Glorying in You for Patience and Faith 2 Thessalonians 1:4

As Paul greeted the Thessalonians in his second letter, he told them he “was bound to thank God for” them “because” their “faith grows exceedingly, and the charity of every one of” them “toward each other abounds”. In chapter one and verse four of his letter, Paul said he and his companions “glory” in them for their “patience and faith” where we read:

So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience

and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure:

The verse begins, “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience

and faith...” Paul began with the words, “So that we ourselves” which refers to Paul and his traveling companions “glory” or “bask, boast, joy and rejoice” “in you” which refers to the Thessalonian church members “” “in the churches” which is the Greek word “ekklēsia” and means “a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place or an assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting” “of God” or “the Godhead bodily and trinity comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “for your patience” or “steadfastness, constancy and endurance” “and faith” which means “the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ”. Paul and his traveling companions “rejoiced” over the “steadfastness and constancy” as well as the “beliefs” of the Thessalonians.

The verse goes on to say, “...in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure:” Paul went on to add, “in all your persecutions” which means “maltreatment, ill-treatment, ill-usage and abuse ” “and tribulations” which literally means “pressing, pressing together or pressure” and metaphorically means “oppression, affliction, tribulation, distress and straits” “that you endure” which refers to the Thessalonian church members “holding erect and firm, sustaining, and bearing”. The Thessalonians suffered “mistreatments” and “oppressions” because of their trust and faith in Jesus Christ, and they continued to “hold firm” in their beliefs in spite of them.

When we think through these words of Paul, we must admire this young, vibrant and faithful group of people. The Thessalonians suffered “persecutions and tribulations” because of their faith in Jesus, and yet, they continued to follow Him. We should be inspired by their great “faith” and “patience” as they held fast to Jesus no matter what they encountered. Many people believe themselves persecuted because of their trust in Jesus, and some of them “give up”. Let us note how Paul “rejoiced” or “gloried” in their endurance for keeping the “faith” and continuing in “patience”, and may we also seek to be known as the “company of Christians who are hoping for eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, observe our own religious rites, hold our own religious meetings, and manage our own affairs, according to regulations prescribed for the body for order's sake”. In other words, to be known as the “faithful and patient” “church of God”.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians how he desire for them “to be counted worthy of the kingdom of God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Bound to Thank God 2 Thessalonians 1:3

As Paul began his second letter to the Thessalonian church, he gave the typical Pauline greeting which included his name, his companions' names, and desired “grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” to be upon them. In chapter one and verse three of this letter, Paul tells the Thessalonians he is “bound to thank God always” for them where we read:

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith grows exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other abounds;

The verse begins, “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet,...” Paul began with the phrase, “We are bound” which means “owing, indebted and due” “to thank” or “grateful and expressing gratitude” “God” which refers to the God head bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “always” which means “at all times and ever” “for you” which refers to the Thessalonian church members “brethren” or “a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother or a fellow believer who is united to another by the bond of affection” “as it is meet” which is the Greek word “axios” and means “having weight like as in value, befitting, congruous, corresponding to a thing, of merit and worth”. Paul counted it “great worth” and “value” to be “bound” to “thank God” for the church in Thessalonica.

The verse goes on to say, “...because that your faith grows exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other abounds;” Paul continued with the word “because” which is a conclusion word that means “since, for and in” “that your faith” or “the Thessalonians' conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ” “grows exceedingly” or “increases beyond measure” “and the charity” which is the Greek word “agapē” and means “affection, good will, benevolence, brotherly and unconditional love” “of every one of you” which again refers to “each and all of” the Thessalonian church members and “all” or “each, every, any, all, the whole and everyone” “toward” which means “in, unto, for and among” “each other” or “to one another both mutually and reciprocally” “abounds” which means “superabounds, exists in abundance and increases”. Paul knew the “faith” and “charity” of the church in Thessalonica grew and superabounded, and with our imaginations we can almost hear the glee in Paul's words as he wrote.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we begin to understand how Paul felt “indebted” to the Thessalonians because of their abounding in the main principles of Christianity. Even though he was actually with them for only three weeks when he first started the church, Paul heard reports of their “faith” and “charity” to one another and considered it “great value” to express thanks to “God” for them. We, too, should be inspired by these wonderful people as they fully ascribed to the very core of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Thessalonians grew in their relationships with God and with one another, and when we begin to “grow” in our “faith” and “charity” toward one another, we will have “exceeding worth” in the same manner as these church members.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians how he “glories” in them, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Grace and Peace 2 Thessalonians 1:2

Paul the apostle cared for the Thessalonian church and was inspired by the Lord to write not only one letter to them, but also a second one. In the beginning of this second letter Paul introduced himself and his companions, and in verse two of chapter one, Paul wishes upon the church members “grace and peace” where we read:

Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The verse begins, “Grace unto you, and peace,...” Paul began with the word, “Grace” which in Greek is the word “charis” and means “ that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm and loveliness”. It refers to the “unmerited favor” of God. Paul continued, “unto you” which refers to the Thessalonian church members “and peace” which is the Hebrew word “shalom” and the Greek word “eirene” and means “a state of tranquility, harmony, concord, security, safety, prosperity and felicity”. These two words were typical Pauline greetings in his letters. It should be noted that “grace” is mentioned first, and a person cannot really know the “peace” of God before he or she knows the “grace” of God.

The verse goes on to say, “...from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul continued, “from God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “our Father” which means “generator, originator and transmitter of anything” “and the Lord” or “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God, the Messiah” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and who is “the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “Christ” which means “the anointed one” and refers to “the Messiah and Son of God”. There are no greater names in which Paul could have greeted the Thessalonians.

When we consider Paul's words, we may have a tendency to glance over them without much thought. However, how often do we “greet” others in such a wonderful fashion? To desire the “grace and peace from God and the Lord Jesus Christ” for others cannot be improved upon unless we consider the pastoral epistles where Paul desired “mercy” upon them as well. The “grace” or “unmerited favor” of Jesus Christ is one of the greatest gifts a person will ever receive, and to live in “peace” is the greatest way to conduct one's life. Perhaps as we think through this marvelous greeting, we will experience once again the benefit of receiving “grace from God” and enjoy the “peace” which comes from “relying upon, trusting in, and clinging to” His Son Jesus Christ.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians he is “bound” to them, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Paul, Silvanus and Timothy 2 Thessalonians 1:1

As we begin the second letter written by Paul the apostle to the Thessalonian church, we once again consider that Paul was only in Thessalonica for three weeks with this new church, and yet it was thriving, full of life, and learning the principles of the kingdom of God. Their reputation spread throughout the region, and they became an example of what a church should be. In chapter one and verse one of this letter, Paul introduces he and his companions and shares to whom this letter is written. We read:

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the church of the Thessalonians

in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

The verse begins, “Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the church of the Thessalonians...” Paul began with the word, “Paul” which in Greek is “Paulos” and means “small or little”. “Paul was the most famous of the apostles and wrote a good part of the New Testament which was fourteen Pauline epistles”. Paul added, “and Silvanus” or “Silas” whose name means “woody” and was “a Roman citizen and the companion of the apostle Paul on several of his missionary journeys” “and Timothy” whose name means “honoring God” and was “a resident of Lystra, apparently, whose father was a Greek and mother a Jewess; he was Paul's travelling companion and fellow laborer” “unto the church” or “a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly” “of the Thessalonians” or the church members in the city of Thessalonica which was “a large and populous city on the Thermaic bay. It was the capital of one of the four Roman districts of Macedonia, and was ruled by a praetor. It was named after Thessalonica, the wife of Cassander, who built the city”. Paul and his traveling companions collectively gave attention with the words in this letter to this wonderful church and it's people.

The verse continues, “...in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:” Paul went on to say, “in God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “our Father” which means “generator, originator and transmitter of anything and holds a title of honor” “and the Lord” or “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title give to God the Messiah” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and is “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “Christ” which means “anointed” and is a reference to “the Messiah and Son of God”. This was not just a gathering of people who met for social reasons alone. They were “in God” whom Paul called “our Father” which demonstrated he and his companions own sense of belonging to God and “the Lord Jesus Christ” who is the Messiah and Savior of all who rely upon, trust in and cling to Him.

As we consider these words of Paul, we may note that he often began his letters in the same manner. Though it was the proper procedure for the day, Paul never thought it grievous to “write the same things” unto the Thessalonians. He desired for them to know from whom this letter was written, and that it was directed to them. Fortunately for us, he wrote the letter for our benefit as well. “God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” know us, and they knew in advance not only would the Thessalonian church members need instruction through this letter, but so would we. Let us open our hearts and minds to the Holy Spirit of God as we prepare to be taught by Him through Paul's words, and may we realize we too are “the church” whom He loves.

Next time Paul wishes the Thessalonians “grace and peace” in his opening greeting, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:28

Paul completed his final instructions to the Thessalonians by charging them to “read” “this epistle” to “all the brethren”, and in chapter five and verse twenty-eight of his letter, Paul finishes his letter with a desire for “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ” to “be with” all the them. We read:

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

The verse begins, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ...” Paul began with the words, “The grace” which means “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, good will, loving-kindness, unmerited favor” “of our Lord” or “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and title given to God the Messiah” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and who is “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “Christ” or “the anointed one, the Messiah and Son of God”. Paul's desire was for the “unmerited favor” of the Lord to be upon the Thessalonian church members.

The verse goes on to say, “...be with you. Amen.” Paul added, “be with you” which refers to the Thessalonians “Amen” which means “firm, verily, at the end, so be it and so it is”. So with his final words, Paul the apostle desired for the “grace” of the Lord to not only “be with” the Thessalonian church members, but also affirmed his desire with the phrase “so be it” or “let it be so”.

When we think about Paul's words, we find that he began and ended this wonderful letter with the desire for the “grace” or “unmerited favor” of the Lord to be upon the Thessalonians. This “grace” is only available through the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is offered not only to them, but also so all who will “rely upon, trust in and cling to” Him. May we too receive Paul's charge and desire for the “grace of the Lord Jesus Christ” to be upon us.

Next time we will begin Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Read This Epistle to All Holy Brethren 1 Thessalonians 5:27

As Paul the apostle came to an end of his first letter to the Thessalonians, he gave them several short instructions about living before the Lord Jesus and with one another. In chapter five and verse twenty-seven of his letter, Paul “charged” the church members “by the Lord” to “read” this “epistle unto all the holy” brothers where we read:

I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

The verse begins, “I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read...” Paul began with the phrase, “I charge you” which means “force and administer an oath to or adjure and solemnly implore the church members” “by the Lord” or “by he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God, the Messiah” “that this epistle” which refers “this letter and written message” “be read” or “distinguished between, recognized, known accurately and acknowledged”. Paul's desire and “command” was for the Thessalonian church members to hear the words he wrote in this letter.

The verse goes on to say, “...unto all the holy brethren.” Paul went on to add, “unto all” which refers to “each, every, any, all, the whole and everyone,” “the holy” which means “sacred, pure, morally blameless and religiously, ceremonially consecrated” “brethren” or “a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother and fellow believers who are united to another by the bond of affection”. Not only were the Thessalonians to hear the words written by Paul, but also “each and every” fellow believer in Jesus Christ was to hear them as well.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we realize that his desire was fulfilled. We are reading and hearing his words just as the Thessalonian church members. One of the great benefits to having the Bible is that we get to read and listen to the words of great men of God like Paul, and when we imagine that he is writing specifically to us, we get the greatest benefit from his words. The Lord Jesus designed, through His Holy Spirit, to teach us the word of God, and through these great words we not only learn about God, but we discover He desires to have a relationship with us. May we never take for granted the word of God, and may we always be as those who hear the word and apply the principles which are drawn from it.

Next time Paul ends his letter to the Thessalonians by asking that “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” be with them, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Greet with a Holy Kiss 1 Thessalonians 5:26

Paul the apostle had almost completed his first letter to the Thessalonian church members when he told them God would “sanctify” them “wholly”, and he prayed that “God” would “preserve” them “blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” in both “body and soul and spirit”. He proclaimed that God is “faithful” and would “do” that to which he called them. In chapter five and verse twenty-six, Paul encourages the Thessalonians to “Greet” one another “with a holy kiss” where we read:

Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

The verse begins, “Greet all the brethren...” Paul began with the word, “Greet” which means “salute, bid welcome, wish well to and receive joyfully” “all” or “each, every, any, all, the whole and everyone of” “the brethren” which refers to “a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother and a fellow believer who is united to another by the bond of affection”. Paul desired for the “brothers” and sisters in Christ to “welcome” and “wish well” one another when they met in the church.

The verse goes on to say, “... with a holy kiss.” Paul added, “with a holy” or “most sacred, physically pure, morally blameless and religiously and ceremonially consecrated” “kiss” which means “a fraternal sign of affection which was used to welcome or dismiss their companions in the faith”. This custom of a “holy kiss” was to be expressed when the Thessalonians “welcomed” and “said goodbye” to one another.

When we think through these words of Paul, depending upon our culture, we may think this an odd way to greet and dismiss one another. The main idea is to “welcome” and “receive” each other as they came into contact in the church. They were to “value” one another and express this through their greeting. Too often people enter a church, are never “greeted” by anyone, and leave without any acknowledgment at all. When people are of great importance, they are “greeted”, made over, and given much attention, and this is the idea of the “holy kiss”. Today we might use “a holy handshake” or “holy hug”, and though our expression of care, love and value might differ than this “holy kiss”, it should never be “ignoring” or “shunning”. May the Lord Jesus help us to be better “greeters”, and when we “welcome” one another in the church, may a “holy” expression of our care be given to everyone we see.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians to read this letter to “all the holy brethren”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Pray for Us 1 Thessalonians 5:25

As Paul the apostle came to the close of his first letter to the Thessalonian church members, he included several short and yet important guiding statements. Among them was the desire for the Lord to “sanctify” them “wholly”, “and” he prayed that their “whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In chapter five and verse twenty-five, Paul asks the“Brethren” to “pray for” him and his companions where we read:

Brethren, pray for us.

The verse begins, “Brethren” which is the Greek word “adelphos” and refers to “a brother or fellow believer who is united to another by the bond of affection”. Paul deemed the Thessalonian church members as “brothers” or “family”, and through this endearing label he drew their attention toward his next directive.

The verse goes on to say, “pray for us.” Paul continued, “pray” or “offer prayers, supplication and worship” “for us” which refers to Paul himself and his traveling companions. Paul knew the importance of having people pray for him and his entourage.

When we think through Paul's words, they may seem simple at first glance, and often this type of statement is regarded minimally. Yet still, this is one of Paul's most important directives. We should “pray for” one another, and notice, this includes “supplication” which is intensive prayer and concern for others. As we meditate upon this, may the Lord Jesus through His Holy Spirit remind us of others, and as He does, let us pray for them as brothers and sisters in the Lord. Let the “family” of God call upon Him and manifest a life of concern for others as Paul directed in this area.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians how to “greet” one another, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Faithful is He 1 Thessalonians 5:24

As Paul the apostle continued his list of final directives to the Thessalonian church members, he added that “the very God of peace sanctify” them “wholly”, and he prayed to “God” that their “whole spirit and soul and body” would “be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”. In chapter five and verse twenty-four of his letter, Paul went on to include how God is “faithful” who called them where we read:

Faithful is he that calls you, who also will do it.

The verse begins, “Faithful is he that calls you,...” Paul began with the word, “Faithful” which means “trustworthy, can be relied upon and convincing” “is he that calls” or “the one who calls aloud, utters in a loud voice, invites and calls and receives by name” “you” which refers to the Thessalonian church members. Paul reassured the Thessalonians that the Lord Jesus can be “relied upon”, and His “invitation and calling” to be “sanctified wholly” in their “soul and body” will “preserve” them to be “blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”.

The verse goes on to say, “...who also will do it.” Paul added, “who also” or “that even indeed” “will do it” which means “make, render and produce it”. Not only will the Lord Jesus bring forth the idea of calling the Thessalonians, but he will also perform that which He has promised to do.

When we think through Paul's words, we should delight in the “Faithfulness” of God. Not only will the Lord Jesus “call” people to be in a relationship with Him, but he will also keep His promise of preserving, sanctifying them as “blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”. The Thessalonians must have rejoiced in the promise of God's faithfulness not only to “invite” them, but also to “keep” them “blameless” as well. May we be constantly reminded of the “faithfulness” of the Lord Jesus, and when we have need of “sanctification” and preservation toward being “blameless”, let us rejoice in His ability to “keep” us unto His coming.

Next time Paul asks the “Brethren” to “pray for” him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Sanctified and Preserved Blameless 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Paul continued his list of short directives as he closed his first letter to the Thessalonian church. Along with “rejoicing evermore, praying without ceasing, giving thanks in every thing, not quenching the spirit or despising prophecyings, proving all things and abstaining from all appearance of evil” in chapter five and verse twenty-three Paul added how they were to be “sanctified” and “preserved blameless” where we read:

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit

and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The verse begins, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly;” Paul continued his exhortations with the words, “And the very God” which refers to “the Godhead and trinity comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit Himself” “of peace” or “tranquility, harmony and concord” “sanctify” which means “separate, consecrate and dedicate to God” “you wholly” or “in perfection or completion in all respects”. Paul's desire for the Thessalonians was for God to “separate and consecrate” them in every aspect of their lives.

The verse goes on to say, “and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul went on to add, “and I pray God your” which is all one Greek word “hymōn” and means “you, yours and yourselves” “whole” which refers to “complete in all it parts, in no part wanting or unsound, the entire and whole”“spirit” which refers to “the vital and rational spirit by which the body is animated, feels, thinks and decides” “and soul” or “breath of life” “and body” which refers to “the living body” “be preserved” which means “guarded, kept and reserved” “blameless” or “with no cause for censure” “unto the coming” which refers to “till the presence, arrival and advent or future visible return from heaven, to raise the dead, hold the last judgment and set up formally and gloriously the kingdom of God” “of our Lord” which means “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and refers to “the Son of God, Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “Christ” which means “anointed, Messiah and the Son of God”. Paul desired for the Thessalonian church members to be “guarded and kept blameless” until Jesus returns.

When we think through these words of Paul, we understand the value of being “separated and consecrated” as well as “preserved blameless” in our “bodies, souls and spirits”. At any moment the Lord Jesus could return, and it is to our great benefit to be found “sanctified” and “blameless” when He comes. We know this consecration and preservation is only possible when “the God of peace” is given full charge of our lives, and He becomes the “Lord” and “master” of all we say and do. May the Lord Jesus remind us of the value of being “sanctified” and“blameless” as He continues His work in us, and may He return to find us “without cause of censure” when He does.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians, “Faithful is he that calls you”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Abstaining from Evil's Appearance 1 Thessalonians 5:22

As Paul the apostle continued to share his closing words with the Thessalonian church members, he wrote how they should “rejoice, pray, give thanks, not quench the Spirit, despise not prophecyings and prove all things”. In chapter five and verse twenty-two of his letter, Paul continued his exhortations by telling the to “abstain from” “evil's appearance” where we read:

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

The verse begins, “Abstain from all...” Paul began with the word, “Abstain” which means “to hold one's self off or refrain” “from all” which refers to “each, every, any, all, the whole and everyone”. Paul desired for the Thessalonians to keep themselves from what he is about to present, and the Thessalonians were to pay attention to his directive.

The verse continues, “...appearance of evil.” Paul added what the Thessalonians were to “abstain from” as he wrote, “appearance” which means “the external or outward form, figure, shape or kind” “of evil” or “annoyances, hardships, bad nature or condition whether physical such as diseased or blind and in an ethical sense wickedness”. The church members of Thessalonica were not only to keep from “evil”, but they were to avoid any outward demonstration that looked like it could be “wicked and bad”.

When we think through Paul's words, we see the importance of keeping ourselves not only from “evil” itself, but also from the very “appearance” of it. Some of our actions and behaviors may seem innocent and pure, however, if someone else were to look upon them, they may outwardly look “wicked and bad”. We, like the Thessalonians, are to examine how something “looks” and not only what it truly is. If others were to see us in “compromised” conditions, would they deem us as involved in “evil” even if we truly are not? We must seek the Lord Jesus in our activities and discover whether there are some which “look” or “appear” to be evil, and if we find them, we should “restrain” and “hold” ourselves “off” from their “appearance”. May He give us discernment toward anything “evil” from which we should “refrain” ourselves.

Next time Paul shares with the Thessalonian church members the idea of being “sanctified” and “preserved preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Examine or Prove All Things 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Paul the apostle gave closing thoughts to the Thessalonian church members as he completed his first letter to them. He told them not to “render evil for evil”, to “rejoice evermore”, “pray without ceasing”, “in everything give thanks” and not to “despise prophesyings”. In chapter five and verse twenty-one Paul continued his final directives with the idea of “proving all things” and “holding to that which is good” where we read:

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

The verse begins, “Prove all things;” Paul began with the word, “Prove” which means “test, examine, scrutinize and deem worthy” “all things” which refers to “each, every, any, all, the whole and collectively some of all types”. Paul desired for the Thessalonians to “examine” and “deem worthy” each and every idea that came before them.

The verse goes on to say, “hold fast that which is good.” Paul added the phrase, “hold fast” which means “to restrain, detain and retain” “that which is good” or “anything which is beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable and admirable in its nature and characteristics”. Whenever the Thessalonian church members found things which were “good”, they were to “retain” them and make them a part of their lives.

When we consider these words of Paul, it is quite easy to simply acknowledge and skip over them. However, we benefit ourselves when we meditate upon them slowly and realize how important it is to “prove” or “test” the ideas with which we are presented. We are inundated with information from personal and from social media, and people desire that we believe what they say or present. We, like the Thessalonians, should “examine” those words, determine if they are true, and only give weight and credence to those things which are provable and “good”. Too often people have been persuaded by words that cannot be “proven”, have not been “tested” and validated. Paul knew the Thessalonian church members would have “ideas” and “thoughts” presented to them for belief which may or may not align with the “word of God”. We, too, must not be deceived by ways and ideas that are opposed to “God's word”, and should we be deceived in any area, may our Lord Jesus bring it to our attention through His Holy Spirit before we are led in a path that is against Him and His ways.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians to “abstain from all appearance of evil”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.