Beloved, I am glad to share with you today the above title from 1 Th 2.1 and following. Indeed, the outrages and abuses suffered by Paul and Silas at Philippi (Acts 16:16-25), far from discouraging them, had filled them with “all boldness.” The adversary’s furious reaction proved precisely that their work was not in vain. Yet they had not employed any of the usual methods of human propaganda: seduction, cunning, flattery, efforts to please (2 Cor 2:14-17). Sometimes the gospel is presented in an attractive and sentimental light, or as a side of a social work. Nor was Paul’s ministry animated by one of the three great springs of human activity: the pursuit of personal glory, the satisfaction of the flesh, and material profit. On the contrary, the apostle’s sufferings testified to a complete selflessness (Acts 20:29-35). Two feelings animated him: the continual concern to please God, and love for those who had become “his own children.” Like a mother, he had fed and cherished them. Like a father, he exhorted them, consoled them, taught them to walk. But it is first and foremost their relationship with God that he wants them to be fully aware of. What a position theirs – and ours! God calls us to nothing less than his own kingdom and glory.
In short, the word of the apostle’s preaching was the word of God, the teaching given by the apostle, either orally or in writing, was the truth, that is, the Word, in opposition to the false teaching of men (1 Cor 2:13). Let us therefore faithfully retain this truth; it is our safeguard in the midst of growing apostasy; let us not allow ourselves to be taken away from it by modern rationalist theology. Let us affirm highly that the inspired Word, regardless of the organ through which God communicates it, and the written Word, regardless of the pen that God uses to communicate it, have the same absolute value, because both are the word of God.
We also have here an encouragement: The Thessalonians needed consolation in the midst of the tribulation they were going through. The apostle first shows them that they already possessed from the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father “eternal consolation.” Their hearts could be consoled by realizing it in advance. Lazarus in Abraham’s womb (Luke 16:25) was consoled to the state of mind separated from the body, awaiting the resurrection; the Thessalonians who had been withdrawn before the Lord’s coming enjoyed this consolation in the Bosom of the Father; but those who remained could already taste it now as attached to the rest that would be given to them in the revelation of the Lord.
At the same time as this eternal consolation, they had received “good hope bygrace. The hope given to us includes three subjects that all relate to the person of Christ: Christ in heaven where he has prepared a place for us (Hb 6:18; Hb 7:19); Christ coming to take His own from Him (1 Thess 1:3); Christ manifested in glory and we with Him (Col 1:5, 27; 2 Thess 1:10). It is this last subject that is mentioned in our epistle, so eternal consolation is linked here to hope.
The following verses have been compiled for your edification and grouped together for your better understanding.
Paul’s Method and Message:
- Members of the Family of God are called brothers
Mt 23:8 But you do not call yourself Rabbi; for only one is your Master, and you are all brothers. Luke 8:21 But he answered: My mother and brothers are those who listen to the word of God and put it into practice. John 21:23 On this, it was rumored among the brethren that this disciple would not die. However, Jesus had not told Peter that he would not die; but: If I want him to stay until I come, what does it matter to you? Rom 8:29 And it is not only she; but we too, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, we too sigh in ourselves, waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
- Miscellaneous exhortations, examples
Lk 3:18 This is how John announced the good news to the people, addressing many more exhortations to them. Acts 2:40 And with many other words he conjured and exhorted them, saying: Save yourselves from this evil generation. 2 Cor 9.5 I have therefore deemed it necessary to invite the brothers to go to your home beforehand, and to take care of your already promised gift, so that it may be ready, so as to be a gift, and not an act of avarice. 1 Pet 5:1 Hereare the exhortations I address to the elders who are among you, me elder like them, witness to the sufferings of Christ, and participant in the glory that must be manifested:
- Divine Knowledge: God Searches the Heart
Ps 44:22 Wouldn’t God know it, He who knows the secrets of the heart? Jer 23:24 Will anyone stand in a hidden place without me seeing him?” said the Lord. Don’t I fill the heavens and the earth?” said Jehovah. Am 9:3 If they hide at the top of Carmel, I will look for them there and seize them; If they evade my gaze in the bottom of the sea, there I will order the serpent to bite them. Rom 8:27 and he who searches hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because it is according to God that he intercedes on behalf of the saints.
- Meekness of God
Ps 18:36 You give me the shield of your salvation, Your right hand sustains me, and I become great by your goodness. Isaiah 40:11 Like a shepherd, He will feed His flock, He will take the lambs in His arms, and carry them in His womb; He will lead the nursing sheep. Isaiah 42:3
He shall not break the broken reed, and he shall not extinguish the wick which is still burning; He will announce justice according to the truth. 2 Cor 10:1 I Paul, I beg you, by the meekness and goodness of Christ, -I, humble in appearance when I am in your midst, and full of boldness towards you when I am far away,
- Suffering for Christ
Acts 5:41 The apostles withdrew from before the Sanhedrin, joyful that they had been judged worthy of outrage for the name of Jesus. Rom 8:17 Now, if we are children, we are also heirs: heirs of God, and co-heirs of Christ, if we suffer with him, so that we may be glorified with him. 1 P 2.20 Indeed, what glory is there in enduring ill-treatment for making mistakes? But if you endure suffering when you do what is right, it is a grace before God. 1 Pet 5:10 The God of all grace, who has called you in Jesus Christ to His eternal glory, after you have suffered a little time, will perfect you Himself, strengthen you, strengthen you, make you steadfast.
From all of the above, we note that the apostle is not only asking that God console their hearts; he also desires that God strengthen them “in every good work and in every good word,” for this must characterize our walk here on earth. To the enjoyment of heavenly things must be joined the daily practice of the Christian life. The apostle places (according to the best lessons of the text) the work in the first place. Above all, he wants the practical life of God’s children to be characterized by good works. These works are those that are made for Christ. They are counted for nothing by the world, because they are addressed to the One whom the world does not know, to Christ who alone can appreciate their value. But moreover, we cannot, like the world, invent these works or choose them; it is God Himself who prepares them for us, and we only have to walk on them (Eph 2:10). The “good words” come next. It is easier to speak than to act, and the flesh cares little about putting its actions in accordance with its words. She likes to talk, often to say good things, even if it means not taking them into account in practice; that is why Christian activity is recommended to us here in the first place. However, it is by no means unimportant that “every good word” in the mouths of those who do good works. These are not speeches, but words by which we bring encouragement, exhortations, consolations to the afflicted; by which we place Christ before the hearts of his beloved, through which we can finally reach souls still far from the Lord and bring them life and salvation. Our prayers are with you all.
PRAYER OF ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND PERSONAL SAVIOR
I now invite every person who wants to become a new creation by walking in the truth, to pray with me the following prayer:
Lord Jesus, I have long walked in the lusts of the world ignoring your love for humans. I admit to having sinned against you and ask your forgiveness for all my sins, because today I have decided to give you my life by taking you as Lord and personal Savior. I recognize that you died on the cross of Calvary and rose from the dead for me.
I am now saved and born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Lead me every day to the eternal life that you give to all who obey your Word. Reveal yourself to me and strengthen my heart and faith, so that your light may shine in my life right now.
Thank you, Lord Jesus for accepting me into your divine family, so that I may also contemplate the wonders of your kingdom.
I will now choose a nearby waterhole to baptize myself by immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
All adoration, power and glory are yours, now and forever and ever. Amen!
I would be happy to respond to any questions and comments you may have, before sharing with you tomorrow “Paul sent Timothy to Thessaloniki.”
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you abundantly.
David Feze, Servant of the Almighty God.