Have you ever tried to do something good, and all you faced was opposition? Perhaps it was a positive civic project in your neighborhood, or something that you believe would be good for your department at work, or any other project. No sooner do you get started, but then there arises a whole group who wants nothing less than to stand in your path and oppose you every step of the way. This is especially true for those who work for the Lord in spreading the Gospel. Opposition will always rear up, often very strongly. In our Epistle reading for this week, Paul shares about the opposition he was facing when bringing the Gospel to Thessalonica. Paul knew who was behind all of the opposition he experienced. Let’s look into our Scripture passage for today.
As our passage begins, Paul reminded the Thessalonians that he had never expected the church that he started to pay his way (vs. 9). Paul supported himself as a tentmaker so that he would not be a financial burden to anyone where he preached. Accusations that Paul was trying to get rich off of the Gospel was one tool that his enemies used to oppose his ministry. There were a few “preachers” back then who were doing that, and we find quite a few today who do just what his accusers were saying. Some have turned preaching the Gospel into quite a lucrative business, but Paul was not one of them.
His opponents also tried to tarnish his reputation, saying that his behavior and conduct were less than reputable. Paul turned to the believers in Thessalonica to be his witnesses that he lived blamelessly while among them (vs. 10-12). He also exhorted the believers there to live a life worthy of the Lord God. When Christians’ behavior and lifestyle are less than exemplary, it reflects badly both on the pastor, and of course, the Lord. It gives the enemies of the Gospel ammunition to use against the Church. We need to live in such a way by our words and actions, that is worthy of God. We are to live in a way worthy of our calling, remembering that we belong to Christ.
Paul’s enemies accused him of spreading false doctrine and philosophies that were just of his own making, and not from God. However, the believers in Thessalonica did not believe that. The Holy Spirit, working in their hearts, opened their eyes to know that Paul’s message was not the word of man, but was the truth, the Word of God (vs. 13). The message of salvation that Paul preached to them was the Word of God. It was not just some ordinary words of man. Paul boldly asserted the divine inspiration of his Gospel (II Timothy 3:16).
When we take a stand for Jesus, we will face opposition, disapproval, and even persecution from friends, neighbors, and even family (vs. 14). There are some people who viciously oppose Christians who follow the Bible (vs. 15-16). They even actually think they are serving God, but they aren’t. They displease Him. If Jesus was not exempt from persecution, His followers should not expect to be spared.
Satan actively opposes God’s work, and we need to be aware of that (vs. 18). Satan is real, and he works to hinder the spread of the Gospel. He is called “the god of this age” (II Corinthians 4:4), and “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). However, Satan’s might is no match for the power of the living God! Never be discouraged by the enemies schemes. The ultimate victory is God’s.
Despite all of the opposition he faced everywhere he went, Paul was encouraged to be dedicated to God. Paul’s greatest reward was the people he had led to the Lord, not money, prestige, or fame (vs. 19-20). Paul would receive a soul-winner’s crown in heaven. The Lord gives this crown to those who are faithful to declare the Gospel, and lead souls to Christ.
Will we, too, be faithful to the Lord, despite the opposition we face from His enemies? Paul knew that the enemy, that Satan, would not make it easy. He paid the greatest price with his life, yet he knew that God has the ultimate victory. We need to stand faithful and true to the end.
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