Scripture

God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.

Observation

Paul encourages the Thessalonians to continue living lives that please God. it is God’s will for us to be holy, avoiding all sexual sin.

We need to learn to control our own bodies and not give in to lustful passions like the pagans do. We should not cheat a christian brother by violating his wife.

God wants us to live holy lives, not impure lives.

Application

Holiness is not the same as sexual Purity. But in hypersexualised cultures such as those of the Roman Empire and our current western culture, sexual purity is a big deal.

God wants us to be holy. We are set apart for God’s purposes. Anything that violates God’s will for our lives is to be avoided – whether that is immorality, greed, or drunkenness.

We are not saved for the sake of being saved. We are saved to be holy. This life is a preparation for the next life, so christians need to see themselves as being moulded for eternity.

The christian sexual ethic is simple to state – sexual relationships are only for a man and a woman in a permanent marriage.

If we fall, there is grace. Stating a goal does not condemn those who fall short.

Having said this, we must not settle for the world’s “anything goes” approach to sexuality.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, please give me the grace to live by your standard in all aspects of my life. Amen.

Scripture

It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.

Observation

Paul says that he is encouraged by the reports that the Thessalonians are standing firm in their faith. In fact, this news gives hi new life. He thanks God for them whenever he enters God’s presence.

Now Paul prays for them, and for us. May the Lord grow them in love for all people, making their hearts strong, blameless, and holy..

Application

People who are genuinely anointed by God for the equipping, or five fold ministry – apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers – have a love for the church that other people seem to appreciate but not understand.

Like Paul, I get excited when I see the people in my church making progress and overcoming opposition that seeks to undermine them. I get excited to hear that people read books that I recommend, especially those who don’t read comfortably. These people want to grow in their faith and that excites me.

Paul received so much encouragement from the Christians at Thessalonica that it feels like new life to him. We might say it gives him motivation to get out of bed.

What motivates or encourages you in the Lord?

Prayer

Father, I thank you for people who motivate me and encourage me by their own walk with you. Please help us all to grow in this ministry of spurring one another on. Amen.

Scripture

But you know that we are destined for such troubles. Even while we were with you, we warned you troubles would soon come, and they did as you well know.

Observation

Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica while Paul remained in Athens. He sent him to encourage them in their faith and to keep them from being shaken by the troubles they were going through.

Paul had warned them that persecution would come. So he sent Timothy to check that their faith had endured.

Timothy returned with the good news that the Thessalonians were firm in their faith and love.

Application

Some evangelists try to make out that when we come to Jesus all of our problems disappear. In fact, coming to Christ often stirs up a whole lot of trouble.

Firstly, Satan makes it hard for us so that we will abandon our faith in Christ. If a person comes to Christ for shallow or self-serving reasons, they will not stand in times of difficulty.

Secondly, the Holy Spirit begins to minister to our hearts. This may involve a resurfacing of memories long-buried, perhaps related to secret sin or abuse suffered at the hands of others. This can be painful to go through, but is essential to our being made whole.

Thirdly, family and friends who are opposed to Christ will give us a hard time because of our new faith. They cannot understand why a person might change their values or lifestyle.

Troubles are a part of the Christian life. If we overcome and stand firm we will receive God’s reward.

Prayer

Lord, when the enemy comes in like a tidal wave, please remind me to find my strength in you. Amen.

Scripture

You have accepted what we said is the very word of God, which of course it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.

Observation

The Thessalonians accepted Paul’s message as the very word of God, not human ideas. Because of this, they were persecuted as were the brothers and sisters in Judea.

Paul tried again and again to come back to Thessalonica, but Satan prevented him. But they are his pride and joy, his reward and crown.

Application

The gospel is not just human wisdom – it is God’s own word.

Every philosophy is flawed because it is of human origin. The gospel is from God, and it is perfect.

No human wisdom can bring us salvation because people do not even see that we need salvation. Most human philosophies give a form of salvation in which we can rise above our failings by thinking and acting rightly .

God’s word says that to be saved we need to be set free from sin. Only God can save us, and that is through the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the freedom that comes in surrendering myself to Jesus. It is true that the gospel is God’s word. Amen.

Scripture

as apostles of Christ, we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children.

Observation

Paul had a right as an apostle to make demands of the people he ministered to, that they support his ministry.

Instead he worked hard to support himself so that he would not be a burden on anyone. The Thessalonians themselves were witnesses to his honesty and devotion in this.

He was like a father to them – pleading, encouraging, and urging them to live their lives in a way that is worthy of God’s Kingdom.

Application

There are people who minister with a servant’s heart or a father’s heart. Then there are those who see their ministry as an entitlement to demand things of others.

Ministry as relationship is more authentic and more faithful to the gospel than ministry as business.

There are times in any ministry when the resources are tight. These are opportunities to grow our ability to trust in the Lord.

Paul’s attitude was like that of Christ. He was there to serve the church, not to be a burden to it. He supported himself by earning a living by making tents.

Nowadays, there are many models and paradigms for financing ministry. We should always endeavour to not be a burden on the church. And above all, we must avoid the mentality that we are entitled to special consideration, special honour, special treatment within the church.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the ministry you have entrusted to me. Please help me to stay genuinely humble, a servant to your flock. Amen.

Scripture

As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else.

Observation

Paul’s visit to Thessalonica was not a failure. He was treated badly at Philippi, even imprisoned there, but God gave him courage to preach the gospel boldly.

Paul speaks as the messenger approved by God. His purpose is always to please God rather than people.

Application

People pleasing is a big temptation for individual christians and for the church.

We want to fit in and get along with other people. But our beliefs and our message can cause controversy.

People are not always open to the message of the gospel or to its messengers.

Churches can soften their doctrines to avoid offending people. We want to be able to reach people without causing offence.

But the gospel is offensive to many people, especially those who want to live their lives according to their own standards and don’t want “religious nuts” telling them they are sinners.

We are citizens of another Kingdom, and we must live by the values of the Kingdom. That will cause some to be offended.

But as citizens of God’s Kingdom, it is God’s approval we must live for, not human approval. We must obey God and not be afraid to offend those who live in the world.

Prayer

Thank you Father for your gift of Salvation. Please help me to be like Paul, and to seek your approval alone. Amen.

Scripture

And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven – Jesus whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgement.

Observation

The word of the Lord, Paul says, was ringing out from this church in Thessalonica to people everywhere.

Paul says that wherever he goes, people tell him about the Thessalonians. They welcomed Paul and turned away from idols. Now they look forward to the coming of Jesus, for He is the one who rescued them from judgement.

Application

Our faith and our life are ultimately about the goodness of Jesus. The Thessalonians were famous everywhere for their testimony.

Any testimony worth it’s salt involves a telling about the past. What did Jesus do in your life that made a difference?

But a testimony must involve the present. How are you living now because of Jesus?

Then there is a future dimension as well. Jesus will return one day. We will go to heaven at some time. How does this knowledge give you hope for your destiny?

Most people are rushing towards watch Paul calls “the terrors of the coming judgement.” We have been rescued from that because Jesus paid the price to set us free from sin.

Hallelujah! What’s a Saviour!

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the excellent testimony you have given me. May my church become like that in Thessalonica which was a testimony that was heard everywhere. Amen.

Scripture

When we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true.

Observation

Paul, Silas, and Timothy are writing to the church in Thessalonica.

They thank God constantly and pray for the believers. They remember their faithful works, loving deeds, and their hope in Jesus Christ.

God loves them and has has chosen them to be his own people. When Paul brought the Good News to them, it wasn’t just in words, but the Holy Spirit gave them assurance of the truth of the message. They received the message with joy, even though it brought them suffering.

Application

The gospel of Jesus Christ is not empty words, the clever words of skilful speakers. No, it is life and light brought to us through the power and the grace of the Holy Spirit.

People are hungry for relationship with God and reconciliation through Christ. But they are living in deception and darkness. Unless the Holy Spirit convicts them of their sin, they will not hear the Good News.

Praise God for the Holy Spirit who gives us this assurance that the gospel is true. The Holy Spirit opens the eyes of our spirit so that we can see the light.

Every preacher of the gospel, and every hearer needs the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Holy Spirit come and fall afresh on me. Remind me of the power of the Good News. Fall on my friends who do not know you yet, so that they can receive your gentle conviction regarding sin. Amen.