Church Authority and Roles

1 Timothy 2:11-15    
11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

We cannot discount difficult passages like this by simply saying it was a cultural issue or that Paul did not respect women.  There is truth in God’s word which must be carefully considered in context and in practice.  Here women in the church are told to learn with submission, to fall under the authority of the men in the context of church.  They are not to have the authority to teach, but remain silent in the matter of teaching men.  It does not say women cannot speak or respond or that their opinions do not matter, but that the authority to teach or lead within a church is for the men God puts in those positions.  The reason given is that Eve was deceived and fell into the original sin, even though Adam then participated in her direction.  Therefore Eve’s descendants are not to have the authority to teach or lead men again as a result.  Women are told here to fill the role and privilege of being fruitful and multiplying as originally commanded to Adam and Eve, and the offspring of both (men and women) are together to keep living with self-control in faith, love, and holiness toward God.  These are roles, responsibilities, and reasons for authority and positions in the church. 

Praying in Holy Obedience

1 Timothy 2:8-10   
8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.

Because the one God and Mediator saved us from that which earned us death, and because Paul was called and given authority to speak to the church, we are to listen and do these things.  Men in the church should be lifting up holy hands, that is, living obedient and holy lives as we have been saved to do those good deeds in imitating Christ.  These hands kept clean in motive and actions are to pray and praise the Savior, but not with doubt on who He is or what He has done.  We are also to be angry and not sin, to submit the anger to God by the Spirit in us so our prayers will be heard for forgiveness as we forgive others.  The women “in like manner” are to serve and worship in the role given them, being modest in dress and character.  Godliness is to also be lived out in good works, as is fitting for a child of God.  This means redeemed men and women not being conformed to the culture of the fallen world, but to what we are all called to in holiness and loving obedience to what God tells us is proper by His word. 

One True Mediator

1 Timothy 2:5-7   
5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

The truth God wants all to come to is that of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and so we call this “gospel truth.”  Many are called by this truth, yet few are chosen and find the way in Christ alone as the door on the narrow road to redemption.  This truth is that there is one mediator who can bridge the chasm of separating sin, the one who gave Himself through suffering and death in our place as a ransom.  This truth was hidden but planned and told from the beginning in Eden and through the Old Testament, and was revealed by the words of Jesus which were proven by the works He did, then confirmed by those of the apostles, and finally through the disciples throughout time since then as recorded in the New Testament and history since.  Here we see the last apostle chosen and appointed to preach this good news of truth in the justifying and reconciling gospel by the faith and truth of Jesus Christ.  He is the only One who can mediate between God and man; neither Mary nor any other can do what the Son alone can, and so we find a certain hope in Him to save with absolute assurance of the resurrection to come. 

Pray for Opened Eyes of Leaders

1 Timothy 2:1-4   
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Not only are we to wage the warfare with those in the church who stray or mislead, we are to get on our knees and fight the good fight for all outside the body.  This means we ask for guidance, help, and the needs of our leaders, regardless of how godly they appear.  Those outside of Christ are not to be judged, but lifted to the throne of mercy and grace, if perhaps God will grant them repentance to salvation.  The side effect of leaders whose hearts are guided like rivers by God is a quieter life for the believers, with some life moments of quit and peace.  Of course, we still face certain persecution for the testimony of Jesus Christ, for the gospel condemns all as sinners with Christ’s work and righteousness as the impetus to stir up the pride of fallen man against us.  But we pray, knowing God’s ultimate love and desire would be that all know the truth of our nature and standing in the knowledge of the Holy One.  We pray for Him to call His people out of all positions of earthly authority to subjugate themselves to His sovereign authority and grace. 

Fight the Good Fight

1 Timothy 1:18-20   
18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

We see an event, mentioned in 1 Tim. 4:14 and in 2 Tim. 1:6 where the elders laid hands on Timothy to set him apart for ministry; here Paul brings this to mind to let Timothy consider this charge to minister.  By this charge for the gospel’s work, he is reminded this is a fight against the spiritual and carnal that is good and is an ongoing part of ministry which he needs to keep in mind by the calling he was given.  This is to be done by trust in Jesus Christ and sincere holy living by active sanctification in following Him by the enabling work of God the Spirit.  The example is given of two others who rejected such faith and obedience, ending up as in a shipwreck of the soul.  But these were put out with church discipline and into Satan’s hands to consider their blasphemy against sound teaching and right living, with the hope of repentance and God restoring them. 

We are all Regenerated Sinners

1 Timothy 1:12-17    
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

God enabled a blasphemous, insolent, murderous man to be the messenger and vessel of grace.  Paul went from a persecutor and killer of God’s people to a founder of the church and conveyor of much of the New Testament.  He thought he was doing God’s will as he attacked Christians, but that ignorance and sin was given great and overwhelming grace to transform this sinful enemy of God to the reborn sinner under the sustaining grace of Jesus Christ.  He admits in verse 15 that he is the worst of sinners.  Not ‘was,’ but still ‘is.’  This is where we all stand, forgiven and regenerated, yet still sinners under grace.  Forget the lie some tell that we no longer are sinners or cannot sin anymore; God says otherwise, and we do well to not further sin by denying this.  But God was patient and suffered long with Paul to demonstrate that He will do the same with us who likewise believe in our regeneration.  We have absolute certainty of eternal life, regardless of our remaining sin, yet are still held accountable for each one - just no longer to condemnation, since Christ intercedes eternally for us.  This is why Paul ends this paragraph of thought with glory, honor, and praise to the God above all wisdom and who reigns sovereignty and eternally.  Amen and amen! 

Law of the Heart

1 Timothy 1:8-11    
8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.

The Law was given through Moses to test the heart and display its sinful intents; used as a barometer of the soul, it can be humbling and encouraging to know we can follow it only by God’s grace and working in us by His Spirit.  But those who know it and choose willingly to do the opposite without resistance or repentance, for these ungodly sinners who are profane in His eyes, the Law is there to convict and convince they are sinners in need of grace.  We sinners in Christ use the Law lawfully by allowing it to move our heart’s motives and keep us humble.  We do not want to be insubordinate or lawless, but discipline our bodies and minds towards holiness with the Law written in our hearts as motive and ability.  We see in the Law that the list here from murderers to liars and fornicators is all opposed to what sound teaching shows us is abhorrent to the God who died for our sin, and so we choose instead to follow by the gospel’s power and guidance of the inner Law by the grace of our blessed Lord Jesus Christ and our Father by His Spirit of holiness dwelling in us. 

Warning and Sanctifying Growth

1 Timothy 1:3-7    
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, 6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.

Paul charged Timothy to deal with false teachers in Ephesus who did not stick to biblical doctrine as handed down from Genesis to Christ to the apostles, which we now have as the complete bible.  They were stuck in Old Testament genealogical debates and mandates, missing the larger picture of who Christ is as both son of man and Son of God.  They taught more stories than scriptural truths, and ended up only arguing instead of building each other up in a godly way by trusting God’s words.  He then spells out what God’s commands culminate in and what the ultimate end is - that we love sincerely, purely, in faith and from a clear conscience of motive and action.  Those who miss this and teach otherwise end up as stray sheep, bleating aimlessly away and imagining themselves to be great teachers, but not even knowing what they are saying.  We have a more certain word of hope in the scriptures, and must follow them instead.  That is the warning and guidance for sanctifying growth of God’s church. 

1 Timothy: Grace, Mercy, and Peace

1 Timothy 1:1-2
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, 2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith:  Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul was called in two ways.  He was called out from destruction under God’s wrath as a sinner from birth, and he was called to be a messenger of the gospel and conveyor of God’s word.  Paul was called out of darkness into the marvelous light in the face of Jesus Christ to preach Him and explain God’s plan and purpose for others He called out into the body of the called out ones, the church.  He was commanded to minister in the hope of Christ, and in that hope took a disciple, Timothy, into his charge to serve alongside him in the gospel.  Paul considered him as a son in the faith and more as a fellow worker in Christ.  To him Paul writes this letter with the reminder of who God called him to be and what Timothy meant for him to do so.  Therefore Paul begins by offering and praying for these things from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ on this son: grace, mercy, and peace. Grace by unmerited goodness of God to reconcile, mercy to pass over all sin to save, and the resulting peace with God as the result. 

Prayer from a Shepherd’s Heart

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18  
16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.  17 The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write.  18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

The closing prayer sums up the heart of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy for the Thessalonians.  It begins with asking for God’s peace on them from the God of peace.  Only God in Christ can reconcile us to Himself through the suffering, crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  He truly is the God of all peace, and we can therefore find it nowhere else.  The prayer reminds them and us that the Lord is with us; not only does He work on our behalf to make us holy, He also lives within us as the Holy Spirit.  They end with God’s grace in Christ on them all.  That is why they wrote this letter by Paul’s own hand.  Usually Paul would have a scribe write for him, but this needed the personal expression to convey the heart of a shepherd for these dearly loved to comfort and challenge them in their continuing walk with God in Christ by His Spirit.  Amen.

Orderly Living

2 Thessalonians 3:10-15   
10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.   13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

An example of living disorderly in the church of the Thessalonians was laziness and refusal to work.  These would rather take from others as they spread gossip around while getting into everyone’s business.  We are reminded here that if someone does not want to work, they should not be given something to eat either.  We should earn our way with our own hands and give to those truly in need who cannot work.  Therefore we should do as advised here and work quietly, not in gossip or slander.  When we are living orderly, then we can continue in doing what is right and good in God’s eyes with the assurance that He will keep us by grace.  But for those not hearing or refusing to live according to scripture, it is best to keep them at a distance - not as our enemies in hatred, but in firm love as wandering brothers who need correction.  The goal is restoration with God and man, and this cannot be done if we ignore the disobedient and disorderly actions. 

Church Discipline and Our Example

2 Thessalonians 3:6-9    
6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

Church discipline begins with knowing what God expects for us to live by before we know for what and when to draw away from them.  Here Paul commands the Thessalonians step away from those living disorderly and contrary to sound biblical teaching.  The disorderly is a disobedient and irresponsible life, morally and spiritually, which makes it sinful as well.  Paul stressed their own examples to the Thessalonians, acting true to God and responsibly by working for their sustenance.  They did the honorable and right things to fulfill the second greatest commandment of loving their brethren by avoiding becoming burdensome.  They had authority to ask for these things, but chose to think of the welfare of others and set the example for both moral and spiritual discipleship.  We should not be burdens to others, but serve them as Christ served us and gave the example. 

Prayers of Confidence and Trust

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5    
1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.   5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

Paul and company asked for prayer that his ministry of the gospel would be used to quickly spread God’s word far and wide for God’s glory in His work through the Son on the cross.  They also requested prayer for protection and deliverance from those opposed to the message, as well as the adversary behind those attacks against the faith.  The reassurance is that God is absolutely faithful and able to keep the Thessalonians and us from the evil one’s assaults, as God establishes and protects us.  The confidence Paul, Silavanus, and Timothy had for this church (and others) was that they would heed all they were taught in loving and thankful obedience to the Lord through them, and not just to them.  Therefore, the admonition ends with the prayer for the Lord Jesus Christ to move them more towards His patience and God’s love.  Do we find ourselves moving ever closer to patient endurance in identifying with and serving Christ as our love for God grows? 

Joy of Elect’s Sanctification

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17    
13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.   16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

Why did Paul have confidence and thankfulness for the Thessalonian church?  Because he knew they were called from the beginning; they were God’s elect, the church, and were given faith to know the truth of the gospel by God’s Holy Spirit.  They were called by that gospel to God’s glory in Jesus Christ as His adopted children.  This is why he goes on to say that this calling requires their loving obedience as they were taught the things of God by the apostles and scripture.  This thankful confidence then shouts out the desire and prayer for the Lord and God of them all who had such love to call and keep His sheep to build on that hope of grace and comfort with more comfort and establishment of all their good works they had been prepared for from the beginning (Eph.2:10).  This thankful confidence was due to the certainty of God’s call, and the added joy was seen in their resulting obedience of sanctification. 

The End is Already Determined

2 Thessalonians 2:5-12    
5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

The end is being held back by God in His sovereign plan, until the time He ordained comes.  Then the lawless one will come forth to be seen in his work against the Lord and His Christ.  This antichrist will be working by Satan’s lies and signs of limited power allowed by God to deceive the unbelieving who are hardened to the love of God’s gospel truth.  Therefore God will give the unbelieving a strong delusion to believe the deceiver’s lies and finish the condemnation we all deserve apart from the gospel of Christ’s righteousness.  The fleeting pleasure this world finds in unrighteousness will find the lie’s due justice.  But in the end we are reminded that the Lord will smite that one with the words of His breath (Rev.19:15-16) and His coming in the bright light of His holy glory and power.  The end is already, but not yet, and so we are reminded with the Thessalonians here of the timing and absolute victory of our sovereign Lord over the evil one and our fallen world to be judged and His elect to be eternally reconciled to Him forever.  We wait with hope and the word of God held tight in faith and held out (Phil.2:16) to the world for salvation. 

The Falling Away and Day of Christ

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4    
1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

When will Jesus Christ return?  Has He done so already?  These questions were a great concern to the church at Thessaloniki.  Paul calms them first of all with the assurance that He has not come yet, so they do not need to be troubled or anxious that they missed Him, no matter what they are being told.  Paul brings God’s word to bear on their worries by the deceit of false teachings.  He assures them and us that certain events must take place before the second coming of Christ, one being an Antichrist who opposes God and makes himself to be as God.  This one will be made known and will even put himself over all religions and the true God as he seeks worship as if he is God.  This was foreshadowed in the Caesars of Rome who called themselves divine, but will be much worse than them or their successors in Rome.  When one sits in the temple and feigns the place of God in the holy of holies, beware.  When we are commanded to worship a man above God, know that the falling away is happening and Christ is at the doorstep. 

Worthy by Grace for Glory

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12    
11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The faith, patience, and hard pressing times show our worthiness in Christ is in being identified with Him and treated as He was by the world.  Therefore the prayer here is for that  He completes this work in us, fully pleasing Him in what is good, and seen in the working of His power to change and keep us by the faith in which we stand.  Why?  So that Jesus Christ’s name is glorified and magnified in and through us, and we are likewise glorified as in Christ and not of ourselves.  This is all by His great grace. 

Justice Repaid, God Glorified

2 Thessalonians 1:6-10    
6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

Remember when we suffer from those opposed to God that they will be repaid in the end, and possibly sooner, by the God of justice who is jealous for His people.  When Jesus Christ returns there will be ultimate justice enacted on all who do not know nor obey God by trusting His gospel which we are persecuted for.  This is an everlasting punishment, whether you call it Hell or simply the lake of fire.  It is an eternal suffering that is real, physical, and painful in many ways.  This destruction is torment and ongoing distress, not annihilation.  We all live eternally, just in different places and circumstances.  Therefore, when Christ comes back in judgement, He also will be glorified in and through us, we who believe, endure, and testify to the grace and reconciliation of the gospel in which those such as these Thessalonians have believed God in.  We bear witness, we testify that these things are true, and God uses that word to convert souls to set them free from His just sentence.  This is why we tell the gospel to those headed to perdition, that they may know and believe to be free at no cost but God’s own Son who suffered and died in our stead. 

Stay the Course of Faith

2 Thessalonians 1:4-5    
4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;

The apostles boasted in the patience and faith of the Thessalonians throughout the other churches.  This was because it was under the fire of persecution and pressing times of hardship and constant attacks, to which they stood up to by trusting the Lord and waiting for deliverance from or through it all.  They suffered for Christ’s sake and for the kingdom to come, not counting themselves worthy, but showing the grace of God and relying on His judgement to come on those fighting Him in them.  They suffered and He counted them worthy by their trust of faith in His righteousness and justice to be revealed at the judgement.  When we follow Christ and stay the course of obedience in grace, then we also can be reminded of those before us and endure for His sake, suffering as His children. 

Grace and Peace for Faith and Love

2 Thessalonians 1:1-3    
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:  2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,

Paul co-labored with faithful men like his disciple Timothy and the man Silvanus, mentioned by Paul in both epistles to the church at Thessaloniki and by Peter in His first letter.  These were servants of Christ in the work of the gospel who Paul included as the source of the praise and admonition in these letters.  The usual greetings began with God’s immense grace in the Lord, easy to miss by its familiar inclusion, but deep both theologically and practically.  This grace is from God the Father and God the Son, our Lord and Savior.  This is important to note, as it leads to the peace beyond understanding that accomplices such unmerited and unlimited undeserved favor for such sinners as we all are.  This grace and peace is shown to be the source of increasing faith, trust and reliance, in Christ.  It also builds the love acknowledged here which is shared in sweet and living fellowship.  We also should overflow in love to each other in His grace and peace because we have been reconciled in Christ by grace alone and rely on this peace to live righteously. 

Sanctifying, Transforming Grace

1 Thessalonians 5:23-28    
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. 25 Brethren, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.  28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Beyond the joy and thankfulness in our willing obedience, we find the peace of God’s grace.  This comes from knowing He will complete the work He began in us, and will keep us until Christ’s return in our spirit, soul, and body.  This is comforting amidst our struggles against sin and our too often failures as we follow toward His likeness being transformationally worked into us.  But the hope of this peace is knowing His faithfulness in all of the promises spoken to us by His word.  We know He will do this!  Therefore we welcome each other as we strive together in this work for the gospel and its lasting grace in we who are called to salvation.  We read and heed His word and rely on His grace to continue working for both salvation and sanctification. 

Joy, Prayer, Thanksgiving, Obedience

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22    
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.   19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

Because of who we are called to be in Christ, because of the absolute hope of His sanctifying work in us, and because God gave gifts to men to preach and teach, we can always find something to rejoice over.  And because we have so much to have this joy in, we must continue to pray as often as possible and be thankful for everything.  By so doing, we will not stop God’s Spirit of grace working in and through us, the church.  We listen to those God gives wisdom to, yet test all we hear by His word for truth.  We do not want to be deceived nor lead others astray, so we stand on the rock of His word, who is Christ in the flesh.  In all these things, we avoid what we were saved from, the evil of rebellious sin in thought, word, and actions.   We grasp what is good with both hands as we look intently in the face of Jesus.

Honor and Service

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15    
12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.   14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

We are to give honor to whom it is due, to those laboring in the work of ministering the gospel - evangelists, preachers, teachers, and more.  This especially includes those who lead and guide us in the church to help us grow in conformity to Christ.  They are to be highly regarded, and that should lead to us growing in fellowship as we minister to each other and live at peace with God and our brothers and sisters.  This is why we need church discipline and accountability, so that we do all things decently and in order.  We are to serve with empathy and care and patience.  We are not to retaliate with evil, but look out for the spiritual welfare of sanctifying grace in all we do. 

Sons of the Day’s Light

1 Thessalonians 5:4-11    
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

As ones brought out of darkness into His marvelous light, who is Christ Himself, we are aware of the world around us which is still steeped in the night of rebellion against God and His Christ.  We are the sons of light.  This is why we must stay awake and be aware of the battle for men’s souls by this present darkness, why we must be sober and not drunk with the cares of this life which drag us into the dark alleys of our former lives.  Instead, we are exhorted to stay awake and aware, with armor of trust in God that loves Him and others.  We are to also have the hope of salvation firmly over our thoughts to guide our steps and always be ready to give a good defense of the gospel’s certain transforming power to others.  As we consider that we have been chosen for salvation and not left in the wrath we all deserve as children of Adam, we strive to let others know so that those He chooses may escape the darkness and find light in Christ alone.  We live for and with Him now and into forever, and because of these things we build up and comfort each other as life’s struggles groan within and around us.  This we must continue to do as sons of the day’s light. 

No Mere Wish of Eternity

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3    
1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

While we do not know the time Jesus will return, we do know of the times that will grow worse until He appears to judge the world in righteousness and take us to Himself.  With this assurance we have absolute hope and no mere wish of eternity.  He tells us that His return will be instant as lightning and as a thief who comes in unseen until then.  People will be thinking that the world is safe and secure from all alarm, that peace is there by their effort or will, but in reality He comes with a sword in His mouth to execute righteous judgement on all.  Only those clothed in Christ’s righteousness will be declared not guilty.  For now, this world heaves in the pain of a prolonged labor until that day of judgement until the time is right.  Nobody will escape that time, for or against Him for eternity.  But the believer’s hope is no mere wish of being with God forever; we have a certain hope based on Christ’s work and declaration alone.  This is eternal grace!

We Have Hope!

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18   
13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.   15 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 by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

We have hope that goes beyond the worldly sorrow of death.  Just as Jesus Christ died and rose again, so will all who are in Him rise with Him.  He will bring us up from the grave to meet Him with the trumpet of victory over sin and death and hell.  This certain hope was proven by His own resurrection and backed up by God’s immutable promises, so we need not doubt or fear death as believers who are so in Christ.  We have hope!  Because of these promises, we can comfort each other when we lose believing loved ones and not fear death ourselves if we know we are in Him.  Though we do not know all the details of His coming and our new incorruptible bodies nor what it will be like, even the edges of His ways bring infinite hope, comfort, and boundless joy to one day be in His presence. 

Learn to Love

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12    
9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

Loving each other is a result of God’s sanctifying work in us, teaching us by His word and Spirit to care for each other as He does for each one of His chosen people.  These in Thessaloniki loved their fellow believers all around the region, not just in their own local church, a compelling example for us to follow.  Even so, God used Paul to stir them up and further challenge them to overflow in this love, as well as to avoid gossip and to work hard at all they did.  They were to mind their own business instead of gossip and slander, but not to ignore each other or not get involved in others spiritual growth and well-being.  They were also to have all they needed as they took responsibility and worked (“if a man does not work, neither let him eat”).  We also,are to learn to love each other more and more as we are taught by God and others He gives for instruction and example. 

His Will, Our Sanctification

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8   
3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. 7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. 8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.

God’s will is for our sanctification, our conformity to Christ, our godliness.  This begins by cleansing desires from self satisfying to God pleasing, which begins with what gives the greatest sensual pleasure - sexual immorality.  God made sex for a man and his wife alone and a woman and her husband alone.  Any other sexual desires or acts miss the mark of His good pleasure and command to us.  We are not to live for ourselves, but to do the will of God (1 John 2:15-17).  Since we have turned from sin in repentance towards Christ, how can we turn back like unbelievers away from Him who gave His life in perfect obedience to forgive us?  We cannot sin like this without harming others, which breaks the second greatest commandment either (Romans 13:10).  There are consequences for sin.  Therefore, since we are called to holiness, we must not reject God’s good design, but rely on and yield to His Holy Spirit living in us to choose as God-pleasers.  His will is our transforming sanctifying holiness. 

How We Ought to Walk

1 Thessalonians 4:1-2    
1 Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; 2 for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

God gives the increase in our spiritual growth towards conformity to Christ as we trust and obey, following by yielding to His will and work.  Therefore we are here further challenged and urged onward in Christ our Lord to overflow in these things as we are taught.  This means we learn how to live out our walk with Him from His Word, Spirit, and those He has entrusted with these to teach us.  We are ultimately to do all things to please God.  This is what should motivate us to obey the commands given to us from Him by all means to us, the desire to love in return by faithfulness and obedience, as good servants doing what we simply ought to do (Luke 17:10). 

Blameless in Holiness

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13    
11 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.

God directs our paths as we step forward in faith according to His word, by command or principle.  We must pray along the lines of the Lord’s Prayer, that His will is done in making the ways we are to go.  As we are so led by the Spirit according to His word, we then see fruit in our efforts.  Here the Lord gave increase and abounding love to those in Thessaloniki as those ministering to them likewise did so in obedience toward them.  This reciprocal work is all to work together as a body as Ephesians 4 lays out, building us up and settling our hearts in perfect holiness in Christ when He returns.  That return will be with all who are in Him, called holy in Christ’s righteousness alone, yet faithful to please Him in this life by His grace working in us as we work out our salvation with fearful trembling in His awesome presence and love. This is how we will be blameless in holiness.

Celebrate God’s Work!

1 Thessalonians 3:6-10    
6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you— 7 therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.   9 For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith? 

Good mews of fellow believers is always cause for celebration!  Timothy spent time with the church at Thessaloniki and found faith and love active there, a blessing for Paul to hear.  The labor should bear good and lasting fruit as it was here, and the desire to be reunited was mutual.  This is what ministry and fellowship should look like when wed together.  Therefore, Paul and company rejoiced even more in their sufferings for the gospel’s sake as they heard of God’s work in the church there.  We can also rejoice when we see God work in others, not just in our own church.  Paul summed it up by exclaiming how it was to live knowing their firm standing in Christ.  The joy and thanksgiving overflowed in prayer to God after praying night and day for so long that these things would happen and continue.  They also prayed to come in person again to share the joy in sweet fellowship.  This is pastoral gospel concern with love in action.