November 27: 1 Thessalonians & 2 Thessalonians

November 27, 1 Thessalonians & 2 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians overview from the ESV Bible, “Paul wrote this letter to encourage new believers in their faith, to exhort them to godly living, to give them assurance about the eternal state of believers who had died, and to defend the integrity of his ministry as an apostle. Thessalonica (present-day Thessaloniki, Greece) was the capital of Roman Macedonia. It was on important trade routes. Paul, twice identified as the author (1:1; 2:18), visited Thessalonica on his second missionary journey but was forced to flee because of Jewish opposition. He sent Timothy to work with the largely Gentile church there, and Timothy brought him good news of their faith (3:6). This is one of Paul’s first letters, probably written about a.d. 50–51.”

1 Thessalonians 1  The Thessalonians’ Faith and Example. Paul authored the letter, and Silvanus & Timothy were co-senders of it — they were a part of it. 

Paul writes to them and lets them know that Paul and his companions have been praying for the Thessalonians, who have become an example to other churches and believers. “For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” They have turned from their idolatrous ways when they met Jesus. Jesus is coming back and Jesus is the one who will keep us from the wrath of God on that day. Praise God we have Jesus!

1 Thessalonians 2  Paul’s Ministry to the Thessalonians. Paul & his companions were being treated very poorly in Philippi as they were declaring God’s greatness and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Even with that, they did not back down or fear what man thought - it was all about glorifying God and making Him truly known through Jesus Christ. “For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others…” They could have made demands of the people, as they were apostles of Jesus, rather their approach was very gently and loving - with affection. The response of the Thessalonians was positive. Paul and his companions worked for a living so that they didn't have to burden the Thessalonians with having to pay their way. He didn't want them to forget “we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” They were living this out, not because of Paul’s words, but because it was the Words of God in their lives. 

Paul’s Longing to See Them Again. Paul was obviously not with them when he wrote to them, and he lets them know how much he wants to come and see them. However, “because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.” The Holy Spirit kept Paul from going places, and per Paul’s own writing, Satan also hindered them from going places. What does that mean? It means that the spiritual ‘battle’ is very real. If Satan could have kept them away, their faith could have wavered. Since Paul could not physically get there, he did the next best thing by writing to them and keeping them on the right path…

1 Thessalonians 3  Timothy as the pinch hitter and reporter. Paul sent Timothy to them because he couldn't make it. Timothy had a job to do, “and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.” He was to go and encourage them and be with them.

Timothy came back to Paul and reported his findings and Paul was greatly encouraged by it. The Thessalonians were living out their faith and Paul writes them a beautiful blessing. “Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” Love one another so that we may be presented holy and our hearts blameless when Jesus comes back.

1 Thessalonians 4  A Life Pleasing to God. They (and we) are to take the Words of God and live them out every day. God’s will is to sanctify (a lifelong process of us becoming more like Jesus and getting rid of any filth or sin in our lives) us and that we “abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.” We are to embrace these commands and live them out. If we love Jesus, this shouldn't be that hard. If we love Christ, we will not want to be sexually immoral or lacking control. We will want to stay the course and be obedient to the Savior of the world. 

The Coming of the Lord. Apparently, someone from their church had died and Paul takes some time to encourage and teach them. When Jesus returns, those that loved Jesus will be taken up to be with Him forever, and then those that are alive will be taken up to Heaven. What will it actually look like? Pretty epic… “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

1 Thessalonians 5  The Day of the Lord. Paul warns them and us to be prepared for the return of Jesus Christ. God knows when it will be and we are to live our lives in expectancy of His return. “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” For those who believe in Jesus, we are destined to Salvation through Jesus Christ.

Final Instructions and Benediction. The letter is closed out with encouragement and teaching. “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” A quick breakdown:

• Get to work if you love Christ
• Encourage those who are weary and help the weak with patience
• Don’t seek revenge, instead serve and love each other
• Always be thankful and be in prayer with much thankfulness - that is God’s will
• Do not quench the Holy Spirit!
• Make sure that what leaders are saying lines up with what God has said
• Keep yourselves from any kind of evil. Literally - keep away from it

2 Thessalonians overview from the ESV Bible, “This letter from the apostle Paul was probably written shortly after his first letter to the church in Thessalonica. He had been boasting of them to other churches, telling of their faith and their love for each other in the face of persecution. Paul reminded them that God will repay their persecutors. He also addressed two recurring problems in this church. First, they were concerned that the Lord had already returned. Paul urged them not to become “shaken in mind or alarmed,” fearing that “the day of the Lord” (2:2) had already come. Second, he admonished them not to be idle, commanding them that, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (3:10).”

2 Thessalonians 1  Greeting & Thanksgiving. Same author and co-senders as 1 Thessalonians - Paul, Silvanus & Timothy. Paul has obviously been bragging about how awesome the faith of the Thessalonians was to the other churches. They were living out their faith. As a Pastor, Paul was proud of their conviction and faith, and encouraged them to keep it up.

The Judgment at Christ’s Coming. Their faith is evidence of God in their lives and also that they are going to be considered worthy of God’s kingdom that they were suffering for. The second coming will not be all roses for everybody, just for those that love Jesus Christ and live for Him. For the rest, “They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.” It may sound harsh, but it is reality. Apart from Christ, our destiny is destruction. For this reason, Paul & his companions prayed heartily for them. “To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” When life is hard, remember that God is working out our lives to get us ready to be with Him. 

That is one of my life verses, 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, which we just read above together. I want my life to fully reflect the love of Christ. 

2 Thessalonians 2  The Man of Lawlessness. Paul gives them some teachings on what is coming… Do not be deceived by any one who says something contrary to what the Bible says. The rebellion is coming and there will be a key player, the Man of Lawlessness, or the Antichrist. This will be an individual who is empowered by Satan. He will be a deceiver and a liar. When the antichrist comes, it is a sign that the end is near. Some will believe him and they will take pleasure in sin and unrighteousness - have nothing to do with it. 

Stand Firm. Instead of taking pleasure in unrighteousness, stand firm in your calling and hold fast to God and His Word. We have God’s love and grace - live in that! 

2 Thessalonians 3  Pray for Us (Paul & Companions). Paul asks for prayer to keep on with what God has called them to and that they would be delivered from all the evil men around them. As God guards the Thessalonians, Paul is asking for that for himself as well. 

Warning Against Idleness. Here is a strict warning and teaching about idleness - another word could be unruly or one who lives an undisciplined lift. Have nothing to do with them, but keep away from them. Rather, imitate Paul, who worked for his needs and didn't burden them. “For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” Laziness and unrighteous living is not to be encouraged or allowed - but like we learned earlier, get to work for Christ! If somebody isn't willing to work, they are not sharing the load and will typically be busy-bodies and up to no good! 

What are they to do now? “As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” The reasons are clearly stated here as to how to treat them and why - let them feel bad for not  doing what God as called them to and love them back. Don't grow weary in doing good!

To sum it all up: 

• We cannot have both idolatry & Jesus. Either He is number 1 in our lives or He is not… 
• Your Christian walk must reflect God. Our lives must be lived out in a way that tells the world and those around us that we are followers of Christ… Does yours? 
• Love one another so that we may be presented holy and our hearts blameless when Jesus comes back.
• It is my hearts desire to have my life reflect Jesus Christ. Quick paraphrase “To this end… that my God may make us worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in us, and us in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”