Exhorted, Comforted and Charged 1 Thessalonians 2:11

Paul the apostle reminded the Thessalonians of he and his companions' care and concern for them as they shared the gospel of Jesus Christ. He helped them remember how “holily and justly and unblameably” they “behaved” among the believers, and in chapter two and verse eleven of his letter, Paul goes on to share more examples of ways they lived among them such as “exhorted, comforted and charged”. We read:

As you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you,

as a father does his children,

The verse begins, “As you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you,...” Paul began with the word, “As” which means “according, just or even” “you know” or “see, perceive with the eyes and senses, notice, discern and discover” “how we exhorted” which means “call to one's side, summoned, addressed and spoke to” “and comforted” or “spoke to and addressed whether by admonition and incentive or to calm and console” “and charged” which is the Greek word “martyreō” and means “to be or bear witness, affirm that one has seen or heard or experienced something or that he knows it because it is taught by divine revelation or inspiration” “every one of you” which refers to “each Thessalonican” with who Paul and his comrades shared. Paul knew the importance of a full relationship with those with whom he spoke, and because he did, there were times where they needed “exhortation and summon”. Other times their need was “comfort” which calmed or consoled them, and still other times they needed to be “charged” that they might see or know by experience that of which he spoke.

The verse goes on to say, “... as a father does his children,” Paul continued his words with an example, “as a father” who is “a generator or male ancestor” “does his children” or “offspring”. Paul and his companions treated the Thessalonians as “children”, and they nurtured and cared for them as though they were their own.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we cannot help but notice the depth of his care for the Thessalonians. It is interesting to contrast this with the way he formally was with the Christians when he “breathed out threatenings and slaughters” against them. Paul knew that a true, loving and caring relationship with people includes times of “exhortation”, “comfort” and “charge”, and these should be bestowed upon others as a father would his children. Perhaps we should consider our care for others and use Paul's ways to challenge our own, and as the Lord Jesus works through His Holy Spirit in our lives, may others see us as ones who care for their welfare even as a loving father does his children.

Next time Paul declares how he wanted the Thessalonians to “walk worthy 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.

Holy, Just and Unblameable 1 Thessalonians 2:10

As Paul continued his letter to the Thessalonians, he included words which reminded them of not only his sharing of the gospel of Jesus Christ with them, but also demonstrating it through he and his entourage's behavior. Paul and those with him had such a deep love and concern for the people they would have “imparted their own souls” unto them if the occasion were to arise, and they labored and travailed among them so as to support themselves and not be burdensome to the people as well. In chapter two and verse ten of his letter, Paul referred to living “holy, just and unblameable” among the Thessalonicans as a further example of he and his team's care for them where we read:

You are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably

we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

The verse begins, “You are witnesses, and God also,...” Paul began with the words, “You are witnesses” which is the Greek word “martys” from which we get our English word “martyr” and means “a recorder” “and God also” which refers to “the Godhead and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Paul drew upon the witness and testimony of not only the church members in Thessalonica, but also God Almighty who observed their behavior as well.

The verse goes on to say, “...how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:” Paul continued, “how holily” which means “piously” “and justly” or “agreeably, properly, as is right, uprightly and agreeable to the law of rectitude” “and unblameably” which means “without cause for censure” “we behaved ourselves” or “became, came into existence, began to be, pass and happen” “among you” which refers to “the Thessalonian church members” “that believe” or “think to be true, are persuaded of, put credit and confidence in the fact that Jesus or God is able to aid either in obtaining or in doing something”. Paul and his companions' behavior became another example of their deep concern and care for the Thessalonians. They were intentionally “pious, upright and without cause of censure” so as to insure the Thessalonians made no mistake about their intentions.

When we think through Paul's words, we admire his well thought out plan for not only sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, but also living it out before those with whom he shared. So often people see a “sermon” with greater interest than hear one, and if the demonstration doesn't match the words, the demonstration prevails. Paul knew it was important to live in a “holy, just and unblameable” manner before the Thessalonicans so as to be consistent with what he shared. His example should be a challenge to us to “walk the walk” and not just “talk the talk” as we live as Christians in this world. Let us remember, people often declare, “your actions speak so loudly that we cannot hear a word you are saying”, and may their declaration be our motivation to live in a manner that is not only pleasing to them, but also to Almighty God.

Next time Paul shares how he “exhorted, comforted and charged every one of” the Thessalonian church members, 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.

Laboring Day and Night 1 Thessalonians 2:9

Paul the apostle and his companions were so “affectionately desirous” of the Thessalonians, they were “willing” not only to share “the gospel of God” with them, but also their “own souls” if the occasion arose. In chapter two and verse nine, Paul continued to share their deep commitment to the Thessalonican church members as he refers to their “laboring day and night” among them. We read:

For you remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

The verse begins, “For you remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day,...” Paul began with the phrase, “For you remember” or “are mindful of, call to mind, hold in memory and make mention of” “brethren” which means “fellow believers united by the bond of affection” “our labor” which is the Greek word “kopos” and literally means “a beating” and refers to “a beating of the breast with grief, sorrow, trouble and intense labor united with trouble and toil” “and travail” or “hard and difficult labor, toil, hardship and distress”. Paul then gives the timescale of their laboring and travail, “for laboring” which is another Greek word “ergazomai” that means “work, trade, exercise, perform and commit, produce, earn and acquire” “night and day” which means “until the work ceases and the interval between sunrise and sunset which is distinguished from and contrasted with the night”. Paul and his companions worked steadily and tirelessly among the Thessalonians for their own sustenance and provision, and he used this as an example of their commitment to them.

The verse goes on to say, “...because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.” Paul continued with the reason he and his companions worked for themselves among the Thessalonians, “because” which means “to the advantage of, at, near, towards and with regard to” “we would not be chargeable” which is the Greek phrase “epibareō mē epibareō” which means “not put a load or burden upon or be burdensome” “unto any of you” which refers to “some or certain ones of the Thessalonians” “we preached” which means “heralded, proclaimed and published” “unto you” which refers to “the Thessalonians” “the gospel” or “good and the glad tidings of the kingdom of God soon to be set up, and subsequently also of Jesus the Messiah, the founder of this kingdom. These were the glad tidings of the salvation that is available through Jesus Christ” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead and trinity comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit”. Paul desired not to be a burden to the people with whom he shared the gospel, so he and his companions worked for themselves. By this the Thessalonians would know Paul and his comrades were not among them just to receive.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we notice straightaway Paul's concern for not being burdensome to the Thessalonians, and this was a demonstration of his pure love and concern for them. Rather than being paid for sharing the gospel with them, Paul and his companions worked other jobs for their personal provisions. We wonder what this would be like today if ministers worked jobs outside the church to support themselves. There is support in the scriptures for ministers to be cared for by the church, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 is mentioned in this same letter. Our concern is about those who take advantage of their parishioners by exacting or demanding more than they should receive for their service. Let us go before the Lord Jesus in prayer and decide whether Paul and his companions “laboring night and day” that they might not be “burdensome” is an example for us, and may He help us know if we are ones who abuse other's provisions.

Next time Paul writes about how he and his companions lived “holily and justly and unblameably” among the Thessalonicans, 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.

Willing to Have Imparted Our Souls 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Paul the apostle and his companions not only taught the “gospel” of Jesus Christ through their words, but also demonstrated the “good news” by caring for the Thessalonians “even as a nurse cherishes her children”. In chapter two and verse eight of his letter, Paul declared the depth of his care for the church members as he told them how he and his fellows were “willing to have imparted unto” them not only the “gospel of God”, but also their “own souls” because they were so “dear”. We read:

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

The verse begins, “So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you,...” Paul began with the phrase, “So being affectionately desirous” which means “longing for, desiring and yearning for love” “of you” which refers to the Thessalonians “we were willing” or “thinking, choosing, determining, deciding and readily with pleasure” “to have imparted unto you” or “given over and sharing” with them. Paul and his companions cared so much for the Thessalonians they were determinately decided they would be in a state of giving to them.

The verse goes on to say, “...not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.” Paul continued as he shared what they would give, “not the gospel” or “good tidings of the kingdom of God soon to be set up, and subsequently also of the Messiah the founder of the kingdom” “of God” which means “the Godhead and trinity comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “but also” or “nevertheless, not withstanding, even and indeed” “our own souls” which refers to “their breath of life, seat of feelings, desires, affections and aversions” “because” or “for, inasmuch as, on the very account and therefore” “you were dear to us” which means “beloved, esteemed, favored and worthy of love” by Paul and his entourage. Paul and his companions so dearly loved the Thessalonians, they would have given their own breath and life for them should the opportunity present itself.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see how intensely he cared for the people in Thessalonica. What a change this is toward people when we consider that he once “breathed out threatenings and slaughter” against those within the church. Only the Lord Jesus can put this kind of care and love within a person, and perhaps our consideration should be whether we exemplify this behavior toward others ourselves. Let us ask our Heavenly Father to baptize us in His Holy Spirit that we may love others not only as Paul and his companions, but also as He did through Jesus Christ when He was in the world.

Next time Paul writes about how he and his companions labored so they “would not be chargeable” to the Thessalonicans, 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.

Gentle as a Nurse 1 Thessalonians 2:7

Paul the apostle and his companions were “allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel” and were purposed to please God rather than men. They did not use “flattering words” or a “cloak of covetousness” when they shared with the Thessalonicans, nor did they seek the “glory” of the Thessalonians nor others and were not “burdensome” but served them as the “apostles of Christ”. In chapter two and verse seven of his letter, we learn that Paul was also “gentle as a nurse” in care for the people in Thessalonica where we read:

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children:

The verse begins, “But we were gentle among you,...” Paul began with the disassociation conjunction, “But” which means, “nevertheless, notwithstanding, an objection or exception” “we were gentle” or “affable, mild and kind” “among you” which refers to “the Thessalonians”. Paul knew he and his companions could have acted differently, however they chose to be kind and mild with them.

The verse continues, “...even as a nurse cherishes her children:” Paul added an example to his “gentle” care, “even as a nurse” or “nourisher” “cherishes” which means “to keep warm, cherish with tender love and foster with tender care” “her children” which refers to “offspring, patrons, helpers, teachers and children of God”. The idea is that Paul and his companions tenderly cared for the people of Thessalonica as though they depended upon, desired, had affection for and were addicted to it.

As we meditate upon Paul's words, we see how he cared for the people in the church of Thessalonica. Not only did he give them instruction in the “gospel of Jesus Christ” but he dedicated himself to the people as well. He and his companions were kind, caring, cherishing, and tender with the people. Too many times those who give instruction transmit a greater message by their lack of care for the people they teach. It is said, “people do not care what you have to say until they know how much you care”, and though Paul didn't use this phrase, he and his entourage exemplified it. In light of this, our prayer should be that we “care” for the people Jesus has brought into our lives, and when we do, may they hear the “good news” of Jesus Christ not only spoken but also portrayed through our gentle nursing care.

Next time Paul writes about how he and his companions were “willing to have imparted” their “own souls”, 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 Seeking Glory of People 1 Thessalonians 2:6

Paul the apostle knew he was “allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel”, and his purpose was not to “please men” “but God, which tries our hearts”. He did not use “flattering words” “nor a cloak of covetousness” when he shared the “good news” of Jesus Christ, and he referred to “God” as his “witness” of these things. In chapter two and verse six, Paul shared how he did not seek the “glory” “of men” even when he might have been “burdensome” to them. We read:

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others,

when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

The verse begins, “Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others,...” Paul began with the words, “Nor of men” which refers to “human beings” “sought” which means “to seek in order to find” “we glory” or “judgment, opinion, view or estimate” “neither of you” which refers to “the Thessalonians” “nor yet of others” or “any other person”. Paul was not seeking the estimate or opinions of others, he was only focused upon the evaluation of Christ Jesus.

The verse goes on to say, “...when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.” Paul continued with the phrase, “when we might” or “been able, had power whether by virtue of one's own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favorable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom” “have been” or “with or by” “burdensome” which is the Greek phrase “en baros hos” and means “by heaviness, weight, burden or trouble” “as the apostles” or “like the delegates, messengers, ones sent forth and specifically applied to the twelve apostles” “of Christ” which refers to “the anointed one, the Messiah and Son of God”. Paul did not seek the “glory” of men, and he was no trouble to the Thessalonians because they served as “apostles of Christ”.

As we think about Paul's words, we receive instruction as to the manner we should be among people. Many times people seek the “glory” or “opinion, view and estimate” of others rather than simply pleasing the Lord. It is quite natural for us to desire approval and worth from outside sources, the question is, “From where will that glory come?” Also, we learn that the “gospel of Jesus Christ” should not come as a “burden” to those with whom we share. Demands, requirements and petitions for our convenience should never once be named from those who share the “good news” of Jesus Christ. and rather than being a “burden”, we should add to those with whom we share. May the Lord help us to realize the best source of “glory”, and may he help us know how to free people from being laden with our care.

Next time Paul writes about being “gentle as a nurse”, 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.

No Flattering Words 1 Thessalonians 2:5

As Paul the apostle continued his discourse to the Thessalonians concerning the manner and motives for sharing with them, he declared how he and his companions were “allowed” to declare the gospel in such a way that sought to “please God” and not men. In chapter two and verse five of his letter, Paul went on to add that he used no “flattering words” “nor a cloak of covetousness” when he spoke with them. We read:

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as you know,

nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness:

The verse begins, “For neither at any time used we flattering words, as you know,...” Paul began with the word, “For” which means “as, because, even, indeed, no doubt, seeing that and verily” “neither at any time” or “not once formerly, aforetime or at some time in the past” “used we” which refers to Paul and his entourage using “flattering words” which means “blandish and disparaging discourse” “as you know” or “see, perceive, notice, discern and discover”. Paul and his companions did not use words meant to take advantage of their hearers, but rather words of truth and honesty to share with the Thessalonicans.

The verse goes on to say, “nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness:” Paul continued with the phrase, “nor a cloak” or “cover, screen or concealment” “of covetousness” which means “greedy desire to have more and avarice”. Paul went on to add, “God” which refers to “the Godhead and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “is witness” which is the Greek word “martys” which means “one who is a spectator of anything such as a contest”. Paul's desire was for the people to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord and not to gain a as a greedy person who coveted personal gain for themselves.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we see him once again sharing the motive for which he declared the gospel among the Thessalonians. Paul did not use disparaging words or trickery to move the Thessalonians toward a decision for Jesus Christ, and he was not motivated by greed or his own special interest to convey his message. Paul's motives were pure, and as “God” for his “witness”, he had no hidden agenda in mind. When we declare the gospel with others, we should exhibit this same spirit, and there should be no doubt even by the “witness of God” that we desire anything other than our hearers to begin a relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ His Son.

Next time Paul shares about not “seeking glory of men”, 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.