Daily Writing

Thursday, 27 July 2017

…so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:13

The previous two verses, tied together with this one, will give the full sense of Paul’s thought –

“Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. ¹² And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, ¹³ so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.”

Paul has petitioned for direction for those in Thessalonica which will make them increase and abound in love. Requesting the fulfillment of this was “so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father.” It is through the abounding in love that this will come about. The New Testament repeatedly says that love is the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 22:40, Romans 13:8 & 13:10, Galatians 5:14, and James 2:8).

In loving, meaning towards God and towards fellow believers, we will be found “blameless in holiness.” There can be no charge against someone who is fulfilling the divine law, because they are dealing with hearts that are pure. And this is deeper than an outward display, but it is with sincerity. One sets themselves apart (holiness), just as they have been set apart by God, in acting in love. On that day which is set for Christ’s return, the intent is that this is how we should be found. As He says, we should be this way “before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The day isn’t known, and the church has waited 2000 years so far, but the day will come. Christ will return to bring the church to Himself. At that time, we will stand before Him to make an account of our lives. This is known as the bema seat judgment. It is a judgment for rewards and losses, but not one for salvation or condemnation.

Paul then adds in that Christ is coming “with all His saints.” Two main views are possible with this. The Greek says, “the holy ones.” Therefore, some believe this is angels that are being referred to. Those who hold to this would choose a verse such as Matthew 25:31 to support their view. This is not what Paul is thinking of. Matthew 25 was spoken to Israel, still under the law. Paul is more likely preparing the way for his words of Chapter 4. In verse 14, he notes that “God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.”

In other words, they are already dead and awaiting the resurrection at the rapture. Jesus will bring them, and together we shall meet him. The “blameless and holiness before our God” is referring to those who are still alive. Once someone has died, they simply await the resurrection. But while living, this is how saints should conduct their lives, and this is the intent of Paul’s words concerning Christ returning with His saints.

Life application: There is a lot of infighting and backbiting in the church. A lot. We have enough of this in the secular world. Let us strive, as much as is possible, to live at peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ. It isn’t always possible, but this is what we are asked to do.

Lord God, there is enough division in this world where there is little agreement on anything. In the church, we have Your word. It is given to set parameters in doctrine and to provide guidelines for conduct. As long as Your people are conforming to that, we should try, our very best, to live at harmony with one another. Help us in this Lord. We humans can be an irritating lot, and so let the abrasiveness stop with us in hopes that peace will spread to others. Amen.

Wednesday, 26 July 2017

And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, 1 Thessalonians 3:12

There is an emphasis in the Greek of this verse which is lacking in this translation. The word “You” begins the sentence. It reads, “You moreover, the Lord may make to increase and to abound…” In the previous verse, Paul spoke of himself and his companions – “Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.” This verse then contrasts that thought with the emphasis on “You.” What can be inferred is the thought, “Whether we come or not, this is for you to do.” From there he explains what that thing is. They are to “increase and abound in love toward one another.”

This petition is made to “the Lord” by Paul. In the previous verse, it was seen that he addressed God and the Lord Jesus Christ together, using a singular verb. For this reason, it is probable that “the Lord” in this verse is speaking of both again. Thus, the term Lord indicates “God” and not just one member of the Godhead. Although that may not have been what was on Paul’s mind, it does fit properly.

After petitioning love between the brethren, he then adds in, “and to all.” This could mean everyone in a general sense, or it could be referring to all believers, not just those in the church at Thessalonica. The latter is probably the case. Paul has harsh words for many outside of the scope of believers, as did the Lord Himself. However, the bond of love should not be ignored among believers, even if they are of a different church, culture, or creed.

To show what he means, he concludes with the words, “just as we do to you.” The love of Paul and his associates towards the church in Thessalonica was perfectly evident in how they ministered (and continued to minister) to them. Despite being apart from them physically, the love between them grew steadily. Paul’s desire was that this same type of increasing love would characterize them as well. The fellowship of believers should be built up, not torn down.

Life application: It is true that in a general sense, we should have a sense of love for all people. If they are unsaved, we should want their salvation. However, Paul places a stress on the love between believers that should exist. It is something that we should strive for, even when they are really irritating know-it-all’s or contrarians in ways that cause our skin to grate. A little lost skin is not worth dividing the fellowship.

Lord God, it sure can be hard to love other believers. The world abounds with backbiting and strife, and often the greatest display of it comes from people who profess faith in You. Help us, O God, to attempt to maintain a civil attitude towards all, and especially our fellows in the faith, even if they rub us like sandpaper. Maybe we just need an imperfection smoothed out anyway. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Tuesday, 25 July 2017

Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. 1 Thessalonians 3:11

What seems like a straightforward and simple verse actually has wording of great interest. Paul begins this prayer of supplication with, “Now may our God and Father Himself.” The petition is to God, but a note of specificity is then given by saying, “and Father Himself.” Three times in this chapter, he has already referred to God, first in verse 2 and then in verse 9. However, he also referred to “the Lord” in verse 8. Now, in this verse, he makes his solemn petition to “our God and Father Himself.” But then he next says, “…and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Here, there is definitely a distinction made between God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. They are two separate entities. It is something the Bible teaches, and we take it at face value. However, Paul then gives us the beginning of the substance of his prayers. May God “direct our way to you.” In verse 2:18, Paul noted that Satan had hindered their travel to Thessalonica. He is certainly showing us a contrast then between that thought and what he now desired – “As Satan had hindered us, so we now petition God to direct our way to you.”

The verb he uses is one which is found only three times in the New Testament. It is seen first in Luke 1:79. It is then seen here, and once again in 2 Thessalonians 3:5, both in the form of an optative verb; one expressing a wish or desire. The verb itself gives the sense of going straight and in the most direct route. In this, there would not be any loss of time or effort. The sincerity of Paul’s words is fully evident. He truly desires that he, and those with him, would be completely unhindered in their travel back to this beloved congregation.

However, what is most important here it that the verb translated as “direct” is singular, not plural. Therefore, it can be taken in no other way than that in Paul’s mind Jesus is equal to God the Father, they are One, and yet He is not the Father. They are separate Persons with equal authority to grant the petition. And that thought then opens up another theological truth which is seen elsewhere. Can we pray to Jesus? The answer is found right here. Paul is petitioning both God the Father and Jesus Christ equally. For full emphasis, he is petitioning them together. Words have meaning, tenses have meaning, and in this case, the number of the verb (singular) is of special importance.

Life application: This is a good verse to highlight as another of the myriad proofs found in Scripture that the Apostle Paul believed Jesus to be on equal standing with the Father, being fully God Himself. If someone who is confused about this issue is really willing to accept the word at face value, it will give them something to consider. Also, let us never feel that we are in the wrong by praying to God through Jesus and to Jesus. Paul has already set an example for us to follow.

Lord God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Great are You, and You are greatly to be praised. Amen.

Monday, 24 July 2017

…night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith? 1 Thessalonians 3:10

Paul’s previous words were, “For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God.” Now he completes the thought, beginning with “night and day praying exceedingly.” At the end of this epistle he says, “…pray without ceasing.”

He was not one to exhort without actually living out what he urged in others. From the words, “day and night,” we see that he and his companions truly did pray without ceasing. When talking about something, they would pray. When walking along and thinking on their beloved brethren, they would pray. When desiring to see those in Thessalonica again, they would pray. This doesn’t mean they stopped and got on their knees every time they prayed, but that their words were simply inclusive of prayers uttered to God for the subject they talked about or contemplated.

For now, he continues by noting that their prayers were first, “that we may see your face.” It was a true longing of Paul to return to his beloved brethren. Any evangelist or pastor who has formed a bond with those he ministered to will naturally have a desire to see that person again, and to share in fellowship with him. This was their desire as well. But it was also to “perfect what is lacking in your faith.”

The words of the epistle contain doctrine intended to increase the faith of the brethren. This is certainly a part of what Paul is referring to. If he could not be there in person, then he would at least convey his thoughts in written form. Chapter 4 will fill in many of the things concerning what is lacking in their faith, chief among them being what is the state of the dead in Christ. Paul will instruct them on this, and in his instruction will come words concerning the return of Christ for His church. They are marvelous words of hope and encouragement which are intended to perfect what is lacking in the faith of the believers.

Life application: If one is lacking faith, or if their walk has gotten off track, the first and best way to get that corrected is to get into the word of God. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. From there, we can add in many other avenues of getting ourselves grounded and redirected to the proper path. But without the word of God, how will we be able to discern if the path we have chosen is the correct one or not?

Lord God, certainly we all have times where our faith gets misdirected or weakened, and our walk goes astray. In such times, help us to redirect ourselves by refocusing on Your word. This is first and foremost our rule and guide for faithful living, so how do we think that we can do without it? And how can we know if the path we take to redirect ourselves to You is right if we don’t know what You expect of us! Help us to be diligent in the study of Your word. Open our minds to it now and always. Amen.

Sunday, 23 July 2017

For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, 1 Thessalonians 3:9

Paul had just said “For now we live.” This verse is given in response to that, and that response is, “For what thanks can we render to God for you[?]” It is not an affirmation, but a question. It is similar to the words of the 116^th Psalm which first asks the question, and then provides an answer –

“What shall I render to the Lord
For all His benefits toward me?
¹³ I will take up the cup of salvation,
And call upon the name of the Lord.
¹⁴ I will pay my vows to the Lord
Now in the presence of all His people.” Psalm 116:12-14

After asking this, and still a part of the question itself, he then begins to fill in what the blessings they have received are in conjunction with the prior verse, “For now we live.” He says, “…for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake.” Paul and his associates were literally filled with joy, and they went about rejoicing for the sake of those in Thessalonica. They had been found to have held fast to the truth and had not deviated from the gospel. In this, the church would live on, passing the word on to others just as it has been passed on to them. This gave Paul and his companions such great joy that they rejoiced, as it says, “before our God.”

Their rejoicing wasn’t just a rejoicing as if they had merited it – “We won converts and they are obedient to us!” Rather, it was a rejoicing before God – “The gospel which we were blessed to share has taken root, and God is glorified through it!” This is what Paul is telling them. They were elated to know that the message of Christ had taken root and would continue on.

Life application: Are you willing to rejoice with other churches that you do not attend when they bring souls to Christ. It is not an “us against them” thing which occurs in the church. It is always a “for Christ” thing which should occur. Let us be content to see any properly run church, which is grounded in the word of God and directed to the true gospel, flourish and grow.

Lord God, help us in the church not to be in a battle of “us against them,” but rather that we will be “for the name of Christ and for Your glory.” May those in one church not be jealous of the success of another, but rejoice in it – as long as You are glorified, and the word is rightly divided, then may it be so. Petty differences which have nothing to do with sound doctrine solve nothing, and only detract from what we should be doing for the lost of the world. Help us in this, Lord God. Amen.