1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

                                             increase in love

                Paul’s hope and prayer is that the Lord will work so as to cause the Thessalonians to increase and abound in love to one another.  Why?       ______________________________________________________________ 

So that our hearts will become established in His goodness and holiness—so that we will not be ashamed when we are face to face with Jesus.  Does Paul’s prayer cover it in such a way that the Thessalonians don’t really have to do anything except sit back and watch God cause their love to increase?  The Scriptures put way too much responsibility on us to think it is an entirely passive experience.  How does this increase come about?  ______________________________________________________________

                It is often in the context of relationships that we see God’s goodness reflected.  It is also in the context of relationships that we recognize our own weaknesses, and the weaknesses of others.  In the context of relationships we discover not only the sins and faults of others, but our own as well.  Relationships can reflect what is deep in the heart, and hard relationships sometimes reveal the most!

                Choosing to grow in love means at least three things:

1.        Confronting sin in my own heart

2.       Sacrificing my selfish interests and desires for the sake of others

3.       Putting off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to deceitful lusts, and being renewed in the spirit of your mind, and putting on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph. 4:22-24)

How, specifically can we do these things and increase in love?  Asking ourselves a few questions is a great way to get started:

1.        Are there things in my life that are preventing me from loving God and others well?  --Do I want to grow enough that I will address those things?

2.       What is the loving thing to do (in a particular situation)?

3.       How can I best love God in this situation?

4.       How can I best love others in this situation?

We grow in love in the context of relationship, with the elements of need and time:  work, play, trials, suffering, rejoicing, … We will not be truly established as blameless and holy in Christ without an increase and abounding experience of his love in and through us.  Are we willing to cooperate with the Holy Spirit so that our love will increase and abound?

Read and Pray:   Psalm 119:9, Philippians 1:9-11, 1 Peter 1:22 & 3:8-9, Colossian 3:12-14

               

1 Thessalonians 3:11

                                            being directed

In verse 11 Paul says, “Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.”  Paul is not demanding God to take him where he wants to go, nor is he planning to force his own will in regard to his own whereabouts.  He uses the word,  “may”,  implying a prayer and hope, but it is not a demand nor does it carry with it an absolute guarantee.  This is a good reminder to hold our plans lightly, trusting that if things don’t turn out as we currently desire, God is still at work in our lives and in our situations.

I believe there is another subtle message in this verse that has to do with God’s relationship to our situation.  Read the verse again and then answer the question, “Is God more like the ‘Grand Watchmaker who plans and designs the world then sits back and lets it roll’ (as the Deists claim), or is He more like the ‘loving Father intimately involved in our lives’?”  Paul apparently has a clear opinion on this—our God and Father Himself and our Lord Jesus Christ—directs our way!  He cares about where we are and what we do!

But how does God direct us?  Through circumstances?  Other people?  Our own desires?  He may sometimes use any of these, but we must remember these can all be used to influence us for good or for evil.  Scripture, if we are willing to take it in its entirety, will consistently influence us for our own good as well as the good of others.  It may not tell us specifically where to go, or when, but it will tell us  1) what is of true value, and 2) how to move forward with a right attitude and a pure heart.

Most Christians will say that they want God to direct their ways.  And most Christians probably also have a preference about where they end up.  The real question, I believe, is will we submit our desires to the scrutiny of the  Bible, and will we trust God with the outcome even if it is not what we necessarily hoped for at the outset.   I personally, could use continued growth in learning to follow His direction.  How about you?

 I think the first step is humility in understanding that I don’t necessarily see the whole picture.  The second is learning to watch for and listen to God as He guides and directs in a variety of ways –all of which should line up with scripture.  And finally, to trust that He has our very best interests in mind.

Read and Pray:   Proverbs 16:9, Isaiah 58:9-14, Jeremiah 29:11-13

1 Thessalonians 3:6-10

                           comfort and joy

            Where do you usually seek and find comfort?  ___________________________________________________________________________________________

                Where do you usually go for inspiration?

___________________________________________________________________________________________

                Have you ever pondered how dependent human beings are upon one another?  I suppose this might best be seen in the city where various people do various jobs, everyone reliant on some others for food, water, electricity, clothing, shelter.  Why is it that we accept a physical dependence and inter-connectedness, but sometimes act as if this is not the case emotionally and spiritually?

                Jesus was clear on the point of relationship:  love others as yourself, be in fellowship with, in and through Jesus, and the result is an awesome unity.   Unfortunately, a spirit of independence is strong in our culture, and seems to have crept into the church.  This attitude is contrary to our maturing in Christ.

                I love the way this passage displays the importance of relationships.  Paul, a “strong Christian”, is in need of encouragement.  He has a real and transparent relationship—even with those he mentors—and he recognizes the mutual encouragement and benefit that results from the relationship.  His focus is not on the choking, pressing cares of life, nor upon the potentially crushing troubles that face him.  His focus is on the goodness of God, and on how that goodness can be seen in other believers.

                Can you see the goodness of God at work in the lives of your friends and family?  How so?  ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 

If you cannot see this goodnesst, is it because God is not at work in them, or because you are focusing on the negative aspects, or because you just really cannot see anything reflective of His hand in their life? ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 

If it is the latter, what happens to your perspective if you take into consideration the fact that God does use trials and affliction, as well as His goodness, to draw people to Himself? ____________________________________________________

                Now is a great time to recognize God’s wonderful work in you, and in others.  Be encouraged and comforted as you note those who are seeking God, crying out to Him, loving Him, serving Him.  Be encouraged that you and me, even with all our failings and imperfections, are being used to help teach, train, encourage and bring to maturity other believers.  God is that big, and that able.  The Lord can and does use all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are brought to life by His calling to them.

Read and Pray:   Romans 8:15-21, 2 Corinthians 1:2-7, 2 Corinthians 13:11

Following through on the ‘follow through’

                Today I would like to encourage you to take some time to apply yesterday’s devotion. 

1.        Spend a few minutes in prayer for one or more of the people in your life.

2.       Find some scriptures that could be an encouragement to them at this time.

3.       Do something practical and tangible to help encourage and strengthen their faith:  write a note, send a message, make a phone call, go out for coffee…

It is also important to remember that with modern technology, our sphere of influence can even span an ocean!  We have brothers and sisters in Christ who are serving Him overseas doing all sorts of things:  Bible translation, church planting, community development, and appropriate technologies among other things.  Do you know any missionaries?  If so, why not send them a note or message –you can express interest in their work, and ask questions, but remember, even just sharing what God is doing in your own life will be an encouragement to them.

        Especially dear to God’s priorities are the poor and oppressed.  In our rich society, how can we really make a difference and be obedient in serving them?  There are a number of organizations that make this quite easy, but we still have to make the effort to utilize the opportunity.   Through Voice of the Martyrs, you can bring encouragement to those who are suffering greatly because of their faith.  And though they have physical needs, their greatest request is prayer.  We can do that much can’t we?

        Please take a few moments to pray for those who are being persecuted for Christ.  You may access more information, and you may write a letter to a prisoner through this link:  http://www.persecution.com/

        We have so many blessings, and so much freedom, let us not waste it!  May your day be blessed with being a blessing!

Read and Pray:   Genesis 12:2, Psalm 103, Luke 4:18, Romans 12:4-17

1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

                                           follow through

Here, Timothy is sent from Paul to establish and strengthen the Thessalonians.  Paul’s sincere and devoted care for those who converted to Christianity after his preaching out-weighed his desire for his own comfort.

 In our ‘me-centered’ culture, sacrifice for the sake of growth in other people is the exception rather than the rule.  We tend to be more “hands-off”—especially if getting involved will mean discomfort for ourselves.  We may toss a few tid-bits of wisdom someone’s way, but often we choose not to go too deeply or get too involved.

 Look at Paul’s priorities:  He did not want to see dear friends unsettled by the smooth-talking of those who would have them abandon their faith, nor did he want them shaken by the afflictions accompanying a sincere walk with God. 

Is the faith of my friends a high priority?  If so, how can I encourage and help to establish them in the truth?  If I am taking a “hands-off” approach to their faith, it will most likely seem to them that how they walk with God is of little importance.  On the other hand, look at the words Paul uses, and note how these might be blessings:

1.        Establish – to set fast, turn resolutely in a certain direction, to confirm, to strengthen –this is what he wants for his friends—he cares!

2.        Encourage – to call near, invite, invoke, beseech, call for, comfort, exhort, entreat, pray—this is what he wants for his friends—he cares!

How can I, how should I, come along side those who may be experiencing some affliction or trial?  Regardless of the mode of communication, I will need to be willing to go past the light, fun chit-chat and into the thoughts and concerns of their heart which need to be met with Truth.  Truth will help establish solid relationship with God and will bring lasting encouragement.  Like Paul, I may have to experience some discomfort for the sake of the comfort, encouragement and growth of others.

The ‘one-time conversion experience’ is not enough to sustain a person through trials and difficulties of life. Christian life is not about trying to avoid all trials, but it is about learning how to walk with God through the trials. There must be a growth in knowledge and wisdom, and an increase in the understanding of God’s love, in order to ‘abide in Christ’.  One beauty of the body of believers is that walking together, we are able to share encouragement, support, and help in times of need. 

Who, specifically, might you reach out to for their strengthening and establishing in the faith?  Pray about this.  Observe those in your life.  Listen to them, listen to God.  Then follow through on what you know.   Go forth with the truth in love!  It can be a letter, a phone call, going out for coffee, or going to someone’s house.  Just be practical, be real, and be on time.  Now is the time to follow through!

Read and Pray: Luke 22:32, 1 Peter 5:10, 2 Corinthians 5:20,Revelation 3:1-6

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

                                                  hope, joy, and a crown

Contrasting the relationship we have with those who oppose the gospel, Paul illustrates the tenderness shared between believers:  “brethren”.  This is a great reminder not to take for granted the familial bonds we have with other believers, and to remember the goodness of being “connected”.

It is not known how “Satan hindered” Paul from his intended visit to the Thessalonians.  Perhaps it was illness, perhaps political maneuvering, perhaps it was a series of circumstantial events.  The point is, Paul is convinced and confirming the reality of the evil spirit which opposes the gospel and our best interests.

Paul was not always in control of his circumstances and he knew it, but he did not focus on the frustration that could bring, nor on the evil force behind it.  He simply states it as it is:  Satan at work keeping people separated from one another.  Then, as with a heart of gratitude Paul comments on why he desires again their fellowship:

1.        Hope: to see God’s workmanship continuing to develop in them.

2.       Joy: delight about their relationship with God.

3.       Crown of rejoicing:  They, the Thessalonians are a signpost or mark of Paul’s labor of love, their walk with God demonstrates the fruit of Paul’s evangelism under the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  God working in others and through Paul.

But how does this apply to you and to me?  Let’s try and apply it this way:

1.        What or where will I set my focus?  Will it be on the goodness of God and His work in the world, or on the evil of Satan?

2.       What or where is my hope? Am I looking for God’s workmanship in progress, heading toward completion?

3.       What or where is my joy?  Does it involve others’ walk with God?  Should it?  Who are the people in your life that you are pouring into right now?  Are you rejoicing at their victories, praying for their weaknesses, and hoping in Jesus Christ for their maturity in faith?

4.       What is my “crown of rejoicing”?  As a wreath or a trophy might mark completion or success in a race, what “marks of success” can I see in my own sphere of influence? This includes the growth in people in whom I invest my time, energy, prayer and love. 

Spend some time in prayer and reflection on your answers. If adjustments need to be made, invite the Holy Spirit into your situation and to help set a new course in your life according to the powerful Word of God.

Read and Pray:  Ephesians 4:1-3, 1 Peter 5:8-11, John 17:20-23

1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

                                                       Imitation

Do I welcome the Word of God as it is in truth:  God’s Word?

Why does it work effectively in those who believe?  _______________________________________________________________________________

How does it work effectively in those who believe?________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________

Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)  In this place of truth, one can choose to release their own will and receive God’s will.  Coming to the truth helps us come to our senses and escape the snare of the devil—it helps us to get free of evil’s captivity. (2 Tim.2:25b-26)

The Thessalonians became imitators of the devout Judeans who had suffered for the sake of the gospel, because of their faith.  Who do you imitate? __________________________________________________

In our modern culture, we are conditioned to imitate pop stars, the wealthy and the famous, and occasionally, the noble.   But what is the reason for the imitation?  Often I believe, it is for the sake of worldly gain, security, safety, popularity.  But as a follower of Christ, we are called to imitate heroes of an upside down kingdom: those who are giving rather than getting, dependent rather than independent, serving rather than being served.

Our cause for rejoicing is not our status in our culture.  It is rather, our status as “beloved of God”, our experience of transformation, our hope in the glory and unity of Jesus with God the Father and His inclusion of us into this family.  We glory as well, in the good spiritual growth that is taking place in those who are within our sphere of influence. 

If you choose to imitate the heroes of the upside-down kingdom, what might you face?  What did they face?

1. persecution because they speak the truth: ridicule, mocking, slander, attack
2. opposition by those who aim to please “self” rather than God
3. conflict
4. efforts to prevent the furthering of gospel truth. 

Justice and judgment comes upon those who practice these things, but it does not, or at least should not, come from us.  Our job is not to oppose and judge those who are deceived and opposing the gospel.  Our job is to imitate what is good, and by our good conduct to demonstrate and extend the goodness of God. 

Look at who you are imitating and you will get a good idea of where you are headed.

Read and Pray:  James 3:13-18,  Hebrews 6:10-12