Transformed by grace and love!
Scripture reading for September 24: 1 Timothy 1
“Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the Gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted. I thank Him Who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He judged me faithful, appointing me to His service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Jesus Christ.” 1 Timothy 1:8-14
Timothy pastored the church at Ephesus founded by Paul years earlier but now faced attacks from false teachers who were introducing Jewish law along with faith. Paul began by encouraging Timothy to stay true to the Gospel of God’s grace in Jesus Christ. He must continue to teach sound doctrine and warn those who were deviating from the truth of God’s Word. Paul, a former Pharisee, told Timothy about the purpose of God’s law. It was given to reveal sin in those caught in sin, those who were lawless and disobedient. For increased clarity, Paul went over some of the disobedience that the law revealed. He pointed out those specifically mentioned in God’s law: disrespecting parents, murderers, sexually immoral, homosexuals, enslavers, liars, and perjurers.
Paul told Timothy that he, himself, had been a law-breaker and blasphemer of God as a religious Jew. Jesus confronted him and he repented. God then appointed him to service in spite of his law-breaking. In Christ Jesus and through the Gospel there is hope for all sinners to find grace. Paul received mercy and through Christ’s love and grace he came to faith and now served the God he had blasphemed! That is the message of overflowing love and grace through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus on the cross of Calvary entrusted to all ministers and disciples of Jesus.
Are you grounded in the sound doctrine of the Gospel of God’s grace and love in Jesus Christ? Have you ever tried to add your own human effort or works to help God save you? Have you been involved in any of the sins listed by Paul and felt that God could never use you?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the revelation of Your love and mercy in Jesus Christ and His death for us on the cross. Thank you for sending faithful ministers of Your Word to instruct me in sound doctrine and faith and grace. Use me as You desire to teach others sound doctrine by my ministry and life. Amen.
Not busy but busybodies!
Scripture reading for September 23: 2 Thessalonians 3
“Now we command you, brothers, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.” 2 Thessalonians 3:6-11
How we use our time to be productive in providing for the needs we and our family have is important to godly kingdom harmony. We were created by God to serve God and others. When we are lazy or idle, we fill our time with self-seeking pursuits and set a bad example for others. God’s Word states that the worker is worthy of his hire and warns employers against withholding wages of those who work. God’s instructions in wisdom in Proverbs commends the diligent worker and warns the lazy of poverty and want. (Proverbs 24:30-34) When you continually sponge off of others or even family members when you could work, you set a bad example and cause strife and ill will. If you use your time selfishly and then end up in gossip and backbiting, others are affected and God is dishonored.
So in the Christ-centered world view, your every-day work and conduct of your own affairs is a testimony of God’s order, provision, and blessing. Your work does not define you, because your identity is as a child of God. But your work and diligence to use what God has blessed you with testifies about Your Father and His Son Who are always at work to care for Their creatures and creation. In fact, Paul’s rule for the idle person who could work but didn’t: “Those that don’t work should not eat.” That’s plain and practical!
Do you tend to think of your life in terms of personal and then religious? Have you heeded God’s warning to stay away from those who are idle and busybodies? Is this a current problem in our culture and time?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the privilege of working and using my talents to bring glory to You. I want to set a good example first for my own children and grandchildren. Help me to also instruct those in Your family concerning these principles of godliness through diligence. All glory to Jesus our Lord. Amen!
The mystery of lawlessness
Scripture reading for September 22: 2 Thessalonians 2
“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only He Who now restrains it will do so until He is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of His mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who do not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12
Paul wrote to encourage the church at Thessalonica to stand firm and gave them instructions concerning the time right before Jesus would return. One of the main things Paul explained about his end-time world view was the mystery of lawlessness. The Holy Spirit would be working through believers to draw people to Jesus Christ and bring conviction on the lost. Believers would be preaching and declaring the truth but Satan would use all manner of deception to hold mankind in darkness. Those refusing to accept the offer of forgiveness through repentance and faith would be given over by God to deceiving spirits to draw them to trust in lies. This rejection of truth would result in condemnation and eternal destruction for unbelievers.
At the center of this deception will be a man called ‘the lawless one’ who will be controlled by Satan and empowered with false signs and wonders in order to ensnare those who rejected Jesus Christ. When Jesus returns, He will destroy this ‘lawless one’ with the breath of His mouth. Paul wrote this instruction to the church there and to us in these last days that we would be informed and stand firm in our faith and continue believing the truth of Scripture. God’s Word will never fail and by faith in Jesus Christ we will overcome the deceptions of our enemies.
Have you studied what God has said concerning His return and the fate of believers and those rejecting Jesus Christ? How would you describe the ‘mystery of lawlessness’? Do you see what Paul described almost 2000 years ago as still relevant today in our world?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your clear instruction to Your people concerning the rise of lawlessness in the last days before Jesus returns. Use me as a prophetic voice to those rejecting truth in these last days that they may be saved from the deception of the evil one. I will cling to You and Truth! Amen!
Everlasting destruction
Scripture reading for September 19: 2 Thessalonians 1
“Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, for which you are also suffering–since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of everlasting destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might, when He comes on that day to be glorified in His saints and to be marveled at among all who believed, . .” 2Thessalonians 1:4-10
There is much debate in the world concerning heaven and hell and a loving God. Some professing to believe in Jesus, find that they cannot believe that a God Who loves man made in His image would ever send anyone to a place like hell. But God describes hell as a place of everlasting darkness and weeping and gnashing of teeth. Jesus taught that there was no escape from there once a person dies. (Luke 16:22-26)
Here in this passage, Paul explains that it is God’s prerogative to repay sin and evil. He is just and will give each person exactly what is deserved. All sin and rebellion leads to death and not just physical death. Each person has an eternal existence and God prepared a place for the devil and his angels and for those refusing His offer of forgiveness and deliverance from God’s justice. Paul emphasized that God would repay. People refusing the Gospel of Jesus Christ would suffer ‘everlasting destruction’ shut away from God’s glorious presence and light forever. God Himself has set a day when this final judgment will be rendered to the lost and rewards given to those who have repented and received mercy.
How would you describe your world view regarding God’s justice and love in punishing the disobedient with everlasting destruction? What have you done to insure that you will be marveling at Jesus Christ when He returns? How do you understand God’s heart of love offered to all mankind?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the gift of salvation from everlasting destruction through Jesus Christ. I am resting in Your Word that all who call on Jesus Christ will be saved. Use me today to share the Gospel to those still in darkness and disobedience. Reach my family that all may marvel at Your return. Amen.
God’s sanctifying work
Scripture reading for September 18: 1Thessalonians 5
“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-23
As Paul concludes his letter, he gives some very basic instructions on being prepared for the return of Jesus Christ. We have a part in this preparation and the progressive nature of sanctification taking place as we submit to Jesus and live lives of increasing holiness and separation from the world and our old nature. Our part is to respect God’s authority and gift to us in the form of pastors and elders and apostles. It is not a matter of personal preference, but honoring them for their work done in loving obedience to our Lord. Each person should seek to live in peace and admonish those disrupting that peace. We must be patient, kind, and loving towards one another. The fruits of God’s Spirit should be evident and the gifts of the Spirit allowed and tested against the Word of God and Spirit of Christ. Evil must be avoided and confronted.
But God also does His part in the process of sanctification. He gives us His Holy Spirit to convict us when in sin, to encourage us when weak, to guide us in obedience and prepare us for Christ’s return. Paul’s prayer is that each believer would be brought to completion in spirit, soul, and body and presented blameless in Christ to our Lord. Amen!
As you survey your own walk in relation to this passage of God’s Word, how would you rate your progress in applying God’s Word to your own life and relationships? Are you listening to those who are over you in the Lord and respecting them for their work? Are you listening to the Holy Spirit as He prepares you?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for those over me in the Lord and their labor of love. Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit in leading me and guiding me into truth and repentance where needed. I am trusting You for my complete sanctification in spirit, soul and body at Christ’s soon return. Amen.
Resurrection world view
Scripture reading for September 17: 1 Thessalonians 4
“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a Word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
Most of the world looks at death as a finality. Jews and Christians believe in a resurrection, final judgment, and afterlife. Hinduism teaches reincarnation based on how we live now. Muslims believe that if they please their god, he will give them seventy virgins to spend eternity with. Those serving various gods and idols devise theories about what life after death might be like if they meet the religious criteria. Atheists feel that death is final and everyone should live as they will.
Paul, writing to the Thessalonians, sought to give them a clear understanding of what happens to believers who have died. In another place, Paul stated that believers soul and spirit go immediately into the Lord’s presence awaiting the resurrection of their bodies at Christ’s return. (Philippians 1:21-23) He likened the current state of their body to sleep. Jesus died and His body was buried in a tomb. God raised Him from death on the third day. Jesus gave Paul this Word to share concerning those believers who died and His return again to receive believers. There would be a loud shout from Heaven and the sound of a trumpet awakening those asleep and those waiting alike to Jesus’ glorious return. Those whose bodies were ‘asleep’ in death would rise first. Then those waiting in faith would also be ‘caught up’ to meet the Lord in the air together with those asleep. All believers would always be with the Lord! This Word of Truth was to be encouraging to all believers for all time!
Have you ever wondered about what happens to believers at death? Have you used this passage to develop your own world view of death and resurrection? Will you use this passage of God’s Word to encourage others?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for expanding my world view into eternal life with Jesus Christ. I await with great hope the loud shout of an archangel and the trumpet call from heaven calling me to meet Jesus in the air, whether awake or asleep! Amen!
Standing fast in the Lord!
Scripture reading for September 16: 1 Thessalonians 3
“But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you–for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith.” 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10
In the culture of our world, people are often very fickle. They may be enthusiastic about a cause or even about the Gospel presented in the conviction of the Holy Spirit. They start out well and with good intentions, but then Satan’s hinderances and attacks draw their heart back to their old ways. Their world view is that whatever feels good at the moment is what to do and follow. They naturally seek the easy route through life’s difficulties.
Paul had been informed that the Thessalonians had suffered great affliction and persecution. He was concerned that this affliction would send the new converts back to their old ways. He sent Timothy there to check on them and he brought good news of their faith and love for Paul and one another. They longed to see Paul again and were standing fast in faith. This report brought great joy and thanksgiving to Paul for God’s faithfulness and provision. Paul prayed all the more that God would allow him to return to them and see them face to face and further help them in their new life of faith. Reports of faithfulness bring comfort and encouragement to spiritual fathers and leaders. Praise our Lord!
In your own walk with Christ, have you ever allowed affliction or hardship to send you on a path away from faith? Have you ever been surprised by someone standing fast in faith in spite of many difficulties and hardships? What are some factors that help us to stand firm in faith in spite of suffering?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for strengthening the hearts of Your people through the Holy Spirit and preparing us all for suffering through Your Word and the example of past believers. As a pastor, help me to pray for those going through suffering and affliction and encourage them. Amen.
God pleasers, not man pleasers!
Scripture reading for September 15: 1 Thessalonians 2
“But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the Gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God Who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext of greed–God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.” 1 Thessalonians 2:2-7
Paul, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, gives the Thessalonians insight into his own world view and motivation of his heart. As an apostle, he could have made demands for support from those who believed in that region. He had suffered greatly at his last missions stop in Philippi and was still recovering. But none of the trouble hindered Paul from fulfilling his sacred calling to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was focused on preaching Christ, pleasing His Father, and living in joy of the Holy Spirit no matter what man might think or do to him. He knew that God saw his heart and the hearts of all men and desired all to be saved and come to Jesus Christ.
Paul never used flattery or seductive speech to win over the lost. He was not motivated by a love of money or fame from the acclaim of man. Paul boldly fulfilled his calling from Jesus to preach the Gospel, even in the midst of conflict and persecution. He described his own heart and those of his missions team as like a nursing mother caring tenderly for her very young children. This heart was a reflection of the heart of Jesus Christ, gentle and lowly, offering peace and rest. (Matthew 11:28-30) He considered others of more value than himself, that he might win some!
How do you think you might respond after mistreatment for preaching the Gospel? Do you let the opinions of others or their criticism of your faith stop you from sharing Jesus Christ? In what ways do you demonstrate a desire to please God in your daily witness and life?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for sometimes allowing a fear of man to hinder my witness for you. Fill me with Your heart of gentleness and humility towards sinners and those needing grace because of ignorance and lack of maturity. Let the pastor’s heart of Jesus Christ transform my witness! Amen.
Gospel transformed lives!
Scripture reading for September 12: 1 Thessalonians 1
“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our Gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the Word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-7
When people hear the Gospel message in the anointing of the Holy Spirit and His power of conviction, transformation takes place. Sinners become saints and brothers and sisters are now aware of God’s great love for them. Their lives begin to undergo transformation as God’s love received through repentance begins to flow in their hearts through the infilling Holy Spirit. Hopelessness is replaced by new vision of God’s gracious and glorious plans for His children. Growth in godliness is evident as the Word of God is proclaimed and taught and received by hungry hearts. Godly leaders model Christ Jesus for the new believers and help them rejoice in the transformed life.
This is what Paul was commending the church for in Thessalonica. He prayed for them to continue to grow and undergo change. He wrote to encourage them to focus on Jesus Christ and God’s Word and the promise of Christ’s return. In other words, Paul was affirming their paradigm shift in world views. Their radical change was an example and encouragement to Paul and his missions team. It also was an example to other believers and impacted a wide geographic area, spreading like ripples from a stone throne into water. When our world view is transformed by God’s Word, we also impact others in a widening circle.
Have you experienced this kind of a transformation through the Gospel of Jesus Christ? What aspects of your life changed when you received grace through repentance? Are you living out your world view in the joy of the Holy Spirit and setting examples for those in the culture and the church?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sending believers to share the Gospel message in power and with full conviction. Thank You for the transforming Holy Spirit Who lives in me and reveals the hope we have in Jesus Christ, now and when He returns! Use me to be an example to others in need of Jesus! Amen!
Prayer and gracious speech!
Scripture reading for September 11: Colossians 4
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the Word, to declare they mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison–that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:2-6
The life of a follower of Jesus is tied to steadfast prayer and thanksgiving. Paul’s final words to these believers concerned prayer and witness to others. Both these topics were inter-related. Prayer was a lifeline where we communicate with our Savior the things we are observing and going through for direction and counsel. We listen for what to do next and how to give answers to those outside the faith.
Paul asked the church to pray for him as well. He was in prison at the writing of this letter, but he did not ask them to pray for his release. Instead, he asked for a door of witness to be opened that he might preach the Word of God, the Gospel to those outside the faith. He asked for a clear declaration of the Gospel to flow through his lips and that he would have wisdom towards outsiders. He encouraged the church to also walk in wisdom towards outsiders and to make the best use of their time. Through prayer, they would be directed when and to whom to share the Gospel. Only God knows each heart and His timing. He also encouraged them to be gracious, offering words that brought out the flavor of Christ Jesus like salt does to food. When speaking graciously, the goodness of God draws people to repentance and answers their deepest questions and needs.
Does prayer have a regular place in your life and daily routine? Do you pray regularly for your pastor, missionaries on the field, or those in need? Have you experienced the flavoring or salting of your speech as you have sought the Lord for how to reach those outside the faith?
Prayer: Father God, I thank you for the privilege of prayer any time of the day, but especially to start my day. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and wisdom today that I might know how to reach those outside the faith. Open a door of witness and give me boldness to share the Gospel of grace, with salted speech. Amen.