The Times and Seasons 1 Thessalonians 5:1

After completing his declarations concerning the “catching away” of believers in Jesus who are both dead and alive, in chapter five and verse one of his letter Paul turned his attention toward “the times and seasons” where we read:

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write unto you.

The verse begins, “But of the times and the seasons, brethren,...” Paul began with the word “But” which means “moreover, and, now and also” “of the times” which refers to “a space in time, a fixed or special occasion, an interval or while” “and the seasons” which refers to “a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis, the decisive epoch waited for, the right time or limited period of time” “brethren” who are “brothers, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother or fellow believers who are united by the bond of affection”. Even though Paul knew the Thessalonians were aware of the “times and seasons”, he thought it important to mention them again.

The verse goes on to say, “...you have no need that I write unto you.” Paul went on to write, “you have no need” which means “there was no necessity, duty or business” “that I write” or “delineate letters on a tablet, parchment, paper or other material” “unto you” which refers to the Thessalonian church members. It is interesting to think that though Paul knew the Thessalonians had “no need” he felt it necessary to include his thoughts anyway.

When we think through these words of Paul, we once again see how much he cares for the Thessalonians. He knew they had “no need” that he write unto them concerning the “times and seasons”, and yet, he did it anyway. There are times when the Holy Spirit of God will remind us of things we already know. This reenforces our information base and emphasizes the importance of it. Fortunately for us, Paul felt the need to “write unto” the Thessalonians concerning the “times” they were in or else we would not see what he had to say. May the Lord Jesus help us to know, when he reminds us, or calls attention to things we already “know”, it may be that He wants to strengthen our knowledge concerning them or keep us in line with the manner of life He desires for us to live within them.

Next time Paul tells how “the day of the Lord” will come “as a thief in the night”, 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.

Comforting Words 1 Thessalonians 4:18

Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church members concerning the “harpazo” or “snatching away” of those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Those who are “asleep” in Jesus will not be prevented by those who are “alive and remain”, but will be preceded by them when the Lord descends “with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God”. The Thessalonians were greatly concerned about those who had died before Jesus returned, and in chapter four and verse eighteen of his letter, Paul told them to use his words to “comfort one another”. We read:

Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

The verse begins, “Wherefore comfort one another...” Paul began with the word, “Wherefore” which is a conclusion word meaning “so that, insomuch that and therefore” “comfort” or “call to one's side, call for, summon, address, speak to in the way of exhortation, entreaty and instruction” “one another” which refers to “each and every one of them reciprocally and mutually”. Every one of the Thessalonian church members was exhorted to speak to each other by way of entreaty and instruction which would result in “comfort” during their times of “sorrow”.

The verse continues, “... with these words.” Paul went on to add, “with” or “in, by and in relation to” “these words” which refers to “the utterance, decree, mandate and order of what Paul has just shared”. By reminding one another of God bringing back those who had died as well as those “who are alive and remain” being “caught up” to“meet Him in the air”, comforting hope will flourish within them, and they will be reminded, their loved ones shall be seen again.

As we consider these words of Paul, we should remember he began this section with the words, “I would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep”. Paul knew many of the church members were troubled over what would happen to their loved ones because they died before the promised return of the Lord. The Thessalonians needed “comfort” in their “sorrow”, and many of us who have experienced the death of those dear to us are in need of “comfort” as well. The Holy Spirt knew “sorrow” was going to be a part of our existence and particularly the “sorrow” that is associated with the death of one who is close to us. However, we are not to “sorrow even as others which have no hope” because we have the promise that not only will Jesus return to receive His believers, but will also bring with Him those who have gone before. These are comforting words, and those who meditate upon them will experience not only relief from sorrow, but also great hope in that which lies ahead – Praise the Lord! We shall see them again!

Next time we begin the last chapter of this letter and see Paul write concerning the “times and seasons”, 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.

We Which are Alive and Remain 1 Thessalonians 4:17

When the Lord Jesus comes again, Paul the apostle told the Thessalonian church members those who are “asleep” will “God bring with him”, and “the Lord will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”. In chapter four and verse seventeen of his letter, Paul continued to share what will happen to “we which are alive and remain” where we read:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds,

to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

The verse begins, “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds,...” Paul began with the word “Then” which means, “thereupon, thereafter and afterwards” “we which are alive” which refers to “those who are living, breathing, not dead and among the living” “and remain” or “are left over, remain and survive” “shall be caught up” which is the Greek word “harpazō” and means “to seize, carry off by force and snatch out or away” “together” or “at the same time, at once and also” “with them” which refers to “alongside and beside those who are asleep” “in the clouds” or “in cloudiness”. Paul's promise is for the living who have put their trust in Jesus Christ to be “snatched out” of this world to join both Jesus and believers who have died before in the sky.

The verse continues, “...to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” Paul added the reason why those who are alive and remain will be “caught up”, “to meet” or “to encounter or have a meeting” “the Lord” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah” “in the air” which means “particularly the lower and denser air as distinguished from the higher and rarer air or the atmospheric region”: “and so shall we ever be” which is the Greek phrase “esomai pantote esomai” and refers to “the future state, shall and what will follow” “with the Lord” which refers to “God the Messiah”. Not only will those who are “alive and remain” “meet the Lord in the air”, but they have the promise that this will last for all of eternity.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we may have a sense of jubilation in our hearts and minds. What a promise we have from Paul if we know Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord. The words “caught up” or “harpazo” in Greek is a derivative of the Latin word “raptus” from which our English word “Rapture” comes. Paul wrote in the book of First Corinthians in chapter fifteen and verses forty-nine through fifty-four:

“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”

One day soon, the Lord will descend from Heaven, bring His predeceased believers with Him, and “catch us up” to be with Him “in the air”. Oh what bliss it will be when we finally go to be with the Lord Jesus, and Oh what a surprise it will be for those who are left behind. We must “repent” and receive Jesus as our Savior before it is too late.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians to “comfort one another with these words”, 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 Voice and the Trump of God 1 Thessalonians 4:16

The Thessalonian church members were concerned about people who had died within the church. Since the Lord Jesus had not returned as they were promised, they thought those who passed away had missed Him. Paul did not want the Thessalonians to be ignorant nor sorrow as others about this, so he assured them that Jesus would bring those who had gone before with Him upon His return, and those who are alive and remain would not prevent them. In chapter four and verse sixteen of his letter, Paul shared how the Lord “shall descend with a shout”, a “voice” and “with the trump of God” where we read:

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,

with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

The verse begins, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,...” Paul began with the word, “For” which means “because, that and since” “the Lord himself” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding who is master and the title given to God, the Messiah and the same” “shall descend” which means “come down” “from heaven” or “the vaulted expanse of the sky with all things visible in it and the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings” “with a shout” which means “an order, command and stimulating cry which is meant to rouse”. When the Lord Jesus returns, it will be with a resounding cry, announcement and command.

The verse goes on to say, “...with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” Paul went on to add, “with the voice” which is the Greek word “phōnē” and means “sound and tone” “of the archangel” which refers to “the chief of the angels” “and with the trump” or “the quavering or reverberation of a trumpet” “of God” which refers to the Godhead bodily and trinity comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit who is the One and true God” “and the dead” or “deceased, departed and those destitute of life” “in Christ” which means “anointed who is the Messiah and Son of God” “shall rise” or “cause to rise up, appear and bring forward from the dead” “first” which means “principally, chiefly, before and at the beginning”. First there will be a “shout”, then “the voice” of the chief of angels, and then the reverberating “trumpet”, and the response and effect will be the rising of the dead in Christ.

When we use our imaginations to think through these words of Paul, we can almost see and hear this wonderful event take place. One day soon the Lord shall return in the same manner He ascended into Heaven, and those who have relied upon, trusted in and clung to Jesus will rise from the dead. This great promise from Paul should have everyone who reads these words rejoicing within their souls for those who have gone before us. As Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” (John 11:25). We can be assured that one day Jesus will return, and anyone who believes in Jesus and has made Him their Lord and Savior, even if they die before He comes, will God bring with Him when He comes. May the Lord allow this teaching to sink deep within our souls so we will not fret and sorrow with no hope when those who have placed their trust in Jesus die before us and are forever with the Lord.

Next time Paul shares about those who are “alive and remain”, 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.

We Shall Not Prevent the Asleep 1 Thessalonians 4:15

Paul the apostle began to address a concern the Thessalonian church members had which involved those who had died before Jesus' return. Their worry was those who predeceased them would not be received by Jesus when He came back again. In chapter four and verse fifteen of his letter, Paul continued to share with them as he told them “we shall not prevent them which are asleep” where we read:

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive

and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

The verse begins, “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord,...” Paul began with the word, “For” which means “because, even, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, therefore and verily” “this we say” or “speak, teach, exhort, advise, command, direct, point out, intend, mean to say, call by name and mention” “unto you” which refers to the Thessalonian church members “by the word” or “decree, mandate, order and moral precepts given by God” “of the Lord” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; the master and title given to God, the Messiah”. The declaration Paul is about to write had it's source in none other than God Himself, and it is upon His authority this statement carries veracity and truth.

The verse goes on to say, “...that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.” Paul continued, “that we” which refers to “this group of people” “which are alive” or “who are breathing, among the living, and enjoying real life” “and remain” which means “leave over and survive” “unto the coming” or “arrival, advent and future visible return from heaven of Jesus who will raise the dead, hold the last judgment, and set up formally and gloriously the kingdom of God” “of the Lord” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; the master and title given to God, the Messiah” “shall not prevent” which is the Greek phrase “phthanō ou mē phthanō” and means “come before, precede, anticipate or arrive before” “them which are asleep” which means “the ones who are caused to be quiet, calm and those who die”. Paul assured the Thessalonian church members that people who survive until the “Coming of the Lord” would not “come or arrive before” those who already died and believed in Jesus Christ as their Savior.

As we meditate upon Paul's words, we should be encouraged, especially if we have people we know and love who were believers in Jesus and have passed away. The Thessalonians were fearful that because Jesus had not returned for His church as He promised, those who died would never participate in the Heavenly Kingdom. Paul refutes this idea as he assured the church members concerning those who “are asleep”. As we think this through, and dear loved ones come to our minds, let us be assured, the truth of these words was based upon “the word of the Lord”, and there is no higher basis to place our trust. The Jesus believing and trusting predeceased are with the Lord even now, and when Jesus returns for His church, they will be among His royal entourage.

Next time Paul shares about the Lord descending “with a shout”, 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.

Those Who Sleep In Jesus God Will Bring with Him 1 Thessalonians 4:14

One of the great questions by the Thessalonian church members was, “what happens to fellow believers when they die before Jesus returns”? Paul the apostle began to address this question by not wanting them to be ignorant and sorrowful concerning those “which are asleep”, and in chapter four and verse fourteen of his letter, he began to explain what happens to those who “sleep in Jesus” where we read:

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again,

even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

The verse begins, “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again,...” Paul began with the word, “For” which means “as, because, even, indeed, no doubt, seeing then and verily” “if” which is conditional and means “forasmuch as or whether” “we believe” or “think to be true, are persuaded of, place confidence in, and the trust in Jesus or God as able to aid either in obtaining or in something” “that Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and refers to “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “died” or “perished, was slain and lost His life”“and rose again” or “caused to rise up, appear, bring forward, leave and stand forth from the dead”. Paul gave a qualifier for this benefit. There must be a belief “that Jesus died and rose again” before we know the promise found in the next portion of the verse.

The verse goes on to say, “...even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” Paul continued, “even so them also” which refers to “in this manner, thus and in this way indeed, even and” “which sleep” or “” “in Jesus” which refers to “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “will God bring” which is the Greek phrase “agō theos agō” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit leading, taking and bringing to a point of destination or place” “with him” or “along with God Himself”. Paul promised the Thessalonian church members that those who died and believed that Jesus died and rose again will “God bring with Him” when He comes again.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we immediately realize the importance of believing “Jesus died and rose again”. Without this belief, people who “sleep” do not have the promise of God bringing them with Him. People who know the Lord Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior can know with confidence that this promise of the Holy Spirit through Paul the apostle is absolutely true. If we have people in our lives who “sleep in Jesus” we can be assured, they shall return with Him as well. Oh the comfort of the word of God that is available to us if we simply believe in the Lord Jesus. May the Lord help us to have confidence in His words, and may we know for sure, those who “sleep in Jesus” are even now presently with Him.

Next time Paul shares about those who “are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord”, 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.

Not Ignorant Concerning the Asleep 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Paul the apostle instructed the Thessalonians in “brotherly love”. He desired for them to “increase more and more” in their love toward each other and others, and he wanted them to demonstrate their faith by studying to “be quiet”, do their “own business”, “work” with their “own hands” and “walk honestly toward them that are” outside of the faith. In chapter four and verse thirteen, Paul transitions his comments toward those “which are asleep” where we read:

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

The verse begins, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep,...” Paul began with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction which means “moreover, and, also and now” “I would not have” which in Greek is the phrase “thelō ou thelō” and means “to will, have in mind, intend, be resolved or determined and to purpose” “you to be ignorant” or “not to know, understand, err, be wrong or sin through mistake” “brethren” which refers to “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” “concerning” which means “about, on account of, because of, around and near” “them which are asleep” or “are still, calm, quiet and die”. Paul did not want the Thessalonian church members to be in error about people who had already died in the faith.

The verse continues, “...that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” Paul added, “that you sorrow not” which in Greek is “hina mē lypeō hina mē” and means “lest you are made sorrowful, affected with sadness, caused to grieve, are offended and made uneasy” “even as others” which means “the remaining or rest of any number or class under consideration” “which have” or “these hold, own and possess” “no hope” which means “expectation of good and a joyful, confident expectation of eternal salvation”. Paul did not desire for the Thessalonians to be without an expectation of good and joyful consideration when it came to those who already passed to the next life.

When we meditate upon this verse from Paul, we see his compassion and care for the church members in Thessalonica. Evidently Paul heard they were concerned about people who already died, and when he understood they were mistaken in what happened to them, he addressed the problem. We shall see what the Thessalonians were concerned about in the next few verses, however, let us stop a moment and think about Paul caring for every aspect of the church members' lives. May the Lord Jesus help us “not to be ignorant” about any truth He desires for us to know, and may we also “increase in our love more and more” as we apply everything He shares.

Next time Paul shares how those who believe in Jesus “will God bring with 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.

Walk Honestly to Lack Nothing 1 Thessalonians 4:12

Paul the apostle commended the Thessalonian church members for their love toward each other and people in Macedonia. He also challenged them to “increase more and more” and to “study to do” their “own business” and “work with” their “own hands”. In chapter four and verse twelve of his letter, Paul continued his instruction concerning “business” as he told them to “walk honestly toward” people who are “without” where we read:

That you may walk honestly toward them that are without,

and that you may have lack of nothing.

The verse begins, “That you may walk honestly toward them that are without,...” Paul began with the words, “That you may walk honestly” or “make progress, use of opportunities, regulate and conduct one's self” “toward them” which refers to “to the advantage of, at, near and with regard to” “that are without” which literally means “out of doors” and figuratively refers to “those who are away, outside or strange from faith in Jesus Christ”. Paul's idea was for the Thessalonians to make use of their opportunities to demonstrate their Christianity toward people who were not in the faith as yet.

The verse goes on to say, “...and that you may have lack of nothing.” Paul continued his thought with the result of the Thessalonians “walking honestly toward” people who were not Christians as he wrote, “and that you may have” or “hold, possess, own and adhere to” “lack” which means “need, necessity, duty or business” “of nothing” or “not even one thing, none and not at all”. Paul assured the Thessalonian church members the result of “walking honestly” toward people who were not Christians was not having to beg from others for their own supplies and needs.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we are challenged to examine our own lives and the way we conduct ourselves before those who are “without”. Would those who watch us assess our activities in business and relationships as “walking honestly” or would they find corruption and deceit? Many have said, “I would rather see the Bible demonstrated than read it anytime”, and those who are outside the Christian faith may see us as the only Bible they ever read. Perhaps we should probe our actions, words, and motives to determine if we need adjustments in any area. We must remember, people are watching us, and the way we respond to adversity and struggle may be the example they need to move toward a relationship with Jesus Christ. May the Lord Jesus help us to “have lack of nothing” as we fulfill the words, “walking honestly”.

Next time Paul shares “about them which are asleep”, 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.

Be Quiet, Do Business and Work with Your Hands 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Paul the apostle was well pleased with the manner in which the Thessalonians loved not only their fellow brethren, but also people in Macedonia. He desired for them to “increase more and more” in their love for one another, and in chapter four and verse eleven of his letter, he gave them instructions concerning being “quiet” and doing their “own business” where we read:

And that you study to be quiet, and to do your own business,

and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

The verse begins, “And that you study to be quiet, and to do your own business,...” Paul began with the phrase, “And that you” which refers to the Thessalonian church members “study” which means “to be actuated by love of honor, be ambitious, strive earnestly and make it one's aim” “to be quiet” or “rest, not run hither and thither, mind your business, be silent, say nothing and hold one's peace”, “and to do” or “exercise, practice, be busy with, carry on, undertake, accomplish, perform, commit to and perpetrate” “your own business” or “pertaining to one's self, one's own and belonging to one's self. Paul's idea was for the Thessalonians to pay attention to their own activities and not be busy about some other distraction or concern.

The verse goes on to say, “...and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;” Paul went on to add, “and to work” or “labor, trade, exercise, perform, commit, cause to exist, produce, earn by working and acquire” “with your own hands” which literally means “by the help or agency of or by anyone” “as we” which refers to Paul and his traveling companions “commanded you” or “transmitted a message to, declared, announced, commanded, ordered and charged the Thessalonian church members”. Paul previously gave the Thessalonians instructions concerning working with their “own hands”, and this reminder was to continue in this practice.

When we think through Paul's words, we can understand the importance of obeying this directive. By focusing upon one's own business, there is less opportunity to be concerned or worried over another person's. Rather than having time for wasteful chit chat and superfluous words concerning others, we would be better off to keep silent and pay attention to our own activities. Let us remember that Paul is relaying this message in addition to his command that the Thessalonians increase in their love toward others, and one of the best ways to demonstrate the love of the Lord Jesus is to tend to our own business rather than being involved in theirs. May the Holy Spirit of God convict us when we intrude upon other's business, and may He teach us to be quiet and regard our own.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians to “to walk honestly toward them that are without” in their love toward others, 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.

Increase More and More 1 Thessalonians 4:10

Paul the apostle knew the Thessalonians understood “brotherly love”. They were “taught of God to love one another”, and Paul was only there to remind them to apply it. In chapter four and verse ten of his letter, Paul tells the Thessalonians to “increase more and more” in their love for others where we read:

And indeed you do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia:

but we beseech you, brethren, that you increase more and more;

The verse begins, “And indeed you do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia:” Paul began with the words, “And indeed” which means “even, for, no doubt, seeing then and verily” “you do it” or “make, prepare, produce, acquire and provide it” “toward” which means “unto, to, for and among” “all the brethren” who are “a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother; a fellow believer who is united to another by the bond of affection” “which are in all” which refers to “the whole and complete area of ” “Macedonia” which means “extended land” and was “a country bounded on the south by Thessaly and Epirus, on the east by Thrace and the Aegean Sea, on the west by Illyria, and on the North by Dardania and Moesia” . Not only were the Thessalonians loving toward one another, but they were loving to the people of Macedonia as well.

The verse goes on to say, “but we beseech you, brethren, that you increase more and more;” Paul continued with the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be stated takes precedence over what was just written, “we beseech you” or “call to one's side, call for, summon, address, speak to, exhort, entreat and instruct you” “brethren” which refers to “a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother; a fellow believer who is united to another by the bond of affection” “that you increase” or “exceed a fixed number of measure, to be over, remain, be at hand in abundance, overflow and excel” “more and more” which means “to a greater degree, by far, more willingly, more readily and sooner”. Not only were the Thessalonians to continue in their “brotherly love” toward others, but they were also to “overflow and excel” in it.

When we think about these words of Paul, we are challenged to examine our love toward others. Do we “love” people in the manner Paul describes? Are we “increasing” in our “brotherly love” toward people we know and those who are different than we? The Lord Jesus loves everyone, and God Almighty sent His Son Jesus to die for “everybody's” sin. The scriptures say, “God is love”, and there is no one who is exempt from the love of God. This is the standard for us. We must “increase more and more” in our love for others, and only by the power of the Holy Spirit will we ever “overflow and excel” in our love for them. May the Lord Jesus help us to know when we do not love others in the manner Paul describes, and may we “increase more and more” in our emulation of Him.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians to “study to be quiet and do” their “own business” in their love toward others, 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.

Brotherly Love 1 Thessalonians 4:9

Paul the apostle gave the Thessalonians instructions concerning “sanctification”, “abstaining from fornication”, how to “possess” their vessels, not “defrauding” their “brother”, being called “unto holiness” and what it really means to “despise” their “brother”. In chapter four and verse nine of his letter, Paul shares with them concerning “brotherly love” where we read:

But as touching brotherly love you need not that I write unto you:

for you yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

The verse begins, “But as touching brotherly love you need not that I write unto you:” Paul began with the word, “But” which means “moreover, and, in addition” “as touching” or “about, on account of, because of and near” “brotherly love” which refers to “love of brothers, sisters or Christian brethren” “you need not” or “do not have, hold, own or possess” “that I write unto you” which is the Greek word “graphō” and means “to write, to delineate letters on a tablet, parchment, paper or other material”. Paul began his words with the presumptive thought that “brotherly love” was already known to be very important among the Thessalonian church members.

The verse goes on to say, “for you yourselves are taught of God to love one another.” Paul went on to share why the Thessalonians already knew the importance of “brotherly love” as he wrote, “for you yourselves” which refers to “the Thessalonian church members” “are taught of God” which means “divinely instructed by the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “to love” which is the Greek word “agapaō” and means “to welcome, entertain, be fond of, love dearly, be well pleased with, and contented at or with a thing” “one another” which refers to “each of the Thessalonian church members”. Paul employed the Highest instructor when he referred to the commandment to “love one another”, and he knew the Thessalonians were well aware of the instruction given by God.

When we think through these words of Paul, we begin to understand his overall care not only for the Thessalonians, but also for their care for one another. Too often people have a love for God which is the first commandment and do not have a love for one another which is the second. Both of these laws were shared by Jesus who said, “on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets”. The Thessalonian church members were to have “brotherly love” toward one another, and we are commanded to have nonetheless as well. Perhaps our prayer should be to have the Holy Spirit of God remind us when we are not loving others in this manner, and may He help us to love others in the same way He does.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians to “increase more and more” in their love toward others, 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.