1 Corinthians 1

It’s All About Jesus (1 Corinthians 1)

9:15 AM



For Wednesday: 1 Corinthians 1

We like to think that we are in control. We like to think we have all of the answers. We like to think that it’s all about us...what we know, what we think, what we want, when we want it, how we want it, etc. But, God’s Word says that our righteousness has “ NOTHING” to do with us. We can’t earn it and we can’t perform in our own human effort to attain it or keep it. No, it’s not about us!  But, the pivotal moment in a believers life is when they realize it’s all about Jesus. 

How should that impact your life?
You realize that to serve Him, you must be taught of and by Him.  You have to get in His Word and let Him speak to the depths of your heart. He will enrich you. 
“that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge—”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭

You have to realize that you can not save yourself but the salvation of Jesus pays it all. As He said on the cross...” It is finished.” He equips us. He sustains us. 
“so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:7-8‬ ‭

You have to trust God. Others may break their promises, let you down, fail you, etc. This life, this world, and the circumstances around you are not under your control, but you can put your confidence in the One who is faithful and in control. 
“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭

You can honor God by being unified with your brothers and sisters in Christ. There should always be common ground that we can agree on and unite on.....that would be Jesus!  Jesus being the only way to the Father. 
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:10‬ ‭

You must place your identity as God’s child on the work of the cross. Others may think they can earn their way to right standing with God, but His Word is clear that only  Christ crucified for you would ever make you worthy to stand before Him. 
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:18‬ ‭

You can be transformed into a useful, glorifying masterpiece by the God of the universe. No single stroke of color stands alone but rather beautifully blends in to a bigger picture of His making.  You are personally made by Him and known by Him. He has a unique purpose and calling for your life.  The key is to humble yourself and let Him do all of the work of transformation as only He can.
“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:26-29‬ ‭

You can adorn yourself with the garments of His righteousness. Put aside your desire for self recognition or importance. Focus on being used by God. Others should see Christ in your life and His love should shine in all that you do.
“And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:30-31‬ ‭

Acts 19

Who Do You Know? {Acts 19}

8:00 AM


Scripture for Tuesday, March 31, 2020  Acts 19

Isn’t it amazing that this demon possessed man knew Jesus and even Paul?  And these seven sons were trying to use the name of Jesus to drive out the evil spirits.  But they themselves did not know Jesus.  Jesus told His disciples in Luke 9:49-50 to not prevent people from using His name.  There is so much power in Jesus’ name, but, do you believe? 

In verse 17 we see how because of this event, “the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.  Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done.”




At some point in all our lives, Jesus’ name became more powerful than before.  I don’t know about you, but as each struggle I’ve been through, I see that power of Jesus’ name.

As I write this, our nation, and the whole world, seems to be dealing with a new illness and here in the United States, it is causing people to behave wildly.  Fear and panic were obvious.  Am I worried?  Yes, about the spirituality of these people.  When I learned that churches were shutting their doors especially, my heart broke.  All those people who are afraid need that power of Jesus.  By the time this post is available, we will be in quarantine for approximately 20 days.  I was a bit rebellious in the beginning.  I was sad that our churches were closing and I went to our chapel to seek guidance.


I learned something though about my rebellion…  my flesh desires to follow the crowd and fill the desire of safety in buying groceries.  I realized that in all of this uncertainty, we want to have some control.  Today, we will have spent three weeks dealing with something we have no control over.  We will be 12 days from celebrating the most powerful day I know, and I pray that everyone will know the power in the name of Jesus.




2 Thessalonians 3

In The Meantime {2 Thessalonians 3}

3:36 PM





Monday March 30, “Walking In Wisdom”


Something is in the air. Can you feel it? Bible prophecy is being fulfilled at record speed before our eyes. Believers who may have put God on the back burner are seeking Him with renewed interest. Even the secular world has become enthralled with Armageddon and the last days. With the volatile climate in which we currently live and the signs all around us, how can we help but wonder if we are indeed living in the end times.

Throughout the ages, Christians have debated the timing of the rapture, the second coming of Jesus, the tribulation, and the millennial kingdom. In the case of the church at Thessalonica, false teachers were giving reports that “the day of the Lord“ (2 Thess. 2:2), in which Christ returns for His church, had already come, leaving the Thessalonians behind. I can just imagine their discouragement and the heaviness of their hearts thinking they missed the rapture. But Paul reassured them in his letter that although the return of Jesus is indeed imminent, the Lord had not yet come. And in the meantime, there are some things we need to be doing.

“Pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith.” (vs. 1,2) The war of the Enemy against God’s people raged just as strong in Paul’s day as it does in ours. Satan and his minions will stop at nothing to prevent the spread of the gospel. Yet Paul knew prayer is a mighty armament in our spiritual arsenal saying, “the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” (2 Cor. 10:4) And so he calls us to pray. Pray that the Word of God will spread like wildfire across the world no matter the opposition, resulting in multitudes of people being saved. For when the gospel has been “preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, the end will come.” (Matt. 24:14)

“We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.” (vs. 4) Some Thessalonians thought that the soon return of Jesus meant there was no need to continue to work. Instead they sat in idleness “acting like busybodies” (vs. 11), content to live off the generosity of fellow Christians. Paul said not only was this wrong, but warned not to associate with such people; yet regarding them not as an enemy, but as a fellow brother or sister in Christ who needs restoring. (vs. 15) “Follow our example”, Paul says, (vs. 7) and every day until Jesus comes back, continue faithfully working for the kingdom of God. A teaching Jesus Himself gave in the parable of the “Ten Minas”, (Luke 19:11-26) 

“The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. May God direct your hearts into the love and steadfastness of Christ.” (vs. 3,5) While they waited for the catching away of the church, Paul knew the Thessalonian believers would need both the strength and grace that can only be found in Jesus. And so he admonished them to fearlessly continue obeying God’s Word and keep moving forward on their spiritual walk. For as Isaiah 41:10 tells us, “Do not fear, I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My mighty righteous right hand.” 

“I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3) We all look forward to the glorious day when Jesus comes to take us home. But until He returns, “do not weary of doing good” (vs. 13), keep looking up, “because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28), and “May the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.” (vs. 16)


2 Thessalonians 1:4

-Walking in Wisdom- Standing Firm (2 Thessalonians 2)

9:00 PM


Today´s Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2
As we read through this scripture we find that the Thessalonians were going through such trials and persecutions and by the preaching of false teachers they even came to believe they had missed the coming back of Jesus (the Rapture) and that they had been left behind! They were going through so much that they thought they were actually in the Tribulation! 
Imagine all the questions, insecurities and the fear. It must have been overwhelming!  But when Paul realized this situation he urged them to keep from false teachings, as he wrote:
“Now in regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our [a]gathering together to meet Him, we ask you, [b]brothers and sisters, 2 not to be quickly unsettled or alarmed either by a [so-called prophetic revelation of a] spirit or a message or a letter [alleged to be] from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has [already] come. 3 Let no one in any way deceive or entrap you…” (2:1-3a)
Paul reminds his Church about his teachings regarding this matter (2:3b-12) and continues to encourage this young and growing church just like a father would, letting them know that God has this and will not forsake them because they are his beloved children:
“But we should and are [morally] obligated [as debtors] always to give thanks to God for you, believers beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through the [e]sanctifying work of the Spirit [that sets you apart for God’s purpose] and by your faith in the truth [of God’s word that leads you to spiritual maturity” (2:13)
Paul also affirms God’s purpose and faithfulness:
“It was to this end that He called you through our gospel [the good news of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection], so that you may obtain and share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2:14)
Finally he urges them to stand firm in their faith:
”So then, [f]brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold [tightly] to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.” (2:15)
But what about us in today`s world situation? There are also many people filled with fear and with so many questions regarding this virus that has set our world in shock and the end of times!  Let me remind you of Jesus´ words:
“ And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24:4-8 KJV Emphasis mine)
We as the Thessalonians are so privileged to have God´s Word in such a time like this, and we should also stand firm and hold to the Word of Truth because He is with us and strengthening us, because His Comforter is with us (John 14:26) and Jesus is our Peace :
“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” (John 14:27)

Paul exhorts us to remain steadfast and vigilant:
-Whenever we face persecution and tribulations: 2 Thessalonians1:4
- Because of the coming judgment of this world, we must remain watchful: 2 Thessalonians1:8
-Because of our glorious future in Christ:  2 Thessalonians 2:14

Finally Paul ends this letter with the following Benediction:
”Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting comfort and encouragement and the good [well-founded] hope [of salvation] by His grace, 17 comfort and encourage and strengthen your hearts [keeping them steadfast and on course] in every good work and word.”(2:16-17 AMP)
Amen! May we continue to stand firm and courageous in our faith as we serve others in His love and in His Truth, until Jesus comes back to take us Home! (John 14:3)

Blessings my sisters!!


2 Thessalonians 1

Looking for the Good (2 Thessalonians 1)

12:30 PM




For Thursday, March 26: 2 Thessalonians 1

I was listening to a message from Francis Chan on trials. In that message he said that if we understand the purpose of trials, we would be able to look at those trials with a positive and perhaps even welcoming perspective. It really made me think about the current trials we are facing as a nation because of Covid 19. It’s hard to look at something so life altering and difficult and think that something good could come from it. But, if God is allowing it then there is definitely a purpose. 

In the trials faced by the church of Thessalonica, Paul could see the good, the positives, the bigger picture of what God was doing. I think that is a recurring character trait of Paul. He looked for the good instead of focusing on the personal difficulty and suffering and he encouraged others to do the same. Paul noticed that yes there was trial and difficulty, but this group of believers were not focused on personal hardship but rather focused on their faith in God and there love for each other. As a result, their faith and love was growing and thriving. 
“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.”  (v3-4)

What if this is such a time for us and our nation? What an impact we, as a body of believers can have if we choose to focus on our faith and our love for each other? What if we choose to look for the good that can come from this? This is a time for “the family” to become a focus. It’s a time to have meals, and conversations around a table again. It’s a time to have devotions and prayer times. We can’t go to church buildings but we can encourage each other on social media. We can also
meet virtually which is what 23 of us did in my local community this morning. I’m going to ask my daughter who is 7 hours away to join us next Sunday. I never imagined having the opportunity for her and her husband to join us for church in this capacity. 

This idea of looking for the good in the trial is something I’m going to take with me to work tomorrow also. To be honest, that is going to be my biggest challenge because I work in a hospital and I provide very direct patient care. I watched 22 of my coworkers get sent home to quarantine Friday because of our first positive test result. I’ve never seen such tension in my work setting before and it’s disturbing how much has changed in such a short time. But, God goes with me and God can use me. That is going to be my focus. 

Perhaps God is using this crisis in our nation to draw people to him, to wake up those who have become spiritually complacent, and to help faithful believers prioritize their values as well. I am certainly reminded of how desperately dependent upon God we all are and how fragile the circumstances of this life can be. God is a holy God who loves mankind and will certainly shake up our worlds if needed to get our attention. May we persevere, knowing our God will reward such faith and may we have a passion for the souls of others because eventually God will return and opportunity will be no more. May we, as the representatives of Christ, rise to the hour and do our part to “shine” in a time of great spiritual need. 


1 Thessalonians 5

There's No Escaping This {I Thessalonians 5}

9:10 AM


Today's Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5

Paul cleverly uses a subject all natural mothers know all too well about-- birth pains to describe our Lord's return! In fact, I'll bet if you've experienced labor pains in the past, your mind can flash back to that time instantly! He's got our attention in the first few sentences, but thankfully we don't have reason to fear.
He's right labor pains can come on when we least expect them, and  Paul then goes on to mentions a few more things to ensure he has gained our attention! 

1.) It will be a period of great destruction. Paul is referring to the vast judgments described in the book of Revelation, when the seals are broken, the trumpets sound, and the bowls of God’s judgment are poured out on the earth (Revelation 6-8)
2.) When God’s judgment is poured out on this earth, no one will escape. The world cannot escape the tribulation period.

Thankfully Paul also goes on to add other things we do know about the Lord's coming so we needn't fear that day!

"But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness” (vv. 4-5).

1.) We are children of the Light! Light and darkness symbolize the two great divisions of the human race—the saved and the lost. 

2.) The coming of Christ will clearly reveal those two kinds of people. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if a person is a believer or not, but on that day there will be no doubt, and we who belong to the light won’t be caught by surprise when Jesus returns and sudden destruction comes to the earth.

“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.  But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet” (vv. 6-8).

 In verse 6 Paul uses two words to describe how we ought to live while we wait for Christ’s return.
__ First, we must be alert. The word means “to make a determined effort to stay awake.”
__Second, we must be self-controlled. Which means “serious-minded” or “earnest.” It doesn't mean Christians shouldn't enjoy life, but we should always be conscience of His return and be prepared.

WHY? Because we know our destiny,

“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (vv. 9-11).

 Our destiny is deliverance! If we know Jesus Christ, we have already been saved from God's wrath—now and in the future.

But there's still work to be done until Christ comes! Paul goes on to list some of the things God's children should be about doing now as we wait, in the rest of this chapter (1Thes 5:12-28) 

But what's most important to note today is, are you ready? 

Jesus is coming back! Are you ready?
If He should come today, are you set to go?
God’s Word tells us -- there is no reason for us to be unprepared. Jesus has now tarried over 2000 years and some may have become complacent, but God's word is sure: Jesus is coming just as a thief in the night. 

Do you remember those days of pregnancy; wondering if you'd ever go into labor, or if your child would ever be born, but they've all arrived, maybe not in our time, but in God's. 

We need to be ready! And grateful we have nothing to fear, for we will not face God's wrath or destruction, and let's be about our Father's business until Jesus comes back for us!

Blessings! 
sue


1 Thessalonians 4

How to Live a Quite Life {1 Thessalonians 4}

8:00 AM


Scripture for Tuesday, March 24, 2020


How do you lead a quiet life and mind your own business when you are a Christian?  Aren’t Christians supposed to proclaim the gospel?  What does that look like?

Paul tells us through his letter to the Thessalonians to “make it your ambition…”  The verb form Paul uses, (philotimeomai) means to be zealous and strive eagerly, to even consider it an honor.  When he says, “and lead a quiet life” (hesuchazo) it means to be silent, not speaking out inappropriately, remaining at rest and tranquil.

“A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.  I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.” 1 Timothy 2:11-12

Paul is teaching us that we are to remain at rest and tranquil.  As believers, we are to lead peaceful lives, free on conflict and hostility towards others as we anticipate the Lord’s return.  This is a wonderful witness to the transforming power of the gospel.

There was a warning, common in Greek writings, to “attend to your own business”, and Paul uses it here in the New Testament.  I think Paul was telling us to concentrate on our own lives, take care of our own jobs, and not meddle in the matters of others.

Next week, we’ll see Paul follow-up this warning in 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12; “For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.  Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.”  Those who did not attend to their own business were “acting like busybodies” (periergazomai – wasting their labor), running around meddling in everyone’s problems.

What does Paul teach us for such unwise and undisciplined behavior?  To work diligently and faithfully at their jobs, stay out of other people’s business, and lead quiet, unobtrusive lives that serve fellow believers and glorify the Lord before unbelievers.

The underlying purpose for Paul’s warnings was to motivate everyone to love, to live quietly, and to mind their own business.  And guess what?  This was evangelistic!  This way of living would show outsiders how to properly behave.  Paul’s key to evangelism was the integrity Christians express to a sinful, confused and agitated world.  When believers display diligent work attitudes and habits and live in a loving and tranquil manner, that respects others’ privacy and does not intrude or gossip, it constitutes a powerful testimony to unbelievers and makes the gospel credible.

But what does this look like?  We are called to love and interact with others.  But is it possible to be too involved in other people’s lives?  Some people seem to think they have the spiritual gift of fixing what is wrong in everybody and bringing to light everyone’s faults.  They get too far involved in areas of people’s lives where they have no business and cause much more harm than they do good. 

Paul’s life as a tent maker, reminds us that another aspect of the quiet life, is that we are to “work with our own hands.”  There truly is something beautiful about a person quietly going about their work earning the money they need to live in this world.  And perhaps you aren’t making a living by opening your mouth proclaiming God; I believe God greatly values honest work, regardless of how menial or secular it may appear.  Don’t forget Paul’s command in 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12, that busybodies, making a nuisance of themselves, need to work quietly and eat their own bread.



Blessings,
Lisa

1 Thessalonians 3

You’ve Got This! {1 Thessalonians 3}

4:00 PM



Monday March 23, “Walking In Wisdom”


One of the things I admire most about Paul is his heart. For as passionate as he was about Jesus, he was equally passionate about those he led to the Lord. And like a father who loves and cares for his children, Paul was there to teach, strengthen, and reassure young believers as they grew in their faith. He knew that as important as is the ministry of spreading the gospel, so is the ministry of encouragement.

The meaning of encouragement is “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope”. The members of the Thessalonian church were facing serious opposition from the Jews. And they needed all the encouragement Paul could give. So how did Paul spur them on in their Christian faith? 

  1. Paul Sacrificed-Timothy was dear to Paul. And even though it meant Paul being left alone in Athens, he was willing to suffer discomfort in order to inspire others. And so he sent Timothy to Thessalonica in order to, “strengthen and encourage you as to your faith.” (vs. 2)

  1. Paul Prepared-Persecution is inevitable for followers of Jesus. (2 Tim. 3:12) Knowing that tribulations can cause new believers to become discouraged in their faith, Paul made them ready by previously warning them, “that we were going to suffer affliction.” (vs. 3) 

  1. Paul Rejoiced-Nothing is more comforting than seeing fellow believers grow in their faith walk. Paul delighted in the positive reports given to him by Timothy saying, “What thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account.” (vs. 9)

  1. Paul Prayed- We all need the prayers of others offered to God on our behalf. Paul prayed for the Thessalonians that God would, “Establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.” (vs. 13)

“God has designed the Christian life as a community event, not a solo endeavor.” (Dr. Charles Stanley) 

As the days grow shorter until the glorious return of Jesus, times will continue to get worse before they get better. (2 Tim. 3:1-5, Luke 21:11, Matt. 24:7) And in the current climate of fear and hysteria in which we find ourselves, we all need the love, support, confidence, and hope from fellow Christians. Ephesians 6:18 commands us, “With all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the Lord’s people.” So today and everyday, be an encourager! Be willing to sacrifice for others, share God’s Word abundantly, rejoice in fellowship, and pray that we all will abound in love and be grounded in holiness! ( vs. 12-13)



Bbq

Huli Huli Chicken

6:50 AM



Huli Huli Chicken

1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup ketchup 
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 
2 cloves garlic, minced 
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

In a small bowl, mix the first six ingredients.  Pour all but 1/2 cup of the marinade in a large resealable plastic bag and add chicken. Seal bag and place in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight.  Pour 1/2 cup of reserved marinade in a separate bowl and place in the fridge until ready to use.  Remove bag from fridge, drain and discard marinade from chicken.  Grill, basting with reserved marinade.

I Cor. 2:13

Friday March 20th-Walking in Wisdom

1:00 PM


Friday March 20th- Walking in Wisdom
I Thessalonians 2



 Image result for I Thessalonians 2:12

Paul wasn’t just a preacher of the gospel who proclaimed the salvation of God and then casually moved on to the next town. Paul was a minister of the Gospel. He truly cared about nurturing the faith of new converts. This is very evident in his letter to new converts of the church of the Thessalonians. As we reach out to others to disciple them, we can learn a lot from the example of Paul’s letter. 


Paul was grateful and celebrated that others had become believers in Christ. He didn’t forget his new brothers and sisters in Christ but remembered them in his prayers. 

As he reflected upon the church in Thessalonia, he remembered these 3 important qualities they possessed. FAITH-HOPE-LOVE. 

Specifically, faith that was evident in their works, labor that was fueled by Christlike love, and hope in Christ that could endure. 

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1:2-3)


Paul was confident that these new believers were not just responding to the words he had proclaimed but had actually been impacted authentically by the convicting power of the Spirit of God.  “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.” (1:4-5)


Paul had set the example of standing up boldly for his belief in the midst of conflict and danger. He had taken risks because of his genuine concern for the souls who were in need of Jesus. 

“But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.”(2:2 )

He saw this same faith and courage in the new believers who also faced risk, trial and potential persecution. 

“And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,” (1:6)


Paul sets an example to us of how important it is when witnessing to others to be personable and genuine vs pushy and overbearing. We must take the time to get to know others and spend vested time and interest in them. 

“But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” (2:7-8)

God wants us to build others up vs tear them down. 

“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. (2:12)


Each soul won for Christ was special to Paul. He realized the importance and significance of securing souls for eternity“ 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.” (2:19-20)


Paul was with the Thessalonians 3 weeks before conflict necessitated that he leave. He rejoiced in their genuine conversion but he was not satisfied without knowing that their faith was growing. He knew that Satan would target them just as he targets all Christians to wound and hinder their spiritual growth and strives to keep them from  being effective witnesses.  “For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.” (3:5)


How uplifting it was to Paul to learn that this young church continued to persevere in their faith and influence those around them. A seed planted was growing and thriving, empowered by God’s Spirit. “for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.” (3:7-8)

I know many of you feel like you have little or nothing to give. I am bold to say on the authority of God’s word: if you are a Christian, that is not true. 
You have Christ (Romans 8:10), 
you have the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), 
you have the word of God (1 Corinthians 2:13), 
you have spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10), 
you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17),
and you are a fountain (John 4:14-7:38). 
This is not a matter of personality. 
This is a matter of faith. Trust him, and give yourself.  [ John Piper]