Nobody likes to go through periods of problems or trials. Some Christians are under the false assumption that once someone becomes a believer there should be no more problems. Some preachers, especially some on television, actually teach that a believer’s life should be smooth sailing, and that problems are a result of sin or lack of faith. As we shall see in our Scripture passage today, this is not the case. Paul, the great missionary apostle, endured many trials throughout his life. His epistles never focused on health, wealth, or self-esteem, but instead on the spiritual quality of a believer’s life. Let’s look at this portion of Scripture from Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica.
As a brief background to our Scripture, Paul had come to the Greek city of Thessalonica to bring the Gospel to the people there. After about three weeks of preaching and teaching the people about Jesus and the salvation He brings, Paul was run out of town by enemies of the gospel. He then went to the village of Berea, where he preached the gospel to them, also. However, his enemies followed him from Thessalonica, and ran him out of Berea, as well. Paul then went on to Athens, and he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to see how the new Christians were doing, to give them encouragement and strengthen their faith (Acts 17:1-15).
The persecutions and problems that Paul was experiencing were not due to some sins he had committed, nor to a lack of faith. Scripture is clear that those who live godly lives will be persecuted (II Timothy 3:12). We face adversity just as Jesus did, so that we may be transformed into His image and reflect His character to those around us (Acts 14:22). The Christian life involves obedience to Christ, despite temptations and hardships. Problems and persecutions can also build character, perseverance, and sensitivity to others.
Satan is the tempter, trying to cause failure in believers (vs. 5). Paul was not ignorant of his methods, and neither should we. He saw that the attacks he experienced in both Thessalonica and Berea were from the devil. Satan’s goal is to try and destroy Christians any way possible. If he can discourage a believer and neutralize any good they can do, any work for God they can accomplish for Him, then he will try. Paul took action to counterattack Satan’s maneuvers. Don’t let him succeed.
When Timothy returned to Paul from visiting the young church in Thessalonica, he brought good news to Paul that Satan had not succeeded in destroying the new church there or the faith of the new believers (vs. 6). This was a great encouragement to Paul in the trials he was going through. Our example and testimony can help people to endure and stay faithful to the Lord during difficult times (vs. 7). Christians who stand firm in the Lord during persecution and pressure encourage others. We need to stand firm in the Lord no matter what life may throw our way (vs 8). When we remain close to Jesus we can stand in faith, and never be shaken.
Paul was rejoicing in the faith of the Thessalonians. During those brief few weeks he preached the Gospel in that city, each new convert brought joy to his heart, and now he was rejoicing in the growth of their faith (vs 9-10). It should bring joy to a believer to see another person come to saving faith in Jesus, and then grow in the faith. In each of his epistles Paul thanked God for those who had been saved in whatever town he was in, and prayed for their growth.
As Paul closes this chapter in his letter to the Thessalonian church, he urges them to show love to each other (vs 12). We must actively and persistently show love to others. God loves us, and we must share His love with others. We must bring the love of Christ to the world, even if witnessing is uncomfortable. That is true, real love.
As he has throughout this epistle, Paul refers to the second coming of Jesus (vs. 13). Jesus will gather all believers, both those who have died and those who are alive at that time, into His kingdom. He urges us to be living good and holy lives. Holy living is very often connected in Scripture with the return of Jesus.
In conclusion, we need to remember that trials and problems are common to all believers, and we should use them to draw us closer to the Lord and to glorify Him by them. Also to remember, as Paul frequently writes, that Jesus is coming again, and we need to always be ready for that day.
No comments:
Post a Comment