"For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11)
The believers in Thessalonica sought information about when Christ will return. As we have seen, Paul answers the more important question of the who will be with Christ when He returns, rather than the when. Those who are clothed in Christ's righteousness look forward to glorification with Christ instead of the wrath that is in store for unbelievers. Paul continues in these verses to present the true hope of every believer. Let us look at it together.
In Christ Alone
There are many that teach that it does not matter who one believes in, we are all heading for the same place. That it makes no difference if you worship Jesus or Allah, all are going to go to heaven. Then there are those that do not believe in an afterlife at all that say when we die, that is it - total annihilation for all. These teachings have also unfortunately made their way into the church. There are some well-known pastors and teachers aligning with those of other faiths and saying that we will be seeing them in heaven.
The truth of the matter though is that salvation is through Christ alone. Peter declares this emphatically when he and John were arrested and brought before Annas and Caiaphas in Acts 4 when he said, "there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name [Jesus Christ] under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."
Paul reminds the Thessalonians here that they have already obtained salvation through Jesus Christ.
Through Christ's Death Alone
Paul also reminds them that they have obtained their salvation through Christ's death on the cross. Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:8-9 that, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." This coming from a man who had previously considered his works to have been of utmost importance, and as a requirement for acceptance by God (see Philippians 3).
Unfortunately there are still people that teach a works based salvation. That we will make it into heaven if we live upright, moral lives. It makes no difference to them who they worship, as long as they fill their lives with good works. If that is true, then atheists will be in heaven with us. This is a clear contradiction of Scripture.
Therefore Live For One Another
Therefore Paul can say that since our salvation is through Christ and His death alone, we are all parts of the one body. Whether in the grave or still walking this earth, all believers past, present and future are part of the body of Christ. But we must not rest on our laurels and live for ourselves. No, our being a part of the body means that we have responsibility to the body, which Paul spells out in verse 9 - to encourage and build one another up.
Life in Christ is not about me. It is about Him and others. It is a life of giving up of oneself for the building up and betterment of others. It does not matter how you feel about them, whether they irritate you, or if they say and do things that are not the way you would say or do them. Rather it is about putting aside your preferences and desires for the sake of others. This is yet another aspect of what it means to make disciples.
Are you building others up in their faith? Have you come alongside other believers in order to strengthen them? Do you care for those spiritually "younger" or "weaker" than you? For as Paul reminds us here, it is our responsibility to build God's Kingdom and not our own.
Just a Thought!
© 2013
"But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation." (1 Thessalonians 5:4-8)
The first three verses of chapter 5 seem to not be filled with good news. As pointed out last time, Paul's point is that we are to be prepared for Christ's return. In those verses Paul describes what the people of the world are living like without that expectation. In these next five verses however, Paul looks at how we as believers are meant to be living during this time of expectation, and he begins it by using two words that bring in the contrast, "But you." Let us look at this contrast together.
Be Children of Light
Those in the world are not living in the light of Christ, but rather in the darkness of not knowing Him. The concerns that the Thessalonians, and indeed any who struggle with the "when" question as discussed last time, are not living as Children of Light. They are worried about things that should be of no real concern to them. When is only important in that they should be living with the constant expectation that it could be today.
As children of light we live knowing Jesus personally. With Him guiding us and teaching us, we have no need to fear the things that those in the darkness worry about. If we truly know Christ as we should, we will be ready even if He returns the moment you finish reading this paragraph. But those that walk in darkness have every reason to fear, for if Jesus should return today, they will stand condemned before the judgement seat of Christ.
Paul does not go into detail on how to live in the light. Rather he assures the readers that they already are, and therefore do not need to worry themselves about how to live in a dark world.
Be Fully Aware
Those who live in the darkness often times seem to be living fuller and more enjoyable lives. They drive the latest and fanciest cars, they live in luxury, and have fun doing it. Paul knows however that looks are deceiving. In reality those that live in darkness are deceived. They have no security for eternity. They are drunk and asleep in a dark world that is going to be judged when Christ returns. Therefore, why imitate them? Why desire what they have in this life?
As children of light we are to be aware of the dangers that lurk around the corner. We are to follow the light of Christ as it lights the way that we are to go, and to see the pitfalls that we will fall into should we follow the ways of the world. To Paul, how one perceives the end times actually impacts how one lives today. If you live with little or no regard for eternal life or judgement, why not just do as you please today? But if you know that a glorious eternity is waiting if you walk in the ways of the Lord, then how you live today becomes important.
Be Clothed in Spiritual Armour
Paul uses the image of being properly clothed a number of times throughout his epistles (cf. Romans 13; Galatians 3; Ephesians 6; and Colossians 3). In comparison to most of those passages though, this is not a command to "put on", as in Ephesians 6, but rather reminds us that as believers, faith and love have already been put on (v8). This therefore gives confidence to move forward. Christ has already clothed us with the armour that we need to be able to walk in light.
Those living in darkness do not comprehend the severity of living as such. They have no idea of what it will mean for them at the end. However, as Christians we do. The question is, are we showing those in darkness the Light of Christ? Are we living in faith and expressing His love to them? Are we drawing them into the Light?
Just a Thought!
© 2013
"Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape." (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3)
There are many theories and teachings around today concerning the end of the world. From the Biblical to the bizarre, there are so many theories today that one can so easily become confused as to what will happen in the last days. You have Amillenialism, Premillenialism, and Postmillenialism. Then there is Pre-tribulation and Post-tribulation. All of which makes the whole thing sound like A-Pre-Post-erous concept. What then is the truth? What will happen in the last days?
I am not going to cover any of these teachings here, but rather we will look at the things that are certain from our text above. Join me as we look hopefully towards that glorious day of Christ's return.
Christ's Return - Date Unknown
It is natural for us to wonder when Christ will return. Daniel wondered "how long?" (Daniel 12:6), as did Jesus' disciples (Mark 13:1-4). Daniel and the disciples had the luxury of asking "heavenly beings" the question, in hopes that they, being sent from the throne room of God itself, would be able to answer. Looking at how Paul handles it here is would seem that the believers in Thessalonica had the same question - when will Christ return?
Paul's answer though is not what they would have expected. Instead of giving them a date and time, or even an indication of how many years, Paul in a way tells them that it is the wrong question to ask. They should not be concerned about the specific date, but rather to be ready all the time. Why? Because His return will be like a thief in the night.
Christ's Return - Like a Thief
In the same way that you do not know if and when a thief is going to break in to your house, we do not know when Jesus will return. It will be something unexpected. It will come suddenly, at a time when people are the least vigilant and most ignorant as to what God is doing around them. At a time when people will not be looking for Him, even in the church.
And if you thought that was bad news, there is more to come, because Christ's return will mean destruction.
Christ's Return - With Destruction
The return of Christ will come at a cost. At a time when people believe that they are living in a time of "peace and safety" then He will come to take it all away and destroy what little they do have. In the same way that a baby cannot be born without some pain, so too must God's judgement comes with pain.
Paul does not go into any further detail about the final judgement. Rather his concern is for the believers in Thessalonica to be ready for it. To not be complacent and think that all is fine now. The end will come when least expected, and those who do not believe had better watch out.
"Be Prepared"
This famous slogan of the Boy Scouts is just as apt for the church today. Let us live with the expectation that Jesus will return. Though the news in these verses does not necessarily give us any hope, we can live in hope that when Christ does come, those who do not believe, who have persecuted us, who have given us cause to grieve, will be punished. Let us not be complacent and live and think like the world, but let us join with the Spirit who stands with the bride and says "Come, Lord Jesus, Come" (Revelation 22:17, 20). Maranatha.
Just a Thought!
© 2013
"Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need." (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12)
After dealing with purity, Paul moves on to the more general subject that applies to all aspects of our behaviour: love for others. Having already commended the Thessalonian church for their love (see 1:3), Paul here draws their attention to it again. Clearly this is of utmost importance to Paul otherwise he would not have brought it up a second time. Join me as we look at this passage to see why it is so important.
Pleasing God With Brotherly Love
The love that Paul refers to here is brotherly love (Greek: Phileo). Prior to the New Testament, this word was used almost always for the love that one would naturally have for one's siblings. However here Paul uses the term quite broadly, after all, the church in Thessalonica most certainly was not made up of blood relatives only. The reason Paul uses the term is because as Christians, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all a part of the same family.
Therefore this means that the love we have for one another should come naturally. In the same way that one has a natural love for their blood relatives, so too as Christians we should have a natural love for fellow Christians.
But where does this love come from? Especially since it seems as though there is a lack of love in the church today. Paul tells us, it has been taught to us by God. Jesus is the perfect example of what this love looks like, and He is also the one who motivates the love in our hearts. Though a certain affinity towards a fellow believer may exist, the true love that we should have for each other comes from God Himself. And it is not something that we have in abundance or completely the moment we become Christians, but rather it is something that grows. Hence Paul's words to the Thessalonians that they should "excel still more."
Pleasing God In the Community
This command to love is not just about having warm fuzzy feelings for someone, but rather it is practical and impacts our day-to-day lives. Paul's focus here is about how we live within the Christian community, and with it he stresses three key areas of everyday life.
"Lead a quiet life" - this has to do with living as law abiding citizens. Living in a way that no-one can point a finger at you for anything, and that means going over the speed limit when driving to church on a Sunday. As believers we are not to disregard others, nor are we to assume that we have any rights of our own.
"Attend to your own business" - this implies not sticking our noses in where they do not belong. Yes we are to help others in their difficulties, and point out their sin when necessary, but we must not make their business our business. Nor are we to make our business theirs. Ask for help, yes, but do not impose your needs onto others.
"Work with your hands" - God created man to work (see Gen. 1). It is the tool by which we are fed, and in turn can feed others. The more we earn, the more we have to give away to those in the community who need it.
Self-Evaluation
How are you doing in your community life? Do you love others the way you should? Are you living in the way Paul prescribes here? If not seek God's face today, ask Him to fill your heart with the love that Paul talks about, and to strengthen you to live out that love towards others. And one final thing to consider, note that Paul does not give a condition to this love, it is not dependent on how others love you. It is a command to do it regardless.
Just a Thought!
© 2013
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you." (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8)
In the nineties, one of the most popular songs of the time was It's My Life by Dr Alban. It was played almost daily on the radio. That song expresses the attitude of society as a whole today. People do whatever they want to. They will moan bitterly about criminals who commit heinous crimes, yet they will break the speed limit and go through red lights whenever it pleases them. Unfortunately, this mentality has permeated the church as well. Paul addresses this attitude in no uncertain terms in this passage. Let us see what he has to say.
Paul's Call for Purity
Paul summarises what God's will is for all of us in one word, "sanctification." It is not about career choice, prosperity, health, who one should marry, ministry, or any of the things that the people in the world chase after in order to find happiness, but it is sanctification. The process of being set apart from common usage, belonging to God, and being made pure.
Note that Paul follows this immediately with sexual purity. The point he is making here is that how a person behaves in the bedroom, and how one thinks in their heart regarding such things, is not something private, but rather is something that is going to effect one's relationship with God. In the ancient world, people believed that what went on in the bedroom was completely private and no-one knew what went on. In today's world, it seems as though people want others to know about their sexual behaviours, but they do not want anyone to judge them for it. Homosexuals will tell you openly that they are homosexual, but do not dare tell them that they are living in sin. That God is going to judge them. In their minds they can do what they want and it is not God's business. Our text says otherwise - it is God's business, and He is going to hold them accountable.
An interesting point in our text here is the word "vessel." In the Greek, it is the same word that Peter uses to refer to a man's wife (see 1 Peter 3:7). The implication here then is not only should we not be defiling our own physical bodies, as already has been implied in the rest of the text, but also that we should not be defiling our spouses either. That we should not be expecting them to do things that they either do not want to do, or would be considered to be defiling to them.
Live in Purity
Our lives here on earth are preparation for life in eternity with the Lord. It is a process of sanctification. We will never be perfect here on earth, but Paul is urging us to work towards that end. We are to abstain from all forms of defiling acts and to encourage others to do the same. We are to address our sin by recognising it in our lives, confessing it, and repenting of it.
How is your journey towards sanctification? Have you made this your ultimate goal in life, or are you chasing after the things in this world that promise happiness? Are you keeping your body and your marriage bed pure? Though others may not know or see what is going on, God is watching. He knows your thoughts and sees your actions
Choose today to do the will of God, to live a life of purity and preparation for heaven. Follow the path of sanctification that He has laid out for you. Pray for God's help, for you cannot do it on your own, and trust Him to make you into the person that He has created you to be, for life is not about the here and now, it is about the glory, worship and wonder that is to come as we live in eternity with our Lord.
Just a Thought!
© 2013
"Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2)
There is a trend in society that has been around for centuries, that of separating the sacred from the secular. Musicians distinguish between sacred and secular music. There is a sacred way to dress and a secular way - what you would wear to church on a Sunday is not how you dress the rest of the week. Though there is a definite distinction between what is deemed to be worldly and godly, as believers there must not be any distinction for us. All aspects of life are to be seen to be godly.
In our text today, Paul deals with living a life that pleases God. Let us explore it together.
A Call to Please God
As we saw earlier in his letter, Paul has reminded the Thessalonians that they have come out of their old lives, living for themselves and as the world dictates, and into faith in Jesus (see 1:9 and 2:13). That change in life means a change in lifestyle too. Paul commends them a number of times throughout the letter that they are living a life that is a testimony to others throughout the region.
In the verses above Paul points out that lifestyle is one that pleases the Lord. Paul goes on to remind them that this is not a once off change, but rather is a gradual process and that they need to excel at even more. A once off change and doing enough to be noticed is not enough. They need to continue to do so, but they also need to do more and even do greater things.
The danger here is to make sure that we do not think of this in terms of doing works in order to earn God's favour, nor is it to do things so as to win others to Christ. Rather it is to do these things as a result of God's favour in the first place. They have already come to Christ. Their place in heaven is already secure. The result of that should be a life that is pleasing to God.
Under God's Authority
In verse 2 Paul reminds them that they should not be living this way just because he said so, but rather because God said so. At no time should they feel manipulated into doing something because a person said so, nor should they be doing it in order to please man. God is the absolute authority and it is because of that authority that they should be striving to excel in their lives pleasing to God.
This is in line with what Jesus taught when He was on earth. Many times He confronted the Pharisees who imposed so many laws on people that at the end of the day, they were the ones that had to be satisfied, and not God. If someone broke a law, the Pharisees were the ones to be afraid of, and physical death imposed by the law makers was worse than spiritual death imposed by God.
All of Life
Notice too that Paul does not draw any distinctions making this principle only apply to some areas of life and not others. The implication here is that it clearly applies to all aspects of a believer's life. Whether at work, home, church, or play, our lives should be lives that please God at all times, in all places, and in all situations.
Does every aspect of your life please God? Do you desire to please God first before man, and more importantly before yourself? Are you the same person at work, home, the gym, etc, as you are at church every Sunday?
To live any part of your life that does not please God but rather pleases yourself or others, is a life of hypocrisy. Make a decision today to strive to live to please God, and to do so more each day.
Just a Thought!
© 2013
