1Thessalonians 1:1-10
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. 5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
In chapter 1 of Thessalonians it begins with an inscription by Paul, Silas, and Timothy, to the Thessalonians. To give a little background, we know from studying the scriptures that Timothy returned to Paul with good news: the Christians in Thessalonica were remaining firm in the faith and were unified. But the Thessalonians did have some questions about their new faith. Paul had not had time to answer all their questions during his brief visit, and in the meantime, other questions had arisen. So Paul wrote this letter to answer their questions and to commend them on their faithfulness to Christ. So after the introduction (vs.1) the Apostle Paul begins with an expression of thanks to God for the saving grace given to the church (vs. 2-5). Next he mentions the evidence of the good success of the gospel among them, which is spoken of in many places (vs. 6-10).
The verse that stands out to me today is 1Thessalonians 1:5 "For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake." It was in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance that it came to them: (1) In power. The message worked in their lives with supernatural energy, producing conviction of sin, repentance, and conversion. (2) In the Holy Spirit. This power was produced by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit changes people when they believe the gospel. When we tell others about Christ, we must depend on the Holy Spirit to open their eyes and convince them that they need salvation. God's power changes people?not our cleverness or persuasion. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, our words are meaningless. The Holy Spirit not only convicts people of sin but also assures them of the truth of the gospel. (For more information on the Holy Spirit, see John 14:23-26; John 15:26-27; and the notes on § John 3:6 and § Acts 1:5.) (3) In much assurance. Paul preached with great confidence in the message. The Thessalonians accepted it with much assurance as the word of God. The result in their lives was full assurance of faith. Paul wrote, "You know how we lived among you for your sake." The Thessalonians could see that what Paul, Silas, and Timothy were preaching was true because these men lived it. Does your life confirm or contradict what you say you believe?
I pray that the gospel would come to you in power, in the Spirit, and in much assurance.
Love in Christ,
Alan J. Schrader
1Thessalonians 2:1-20
For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. 3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. 4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. 5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness- God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 9 For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; 11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. 13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. 14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men, 16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost. 17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. 18 Therefore we wanted to come to you-even I, Paul, time and again-but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy.
In chapter 2 of Thessalonians the Apostle Paul puts the Thessalonians in mind of the manner of his preaching among them (vs.1-6). Next we read of the manner of his conversation among them (vs. 7-12). This leads to Paul sharing the success of his ministry, with the effects both on himself and on them (vs.13-16). The chapter concludes with Paul apologizing for his absence (vs. 17-20).
The verse that stands out to me today is 1Thessalonians 2:14 "For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans," In this verse the Apostle Paul is saying that by their steadfast endurance, the Thessalonians became imitators of the Christian churches in Judea. The only difference was that the Thessalonians suffered at the hands of their Gentile countrymen, whereas the believers in Judea were persecuted by the Judeans. Sometimes suffering comes because of our own failures (1 Pet. 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters.), but these believers were suffering because they stood for God's truth (1 Pet. 4:16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter"). Persecution is discouraging, especially when it comes from your own people. When you take a stand for Christ, you may face opposition, disapproval, and ridicule from your neighbors, friends, and even family members. The truth is pressure and persecutions are inevitable. They may come camouflaged as vague cultural disapproval, or they may be open hostility, but in one way or another spiritual growth will always meet resistance. Persecution is uncomfortable, but it can also be a cause for taking heart. Without resistance, how can growth be recognized? Trials and tribulations test character (See James 1:2). Paul's encouraging words still ring true today. The fellowship that comes from suffering together promotes Christian maturity (1 Thessalonians 2:14; 3:3, 7).
I pray that you would be found faithful in sharing the love of Jesus (Yeshua) know matter what others may think or say of you.
Love in Christ,
Alan J. Schrader
1Thessalonians 3:1-13
Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain. 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? 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.
In chapter 3 of Thessalonians the Apostle Paul gives further evidence of his love to the Thessalonians, reminding them of his sending Timothy to them (vs. 1-5). Next he expresses the joy and great satisfaction he received at the return of Timothy, concerning them (vs. 6-10). The chapter concludes with Paul's fervent prayer for the Thessalonians (vs. 11-13).
The verse that stands out to me today is 1Thessalonians 3:4 "For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know." Paul reminds them that even when he was in Thessalonica, he used to tell them that Christians were appointed to afflictions. He is warning the congregation of their coming afflictions. The Scripture teaches that those who live godly lives should expect persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). In fact, Christ warned His disciples that they would experience the same type of rejection He had experienced (John 15:18). Suffering from persecution should not cause Christians to be downcast. Instead they should rejoice that we have been considered worthy of sharing in Christ's sufferings (see Matt. 5:10). Some people turn to God with the hope of escaping suffering on earth. But God doesn't promise that. Instead He gives us power to grow through our sufferings. The Christian life involves obedience to Christ despite temptations and hardships.
I pray that you would endure hardship so that you would know the reward of finishing in faith.
1 Cor. 9:24
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
Blessings,
Alan J. Schrader
1Thessalonians 4:1-18
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. 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. 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. 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.
In chapter 4 of Thessalonians the Apostle Paul starts out with some earnest exhortations to abound in holiness, with a caution against uncleanness (vs. 1-8). He then mentions the great duties of brotherly love, and quietness in our callings (vs. 9-12). The chapter concludes with comforting those who mourned for their relations and friends that died in the Lord (vs. 13-18).
The verses that stand out to me today are 1Thessalonians 4:11-12 "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." Some of the Thessalonian believers had adopted a life of idleness, depending on others for handouts. Some Greeks looked down on manual labor. So Paul told the Thessalonians to work hard and live a quiet life. You can't be effective in sharing your faith with others if they don't respect you. Whatever you do, do it faithfully and be a positive force in society. There is more to Christian living than simply loving other Christians. We must be responsible in all areas of life. The fact that we are Christians and are looking for Christ's coming does not relieve us of the practical responsibilities of life. We should remember that the world is watching us. Men judge our Savior by us. We should walk properly toward unbelievers and be independent of them financially.
I pray that God would help you to shine bright for Him.
Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Love in Christ,
Alan J. Schrader
1Thessalonians 5:1-28
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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
In chapter 5 of Thessalonians the Apostle Paul exhorts the church to be ready for the coming of Christ which will be with suddenness and surprise (vs. 1-11). Next he exhorts them to several duties they owed to others, or to one another (vs. 12-22). The chapter concludes with prayer, greetings, and a blessing (vs. 23-28).
The verse that stands out to me today is 1Thessalonians 5:2 "For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night." In this verse Paul speaks of the day of the Lord. This expression was familiar to those who knew the Hebrew Scriptures. The day of the Lord in the Old Testament was characterized by two phases: God's judgment against sinful people and God's eternal reign over His people. God's judgment will be a time of darkness and an expression of God's wrath (Joel 2:1, 2; Amos 5:18; Zeph. 1:14, 15). The Book of Joel as a whole is an exposition of the day of the Lord, describing it as a terrible time of judgment. In the Old Testament, the phrase the day of the Lord is used for any period where God intervenes in judgment on the earth. There were "days of the Lord" predicted in the Old Testament that have already been fulfilled (see Amos 5:18). Here Paul uses the expression to refer to Christ's return and the coming judgment. We also know that the return of the Lord is describing His reign and that it will be a time of God's blessing (Is. 2:1; 11:1; 30:23; Zech. 14:1, 7, 20, 21; Matt. 19:28; Acts 3:19). The phrase "The thief in the night" is a reminder that the coming of the Lord is when no one expects it. One thing is for sure, the day of the Lord will come deceptively, suddenly, destructively, inevitably, and inescapably.
I pray that you would always be ready.
Blessings,
Alan J. Schrader
