1 Thessalonians (written)

Friday, 1 September 2017

…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

It can often be hard to be thankful in this life. Family and friends die, we get ripped off by others, sickness and trials are always just around the corner – or maybe even in the room with us now. For these, and seemingly countless other reasons, giving thanks seems impossible. But when offering thanks in such times, we are truly fulfilling what is right and proper.

When we really and fully trust that we are where we should be, and when we can acknowledge that God knew we would be there, then we are demonstrating that we believe God is fully in control, even in the worst of circumstances. In giving thanks at such times, we acknowledge that He has something better planned for us, and we trust that it is true. Thanks then are a demonstration of faith. And they are not just for times of trouble, but even in the often more ignored times of abundance.

When things are going smoothly, we often forget to stop in our comfortable tracks and say, “Thank You God.” We get so caught up in the fun, that He becomes an afterthought. And so Paul admonishes us to “in everything give thanks.” Truly this is pleasing to God, because it is an ever-present acknowledgment that He is there with us. It is, as noted, a demonstration of faith. And as the Bible says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Obviously then, with faith we are found pleasing to Him.

Paul then continues with, “…for this is the will of God.” In verse 4:3, Paul said that the will of God is our sanctification. As much as it is God’s will for us to be holy, so it is God’s will for us to be thankful. In being thankful, we will remember our connection to Him, and we will then desire to be Holy. These logically support one another. This state of thankfulness exists in the person who truly believes that God wants the best for him, and that the best is yet ahead. In our bad times, and even in our very best of times, we are to be thankful for the life we have been given – the spiritual life which has been granted because of the work of Christ. As Paul says, our thankfulness is God’s will “in Christ Jesus for you.”

Nobody on the planet would consider being thankful for bad times, ill-health, death, or other negative instances unless they saw that there was a good end because of them. In Christ, there truly is a good end for them. God’s love is fully and perfectly demonstrated in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, and therefore, that love continues to be demonstrated now as we anticipate His coming again to bring us unto Himself.

Life application: A few (of the many, many examples) of the other times that thankfulness is mentioned for us to consider are found in Ephesians 5:20, Philippians 4:6, and Hebrews 13:15. Take a moment to read those verses and consider them in the context they have been written. After this, be sure to be thankful in all things.

Lord God, today let us just stop and give You thanks. We have needs, but we know they will be met. We have hopes and desires, but we know they will be fulfilled according to Your wisdom. And we may have pains and trials, but these are a part of the life You have ordained for us. Through these things, we offer You both our thanks and our praise for Your immensely kind hand upon us. You have given us Christ Jesus, and so we are filled. We thank You in everything because of Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Thursday, 31 August 2017

…pray without ceasing,
1 Thessalonians 5:17

Prayer is a precept which Paul writes about many times. He says in Colossians to “devote yourselves to prayer.” He says in Romans to be “faithful in prayer.” In Ephesians, he tells us to “pray in the Spirit,” and to do so with “all kinds of prayers and requests.” There he also specifically says to “keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Such examples are all tied up in the thought of praying “without ceasing.”

We are to pray constantly, fervently, consciously, and purposefully. In so doing, we will then be able to fulfill the previous words of this sentence which say to “rejoice always.” It is through constant communication with God (through Christ Jesus) that we are able to remember the very things God has done for us, and those things which He has promised to us.

But what does it mean to “pray without ceasing?” Does it mean we are to lock ourselves away in a monastery and mumble chants all day long, swinging censers full of incense and eating bread and water? No! Praying without ceasing is a state of life. We can pray out loud or in our minds. We can pray as we work, and as we walk. We can pray alone, and we can pray with others.

Prayer is communication with God. When we are thinking about something which blesses us, and we say in our souls, “That is so beautiful, Lord. Thank You,” we are praying. When we are distressed over some terrifying occurrence in our life, or because of some issue which has saddened our souls, we can open our hearts and cry out to God in prayer which is audible and painfully woeful to others’ ears. And any communication between these extremes – indeed, any acknowledgment of the Lord’s presence in our lives which is mentally or audibly communicated to Him – is a type of prayer.

Therefore, to “pray without ceasing” is to always have the Lord on our minds. This is the life of faith that is pleasing to God. Let us then be obedient to this precept, living our lives in His presence, acknowledging that presence at all times. May our lives be constantly filled with words transmitted to God, rising to Him as the fragrant smoke of incense; always pleasing to Him.

Life application: If you are reading this commentary and thinking about the Lord, thanking Him for an analysis of His word, then you are in the process of prayer. Now, let this state continue always. Pray without ceasing.

Lord God, help me to be obedient to the exhortation to “pray without ceasing” which is found in Your word. May my mind be connected to You at all times, acknowledging You through thanks, petitions, and praises. And may these prayers also flow out from my heart, through my lips, and rise to Your ears as if the sweetest of incense. I pray this to Your honor. May our connection stay open at all times as I truly “pray without ceasing.” Amen.

Wednesday, 30 August 2017

Rejoice always,
1 Thessalonians 5:16

Paul now begins a succession of rapid-fire exhortations meant to stir up the minds and actions of those in Thessalonica. He begins with what is the shortest verse in the Bible based on the original wording, pantote chairete, or “Always rejoice.” It is argued that Luke 20:30 is shorter, but this is only so with certain manuscripts. In the Hebrew Old Testament, 1 Chronicles 1:25 is shorter in total letters, but it is three words. In the English translation, “Jesus wept” is the shortest, but that is much longer in the original and does not qualify. For an all-round “shortest verse in the Bible,” this is it. And what a wonderful admonition it is!

Those at Thessalonica were persecuted with afflictions (3:3), they were certainly challenged in their faith concerning the loss of their loved ones, and yet Paul exhorts them to “rejoice always.” There is a hope in Christ which transcends the troubles of this world, and which extends beyond death itself. Because of this, we are admonished to rejoice, and to do so always, at all times, and evermore.

In our faith, we are to believe that God is working out all things to our good, and which then is for His glory. And so, we are to be in a constant state of rejoicing because of this. Paul gives us similar admonitions throughout his writings, such as in Romans 5 –

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

The theme of the book of Philippians is summed up in the word “joy.” Despite writing from a dirty Roman prison, Paul was filled with joy at the thought of the work of the Lord for His people. This is the state we are to be in always.

Life application: Read the words of this verse again; apply to life.

Lord God, in You we can rejoice always. Amen.

Tuesday, 29 August 2017

See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
1 Thessalonians 5:15

The words of this verse are plain, simple to understand, and without any ambiguity or vagueness. He begins with “See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone.” It is human nature to want to seek retribution, especially when someone renders evil towards us. We want judgment on their actions, and we want it immediately. Further, we want to execute that supposed judgment at least in kind, and possibly in a more stringent manner than it was rendered to us. But the word instructs us otherwise.

When evil is brought against us, we are asked to not turn around and act in a like manner. The word translated as “evil” is correct. It signifies evil in a broad sense. Returning evil for evil only produces more evil. It does nothing which will produce holiness. And Paul doesn’t just expect this toward believers, but “to anyone.” Our withholding of rendering evil includes all. It is a giant exhortation for us to follow, but it is a part of the word.

Next he contrasts the thought with, “but always pursue what is good.” This shows that rendering evil for evil is by nature wrong. In pursuing such an avenue we are, by default, pursuing evil. Paul asks us to instead pursue that which is moral, upright, and honoring of the Lord. Again, this is often a really hard thing to do in this life, but this is what is asked of us. And again, he notes “both for yourselves and for all.”

Certainly, Paul has included this thought to show that our attitude is not to be one way among believers, and then another way among non believers. This may be the hardest part of all. Unbelievers often persecute those in the church in amazingly perverse ways. However, we are to conduct ourselves in a moral manner even towards them, placing them on the same level as those with whom we stand in agreement about our faith.

Life application: In today’s world, it is incredibly easy to return evil for evil to people via electronic means. We no longer have to look someone in the eyes in order to act this way. We can send out angry words laced with poison, and feel unashamed at doing so. But the modern world doesn’t exclude this ancient precept. It is as binding today as when Paul wrote it. Let us be careful to act morally, and honoring of the Lord, at all times.

Lord God, it is a very easy thing to tear others apart after they have attacked us. This is especially so nowadays. We don’t even have to see their faces. We can do it with our fingertips, rendering evil for evil. Help us to apply Your word to our lives and to not act in such a way. You have instructed us to always pursue what is good. It is often difficult, but we would pray for Your help in this so that we may honor You. And so do help us, O Lord. Amen.

Monday, 28 August 2017

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
1 Thessalonians 5:14

Paul continues his exhortations which are intended to maintain the “peace” just mentioned in the previous verse. “Now we exhort” is stated to ensure this is accomplished. The word for “exhort” is a common one which signifies “to call to” or “to encourage.” The exhortation is that they not be shy in carrying out the things necessary to maintain the peace. Instead, they are to act boldly and decisively.

This is, again, directed to the “brethren.” He continuously uses this term to ensure that they understand their position in the body, and that they then act on it from that perspective. First, they are to “warn those who are unruly.” Paul uses the same word translated as “admonish” in verse 12 to show the contrast between those who listen to their elders, and those who do not. He is showing the contrast between what is right and proper, and what is not.

The word translated as “unruly” is found only here. It is the negative of a word which means to “draw up” or “arrange.” Thus, it is those who are out of line, just as a soldier who marches to his own beat is out of line. Such people refuse to observe the guidelines of the Lord by living in faith in what He has instructed, and what is then transmitted to them through their ministers. If the unruly use their unruliness to divide the body, Paul then gives direct instruction to ministers concerning them –

“Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, ¹¹ knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” Titus 3:10, 11

Next comes his exhortation to “uphold the weak.” This indicates a demonstration of sympathy and comfort by the personal touch of smoothing speech and heartfelt attention. This is needed for those Paul identifies as “the fainthearted.” The Greek is a rare word found only here. It means “little in quantity,” and thus it is someone who is undeveloped, and who lacks individuality. A suitable synonym for such would be someone who is pusillanimous in nature.

Next he exhorts the brethren to “uphold the weak.” Charles Ellicott defines such people as “those who have not attained robust common-sense and breadth of conscience which discriminates between truths and superstitions, necessities and expediencies, or who are not yet ripe enough Christians to be sure of standing in persecution.” We are to reach out to such as these, and provide them with words which will build them up, correct them in their deficiencies, and encourage them to press on in their walk with Christ.

Finally he instructs the church to “be patient with all.” In Christianity, there is a truth that “everyone is a specialist except the minister.” People develop ideas about what is correct, and they can wear others out with their incorrect thinking. Ministers are to be patient in correcting people like this. Further, there are others who have real trouble grasping theological truths. They can be told the same thing numerous times, and yet they still will come back and ask the same question again and again. Believers need to be patient with such people, tending to them with care and courtesy, even if they are worn out by the tedium of the task.

Life application: There is a difference between those who are unruly or belligerent, and those who are simply lacking internal courage or right reason. For those who are “know-it-alls,” and who are disruptive about doctrine, there is always the “block” option of Facebook. But this should be used sparingly. There are many who are simply misinformed, misguided, or misaligned in their Christian instruction. We are to be patient with such people, tending to them in a manner which will lead them to a fuller appreciation of God’s word, and His intent for them.

Lord God, Your word asks us to be longsuffering and patient with others. It’s hard to know when “longsuffering” ends, and when we can walk away from an unruly or divisive person. Your word does give us that option, but give us wisdom in this so that we don’t unintentionally harm someone who is truly seeking out the truth. And, give us wisdom on the other side of that, so that we can effectively cut off those who do nothing but argue for the sake of arguing. Yes, give us this wisdom Lord. Amen.