1 Thessalonians 4:1 & 10 "Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more....And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;"
Once we are saved, we know all the "right things" to do. Go to church, read your Bible, pray, etc. So many Christians, I am afraid, get into a rut, where they are doing all these "right things" but the growth stops. There is not any expansion, no upward trend, just stagnation (which is regression).
This is not God's design. Paul uses the words "more and more" several times. He is trying to get a point across to the church - your sanctification, which is the will of God, is an ongoing process. Every day is supposed to build upon the last, the lessons learned, the love shown, the sacrifices made, should all spur us on to more and more of the same.
Note here that the word used was not just "more" by itself. No, instead the words used were "more and more". One could interpret "more" by itself as "just keep doing it, everyday." However, "more and more" obviously is pointing to an expansion of the previous, not merely a continuation.
The faith, grace, mercy, and love that we are given freely from God are to be given back generously to the world around us, more and more everyday. Is this happening in your life? Is there ever an expansion, or are things sitting stagnant, on cruise control? What would have to change in order for "more and more" to start defining your life?
Friday, August 31, 2018
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Afflictions and Moving
1 Thessalonians 3:3 "That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto."
In order to be moved, it is assumed that you are in a stationary location. There must be some ideal position in which you have a desire to remain. The afflictions that Paul is talking about are what might cause them to move, but move from what?
The previous verse answers this question, "And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:"
Paul wants the Thessalonians to be established in their faith. This has the idea of a foundation, roots, being grounded in something. Our faith in Jesus Christ, His accomplished work on the cross, the promise of a heavenly home for eternity, these are to be our foundation, our ground zero. This establishment in the faith is our anchor during the trials and tribulations that will come on us as believers. After all, we are "appointed" to trials, or to put it another way, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12)
What afflictions are you facing? Do you feel grounded in your faith? Or will the things you face move you away from your faith?
In order to be moved, it is assumed that you are in a stationary location. There must be some ideal position in which you have a desire to remain. The afflictions that Paul is talking about are what might cause them to move, but move from what?
The previous verse answers this question, "And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:"
Paul wants the Thessalonians to be established in their faith. This has the idea of a foundation, roots, being grounded in something. Our faith in Jesus Christ, His accomplished work on the cross, the promise of a heavenly home for eternity, these are to be our foundation, our ground zero. This establishment in the faith is our anchor during the trials and tribulations that will come on us as believers. After all, we are "appointed" to trials, or to put it another way, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12)
What afflictions are you facing? Do you feel grounded in your faith? Or will the things you face move you away from your faith?
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Effectual Work
1 Thessalonians 2:13 "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe."
Too often, I'm afraid, we act like the Bible is just another book. Now we would never say that, however our actions speak louder than the words we won't say. We read it and claim to believe it, but we fail to live our lives like it is a living, active Word. Instead, it becomes just another good book with good things to say and wisdom to try and live your life by.
This attitude is subtle, but dangerous. It allows us to feel good about our attitude toward the Bible while denying its power. We know that the Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1). Denying the power of the Bible, through word or action, is denying the power of Jesus Himself.
We also know, "...the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
No mere "good book of wisdom" can do that! Do you feel the Word of God effectually working in you as a believer? What would that kind of working look like?
Too often, I'm afraid, we act like the Bible is just another book. Now we would never say that, however our actions speak louder than the words we won't say. We read it and claim to believe it, but we fail to live our lives like it is a living, active Word. Instead, it becomes just another good book with good things to say and wisdom to try and live your life by.
This attitude is subtle, but dangerous. It allows us to feel good about our attitude toward the Bible while denying its power. We know that the Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1). Denying the power of the Bible, through word or action, is denying the power of Jesus Himself.
We also know, "...the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
No mere "good book of wisdom" can do that! Do you feel the Word of God effectually working in you as a believer? What would that kind of working look like?
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
The Wrath to Come
1 Thessalonians 1:10 "And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come."
The fact that that is wrath forthcoming is not something most people like to think about or acknowledge. However, it would be like living in a coastal city about to be hit by a tsunami and ignoring the danger because you didn't like the fact that it was coming. Life as we know it will only last a short time. The wrath, or punishment for sin is coming. Judgement day is coming.
So that's the bad news. The Good News is Jesus delivers those who believe. It's like we were waiting in that doomed coastal city with the approaching tsunami on its way when out of nowhere, Jesus came and rescued us out of that danger. The wrath, the judgement, our punishment - He took them all on the cross. Now it's up to us, whether we will place our faith and trust in His completed work or not.
The idols we served are meaningless and powerless. Turn to the one, true, living God. Join the Church in awaiting the return of His Son Jesus, our Deliverer. And in the meantime, let's spread the Good News to everyone we can.
The fact that that is wrath forthcoming is not something most people like to think about or acknowledge. However, it would be like living in a coastal city about to be hit by a tsunami and ignoring the danger because you didn't like the fact that it was coming. Life as we know it will only last a short time. The wrath, or punishment for sin is coming. Judgement day is coming.
So that's the bad news. The Good News is Jesus delivers those who believe. It's like we were waiting in that doomed coastal city with the approaching tsunami on its way when out of nowhere, Jesus came and rescued us out of that danger. The wrath, the judgement, our punishment - He took them all on the cross. Now it's up to us, whether we will place our faith and trust in His completed work or not.
The idols we served are meaningless and powerless. Turn to the one, true, living God. Join the Church in awaiting the return of His Son Jesus, our Deliverer. And in the meantime, let's spread the Good News to everyone we can.
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
The Mysterious Ministry
Colossians 4:17 "And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it."
This command was not recorded solely for he benefit of Archippus. Every child of God should pay careful attention to this verse. A life lived without fulfilling what God has given us to do is a wasted life indeed.
But what is this ministry which we have received of the Lord? I think most people would argue that they don't feel God has necessarily given them any one particular ministry. At least, God's never told them in so many words! It's lame arguments like this that show how little we understand of God's call to ministry.
The word ministry here means:
"Service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others. Of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men. The ministration of those who render to others the offices of Christian affection esp. those who help meet need by either collecting or distributing of charities. The service of those who prepare and present food."
I love the last part of the definition. We don't know exactly what Archippus' ministry was, however it could have been as simple as preparing and presenting food to those who needed it. The point here is - don't overthink the question of "what ministry have I received of the Lord?" This kind of question leaves us waiting motionless for some kind of revelation about whether we should go into overseas missions or become a pastor. When instead, God wants each and everyone of us to render to others the offices of Christian affection, to meet the needs of others.
This is your ministry, this is my ministry. Let us go and fulfill it!
This command was not recorded solely for he benefit of Archippus. Every child of God should pay careful attention to this verse. A life lived without fulfilling what God has given us to do is a wasted life indeed.
But what is this ministry which we have received of the Lord? I think most people would argue that they don't feel God has necessarily given them any one particular ministry. At least, God's never told them in so many words! It's lame arguments like this that show how little we understand of God's call to ministry.
The word ministry here means:
"Service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others. Of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men. The ministration of those who render to others the offices of Christian affection esp. those who help meet need by either collecting or distributing of charities. The service of those who prepare and present food."
I love the last part of the definition. We don't know exactly what Archippus' ministry was, however it could have been as simple as preparing and presenting food to those who needed it. The point here is - don't overthink the question of "what ministry have I received of the Lord?" This kind of question leaves us waiting motionless for some kind of revelation about whether we should go into overseas missions or become a pastor. When instead, God wants each and everyone of us to render to others the offices of Christian affection, to meet the needs of others.
This is your ministry, this is my ministry. Let us go and fulfill it!
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Laboring Fervently
Colossians 4:12 "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."
Labor Fervently: "To enter a contest: contend in the gymnastic games. To contend with adversaries, fight. Metaph. to contend, struggle, with difficulties and dangers. To endeavour with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something."
This brother in Christ took prayer very seriously. He was, at all times, praying like he was in a contest, contending against enemies, struggling, zealously striving to gain his goal. Have you ever even seen someone pray like that, let alone prayer like that yourself?
In order to get to that kind of prayer, it takes a couple things. First, it takes a completely unselfish love for other people. Epaphras wanted the Colossians to experience and stand in God's will so bad. It was an overwhelming desire for his fellow Christians, he cared so much about them. Second, it takes faith. You don't face difficulties and dangers, you don't enter a contest and contend with adversaries if you don't believe 100%. If you're not fully convinced of what you're dealing with, there is no reason to put yourself out there like that. Third, it takes dedication.
I don't know about you, but I want a prayer life like that. I want my prayers to God to matter, to impact the world! What would have to change for this verse to start describing your prayer life?
Labor Fervently: "To enter a contest: contend in the gymnastic games. To contend with adversaries, fight. Metaph. to contend, struggle, with difficulties and dangers. To endeavour with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something."
This brother in Christ took prayer very seriously. He was, at all times, praying like he was in a contest, contending against enemies, struggling, zealously striving to gain his goal. Have you ever even seen someone pray like that, let alone prayer like that yourself?
In order to get to that kind of prayer, it takes a couple things. First, it takes a completely unselfish love for other people. Epaphras wanted the Colossians to experience and stand in God's will so bad. It was an overwhelming desire for his fellow Christians, he cared so much about them. Second, it takes faith. You don't face difficulties and dangers, you don't enter a contest and contend with adversaries if you don't believe 100%. If you're not fully convinced of what you're dealing with, there is no reason to put yourself out there like that. Third, it takes dedication.
I don't know about you, but I want a prayer life like that. I want my prayers to God to matter, to impact the world! What would have to change for this verse to start describing your prayer life?
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Redeeming the Time
Colossians 4:5 "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time."
In case you hadn't noticed, I like definitions. The words used in the Bible have such rich meanings waiting for those who will dig into them! The word "walk" here means, "to live, to regulate one's life, to conduct one's self, to pass one's life." However, my favorite part of the definition is, "to make due use of opportunities."
So the first part of this verse could be phrased, "Pass your life making due use of opportunities in a manner of devout and proper prudence in intercourse with men not disciples of Christ, using skill and discretion in imparting Christian truth to the unsaved."
Now, with that in mind, we look to the second part of the verse. A short, simple phrase, but so much in it! The concept of redeeming is not a common one in today's parlance. However, in Bible times it was a vivid picture. "Redeeming" means, "by payment of a price to recover from the power of another, to ransom, buy off. Metaph. of Christ freeing the elect from the dominion of the Mosaic Law at the price of his vicarious death. To buy up, to buy up for one's self, for one's use. To make wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good, so that zeal and well doing are as it were the purchase money by which we make the time our own."
Imagine - your time is held captive and a payment must be made in order for it to become your own. Your time is held captive, held ransom by your flesh and the world. And they do not want to let it go. We must redeem that time, or in other words, we must buy it back, ransom it back, so that we can use it for God's glory (fulfilling the call in the first part of this verse).
How do we buy it back? What is the currency we use? Zeal.
Think on that today.
In case you hadn't noticed, I like definitions. The words used in the Bible have such rich meanings waiting for those who will dig into them! The word "walk" here means, "to live, to regulate one's life, to conduct one's self, to pass one's life." However, my favorite part of the definition is, "to make due use of opportunities."
So the first part of this verse could be phrased, "Pass your life making due use of opportunities in a manner of devout and proper prudence in intercourse with men not disciples of Christ, using skill and discretion in imparting Christian truth to the unsaved."
Now, with that in mind, we look to the second part of the verse. A short, simple phrase, but so much in it! The concept of redeeming is not a common one in today's parlance. However, in Bible times it was a vivid picture. "Redeeming" means, "by payment of a price to recover from the power of another, to ransom, buy off. Metaph. of Christ freeing the elect from the dominion of the Mosaic Law at the price of his vicarious death. To buy up, to buy up for one's self, for one's use. To make wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good, so that zeal and well doing are as it were the purchase money by which we make the time our own."
Imagine - your time is held captive and a payment must be made in order for it to become your own. Your time is held captive, held ransom by your flesh and the world. And they do not want to let it go. We must redeem that time, or in other words, we must buy it back, ransom it back, so that we can use it for God's glory (fulfilling the call in the first part of this verse).
How do we buy it back? What is the currency we use? Zeal.
Think on that today.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Bond of Perfectness.
Colossians 3:14 "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness."
Paul gives a significant list of spiritual fruit that ought to be evidenced in a Christian's life. However, like it always does, it all comes back to love. Paul makes it clear that above everything that he has listed, the most important thing is charity, love, "affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love."
What does it mean that love is the bond of perfectness? This is so cool. The word "bond" here means, "that which binds together, a band, bond. Of ligaments by which the members of the human body are united together." We have all seen those cut-away illustrations of the human body. The muscle/ligament cut-away shows how extensive your ligaments are. The transverse every bit of your being. They underlie all your movements and the very fact that your body is one cohesive unit.
True godly love is the ligaments that holds everything else together. On our journey toward Christ and being perfect like Him, love is the key.
Paul gives a significant list of spiritual fruit that ought to be evidenced in a Christian's life. However, like it always does, it all comes back to love. Paul makes it clear that above everything that he has listed, the most important thing is charity, love, "affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love."
What does it mean that love is the bond of perfectness? This is so cool. The word "bond" here means, "that which binds together, a band, bond. Of ligaments by which the members of the human body are united together." We have all seen those cut-away illustrations of the human body. The muscle/ligament cut-away shows how extensive your ligaments are. The transverse every bit of your being. They underlie all your movements and the very fact that your body is one cohesive unit.
True godly love is the ligaments that holds everything else together. On our journey toward Christ and being perfect like Him, love is the key.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Things Above
Colossians 3:1-2 "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
In Christianity, there is a required perspective that goes against our flesh. Our 5 senses experience the things that are on this earth on a moment by moment basis. It is the easiest thing in the world to let them distract us and capture our attention. And we all know, that which has our attention usually takes our time, and that which takes our time takes our affection.
Christianity requires us looking at life from a different perspective. We must still maneuver this life via our 5 senses in the physical sense, however that is where it ought to stop. The earth has nothing for us. Seek those things that are above, set your affection on them. Let those heavenly things be your driving force and your guide.
What are those things above? They are the things that are right there with Christ sitting on the right hand of God. Therefore, God, His person. Seek Him first. Set your affection on Him first. Then by extension, we know that the things that are above involve God's Kingdom and the eternal souls of mankind.
Am I seeking those things that are above? Where is my time being directed today? Is that a good indication of where my affection truly is?
In Christianity, there is a required perspective that goes against our flesh. Our 5 senses experience the things that are on this earth on a moment by moment basis. It is the easiest thing in the world to let them distract us and capture our attention. And we all know, that which has our attention usually takes our time, and that which takes our time takes our affection.
Christianity requires us looking at life from a different perspective. We must still maneuver this life via our 5 senses in the physical sense, however that is where it ought to stop. The earth has nothing for us. Seek those things that are above, set your affection on them. Let those heavenly things be your driving force and your guide.
What are those things above? They are the things that are right there with Christ sitting on the right hand of God. Therefore, God, His person. Seek Him first. Set your affection on Him first. Then by extension, we know that the things that are above involve God's Kingdom and the eternal souls of mankind.
Am I seeking those things that are above? Where is my time being directed today? Is that a good indication of where my affection truly is?
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Abounding in Faith
Colossians 2:6-7 "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving."
Our salvation was by God's abundant grace through a child-like faith. In this same way, we are to continue in Him. In this same way we are to walk throughout our days here on earth - living moment by moment by his abundant grace through a child-like faith.
He is to be our foundation. Our lives should be established in faith, the fundamental basis for everything we do, ought to be our faith. Now the last admonishment starts to make sense - abound in faith with thanksgiving.
What does it mean to abound in your faith with thanksgiving? The word abound means to "overflow, to super-exceed and have a measure left over." I think we can take this 2 ways. One, that our faith should grow and grow, expanding throughout every part of our lives. And two, that our life itself should abound with faith as its foundation.
How are you walking today? By grace through faith? Is your faith the foundation of your life? Are you abounding in that faith today? Can those around you tell?
Our salvation was by God's abundant grace through a child-like faith. In this same way, we are to continue in Him. In this same way we are to walk throughout our days here on earth - living moment by moment by his abundant grace through a child-like faith.
He is to be our foundation. Our lives should be established in faith, the fundamental basis for everything we do, ought to be our faith. Now the last admonishment starts to make sense - abound in faith with thanksgiving.
What does it mean to abound in your faith with thanksgiving? The word abound means to "overflow, to super-exceed and have a measure left over." I think we can take this 2 ways. One, that our faith should grow and grow, expanding throughout every part of our lives. And two, that our life itself should abound with faith as its foundation.
How are you walking today? By grace through faith? Is your faith the foundation of your life? Are you abounding in that faith today? Can those around you tell?
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Superhuman Power
Colossians 1:29 "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily."
The way sentences are structured in the Bible, it can be difficult at times to sort out exactly what the writer is talking about sometimes. In this verse you could paraphrase what Paul is saying thus,
"Christ, Who is our hope, is Who we preach to the world. This is the end toward which I am laboring. I am to endeavoring with strenuous zeal along with the help of His superhuman power to do this. And His superhuman power is actively at work, putting forth power, aiding me, working for me."
Do you feel that there is superhuman power working inside you? Are you laboring toward the end which Christ has called you to?
Then ask yourself this - are you satisfied with how you answered the previous questions? If not, what would have to change in your life so that you could answer them in a satisfactory way?
The way sentences are structured in the Bible, it can be difficult at times to sort out exactly what the writer is talking about sometimes. In this verse you could paraphrase what Paul is saying thus,
"Christ, Who is our hope, is Who we preach to the world. This is the end toward which I am laboring. I am to endeavoring with strenuous zeal along with the help of His superhuman power to do this. And His superhuman power is actively at work, putting forth power, aiding me, working for me."
Do you feel that there is superhuman power working inside you? Are you laboring toward the end which Christ has called you to?
Then ask yourself this - are you satisfied with how you answered the previous questions? If not, what would have to change in your life so that you could answer them in a satisfactory way?
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