1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

                                     Exhort, Comfort and Charge!

What is the goal of your behavior?  Is it to acquire or obtain something for yourself?  Or is it that you would walk worthy of God who calls you?  Are these two things always contradictory?

What is it God has called us to?  His own kingdom and glory!  His kingdom is His rule in your life and His reign over your life.  His glory is the magnificien---beyond words---beauty and wonder of His very being.  If His kingdom and His glory is your goal, how is that goal achieved?  Paul suggests people can be helped toward this end through exhortation, comfort and a charge.

Exhortation involves speaking the truth in love.  One must evaluate: Can I, should I, speak to someone?  Am I willing to first have my own thoughts and feelings to go through a filter of truth?  At this stage, the issue should by my own heart and my own motives.  What is driving my concern?  Is it judgment, pride, control, worry, insecurity, fear…? 

By dealing with my own emotions first, I am brought to a greater humility, and an awareness of my own need to find the comfort of God’s grace and forgiveness.  Exhortation should not be a source of broken relationships, but should occur in the climate of love, as 1 Tim 5:1 clarifies by stating that we are to exhort as with a loved family member—that is, for their good, not our own personal comfort.

And how often should exhortation occur?  Daily!!!  Hebrews 3:12 states the importance of this. Our hearts become hardened not necessarily by one big negative experience, but often by the small daily choices made as a result of being deceived by sin.

After the issues of my own heart are addressed in relation to a particular matter, I can begin to look for opportunity to speak the truth into someone else’s life.  Having gone through the process myself, II will be able to speak truth and offer it alongside the comfort which I myself have needed and received.  (2 Cor. 1:3-4)  This is not the “comfort” of saying whatever is necessary to help someone feel good.  It is the comfort of knowing Jesus and being covered by His goodness.

Finally comes the charge of “walk worthy”.  What does this look like?  It certainly is not about inspiring or motivating people to act in a way that benefits myself. In Ephesians 4:1-3 there are some clues: “ with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  And what does this really look like?  Galatians 5:22 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 lay it out in very practical, tangible terms:  

When we are walking worthy of the calling of God, we are demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit, we are experiencing those fruits in the inner man, and we are being conformed to Jesus' attitude of love. 

Read and Pray:  Titus 2:11-15, Hebrews 13:20-21

1 Thess. 2:5-10

                                  opportunity

What tactics do you use when you want to get people to do something?  _____________________________________________________________________ 

Paul lays out for us his four typical tactics from which Christians should depart:

1.        Flattering words:  manipulating people by using words which are insincere, but will make them feel good, and be more likely to comply with our wishes.

2.        Cloak for covetousness:  using the gospel message, or spiritual authority for the sake of securing personal gain and/or profit. 

3.        Glory from men:  speaking and behaving in a way that obtains the approval and praise of other people.

4.        Demands as apostles:  using seniority, vast or intimate experience as a license for control over other people.

Paul’s approach is, and has been over the course of time, proven to render lasting impact.  What is that approach?  Sincere love.  What does this look like, and how does it compare to the above list?  It is:

       1.  Gentle:  this is the kind of gentleness that is symbolized by a nursing mother cherishing her own children.

       2.  Sharing the Gospel:  GOOD news is what is imparted to those who will listen

       3.  Sharing own lives:  remaining open and accessible to any and all who desire to draw near for the sake of learning and knowing more of the Lord Jesus.

       4.  Laboring so as not to be a burden:  not assuming that others can and will be able to cover our physical needs, but taking responsibility and using our strength to provide what we can

This latter list can be summarized as devout, just, and blameless.  These behaviors are God-focused, receiving grace and giving grace, forgiving and being forgiven.

How would you evaluate your own ways of trying to motivate people?  When it is the end of the day, is your conscience clear regarding how you have interacted with, and treated others?  Which of these lists is more typical of your own behavior?  

Today God is allowing you to live, to breathe, to read this little devotional thought.  You are not set on an island by yourself. He has given you the gift of “today”, and the gift of other people in your life.  It is your choice how you will use this opportunity.  I pray you will be motivated by the sincere love of other people in your life, and that your sincere love will motivate others.

Read and Pray:  Proverbs 26:28, Hebrews 13:5-6, Luke 14:27-28,  Philippians 3:14-17

1 Thess. 2:1-4

                             worth the effort 

Paul’s coming was not in vain.  The Word of God does not become null and void.  Suffering and ill treatment did not stop Paul’s speaking the gospel.

Yet, for us in our American culture, we seem to embrace “easy”, “fast”, and “painless”.  Is this the way of truth?  Though I have pacifist leanings, I cannot deny the warfare terminology found in relation to our spiritual life:

• Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ
• No one engaged in warfare entangles himself in the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier
• We do not battle against flesh and blood, but the weapons of our warfare are spiritual…

When we enter the Christian life—accepting a place in God’s family—we are approved by God because of Jesus, and God entrusts us with the message of His love toward other people.  The problem lies in the fact that evil is real and present in our world, it is opposing the goodness and grace of God, and humans have a free will to follow and serve whom and/or what they choose.

            Conflict is part of the package.  I don’t like this reality, but it is not one I can change.  What I can do, is aim to please God.  I can also keep in mind that the conflicts and trials can be used as tools in the process of purifying my heart.  I can keep my focus on loving others rather than focusing on my own comfort or loss of comfort.

            Many times, the things I can do, are not things I would naturally do.  There is a conflict, a struggle, a contending for that which is good and pure and right.  That is why I need people in my life to exhort and encourage me, and I need to be willing to exhort and encourage others.  In Jesus Christ, faith was once and for all delivered to all those who will receive it, but it must be taken up and applied by individual people in order for it to render effect.  We must “contend earnestly for the faith” so that we do not forfeit it.

            How are you receiving the input of those who are exhorting you with the truth?  Are you willing to exhort others for their benefit?  Exhortation is not comfortable, but it is good. Loving exhortation directs one's heart to the gospel of God which brings freedom, hope, joy and peace to all who will receive it.  It is worth the effort!

Read and Pray:  Isaiah 55:11, Hebrews 4:12, Hebrews 3:12-14, 2 Timothy 2:3-15

1 Thessalonians 1:8-10

                                   Evident  Peace, Truth  & Trust

            The faith of the Thessalonians was apparently so impressive that it became known far and wide.  It was known to the extent that words were not needed to explain and describe it.  The faith revealed itself.  What we do with the gospel is what we do with God.  Our faith, whether it be in the grace of Jesus, the power of money, the signs of the stars, or the pleasure of the moment, will be revealed by where we invest our time, energy and money.  Our faith will be revealed also by how we conduct our relationships with other people.

            How does your faith reveal itself?  

________________________________________________________________________

Most of us don’t think of ourselves as serving idols.  Yet, anything that is given greater importance than our relationship with God is an idol. 

            How can we know when something has become an idol in our life?  Here are some indicators:

1. You seek to justify it, or the actions surrounding it, and you get defensive when others question your activity or pursuit of it
2. It consumes so much of your thought that you have a hard time not thinking about it.
3. You can’t easily stop doing, or pursuing it, and the thought of giving it up is disturbing to you.
4. Other things drop in priority and importance, because you just can’t get enough of it.

The Thessalonians had turned from idols to serve the living God.  They recognized they could not do both.  They transferred their energies and affections from lesser things to the greatest One.  That transformation was itself a testimony to the goodness and truth of God.  Receiving—really receiving—the Truth, will change a person.  It will render three things in particular and it will set in motion continual growth in these three areas.

1. Our past:  receiving forgiveness and coming to peace
2. Our present:  receiving the Word for daily living facilitating new priorities corresponding to the truth.
3. Our future:  receiving a new focus and aim which leads us toward God, and strengthens our trust in Him.

Observers declared that when the Thessalonians received the gospel, they turned from their idols to serve the living and true God.  Their heart change was evident.  What will be the conclusion of t hose who observe you and me?

It is my hope that they will see growth in peace, truth, and trust in God.

Read and Pray:  Revelation 1:8,  Romans 1:8, 1 John 1:5-7

I Thessalonians 1:6-7

                                       following along in suffering and joy

We are all following someone.  We take cues from them for how we should speak and act.  We often reflect their actions in our own.  It may not be conscious effort, but we end up being somewhat like the one(s) we follow.  Who are you following?  ___________________________ Is your situation one of “the blind leading the blind”, or have you sought out the wise?  Do your emotions and passions lead you, or does your understanding of truth dictate your direction?  (Think about this carefully before you respond.)  ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

The substance of what we really believe can often be seen when we are suffering.  What do you do when you are experiencing some sort of affliction?  Some have said, “The greatest sermon you will ever preach is how you respond to suffering.”  Do you think this is a true and accurate statement?  ________  Think of a time, or times over the last year when you experienced some sort of suffering.  It could be physical or emotional (–pain is pain).  How did you respond to suffering? __________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

Are you pleased with your response, or do you wish you had done it differently? _______________  
What would you change?  ______________________________________________________
What can you find in scripture regarding a response to suffering?_________________________ _________________________________________________________________________

                When it comes to your joy, what are the necessary conditions for you to have it?  How important are the surrounding circumstances?  Is your joy based on experiences or thoughts?  Is it in other people?  Is your experience of joy steady or is it fluctuating?  ___________________
What would make it one or the other of these? ________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
Are you satisfied with the level of joy you experience in your life?_________________________
If not, what can you do about it? _____________________________________________

            Most of us see a bit of room and need for growth.  The question is not, “Have you arrived?”  The question is, "What direction are you moving?"  If there are people in your life who display wisdom and grace in suffering, as well as a true joy, you can surely glean from their example and experience.  For the Christian, suffering and joy are both part of what it means to have real fellowship with Jesus.  Paul and the apostles are great examples of walking in that.

                Whether or not we intend to be, each of us is an example for someone else.  Would it be good and healthy for other people to do as you do? Why or why not?  _________________________________________________________________________

Read and Pray:  Philippians 3:17-19, John 13:12-17, Timothy 4:12, 1 Peter 2:20-25

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:5

                                       Experience   & Communication

At Christmas we get the yearly greeting and update from a variety of friends.  It is always good to hear from them, to know how they are and what is going on in their lives.  But for me, there is also a down side resulting from my own insecurity.  I remember one particular letter from dear friends.  Their life is currently full of crisis and trial, yet their activities continue to be full of Christian service to the poor and marginalized.  I really am glad for them and for what God is doing through them, until I turn and look at myself.

                My thoughts go like this:  ‘In my life, there is not much to speak of in terms of really reaching out in my community; of touching and helping the poor and marginalized.  I feel like a failure.  They are preaching the gospel in word and power.  Next to them, I only seem to preach in word’

                Despairing of my own inadequacy, I came to the Lord in prayer and silence.  In this place, it occurred to me that in the New Testament we really only hear from five of the original apostles and from only three who came later.  Maybe God’s power looks very different depending on who is dispensing it, as well as when, where and to whom it will be dispensed.  Could it be that our preaching in power does not always look the same?  (If it did, in our human pride and madness I suspect we would have by now formalized, and marketed, the method of the “power”.)

                Consider the diversity of how God’s power was seen and experienced through Moses, Deborah, David, Solomon, Jeremiah, Daniel, Mary, Peter, John, Paul… It becomes obvious that what it looks like to bring the gospel to people “not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance”, will vary.  Paul articulates the beauty of diversity in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and Romans 12:3-8.  And all of this is in the unity of God’s heart:  loving people and desiring their good. 

                The goal is not to be a good Christian like my friends the ‘so-and-so’ family. The goal is to love God.  In that love, because of that love, I am to be open to when and how God may desire to work through me, to extend His love and goodness to others—that is power!  What if I am called to dispense some power of God unseen?  Will I sacrifice my comfort, my sleep, at times my food, for the hidden power of fasting and prayer?  If I am wrapped up in my own insecurity and comparisons, it is unlikely I will pray for the ministries of others.  I will be more likely to begrudge their experience, than to collaborate with the Holy Spirit in supporting and encouraging them with thanksgiving and prayer.  If I compare and class my self by the standard of my friend’s activities, I am a fool, for that is not God’s standard! (2 Cor. 10:12)

                It is time to stop focusing on myself and the way I do or do not measure up in terms of my perception of power.  It is time to focus on knowing God and letting him be known in a unique way, in and through me.  No longer is my priority to do as much as, or the same thing as some one else.  My priority is to learn to walk in the Spirit and be led by the Spirit, This is where I will experience the power of God, fellowship of His Spirit, and the assurance which comes from Him.

Read and Pray:  Exodus 4:27-31, Hebrews 2:1-4, Colossians 1:3-6, Acts 1:8

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-4

                                                      THANKS!!!

            In reading these verses I am struck by how Paul is not only thankful, but he is specific in his thanksgiving.  What comprises the bulk of your prayer?  For me, much, if not most of my prayer is usually requests!  Don’t get me wrong, of course it is good and right to bring our requests to God.  But after reading this little passage, I decided to try following Paul’s example: being quite specific in my thanksgiving to God.  Can you guess one of the results of doing this?

            Here are a few things that have transpired as I have been doing this:

1. I am looking more closely for how and where I see God working in the person or circumstance I am thinking of and praying for or about.  (It is hard to thank Him for things we don’t think about!)
2. I am appreciating His incredible creation with its interwoven diversity and unity, both in human beings and in all of nature.
3. I am less focused on myself.
4. I am encouraged by His greatness and His ability, in comparison to human power—I am healthfully humbled!
5. I am inspired to press forward into more of His work and truth in my life.

Paul specifically gives thanks for the Thessalonians’ “work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ”.   They were working out their salvation with fear and trembling.  They were striving to continue in love toward one another in word and deed.  And they were enduring trials and sufferings because they were aiming to stay focused on the joy to come.  Can you see how praying specifically like this for someone else might benefit yourself as well?  I read it, and I think, “Wow, their faith makes a huge difference in how they live their lives….I too want my faith to radically impact how I live. I want my life to proclaim God’s goodness!”  Or I think,  “Hhhmmm, it seems that the way they love goes way beyond mere words—does mine?”   Sometimes I end up thinking, “Hey, I have it pretty good—I could be enduring with a much better attitude.” 

Can you see how this works?  If you aren’t already in the habit, I encourage you to join me in making a concerted effort to pray with thanksgiving, and to be very specific in that thanksgiving.  You may like what happens…

Read and Pray:  Colossians 3:12-17, Philippians 4:4-8, Psalm 100