September 14-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-2, You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.
Observe what it is saying.
In chapter 1, Paul and his colleagues told how thankful they were for the Thessalonians and their faith, love, and hope in the gospel. In chapters 2-3, Paul begins telling one of the main purposes for writing was to provide vindication of their character and ministry. They are called to remember that Paul's initial visit to them was not without people accepting the gospel message. In Philippi, Paul and Silas had been beaten and severely flogged; they had been put in prison with their feet in stocks and cruelly mistreated because they had rescued a slave girl in the name of Jesus Christ. They had also been insulted by being arrested unjustly, stripped of their clothes, and treated like dangerous fugitives. Still staggering from these injuries, the two came to Thessalonica. Under such conditions, most people would have refrained from repeating a message that had led to such violent treatment, but not these men. With God's help, they mustered sufficient courage to declare the gospel in this new city where they, also, encountered strong opposition. This is a word that pictures an athlete's struggle to gain first place in a race or contest. Paul's conflict came from outward persecutions and dangers originated by Jewish leaders. In spite of it, however, Paul's inner strength from the Holy Spirit produced a powerful proclamation of the Gospel.
Relate it to your life.
The proclamation of the gospel will never be stopped regardless of the persecution of its messengers.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me Holy Spirit strength to faithfully stand strong in the faith in the midst of opposition and persecution so that my life and words will shine brightly for You. Amen.
September 15-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:3-4, For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul’s preaching was filled with power and was above suspicion of any kind. The “appeal” hints at the gently persuasive form that Paul used as he presented the message in order for it to be responded to. Paul and his fellow workers had apparently been accused of appealing with wrong motives, and he was eager to correct this. First, he corrected the claim that his message arose from "error". Paul maintained that his preaching agreed perfectly with God’s truth. He next answered his opponents in the matter of "impure motives", a word that has connotations of sexual impurity. Paul's enemies were attacking him on many fronts, including this sin so prevalent among traveling religious teachers. He further denied any attempt to use deceit so as to "trick" his listeners. He presented the truth straightforward for them to respond to as the Spirit led them. These missionaries were so open and honest that the all-knowing God had found them worthy "to be entrusted with the gospel." The message of the gospel is a treasure God has given to all believers. We must not bury it but must invest it willingly and generously so it will multiply and produce a great return all to God’s glory.
Relate it to your life.
How do I see myself as being entrusted with the gospel to invest it well for the glory of God?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, empower me each day to invest this treasure in all my conversations and activities. Amen.
September 16-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
2 Thessalonians 2:5-6, You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul continues the defense of their preaching while they were with the Thessalonians. He said they were not like the orators who would come with words of flattery seeking money. This deceptive practice spoke nice things in order to gain influence over others for selfish reasons. Paul wanted them to confirm that he was never guilty of this practice. Second, he denied putting on the kind of mask that "greed" would wear. This kind of greed included self-seeking of all types that would bring about self-satisfaction. Since this is a matter of the heart, Paul calls on God to be their witness that this was not their motivation. Third, Paul said they were not seeking the praise of people. In contrast, the world of Paul's time was filled with wandering philosophers, prophets of other religions, magicians, false prophets, and others seeking not only financial gain, but also the prestige of a good reputation. Paul made it clear they were only seeking God’s approval through their ministry. As apostles, they could have claimed the dignity associated with their position. However, they refused to do so, indicating greater evidence that they were not prompted by selfish motives. In his own defense of their ministry, Paul teaches Christians that motive in what we say and do is just as important as what we say and do. We serve from a pure heart of love for Christ.
Relate it to your life.
Am I driven by my love for Christ or by some lesser motive that would elevate me to a higher esteem?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, search my heart and my motives. Purify me from anything less than the sole desire to bring praise, glory, and honor to You. Amen.
September 17-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul continues his defense of their ministry among them. He contrasts the accusations that they performed their ministry with self-serving motives in an attempt to trick them or gain financial gain. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Their motives were as pure as young innocent children who have no ability to be sinister. Then he quickly changed the metaphor to show they were like a mother who tenderly provides and cares for their nursing babies. You have such a strong motivation to care for you kids because you love them so much and cannot but help display it in tender loving care. Paul says that is how they felt towards the Thessalonians when they came to share the life-giving gospel with them. They were absolutely delighted to be there and share life with them. In this brief description, Paul gives us a beautiful picture of serving in the church. We do not do anything because we have to do so. We do nothing out of selfish motives. We do everything because we have such a love for the Lord that we demonstrate the same kind of affection to others in our desire for them to know and experience Jesus. We start with those closest to us and move on from there to our larger network of relationships.
Relate it to your life.
Do I have the same deep love for others that I cannot but help share and show the love of Jesus?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I want to serve like You served. Replace any impure motives with Your pure love. Amen.
September 18-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:9-10, Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul recalls the long hours of extreme toil and hardship by which he, Silas, and Timothy supported themselves while preaching there. He used this example of self-support as evidence of his broader concern for the Thessalonians. "Toil" emphasizes the fatigue they incurred in their difficult work, while "hardship" highlights external difficulties encountered in the process. As in his second letter to them, this combination describes the apostles' efforts in providing their own upkeep. As we will find later, this was an example that was needed by some in Thessalonica. In Acts we discover Paul's work was tentmaking, probably meaning the production of tent material from animal hair or skins. Part of a Jewish child's upbringing was learning a trade, and Paul was no exception to this. He did receive some financial help from the Philippian church while he was in Thessalonica, but not enough to permit him to stop working. Paul indicated that missionary service included the right to receive support from others. 1 Corinthians 9:3-6, “This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. Don’t we have the right to food and drink? Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? Or is it only I and Barnabas who lack the right to not work for a living?” Paul did not always use that right because his central purpose was to give people the Gospel of God even at great cost. Paul teaches that to adequately be a witness of the gospel, we live by the highest moral code.
Relate it to your life.
Does my lifestyle promote my testimony and declaration that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, remove all hypocrisy from my life. May I present a united witness in life and words. Amen.
September 19-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul continued his defense of how he, Timothy, and Silas acted among the Thessalonians. He described their manner as a father with his children. As a good father encourages, comforts, and urges his children to do the right things so Paul and his colleagues did the same as they ministered in this community. Whatever image we might have of preachers, evangelists, or missionaries, Paul gives us a beautiful picture of how they operated. They encouraged the people to put their faith in Jesus. They did so in a comforting, not a harsh way. The gospel is the best news we will ever receive so it should be presented in that manner. They urged them, they declared, they insisted that those who responded in faith then should live in a worthy manner of the God who called them into His wonderful kingdom and glory. This last point reveals they spoke persuasively because they understood what was at stake for all eternity. For those who preach the gospel and for parents who care for their children, it reveals the kind of manner in which we are to lovingly inspire, instruct, and invite them to know Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
What is the manner by which I go about showing and sharing the good news of Jesus with others?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me courage to lovingly share You with family, friends, and acquaintances. Amen.
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-2, You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.
Observe what it is saying.
In chapter 1, Paul and his colleagues told how thankful they were for the Thessalonians and their faith, love, and hope in the gospel. In chapters 2-3, Paul begins telling one of the main purposes for writing was to provide vindication of their character and ministry. They are called to remember that Paul's initial visit to them was not without people accepting the gospel message. In Philippi, Paul and Silas had been beaten and severely flogged; they had been put in prison with their feet in stocks and cruelly mistreated because they had rescued a slave girl in the name of Jesus Christ. They had also been insulted by being arrested unjustly, stripped of their clothes, and treated like dangerous fugitives. Still staggering from these injuries, the two came to Thessalonica. Under such conditions, most people would have refrained from repeating a message that had led to such violent treatment, but not these men. With God's help, they mustered sufficient courage to declare the gospel in this new city where they, also, encountered strong opposition. This is a word that pictures an athlete's struggle to gain first place in a race or contest. Paul's conflict came from outward persecutions and dangers originated by Jewish leaders. In spite of it, however, Paul's inner strength from the Holy Spirit produced a powerful proclamation of the Gospel.
Relate it to your life.
The proclamation of the gospel will never be stopped regardless of the persecution of its messengers.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me Holy Spirit strength to faithfully stand strong in the faith in the midst of opposition and persecution so that my life and words will shine brightly for You. Amen.
September 15-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:3-4, For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul’s preaching was filled with power and was above suspicion of any kind. The “appeal” hints at the gently persuasive form that Paul used as he presented the message in order for it to be responded to. Paul and his fellow workers had apparently been accused of appealing with wrong motives, and he was eager to correct this. First, he corrected the claim that his message arose from "error". Paul maintained that his preaching agreed perfectly with God’s truth. He next answered his opponents in the matter of "impure motives", a word that has connotations of sexual impurity. Paul's enemies were attacking him on many fronts, including this sin so prevalent among traveling religious teachers. He further denied any attempt to use deceit so as to "trick" his listeners. He presented the truth straightforward for them to respond to as the Spirit led them. These missionaries were so open and honest that the all-knowing God had found them worthy "to be entrusted with the gospel." The message of the gospel is a treasure God has given to all believers. We must not bury it but must invest it willingly and generously so it will multiply and produce a great return all to God’s glory.
Relate it to your life.
How do I see myself as being entrusted with the gospel to invest it well for the glory of God?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, empower me each day to invest this treasure in all my conversations and activities. Amen.
September 16-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
2 Thessalonians 2:5-6, You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul continues the defense of their preaching while they were with the Thessalonians. He said they were not like the orators who would come with words of flattery seeking money. This deceptive practice spoke nice things in order to gain influence over others for selfish reasons. Paul wanted them to confirm that he was never guilty of this practice. Second, he denied putting on the kind of mask that "greed" would wear. This kind of greed included self-seeking of all types that would bring about self-satisfaction. Since this is a matter of the heart, Paul calls on God to be their witness that this was not their motivation. Third, Paul said they were not seeking the praise of people. In contrast, the world of Paul's time was filled with wandering philosophers, prophets of other religions, magicians, false prophets, and others seeking not only financial gain, but also the prestige of a good reputation. Paul made it clear they were only seeking God’s approval through their ministry. As apostles, they could have claimed the dignity associated with their position. However, they refused to do so, indicating greater evidence that they were not prompted by selfish motives. In his own defense of their ministry, Paul teaches Christians that motive in what we say and do is just as important as what we say and do. We serve from a pure heart of love for Christ.
Relate it to your life.
Am I driven by my love for Christ or by some lesser motive that would elevate me to a higher esteem?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, search my heart and my motives. Purify me from anything less than the sole desire to bring praise, glory, and honor to You. Amen.
September 17-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul continues his defense of their ministry among them. He contrasts the accusations that they performed their ministry with self-serving motives in an attempt to trick them or gain financial gain. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Their motives were as pure as young innocent children who have no ability to be sinister. Then he quickly changed the metaphor to show they were like a mother who tenderly provides and cares for their nursing babies. You have such a strong motivation to care for you kids because you love them so much and cannot but help display it in tender loving care. Paul says that is how they felt towards the Thessalonians when they came to share the life-giving gospel with them. They were absolutely delighted to be there and share life with them. In this brief description, Paul gives us a beautiful picture of serving in the church. We do not do anything because we have to do so. We do nothing out of selfish motives. We do everything because we have such a love for the Lord that we demonstrate the same kind of affection to others in our desire for them to know and experience Jesus. We start with those closest to us and move on from there to our larger network of relationships.
Relate it to your life.
Do I have the same deep love for others that I cannot but help share and show the love of Jesus?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I want to serve like You served. Replace any impure motives with Your pure love. Amen.
September 18-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:9-10, Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul recalls the long hours of extreme toil and hardship by which he, Silas, and Timothy supported themselves while preaching there. He used this example of self-support as evidence of his broader concern for the Thessalonians. "Toil" emphasizes the fatigue they incurred in their difficult work, while "hardship" highlights external difficulties encountered in the process. As in his second letter to them, this combination describes the apostles' efforts in providing their own upkeep. As we will find later, this was an example that was needed by some in Thessalonica. In Acts we discover Paul's work was tentmaking, probably meaning the production of tent material from animal hair or skins. Part of a Jewish child's upbringing was learning a trade, and Paul was no exception to this. He did receive some financial help from the Philippian church while he was in Thessalonica, but not enough to permit him to stop working. Paul indicated that missionary service included the right to receive support from others. 1 Corinthians 9:3-6, “This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. Don’t we have the right to food and drink? Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? Or is it only I and Barnabas who lack the right to not work for a living?” Paul did not always use that right because his central purpose was to give people the Gospel of God even at great cost. Paul teaches that to adequately be a witness of the gospel, we live by the highest moral code.
Relate it to your life.
Does my lifestyle promote my testimony and declaration that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, remove all hypocrisy from my life. May I present a united witness in life and words. Amen.
September 19-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul continued his defense of how he, Timothy, and Silas acted among the Thessalonians. He described their manner as a father with his children. As a good father encourages, comforts, and urges his children to do the right things so Paul and his colleagues did the same as they ministered in this community. Whatever image we might have of preachers, evangelists, or missionaries, Paul gives us a beautiful picture of how they operated. They encouraged the people to put their faith in Jesus. They did so in a comforting, not a harsh way. The gospel is the best news we will ever receive so it should be presented in that manner. They urged them, they declared, they insisted that those who responded in faith then should live in a worthy manner of the God who called them into His wonderful kingdom and glory. This last point reveals they spoke persuasively because they understood what was at stake for all eternity. For those who preach the gospel and for parents who care for their children, it reveals the kind of manner in which we are to lovingly inspire, instruct, and invite them to know Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
What is the manner by which I go about showing and sharing the good news of Jesus with others?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me courage to lovingly share You with family, friends, and acquaintances. Amen.
Posted in Daily Devotionals