1 Thessalonians 3:6-13 is nice slice of life moment.
But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.
I would bet some people have the view of Saint Paul as this hard-nosed General Patton like character. There were definitely moments when he was INTENSE to the Nth degree. But reading this passage, we see the kinder and gentler Apostle Paul. It seems downright sappy!
Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?
There might not be anything more delightful than to see other people grow. Not being a parent I don't have that experience in its fullness. However, in life, I've lived long enough to see my nephew and neice grow from tiny squirming bundles to adults in the making. I've participated in church life long enough to see students grow up to become the teachers. It is a good feeling to simply see it. It is a terrific feeling to know that you had a tiny part in the process.
Paul and his companions prayed for this church ...
Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
As an unexpected youth volunteer, I have to remind myself that part of my "work" with the youth besides going to events and preparing Bible lessons is to pray. I claim no knowledge about how prayer actually works but it does and God tells us to do it. So, what am I (are we) waiting for?
What did they pray for?
Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.
Opportunity to spend time with them. In the old days travel was slow and hard. Today, travel is relatively easy, at least in the USA and other developed nations, but we simply get busy with stuff. This kind of prayer is probably even more needful today.
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
More love. Right relationships. Loving those within the circle of the church also those outside we have contact with. We all have "neighbors" we are to love.
There are the physical ones next door, the vocational ones at work, the biological ones in our immediate and extended families, the volitional ones in friends, the incidental ones in acquaintances and other people we meet in day-to-day life and indeed, even "virtual" ones via the internet.
May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
More holiness. Right living. Doing the right thing even if it is hard. Doing the right thing even if nobody is looking.
Lord Jesus, thank you for this window into the heart of Paul. Indeed, he was a passionate advocate of theology and detailed explainer of the significance and meaning of what Jesus did. However, he also cared about those he ministered to. God, help me to have that kind of passion for the truth and for loving others. Amen.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5
Checking out 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5.
The Bible is quite down to earth. The Old Testament is a collection of what happened to the people of Israel in their ups and downs of following God. The New Testament are the Gospels (records of Jesus teaching and deeds), Acts (activities of the early church), Letters (Paul and other early church leaders giving advice to churches and individuals) and Revelation (a vivid description of the battle between good and evil).
The passage I'm looking at today is a window into the lives of Paul and his concern for the group of followers. There is no high flying theology here (there is theology nonetheless) but what comes across is the daily grind of what it means to follow Jesus.
But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. Therefore we wanted to come to you - even I, Paul, time and again - but Satan hindered us.
Rene's really loose paraphrase: WE miss you guys and gals! We've wanted to see you but things just keep getting in the way of those plans!
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.
Rene's really loose paraphrase: Do you know what makes us really happy? The fact that one of these days we will be having a grand reunion with Jesus when the Kingdom arrives in fullness. We are really delighted to know you all!
Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.
Rene's really loose paraphrase: I couldn't stand it anymore, so I sent my trusted aide Timothy to check on you and to strengthen your faith amidst the tough times which are an inevitable part of following Jesus.
For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.
Rene's really loose paraphrase: When I was teaching you, I had told you all that we would be under pressure by those who oppose following Jesus and that is what is happening now. You all seemed so worried about this and so since I've been away from you, I've been concerned about you. 2000 years from now, I could pick up the phone and call you but for now, all I can do is send Timothy to encourage you and to hear from him how you all are doing when he gets back to me. I'd feel awful if your faith was shaken and our work with you came to nothing.
Lord Jesus, I pray for people who I know who are wrestling with their faith. Some may be anxious about particular circumstances. Some have felt disillusioned with the church. Some struggle with aspects of the faith that are hard to understand and accept. Lord, bless each one. To the extent, I can be an encouragement, help me to lift them up with prayers, words, deeds and constancy of love. Tomorrow, am sharing with our church's junior high group and I need you to bless my feeble efforts. Allow me, an imperfect and broken vessel to be the means our young people receive the refreshing water of the word so that their faith would be nourished. Amen.
The Bible is quite down to earth. The Old Testament is a collection of what happened to the people of Israel in their ups and downs of following God. The New Testament are the Gospels (records of Jesus teaching and deeds), Acts (activities of the early church), Letters (Paul and other early church leaders giving advice to churches and individuals) and Revelation (a vivid description of the battle between good and evil).
The passage I'm looking at today is a window into the lives of Paul and his concern for the group of followers. There is no high flying theology here (there is theology nonetheless) but what comes across is the daily grind of what it means to follow Jesus.
But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. Therefore we wanted to come to you - even I, Paul, time and again - but Satan hindered us.
Rene's really loose paraphrase: WE miss you guys and gals! We've wanted to see you but things just keep getting in the way of those plans!
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.
Rene's really loose paraphrase: Do you know what makes us really happy? The fact that one of these days we will be having a grand reunion with Jesus when the Kingdom arrives in fullness. We are really delighted to know you all!
Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.
Rene's really loose paraphrase: I couldn't stand it anymore, so I sent my trusted aide Timothy to check on you and to strengthen your faith amidst the tough times which are an inevitable part of following Jesus.
For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.
Rene's really loose paraphrase: When I was teaching you, I had told you all that we would be under pressure by those who oppose following Jesus and that is what is happening now. You all seemed so worried about this and so since I've been away from you, I've been concerned about you. 2000 years from now, I could pick up the phone and call you but for now, all I can do is send Timothy to encourage you and to hear from him how you all are doing when he gets back to me. I'd feel awful if your faith was shaken and our work with you came to nothing.
Lord Jesus, I pray for people who I know who are wrestling with their faith. Some may be anxious about particular circumstances. Some have felt disillusioned with the church. Some struggle with aspects of the faith that are hard to understand and accept. Lord, bless each one. To the extent, I can be an encouragement, help me to lift them up with prayers, words, deeds and constancy of love. Tomorrow, am sharing with our church's junior high group and I need you to bless my feeble efforts. Allow me, an imperfect and broken vessel to be the means our young people receive the refreshing water of the word so that their faith would be nourished. Amen.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
1 Thessalonians 2:9-16
Taking a look at 1 Thessalonians 2:9-16 this morning.
The first part describes how Paul and his companions tried their best to do two thing: not be a burden to them and to spur them forward in living for God.
not being a burden
For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
He was probably referring to avoiding being a financial burden on them. It is a sad reality of life today that some people feel that the church is just in business to pass the offering plate around to collect money or that the face of Christianity is the guy on television asking for money. For whatever reason, in the circumstances that Paul was in, he felt especially sensitive to the need to avoid any quid pro quo. We know he accepted financial gifts, see Philippians 4:10ff. It was probably those funds and his other labors that helped pay his bills.
Its a challenge for those who have accepted the opportunity to train and serve as pastors. For instance, it costs about $1000 per class at Talbot or Fuller seminary where I have friends who are training to serve the church. It is a delicate balancing act for them to work and help pay the bills and accept the occasional financial gift from supporters. If you know some seminary students, please pray that they will be able to find the right balance that fosters their sense of God's providing and retention of the purity of motive in what they are doing.
spurring them onward
You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.
For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
In addition to their scrupulousness regarding money, they lived holy, righteous and blameless lives while they exhorted, encouraged and charged them to live out their faith.
It was really sad to hear the news about Ted Haggard. He stumbled badly. Yet, I have to give him credit for owning up to his errors. Mark D. Roberts, a pastor, has been writing about the situation and it makes for good reading. We need to be in prayer for those who lead in the church. We are all fallen creatures. Yet, we are being transformed and there are things we need to do to help us stay on the narrow path.
the word at work
And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
What are words?
Letters assembled into bits form words. Words form sentences and convey thoughts. Sentences arranged to form paragraphs make a train of reason. In written form and spoken form, it is words that God miraculously uses to change our lives.
There is power in raw words when God is there. The way we live our lives speak of those words changing us earning us the opportunity to share actual words to someone observing and intrigued by the difference in our lives. At least, that is what I hope is happening in my life!
not alone
For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved -- so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But God's wrath has come upon them at last!
I would imagine they might feel discouraged amidst suffering for their faith. Paul encourages them: you are not alone. The churches in Judea faced the same opposition. The prophets of old faced dangers. The proclaimers of the faith like Paul and others faced persecution.
Today, persecution of Christians exists. I confess my own lack of awareness and prayerfulness about this reality.
Lord, when one part of the body hurts the whole body should hurt. I confess that living here in the USA means I am not alert to what is happening elsewhere. Help me to be in prayer that your Kingdom would come by bringing conviction to those who would harm people for simply believing in Jesus. Lord, in your timing, may your Kingdom come in fullness yielding deliverance for those who suffer and justice upon those who inflict suffering. In my life here in Los Angeles, amidst the people I walk with, help me to walk worthy of you. Give me opportunities to share my faith. Amen.
The first part describes how Paul and his companions tried their best to do two thing: not be a burden to them and to spur them forward in living for God.
not being a burden
For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
He was probably referring to avoiding being a financial burden on them. It is a sad reality of life today that some people feel that the church is just in business to pass the offering plate around to collect money or that the face of Christianity is the guy on television asking for money. For whatever reason, in the circumstances that Paul was in, he felt especially sensitive to the need to avoid any quid pro quo. We know he accepted financial gifts, see Philippians 4:10ff. It was probably those funds and his other labors that helped pay his bills.
Its a challenge for those who have accepted the opportunity to train and serve as pastors. For instance, it costs about $1000 per class at Talbot or Fuller seminary where I have friends who are training to serve the church. It is a delicate balancing act for them to work and help pay the bills and accept the occasional financial gift from supporters. If you know some seminary students, please pray that they will be able to find the right balance that fosters their sense of God's providing and retention of the purity of motive in what they are doing.
spurring them onward
You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.
For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
In addition to their scrupulousness regarding money, they lived holy, righteous and blameless lives while they exhorted, encouraged and charged them to live out their faith.
It was really sad to hear the news about Ted Haggard. He stumbled badly. Yet, I have to give him credit for owning up to his errors. Mark D. Roberts, a pastor, has been writing about the situation and it makes for good reading. We need to be in prayer for those who lead in the church. We are all fallen creatures. Yet, we are being transformed and there are things we need to do to help us stay on the narrow path.
the word at work
And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
What are words?
Letters assembled into bits form words. Words form sentences and convey thoughts. Sentences arranged to form paragraphs make a train of reason. In written form and spoken form, it is words that God miraculously uses to change our lives.
There is power in raw words when God is there. The way we live our lives speak of those words changing us earning us the opportunity to share actual words to someone observing and intrigued by the difference in our lives. At least, that is what I hope is happening in my life!
not alone
For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved -- so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But God's wrath has come upon them at last!
I would imagine they might feel discouraged amidst suffering for their faith. Paul encourages them: you are not alone. The churches in Judea faced the same opposition. The prophets of old faced dangers. The proclaimers of the faith like Paul and others faced persecution.
Today, persecution of Christians exists. I confess my own lack of awareness and prayerfulness about this reality.
Lord, when one part of the body hurts the whole body should hurt. I confess that living here in the USA means I am not alert to what is happening elsewhere. Help me to be in prayer that your Kingdom would come by bringing conviction to those who would harm people for simply believing in Jesus. Lord, in your timing, may your Kingdom come in fullness yielding deliverance for those who suffer and justice upon those who inflict suffering. In my life here in Los Angeles, amidst the people I walk with, help me to walk worthy of you. Give me opportunities to share my faith. Amen.
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