Jeremiah 12:1-14:10 + 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8 + Psalm 79:1-13 + Proverbs 24:30-34
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Old Testament – Today’s readings are a bit unique in that the Jeremiah chapters relate to Psalm 79! Psalm 79 is about the post-destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar et. al. It’s interesting to see pre- & post- destruction. The Jeremiah readings today may seem to you a bit tough to read. It is certainly sad to read about the coming destruction. As I read through these chapters I think about Jeremiah and how tough it must have been on him to know what was coming. In fact, Jeremiah gives a passionate prayer for the people of Jerusalem in today’s readings in chapter 14 verses 7 through 9. The question that I think sometimes can come up for some as they read chapters like this in the Old Testament is: “Is this the same God we read about in the New Testament?” And I of course believe that absolutely yes this is the same God! The life of Jesus on Earth was obviously in between the time of Jeremiah and the time of you and me today. Jesus’ life, ministry, suffering, death on the cross, and His resurrection saved us from our sins – and this graceful life of Jesus’ had obviously not taken place in Jeremiah’s time. However, I do also believe that God is very graceful throughout history including all of the Old Testament. Keep in mind that God is often saying in these chapters in Jeremiah: “come back to me”, “repent”, “abandon your idols” – and no one listens. God was giving chance after chance after chance of repentance… What about you in your life today? Is God saying to you in any way to “come back to me”, “repent”, “abandon your idols”? And are you listening? Will you repent? Will you return to the Lord?
Jeremiah 12:16 is fascinating for me today: “And if these nations quickly learn the ways of my people, and if they learn to swear by my name, saying, `As surely as the Lord lives’ (just as they taught my people to swear by the name of Baal), then they will be given a place among my people.” I think that’s powerful that God is saying if these foreign nations (i.e. not Israel / Judah) learn to swear by His name that they will be giving a place among His people. It reminds me of Peter’s dream & realization in Acts chapter 10 that the Gospel was not just for the Jews but for the Gentiles too!
New Testament – Today we begin Paul’s first letter to the church in Thessalonica! What is the best way to spell Thessalonica – with a “k” like this: Thessalonika? Or with a “c” like this: Thessalonica? It is indeed a deep mystery. One we won’t really get to the bottom of in Paul’s two letters to the church in Thessalonica in our readings this week. . . 🙂 But these are 2 great letters of Paul’s nonetheless coming up! Let’s go!
~ First Thessalonians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Corinth
Date: A.D. 50 or 51
Content: On Paul’s second missionary journey he visited Thessalonica but was forced to flee because of the intense persecutions that arose there (see Acts 17:1-9). After making his way to Athens and finally to Corinth, Paul heard from Timothy, whom he had sent to inquire about the Thessalonians, that they were standing fast in spite of their suffering. Paul wrote this letter to comfort and encourage the young believers in the Lord. He also wrote to confirm their faith in the basic doctrines of the church concerning God, the Holy Spirit, Jesus, Christian living, but especially concerning Jesus’ second coming. Apparently because some believers had died, the remaining Christians were concerned lest the believing dead miss out on the resurrection. Paul writes to assure them that the dead in Christ rise first.
Theme: Paul comforts the persecuted believers with the assurance that God is with us and has assured us of ultimate victory. The final victory will occur at Jesus’ return, when the Lord himself shall descend from heaven and gather us to himself, ever to be with him. In the light of this we should bear up under persecution, living lives that are godly and above reproach. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 28) A wonderful commentary on First Thessalonians by J. Hampton Keathley, III, titled “The Birth and Growth of a Church” is at this link.
Today in First Thessalonians 1:5 we read: “For 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. And you know that the way we lived among you was further proof of the truth of our message.” This is a great reminder that while we are out and about in the world being salt and light, we’re not just out there on our own. The Holy Spirit is doing work concurrently in other people’s hearts. And indeed, the Holy Spirit is doing the true work of salvation, not us. I do like that Paul wrote that “the way we lived” was further proof of the truth. Christians are called to be in the world, but not of it. And I do think people pay attention to how we live. How are we living our lives today? Are we living a life of love? Are we compassionate? Are we caring? Are we serving the poor? Or – are we bought into consumerism? Are we selfish? Are we serving ourselves? Does the way we spend our money and time look different from how the culture says we should be spending our money and time? Are we giving to our church? Are we worshiping God at a church once a week? Are we praying frequently? How are you living your life today? If someone took a look at your life would it be abundantly clear that you are following Jesus?
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in First Thessalonians chapter 2 titled “A Compelling Example for Ministry” is at this link. Below is a fun image for First Thessalonians 1:3 from today’s readings –
Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of 1st Thessalonians!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No7Nq6IX23c
Psalms – Psalm 79 verse 13 stood out to me today – “Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will thank you forever and ever, praising your greatness from generation to generation.” I like that imagery of being sheep in God’s pasture! And Jesus, of course, is our Good Shepherd. Are you content with the idea of being a sheep in God’s pasture?
Proverbs – Proverbs 24:30-34 is great Proverb today with the lesson coming in verses 33 and 34: “A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.” The interesting thing about this Proverb for me personally is that I honestly am not getting enough sleep these days – I could use a little extra sleep! 🙂 And yet, of course, this Proverb is also so very true. I think we need to basically balance what this Proverb teaches versus what our modern world preaches / teaches. I think our modern world can encourage us to be a workaholic – work 50, 60, 70 hours a week! Sleep 4, 5, 6 hours a night! Go, go, go! And yet, I don’t think that is what this Proverb is teaching… Certainly not in context with the rest of the Bible. I think being a workaholic is just as dangerous as being slothful. We need to find the happy middle – which I think only is ultimately achieved with God in our life. Without God we’ll either think there’s no point to life and be slothful or we’ll think life is all about money, success, pride, etc. and be a workaholic. Let us live our lives with God where we know that work is important, but that work is most definitely not a god to be worshiped!
Worship Video: Our readings today reminded me of Brooke Ligertwood’s song “Honey in the Rock:”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vpuNsZxmpA
Do you believe there is honey in the rock? Click here and believe!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.” Proverbs 24:33-34 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you are not lazy in any way, shape, or form. Pray that you know the honor and dignity and power of work. Pray that you work hard, working for the Lord no matter what you do.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you from today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
Mike you said,
>>The Jeremiah readings today may seem to you a bit tough to read. It is sad to see the coming destruction. As I read through these verses I wonder about Jeremiah. How tough it must have been on him to know what was coming. Though, there were people that wanted to kill him, so perhaps at times he agreed with God on what was coming…And I of course believe so. I think that I see that the life of Jesus on Earth was obviously between the time of Jeremiah and the time of Brennan. And I believe Christ’s suffering and death took on our sins – and this act had obviously not taken place in Jeremiah’s time. I believe God is very graceful. I can see how reading chapters like these in Jeremiah may bring that in question in some ways.>>
I may be misunderstanding the intent of your words in trying to explain the actions of God and or the entrance of Christ into the world. Forgive me and correct me if I’m wrong but can we humans explain the actions of God? Are we dealing with a God who has changed from the Old Testament to something and someone more lovable in the New? I don’t think so and my assumptions are based on the Word,
Who has prepared and done this, calling forth and guiding the destinies of the generations [of the nations] from the beginning? I, the Lord–the first [existing before history began] and with the last [an ever-present, unchanging God]–I am He.
(Isa 41:4 AMP)
For I am the Lord, I do not change; that is why you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.
(Mal 3:6 AMP)
Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages).
(Heb 13:8 AMP)
The tendency is to paint God as being what we have created Him to be instead of feeding on His Word, The Bible—the whole counsel of God, and altering our understanding based on His Character revealed in His Word. If what we read doesn’t line up with our own understanding then we throw out the Bible, calling it irrelevant and illogical, or we ignore the things we don’t understand and say that God changed. Christ and God are one and the same, as is the Holy Spirit, different manifestation of the One and only God (That is the mystery scripture speaks about).
In the beginning was the Word [or, the Expression of [divine] Logic], and the Word was with [or, in communion with] God, and the Word was God [or, was as to His essence God]. This One was in the beginning with God. All [things] came to be through Him, and without Him not even one thing came to be which has come to be. (Joh 1:1-3 ALT)
You don’t have to understand everything to believe it, that is why it is called faith. How many of us know how sound waves are pulled out of the air in order for us to see images emanating from our television screens or hear audio from our radios and cell phones? If we had to take a test to operate those appliances either we would all study physics or whatever the science is that explains how they work, or the broadcast and cell phone industry would go out of business for lack of knowledgeable consumers.
We live in a fallen world. God created this world in perfect condition, no storms, no rain, no violence. The entrance of “sin” caused and even today continues effectively to cause disunity in our environment inhabited and populated by the things God created as perfect.
Therefore the land has become unclean and I have brought the punishment for its iniquity on it, so that the land has vomited out its inhabitants. You yourselves must obey my statutes and my regulations and must not do any of these abominations, both the native citizen and the resident foreigner in your midst, for the people who were in the land before you have done all these abominations, and the land has become unclean. So do not let the land vomit you out because you defile it just as it has vomited out the nations that were before you. (Lev 18:25-28 NET.)
We understand to not play in the streets, sleep in the streets and live in the streets especially where there is active and heavy traffic barreling through. Our safety and protection from being run over by an eighteen-wheeler tractor-trailer rests on our obey rule of law and rules of nature/physics. We can understand that; however, we struggle with understanding that our only protection is adhering to the Laws that God has placed in the Universe. When we fail to take heed, when we fail to make the name of the Lord our High Tower of protection, we may find ourselves dancing the dance of potential destruction and judgment when one day we fail to get out of the way of that “Big Rig.” That does not mean that God has abandoned us it just means we have walked away from His Protection by adhering to His Word.
Yes, we may, someone else may, violate God’s Laws and His Words and others unrelated to that violation may and will bodily suffer the consequences of someone else’s sin. That is the nature of a sinful world; it affects other innocent people; however, God is still Just, He is still mercifully, His Truth still stands and He is ever Gracious and Grace filled.
Reading through the Bible is about discovering who God is based on the knowledge revealed in the scriptures. We come to this site to have our eyes opened and our ears unstopped so that we can not only see God through His Word but hear His still small voice speak to us in our times of solitude. May we not be hindered by what we read that appears to be outside of our understanding or preset ideas. May we have ears to hear and eyes to see the Truth that this Word of God brings to our understanding. In Jesus’ might and glorious name, Amen.
Grace and peace to all,
Ramona
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Jermiah & The Ragamuffin gospel
I like Mike’s putting forth the questions and thoughts about “How can this God that Jeremiah saw as he witnessed the destruction of the prized Temple…be also the same God in the Ragamuffin gospel.
(I did enjoy it when I first reread it)
I suppose relevance could be an issue: Have we ever witnessed destruction either personally or as a nation? Either as a direct result of judgement or an indirect catastrophe that causes us to think of judgement?
Jeremiah warned of Judgement and with Katrina in New Orleans I would not say judgement was come but was in some way knowledge and personal choice missed?
I mean to say like Jesus said about buidling a house upon sand, Would an Older generation build beneath Sea Level in a place of Hurricanes?
Maybe..,
But as the ragamuffin gospel shows and a recent Larry King Interview spoke about.
It is not that God sent the hurricane, but to say He did not know it was coming would be a little presumptous.
On our Jeremiah side could he not have said, Enough of Mardi Gras and some satanic activities…, I know do to the Brokeness of the World, the corruption of the weather patterns, a “Wirlwind” is coming and if you make your plans and don’t listen to warning, a strong wind will come and take all out.
Jeremiah would have been nice in French Quarters…hmmm?
I think we all want a ragamuffin gospel now in the City that wants gambling to produce revenues…
I think I want a modern love and compassion to take home a homeless person or family and frankly keep them there.
I don’t want to rebuild a temple that was so corrupted in Jeremiahs day that even in Jesus Day again a Temple needed to be destroyed.
I wonder about my own temples and frankly my church and home.
Should my Gospel be as the Lord Liveth and I able to take One Person, one family home.. and help them?
Should I be willing to absorb a person into my life and let my life style and actions be seen by another so as to have the chance to share…a fact i live by…”my lord liveth?”
Sadly, I fail my own test and wish for you more than I am.
In the past as a one time ‘Jesus Freak’ I did live as I ask and as new times bring back the warnings (and todays readings) and the times I lived in: Jesus is Coming;
I see another issue I never thought to enconter, the convenient christian.
Send Monies, send missionaries, send concerts, foods, clothings, and yet;
Is there one David Wilkerson from Colorado to a need in New York?
One Keith Green singing here am I, send me.
I think todays reading and Katrina’s force and my own reactions are linked. As my Lord liveth, I feel remorse and tears of shame for not being one to say,
Here am I, come to me.
Only God can meet all real need from disasters both personal and national.
Yet as TV shows Swap Wives to help others in reality shows in America, I hope we as a people of God don’t need a Reality check to know our time is now.
Our homes where we feel safe…may be a launching place for us to leave to go help;
Or a shelter for those who need us to bring home our gospel…,
the ragamuffins who need to know and see in us..that our God Lives.
I pray I may live again as I once did.
Michael
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Jeremiah 12:1-14:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected. (Proverbs 18:10 HCSB)
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my mountain where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalms 18:2 HCSB)
A man’s own foolishness leads him astray, yet his heart rages against the LORD. (Proverbs 19:3 HCSB)
Three passages, and there are more that suggests (2) that God is an immovable force—we must turn to Him, run to Him, and the third suggest that it is our choices that bring about our own calamity.
The protection we seek can be found only in our Strong Tower, our Rock, God. When we move out from under that protection by disobedience, the Tower does not follow us nor is the Rock moved to where you are heading when you are going out on your own. Just as an umbrella carried during the day of rain will not protect you unless you open it (application) and stand under it (submit; subject) affording yourself of the protection the canopy gives.
Israel, now Judah is out from under the Rock which is her protection thus she is subject to danger. One may say that God caused her troubles but in truth he permitted her to follow down that path because God is all about Free Will, it’s all about choice. When one is a babe then the Rock holds His charge near; but once maturation is complete and the babe is now a man or woman capable of mobility—that no longer babe can walk off. Unless the Rock sends you on your mission; He will not follow you.
The Father in the story of the Prodigal Son did not follow the wayward son, who was not in his right mind, into the Pig Pen to pull him out. The son had to come to the realization of who he was and whom he belonged to, his family. It was only when he 1) came to his right mind, 2) got up, humbled himself and returned (repented) to his rightful place that the Father, seeing Him afar off returning (repenting) ran and met him then elevated him to his rightful position.
That principal worked with Israel, Judah, the Wayward or wasteful son, and it works for us.
My oldest son accused me of causing him to be in jail because I wouldn’t lie for him (I will not lie for anyone and that includes my two children nor any other relative). He did the deed, he was caught; his own actions landed him in the situation he found himself in.
A man of great wrath shall suffer the penalty; for if you deliver him [from the consequences], he will [feel free to] cause you to do it again. (Proverbs 19:19 AMP)
Criminals and those with a criminal mind are angry people—they believe things were withheld from them and the only way they can get ANYTHING is to take it from someone else—even a person’s life. And a Criminal Mind does not have to break a codified law to legally be a criminal, they just break moral laws.
And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering, [Heb. 11:4.] But for Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed. (Genesis 4:4-5 AMP)
Grace and peace,
Ramona
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we are not to be lazy (proverbs) but work with our hands (1 Thessalonians)
working with our hands is important for lots of reasons and God is talking to me about this – crafts, physical labor, and having credibility in the local scene by MAKING something.
i am planning to include crafts in our training for next year.
Andrew
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Jeremiah 12 (Amplified)
4
How long must the land mourn and the grass and herbs of the whole country wither? Through the wickedness of those who dwell in it, the beasts and the birds are consumed and are swept away [by the drought], because men [mocked] me, saying, He shall not [live to] see our final end.
5
[But the Lord rebukes Jeremiah’s impatience, saying] If you have raced with men on foot and they have tired you out, then how can you compete with horses? And if [you take to flight] in a land of peace where you feel secure, then what will you do [when you tread the tangled maze of jungle haunted by lions] in the swelling and flooding of the Jordan?
6
For even your brethren and the house of your father–even they have dealt treacherously with you; yes, even they are [like a pack of hounds] in full cry after you. Believe them not, though they speak fair words and promise good things to you.
NOTE:
I like how the Amplified Bible clarifies God’s answer to Jeremiah: “But the Lord rebukes Jeremiah’s impatience”.
Jeremiah’s questions are the same as ours:
(vs 1)
Why does the way of the wicked prosper?
(vs 2)
You Yourself have planted them and they have taken root.
Yet, they speak like they know You, Lord, but You are far from their hearts (or minds – as in NKJV).
It is obvious they only pretend to know and love You, Lord.
(vs 3)
You let them keep on as they are, yet Lord – You have tested my heart toward You.
Why do You test me so much??
WE HAVE TO LOOK BEYOND WHAT “feels fair”. God is working out His plan to vindicate those who trust in Him. God loves His people deeply, and cares enough about us to test our hearts so that we can be pure.
God loves us too much to let us stay the way we are in our character; God is not willing that any rebellious people should perish, and His patience gives them time to repent.
MAY WE PRAY FOR THE PATIENCE THAT GOD HAS. The fruit of the Spirit is: “love, joy, peace, PATIENCE. . .”
~~~
Jeremiah 13 (NKJV)
10
This evil people, who refuse to hear My words, who follow the dictates of their hearts, and walk after other gods to serve them and worship them, shall be just like this sash which is profitable for nothing.
11
For as the sash clings to the waist of a man, so I have caused the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah to cling to Me,’ says the LORD, ‘that they may become My people, for renown, for praise, and for glory; but they would not hear.’
NOTE:
May we listen, may we heart. Lord, we offer up our inner selves to you, for You alone can establish us in this part of Your New Covenant—to write Your Word upon our hearts and to give us a new heart to love and serve You with pure hearts.
Psalm 143 (Amplified)
8
Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You.
~~~
I Thessalonians 1 (NKJV)
9
For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,
10
and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
NOTE:
May all of our lives be like this—that all others, whether they believe in God or not—are impressed by the real and thorough change in us because of the Lord Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 2 (NKJV)
4
But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.
7
But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.
8
So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
NOTE:
THANK GOD that God continually tests our hearts. God purifies us in our character and motives as we daily and continually yield to Him so He can use us TO BE THE COMMUNITY and TO BE THE PEOPLE He has called us to be.
Then, we can be, through GRACE, faithful witnesses of God’s Love and Gospel.
John 13 (NKJV)
35
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
~~~
Psalm 79 (NKJV)
9
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; and deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, for Your name’s sake!
NOTE:
THANK GOD for His covenant –the Lord’s steadfast, unfailing, covenant Love. That is His Name.
Psalm 23 (Amplified)
3
He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him–not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.
God WILL establish His Word of righteousness and blessing towards the people of Israel, given to Abraham.
Genesis 12:3 – “I will bless you and make you a blessing.”
And God WILL use the Church of the Lord Jesus (Jesus, son of David and son of Abraham) to help establish Israel.
All who come to the truly know the Lord Jesus are ONE NEW MAN, and the dividing wall of hostility has been torn down.
Vance
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1 Thessalonians 1
Thessalonia was a big city, a port city, and after being a capital of one of four districts of Macedonia – was made the capital of all Macedonia by the Romans.
By backing Antony and Octavious, the city was also rewarded and made a “free city” (about 100 years by the time of Paul’s writing). They ruled and judged amongst themselves – as long as thier were no civil riots.
That is why Paul’s spreading of the gospel was a big deal. This led to Paul’s abrupt departure.
“These men who have turned the world upside down, have come to our city as well,” {cf, Acts 17:6}.
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Thessalonia after Paul
Paul’s letter was warm and friendly. The opening does not carry the familiar stamp of apostolic authority we have seen in other letters. Yes, there were problems – some accusations regarding Paul to adress, and questions regarding the Second Coming of Christ, but…
…Thessalonia got it. they received the gospel and spread the gospel themselves. The amount of doctrine they accepted is noted in the letter. Their fruits of the Spirit are abundant. ALL THIS in less than one year.
If someone wrote a letter about you one year after you were saved – what would that letter say????
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Paul compliments them and continually has Thessalonia in prayer for:
1)”your work produced by faith” – (in the past and ongoing). What work?
John6:29 “Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
The believed: acknowledged, believed and trusted in Christ. Upon hearing the gospel they received Christ.
“Until you have actually received Christ, you have not exercised faith.” – Ray Stedman
2)”your labor prompted by love”, (in the present and ongoing) – a changed attitude towards affliction, spreading of the Gospel, having a daily trust in God’s care.
3)”your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ”. (expectations of the future) – endurance or steadfastness in the certain expectation of the return of Christ.
1Thess1:4
“For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,”
I stay away from “election” when it is ambiguous in the Greek. Here it is not ambiguous. Paul knows that they are loved by God and they are chosen. Chosen – Gk. ekloge:
1) the act of picking out, choosing
a) of the act of God’s free will by which before the foundation of the world he decreed his blessings to certain persons
b) the decree made from choice by which he determined to bless certain persons through Christ by grace alone
2) a thing or person chosen
a) of persons: God’s elect
http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/words/1/1160450300-966.html
From the roots of the word – it is a “calling by name” “out of” or “away from”.
All this, because in the past some people have asked me to point out verses that point to “election”. This is one of them. Nothing to argue about, just something that each person has to resolve in their own mind to their own satisfaction.
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Other places Paul might scratch his head, and think “are they really saved?”, but not in Thessalonia.
The gospel came with “power” – in the greek with the added denotation of being like the power and influence of riches or armies. Even like the power of miracles.
And the Thessalonians were certain of their faith and salvation. So certain – that in a very short time they were out spreading the gospel themselves, and livng as an example of “light” for others to see.
These passages are not only a ringing endorsement of Thessalonia’s faith, but also in a way an endorsement of Paul’s ministry. The things told to him back at Damascus and during his time of learning (in Arabia) are coming to fruition.
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1Thess1:9b “They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,”
“This is the process of conversion. A person believes in the person and work of Jesus Christ and there is a turning of his life. He turns away from the empty things he had previously trusted in, and turns to trust in Jesus Christ. Then, there is a transformation that takes place. That transformed life is evidence of a true conversion, because our life is no longer what it used to be. It is, as we are told in Acts 26:18, turning from “darkness to light.” – Gil Rugh
We have seen all throughout the Old Testament, but especially in Jeremiah, the call to turn or return to God. Some New Testament passages:
Acts3:19 says, “Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away… .” The word “return” is the same word for “turn” used in 1 Thessalonians 1:9.
Acts 14:15. Paul says, “…Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you in order that you should turn from these vain things to a living God… .”
2Corinthians 3:16 “Whenever a man turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”
The thessalonians “turned” to God and received Christ. Now they are doing two things – serving and waiting. Their service has been outlined above, but what are they waiting for?
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1Thess1:10 “and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
This is the only time anemeno (wait) is used in NT. The meaning is to wait with the added notion of patience and trust. They are waiting with certainty for Christ’s return.
“Rescues us from the coming wrath” is one of those staements that makes me believe in the Rapture of the Church. Why?
Wrath – Gk. orge – means punishment resulting from anger. That is not hell. Going to hell would be punishment resulting from the justice and righteousness of God – for those that chose to reject Him.
If you do a word study on “orge” or “wrath” I think you will see the context. This “wrath” is reserved for the world and those that reject God and his plan. The Tribulation or Second Coming. (Whichever you believe it to be.) When God will say “enough” in the time he has appointed and will fulfill the extended prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel and others.
I believe the point of it all, as I said before will be to bring the remnant of Israel back into the fold (to have them “turn to God and receive Christ). If that is the case, then there is no need for the “church” to be here, it is not about the believer.
If I am wrong, then for the verse to be true – then through all the “wrath” (Tribulation/Second Coming)the existing believer will be unharmed (delivered/rescued). So either way Christ will have rescued us from the “wrath”.
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So the Thessalonians do not just serve, or just wait. They do both, as we are also to do. Serving the Lord, sharing the Gospel, always with the expectant eye on His Return.
John
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1 Thessalonians 1
2007
4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.
In previous verse Paul commends Thessalonians for “labor prompted by love”. So did the Thessalonians do this on their own to please God?
No, in a different way in the quoted verses the Thessalonians were convicted and knew that their Christian walk depended on God – not themselves. They are not just saved by God – their walk is enpowered by God. They yield to the Father in the Father-child role, submit their will to His, and receive from Him the richness of His grace and the power to walk in the Spirit, in love.
The Thessalonians imitated Paul and his group in yielding to the Father, that is how they were able to love with God’s love. That is how they were able to do the work God had predestined for them from before the Creation. When you “are” in the Spirit, one proceeds with great conviction – it is an uplifting and humbling experiance. You know that in Christ you are not inferior to anyone, but you alone are nothing – incapable of pulling it off without god’s work through the Holy Spirit.
John
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this is yom kippur the day of atonement. As I was reading the OT today, I felt strangely at home, as our times in the good old US of A are strangely defined in these verses. It’s a scary time- this election. It’s time to pray and ask for God’s mercy on this nation and our individual families. In the 40’s norman Vincent Peale wrote a book telling about how the family altar was being replaced by the family bar and how divorce was becoming more prevalent. We’ve come a long way baby-the wrong way. We should be rending our hearts AND our garments for the way that we have turned our backs on the God of “In God we trust” Those words need to be written and re-written on our hearts, We’ve mixed the spiritual blessings with monetary blessings and are too confused to shine a clear light on this world as the Church, The Bride that Jesus desires. Lord have mercy-Let’s pray!
Lisa (2008)
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1 Thessalonians 2: 4-7 spoke out to me the most. Paul writes that he ministered at the Lord’s command, and he never tried to impress people. Paul only desired God’s praise and approval. These are good verses to remember when we are teaching others about God because when we do so we should only do it to please God, rather than people. “We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” (Verse 4)
Angela
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“…but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” What a great reminder that whenever I struggle to decide what action to take, may this thought be my guidepost to do what please Him rather than men. But it is so difficult to ignore the temptation of being approved by men. May the Lord have mercy on our weaknesses.
Karen
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The Jeremiah story reminded me of honey in the rock as well where they storing things in the hole of the rock. I love that the Lord showed his love for both Jews and Gentiles..also hw was giving Jerusalum- aka the Jews and ultimatum. If you will turn from your ways and cry out to me..i will heal the land. Amen
The way we conduct our lives is testimony of the love and admiration of the Lord. That is true..and I know at times I get frustrated at some who test my patience and I know that is something I need to work on.
Psalm 79 kind of sounded or rebuked me ouch. When you want others to suffer more than you then God will reveal your sins. Wow..making me realize to be humble and compassionate.
People that lack common sense..
When you sleep, slumber, “sit ” on things poverty will jump on us. Be vigilant..stay the course.
Dee
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1 Thessalonians 1
Thessalonia was a big city, a port city, and after being a capital of one of four districts of Macedonia – was made the capital of all Macedonia by the Romans.
By backing Antony and Octavious, the city was also rewarded and made a “free city” (about 100 years by the time of Paul’s writing). They ruled and judged amongst themselves – as long as thier were no civil riots.
That is why Paul’s spreading of the gospel was a big deal. This led to Paul’s abrupt departure.
“These men who have turned the world upside down, have come to our city as well,” {cf, Acts 17:6}.
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Thessalonia after Paul
Paul’s letter was warm and friendly. The opening does not carry the familiar stamp of apostolic authority we have seen in other letters. Yes, there were problems – some accusations regarding Paul to adress, and questions regarding the Second Coming of Christ, but…
…Thessalonia got it. they received the gospel and spread the gospel themselves. The amount of doctrine they accepted is noted in the letter. Their fruits of the Spirit are abundant. ALL THIS in less than one year.
If someone wrote a letter about you one year after you were saved – what would that letter say????
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Paul compliments them and continually has Thessalonia in prayer for:
1)”your work produced by faith” – (in the past and ongoing). What work?
John6:29 “Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
The believed: acknowledged, believed and trusted in Christ. Upon hearing the gospel they received Christ.
“Until you have actually received Christ, you have not exercised faith.” – Ray Stedman
2)”your labor prompted by love”, (in the present and ongoing) – a changed attitude towards affliction, spreading of the Gospel, having a daily trust in God’s care.
3)”your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ”. (expectations of the future) – endurance or steadfastness in the certain expectation of the return of Christ.
1Thess1:4
“For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,”
I stay away from “election” when it is ambiguous in the Greek. Here it is not ambiguous. Paul knows that they are loved by God and they are chosen. Chosen – Gk. ekloge:
1) the act of picking out, choosing
a) of the act of God’s free will by which before the foundation of the world he decreed his blessings to certain persons
b) the decree made from choice by which he determined to bless certain persons through Christ by grace alone
2) a thing or person chosen
a) of persons: God’s elect
http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/words/1/1160450300-966.html
From the roots of the word – it is a “calling by name” “out of” or “away from”.
All this, because in the past some people have asked me to point out verses that point to “election”. This is one of them. Nothing to argue about, just something that each person has to resolve in their own mind to their own satisfaction.
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Other places Paul might scratch his head, and think “are they really saved?”, but not in Thessalonia.
The gospel came with “power” – in the greek with the added denotation of being like the power and influence of riches or armies. Even like the power of miracles.
And the Thessalonians were certain of their faith and salvation. So certain – that in a very short time they were out spreading the gospel themselves, and livng as an example of “light” for others to see.
These passages are not only a ringing endorsement of Thessalonia’s faith, but also in a way an endorsement of Paul’s ministry. The things told to him back at Damascus and during his time of learning (in Arabia) are coming to fruition.
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1Thess1:9b “They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,”
“This is the process of conversion. A person believes in the person and work of Jesus Christ and there is a turning of his life. He turns away from the empty things he had previously trusted in, and turns to trust in Jesus Christ. Then, there is a transformation that takes place. That transformed life is evidence of a true conversion, because our life is no longer what it used to be. It is, as we are told in Acts 26:18, turning from “darkness to light.” – Gil Rugh
We have seen all throughout the Old Testament, but especially in Jeremiah, the call to turn or return to God. Some New Testament passages:
Acts3:19 says, “Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away… .” The word “return” is the same word for “turn” used in 1 Thessalonians 1:9.
Acts 14:15. Paul says, “…Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you in order that you should turn from these vain things to a living God… .”
2Corinthians 3:16 “Whenever a man turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”
The thessalonians “turned” to God and received Christ. Now they are doing two things – serving and waiting. Their service has been outlined above, but what are they waiting for?
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1Thess1:10 “and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
This is the only time anemeno (wait) is used in NT. The meaning is to wait with the added notion of patience and trust. They are waiting with certainty for Christ’s return.
“Rescues us from the coming wrath” is one of those staements that makes me believe in the Rapture of the Church. Why?
Wrath – Gk. orge – means punishment resulting from anger. That is not hell. Going to hell would be punishment resulting from the justice and righteousness of God – for those that chose to reject Him.
If you do a word study on “orge” or “wrath” I think you will see the context. This “wrath” is reserved for the world and those that reject God and his plan. The Tribulation or Second Coming. (Whichever you believe it to be.) When God will say “enough” in the time he has appointed and will fulfill the extended prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel and others.
I believe the point of it all, as I said before will be to bring the remnant of Israel back into the fold (to have them “turn to God and receive Christ). If that is the case, then there is no need for the “church” to be here, it is not about the believer.
If I am wrong, then for the verse to be true – then through all the “wrath” (Tribulation/Second Coming)the existing believer will be unharmed (delivered/rescued). So either way Christ will have rescued us from the “wrath”.
======================================================
So the Thessalonians do not just serve, or just wait. They do both, as we are also to do. Serving the Lord, sharing the Gospel, always with the expectant eye on His Return.
John
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