual sin, if we have intimate relations with anyone other than the husband or wife that God has blessed us with, we are transgressing God’s will and committing a heinous sin against Him. Worse still, we also wrong and “defraud” our brother (verse 5) when we overreach our legal and moral boundaries and try to “possess” more than is rightfully ours by sinning this way against a member of his family.
Friends, we are not mindless, instinctual animals. God fully expects us to, commands us to, and will help us to “possess” our “own vessel in sanctification and honor” (verse 4). The matter of lust-control is an extension of self-control, and a critical hallmark of sanctification in Christ Jesus is the desire and willingness to control that rascal that looks back at us in the mirror (Galatians 5:23; Titus 1:8; 2 Peter 1:5-9, etc.). Don’t justify any sin, including sexual sin. It will not wash with God. It doesn’t matter how lonely you are, how unloved he makes you feel, how un-nurturing you think she is, God’s judgment is against fornicators and adulterers (verse 6; Hebrews 13:4).
Please read 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 for tomorrow.
Have a great day!
- Louie Taylor
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13
Wednesday, November 14, 2018“Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
Paul prayed that the Thessalonians would increase and abound in their “love for one another” (verse 12). It was Paul’s desire and prayer that the Lord would direct his way back to the city of Thessalonica in order to help his beloved brethren (verse 11). But, whether he found himself in their presence again or not, his prayer for them was that the love they already possessed for one another would continue to grow. There is a danger of taking our loved ones for granted and actually growing more distant from them as we are exposed to their particular ways and quirks. But brothers and sisters should love one another in spite of their differences, and strive to find and bring out the best in each other as they seek to be more like their Savior.
Paul prayed that the Thessalonians would increase and abound in their love for “all people” (verse 12). As we focus on channeling our love inwardly to our brothers and sisters in Christ, it must not be to the exclusion of all the lost souls of our brothers and sisters in the human race that live all around us. There have been some religious groups that have isolated themselves from society at large and have chosen to live in their own little cloistered communities. But the Bible, and the Lord Jesus himself, tell us to “go into all the world and teach the Gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). The greatest act of love that we can express to anyone is to tell them about God’s greatest act of love in sending His Son Jesus to die for their sins. Our love should be great for “the household of faith,” but we must make certain to “do good to all people” (Galatians 6:10).
Paul prayed that the Thessalonians would have their hearts established “without blame in holiness” (verse 13). The Lord wants His people to be stable in mind and firmly planted in faith (established). In this condition of heart they can be the most faithful to the Lord, live the highest quality lives for themselves, and do the greatest amount of good for the people around them. We want to make certain that we are living holy and sanctified lives “at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.” We know not the day nor the hour of His return, so we must live our lives each minute as if it could be our last. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Please read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
1 Thessalonians 3:6-10
Tuesday, November 13, 2018“But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?”
---End of Scripture Verses---
Timothy brought “good news” back to Paul after his visit with the church in Thessalonica (verse 6). This is the Greek verb “Euaggelizo” that is normally used to articulate the “evangelizing,” or the preaching of the gospel. When Paul received the good report from Timothy that these young Christians had not abandoned their newfound faith in Christ or their love for the Lord and His messengers, it “comforted” him beyond belief (verse 7).
This good news was a real emotional shot in the arm for Paul. He had been under considerable stress because of the persecution that accompanied preaching the Gospel, and he was very apprehensive about how the Thessalonians were holding up under their own maltreatment. So, when he heard that they were holding fast to their faith, he really felt refreshed and revitalized (verse 8). He said that “now we really live” because THEY were spiritually alive and well. But that would only last if they continued to “stand firm in the Lord.”
Friends, it is not always easy to stay faithful to the Lord. But it most certainly is a matter of life and death that we obey the Gospel call of salvation, and then live sanctified lives all the remainder of our days. This is why Paul agonized over the people that he helped to convert. He did not want to lose one, single, precious soul to Satan’s allurement or discouragement once he had helped to free them from his ruinous grasp.
“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). Eternity is on the line here friends! Faith is not something that we have on Sunday or a game that we play through the week! It is a lifelong commitment to service and obedience to God Almighty! “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Ephesians 6:10), and work diligently on the things that are “lacking in your faith” (verse 10)!
Please read 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 for tomorrow.
Blessings!
- Louie Taylor
1 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Monday, November 12, 2018“Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know. For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.”
---End of Scripture Verses
Sometimes we all need to be strengthened and encouraged in our faith (verse 2). We are often fraught with weakness and temptation, and God has blessed us with loving brethren to help lift us up and shoulder our burdens (Galatians 6:1-2). It appears from the context that the strength and encouragement that Timothy was sent to instill in the Thessalonians was to equip them for the spiritual battle they were currently involved in, and the skirmishes that were certain to ensue. We need to lift each other up so that we can continue to put up a good fight against Satan and his daily onslaught.
Christians are destined for afflictions (verse 3). I don’t know of anyone who actually enjoys trouble and afflictions, but there is no reason for any child of God to be surprised or caught off their guard when they come. 1 Peter 4:12-14 tells us, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” It is a matter of “when” and not “if” persecutions will come. All who are trying to live lives that are pleasing to the Lord WILL suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). If we try to avoid difficulties at all cost, chances are we are not being what God wants us to be in Christ.
Please do not dismiss the power of the tempter (verse 5). Do not be fooled into thinking that he is not real, and that he is not heavily involved in your temptations to do wrong. The tempter tempted Jesus (Matthew 4:3) and you are not greater than your Lord, so you can know for sure that the devil wants to tempt you and deceive you and destroy you. The Apostle Paul wrote frequently about Satan and his active endeavors to hinder the spread of the Gospel and the salvation of souls. Satan had hindered Paul from returning to the Thessalonian brethren in order to strengthen and encourage them himself (2:18). And he wants to hinder you from doing good and to tempt you to sin. Please put up a deliberate resistance against your greatest adversary. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7). He will keep coming back, so you keep resisting! Read! Study! Pray! Worship! Fellowship! Teach! Work! Fight! To quote a political slogan: “You are the resistance!”
Please read 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 for tomorrow.
Have a strong day!
- Louie Taylor
1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
Sunday, November 11, 2018“But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short while—in person, not in spirit—were all the more eager with great desire to see your face. For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—and yet Satan hindered us. For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.”
--- End of Scripture verses—
The Thessalonian brethren were Paul’s “hope”. Sometimes we meet certain people or see their righteous or heroic actions, and they give us a renewed hope for humanity. In the morally upside down society that we live in, just seeing ordinary people taking a stand for truth and righteousness gives us renewed hope that all is not lost, and that, maybe, this world just might be a decent place for our children and grandchildren to grow up in. The Thessalonians obeyed the Gospel in the midst of great persecution and antagonism, and yet their faith was vibrant and their love was resilient (3:6). This filled Paul with hope that the seed he had planted within them would grow to maturity and carry them into eternity.
The Thessalonian brethren were Paul’s “joy”. It is difficult to describe the kind of joy that our children bring into our lives and fill our hearts with. Sometimes I just find myself looking at my young daughter with a smile on my face, even when she is in the middle of doing nothing in particular. When she asks me why I am smiling, I usually say something like “I just love you so much that it makes my heart happy.” Joy is a “calm delight” that fills the mind and soul and buoys and uplifts our hearts. It filled Paul with joy and delight to know that his young “children” in the faith were spiritually alive and well and striving to do what was pleasing to the Lord.
The Thessalonian brethren were Paul’s “crown of exultation”. A “crown of life” awaits all children of God who live and die in faithfulness to the Lord (Revelation 2:10). The Thessalonian Christians were a victory crown for the Apostle Paul because he had the confident hope that Satan had lost several more immortal souls when the Lord had won them to truth and obedience to the Gospel. There is no greater joy than to have a hand in helping another human being to be delivered from the domain of Satan’s darkness, and translated into the kingdom of the Beloved Son of God (Colossians 1:13). Paul exulted in these precious brethren at the prospect of Christ carrying them home to glory when He returns in all His magnificence and splendor.
Our Lord Jesus is coming at the hour of His Father’s choosing (verse 19). Are you ready for that day?
Please come study the Bible and worship God with us today at the Taylorsville Road church of Christ, and start learning what you need to do to make your life right with God in preparation for the Lord’s Return.
We are located at 3741 Taylorsville Road in Louisville Kentucky.
We have Bible study period at 9:30 AM on Sundays and 7:30 PM on Wednesdays.
We have worship services at 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM on Sundays.
Please read 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed Lord’s Day!
- Louie Taylor
1 Thessalonians 2:13-16
Saturday, November 10, 2018“For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. They are not pleasing to God, but hostile to all men, hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the utmost.”
--- End of Scripture verses---
The word of God “performs its work” (verse 13). The inspired word of God has inherent, abiding power that resides within it. Hebrews 4:12 says that it is “living and active and sharp” and that it has a “piercing” power which can cut people to the quick and convict them of their sins (Acts 2:37). God designed His word to cut us down but also to remake us and build us up and equip us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
The word of God helps us endure sufferings (verse 14). When we fill ourselves “with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Colossians 1:9), we will be “strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience (Colossians 1:11). When we read how Jesus maintained His righteousness and faithfulness under the continual assaults of evil and perverse people, He encourages us and shows us how to withstand the storms of life ourselves. “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.” (1 Peter 2:21-23)
The word of God saves (verse 16). People cannot be saved eternally or maintain their salvation without hearing (learning from others) and reading (even if with the help of others) the inspiration contained within the book we call the Bible. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16-17). Within its pages we learn what we need to do to be saved, and what we need to do to be pleasing to God after we have been translated into His kingdom. It is our responsibility to learn the Truth, obey the Truth, and live the Truth. “Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” (James 1:21-22)
Please read 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 for tomorrow.
Have a great day!
- Louie Taylor
1 Thessalonians 2:9-12
Friday, November 09, 2018“For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”
--- End of Scripture verses—
In today’s verses Paul implored the brethren to harken back to the short time that he had spent with them and the pattern that he and his companions had left for them to follow after. He wanted them to “recall” or “remember” their time together so they could etch in their minds the approved apostolic example he had given to them to mimic for the rest of their lives.
Paul and his companions showed them how to work hard for a living (verse 9). While among the Thessalonians, Paul, Silas and Timothy labored “night and day” so that they would not become a financial “burden” to them. He gave them no reason to believe that they were only preaching the Gospel for the money they could get out of them. But, equally as important, he showed them the value of honest labor to support yourself and your family. “If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
Paul and his companions showed them how to be godly in behavior (verse 10). “Devoutly” expresses the idea of “holiness,” or piety and reverence toward God. “Uprightly” implies righteous living before God and mankind. “Blamelessly” means to live in such a way that no charge could be maintained or proven if a person brought one against you. “For we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:21).
Paul and his companions encouraged them to follow their example (verses 11-12). As a loving father cares for and urges his children to do the right things, they implored these new babes in Christ to “walk in a manner worthy of the” Lord. They showed them how to live right. They urged them to live right. They encouraged them to live right. They begged them to live right. The reason why they went to such great lengths is simply that it is not always easy to do the right things! But we see here just how important it is for us to try with all our might to do so! God’s “kingdom and glory” are on the line!
Please read 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Thursday, November 08, 2018“For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition. For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts. For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness— nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority. But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
Paul and his fellow workers had “boldness” to speak in the face of “much opposition” (verse 2). But let’s be certain to notice the source of this great confidence to be vocal in spite of fierce antagonism: they had “boldness in our God”. If we will only remember and fully believe that the power of Almighty God is in the Gospel that we teach, and behind us when we do His will, there will be no excuse for timidity. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
Another reason that they had to speak out boldly to people is that they taught the unadulterated Gospel truth that is vital to people’s salvation. We have every reason to speak confidently as well as long as we are saying things that are “approved by God” and true to His word (verse 4). We really do not need to concern ourselves if the truth that we speak is not pleasing to the ears of the hearers because we know that it is pleasing to God. As long as we are “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) we are telling people the things that they desperately need to hear whether or not they like it or realize it.
Yet another reason that Paul and his companions had confidence in their mission is that they had no secret, sinful motivation to preach salvation (verses 5-6). The only reason they stuck out their necks and put their lives on the line daily is because they loved people (verses 7-8). All they wanted to do was help people get to heaven. A phrase that I often repeat is we need to love people enough to allow them hate us. Lost people need the truth more than they need our friendship. Everyone deserves an opportunity to hear the Gospel even if they exercise their right to reject the truth and the messenger who delivers it.
We should always speak with love and grace, and our words should be chosen carefully and seasoned for palatability (Colossians 4:6), but the truth still hurts and causes division. “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16)!
Please read 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 for tomorrow.
Have a great day!
- Louie Taylor
1 Thessalonians 1:8-10
Wednesday, November 07, 2018“For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.”
---End of Scripture verses---
Paul wrote in verse 7 that the brethren in Thessalonica had become a great “example” for “all the believers” in the surrounding region because they had “received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit” (verse 6). Their conviction for the truth in the face of persecution was such a strong testimony to the power of the Gospel and the genuineness of their faith that “the word of the Lord sounded forth” like a trumpet blast along with their good reputation.
Notice the pattern that they left for all of us to follow after:
They received (verse 9). They embraced the messengers with open arms because it was evident to them that God Almighty was the true source of and authority behind the message that Paul and his companions spoke. Hearing and believing the Gospel are important parts of God’s plan of salvation, but we must receive it as well as believe it. If we do not eagerly welcome the living word of God, we will be hearers only and not doers who only delude ourselves (James 1:22).
They turned (verse 9). When they “turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God,” they exemplified the heart of true repentance. Repentance is a change of heart that leads to a change in the direction of life. When they learned the will of God they turned from their wicked ways and pursued a course of life that was pleasing to Him. Unless we repent we will all perish in our sins (Luke 13:3).
They waited (verse 10). Paul is not praising them for just sitting around and waiting for Christ to return, which is unfortunately what some of them were actually guilty of doing. To wait on the Lord means to make the strong determination to stand fast and remain faithful and loyal to Him until we die or He returns, whichever comes first, no matter how long it might take. To wait also implies the full expectation that the Lord will indeed return, and that He will do so according to His own perfect timing, when He finalizes our rescue from the wrath to come.
Receive the word of God. Turn from the ways of the world. Faithfully serve the Lord in full expectation of one day seeing Him face-to-face.
Please read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
1 Thessalonians 1:1-7
Tuesday, November 06, 2018“Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia."
---End of Scripture verses---
I am struck by Paul’s heart-felt love for each of these brethren individually as he gave “thanks to God always for all of” them (verse 2). He played a pivotal part in the conversion of most if not all of the Christians he wrote this letter to, and he was not about to let them fend for themselves after their new birth in Christ. He was forced to leave the city shortly after the establishment of the church there, but he sent Timothy back to help them in their spiritual growth, and he personally, continually and earnestly prayed to God on their behalf.
Paul gives mention to the blessed triad of “faith, hope and love” in verse 3. He actually lists these virtues in a more logical order here, however. Their “faith” looked back to what God had done in sending His Son to save them; their “love” was a present, positive and active (labor) response to Jesus’ sacrifice and invitation; and their “hope” looked forward to His return to take them home in glory. Their eternal hope produced in them a “steadfast” or “patient” endurance for any trial and “tribulation” (verse 6) that this world may have forced them to suffer.
Paul also pays tribute to the Holy Trinity by invoking the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in verses 3 and 5. Living in a polytheistic society, Paul regularly stressed the nature of the true God of heaven that we serve. Our God, He is one Lord (Deuteronomy 6:4), consisting of three individual personalities. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are equally eternal and powerful, equal in nature and essence, and united in holiness and purpose.
The brethren in Thessalonica “received the word in much tribulation,” and yet the truth and the hope revealed by the Holy Spirit produced a “joy” within them that was both glorious and inexpressible (1 Peter 1:8). The awesome God of love that we serve in faith is the God of everlasting hope!
Please read 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 for tomorrow.
Blessings!
- Louie Taylor
Introduction to 1 Thessalonians
Monday, November 05, 2018Thessalonica was the largest and most important city in Macedonia. It was founded around 315 B.C. by the Macedonian king Cassander, and he named the city after his wife (Thessalonike), who was the half-sister of Alexander the Great. The city was located on the northern point of the Thermaic Gulf and boasted a magnificent harbor.
Thessalonica was populated mostly by Greeks but there was a sizable Jewish population. The worship of the Greek gods Isis and Osiris as well as Dionysus was prolific, but there was also a Jewish synagogue and a number of “God-fearing Greeks” from which the first converts to Christ of the city were made (Acts 17:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:9).
The Apostle Paul and his companions travelled to Thessalonica after receiving the famous “Macedonian Call” vision while positioned across the Aegean Sea in the city of Troas (Acts 16:8-9). After leaving Philippi, they came into the city's synagogue and “for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.’” (Acts 17:3-4).
After such a very short time Paul and Silas were forced to leave the city because “the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar” (Acts 17:5). From there they went to Berea and then Paul travelled to Athens. While there he became very concerned about the babes in Christ he was forced to leave behind in Thessalonica, so he sent Timothy to them to “strengthen and encourage” them in the faith (3:1-2), and to find out how they were faring in the faith under persecution from the Jews (3:5).
Timothy’s report was mostly good but many had gotten the wrong impression from Paul’s teaching that Christ would return immediately. Some had quit working and (4:11-12), and others were despairing over loved ones that had died (4:13). Paul encouraged them to live their lives in such a way that they would be ready for the Lord’s Second Coming no matter when it might occur (5:6-22). The return of Jesus is a prevalent theme and is mentioned near the end of each chapter (1:10; 2:19 3:13; 4:15-17; 5:23).
Please read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-7 for tomorrow.
Have a great day!
- Louie Taylor