Actions Speak Louder Than Words
And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 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, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. – 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10
The belief and the faith that these people had was so strong that it was very evident to those around them. They turned away from their sins and turned toward God in such a mighty way that everyone else could see how they had changed and how they were now following the true God. We can preach and teach all we want, but actions like those almost always speak louder.
Question to Ponder: How do your actions show others about the truth of Jesus?
The Blunt Truth of the Christian Faith
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. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness--God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. – 1 Thessalonians 2:4-6
This is one big thing that sets Christianity apart from other religions. Many of those other religions make bold “promises” or they just sound really good, and that is because the leaders of those religions are trying to convince you to follow them. But Jesus, along with Paul (who wrote this passage) and other writers of the Bible, don’t do that. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that all your worries will vanish and you will have all the money and happiness that you want if you follow Jesus. Why? Because the Bible isn’t trying to convince you of anything. It is simply stating the truth. The Bible doesn’t exist to please men, but to share the truth of Jesus Christ.
Question to Ponder:Have you ever followed someone who made false promises? How is Christianity different?
Be Christ-Like Around Others
You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. – 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12
As Paul writes these words, he is not trying to brag about himself. Indeed, anyone who has read Paul’s letters knows that he is as humble as anyone. Instead, he is trying to give us an example to follow. He and those who were with him conducted themselves in a very Christ-like manner while visiting with the people of Thessalonica. We need to follow that same example when we are around other people, whether they are fellow Christians or non-believers. Paul also mentions that they encouraged and comforted the people during their visit, but they charged them in their walks with Christ as well. All of those things are important: We need to encourage one another, but we also need to keep one another on the right path.
Question to Ponder: Could these words describe your daily life--do you act in a Christ-like manner around other people?
The Importance of Discipleship
[We sent Timothy] 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. 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. – 1 Thessalonians 3:2b-5
Paul didn’t just go to Thessalonica, preach the gospel of Christ, lead people to His saving grace, and then leave them behind, forgetting about them. He did have to move on to the next city, but he didn’t forget about these people. He sent Timothy to check on them, and then wrote two letters himself. Discipleship is an important part of the Christian walk. Leading someone to Christ and then forgetting about them doesn’t do much to help that person. A new Christian needs other Christians to come alongside for encouragement and spiritual growth. Paul knew how important that was, and we need to remember that, too.
Question to Ponder: What can you do to help with the spiritual growth of fellow Christians, especially new believers?
Paul’s Plea for Purity
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
Our culture makes it difficult to follow the commands given in these verses. We see evidence of sexual immorality all around us, especially when watching TV or movies. Non-believers often act out of uncontrolled lust because, without a right relationship with Jesus, they may not know any better. But as Christians, we don’t have that excuse. We do know better, and we have the Holy Spirit inside of us to act as our guide. Our bodies belong to God, and we need to keep that in mind in all that we do.
Question to Ponder:How sexually pure are your thoughts and actions in a typical day?
How to Love and How to Live
But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing. – 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
According to Paul, the people of Thessalonica already had a strong love for one another. However, Paul urges them to continue to increase that love. You can never give or receive too much love! In addition, Paul urges these people to lead quiet lives, enjoying the inner peace that comes from Christ and letting that peace shine through to others. He also implores them to mind their own business rather than trying to run other people’s lives--a useful command for all of us! Overall, Paul is pleased with how the people of Thessalonica are conducting themselves, but we can always strive to become even more like Christ.
Question to Ponder: Do you struggle with any of these three ideals (loving others, living quietly, or minding your own business)?
Spiritual Awareness
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. – 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8
Consider this the next time you are knowingly committing a sinful act: If Jesus were to return at that very moment, how would that make you feel? Would you want to face our Lord and Savior under those circumstances, knowing what you had been doing? In these verses, Paul urges the people of Thessalonica (as well as the rest of us) to be aware of the fact that Jesus could return at any time, and we don’t know when that will be. Rely on the strength of God and stay away from things which are done in darkness. Remain in the light instead.
Question to Ponder: The next time you are committing a sinful act, remember the question posed in this devotional.
Various Exhortations, Part 1 of 2
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.– 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14
In the final chapter of his first letter to the people of Thessalonica, Paul closes with a variety of exhortations. We should always do our best to comfort one another and build each other up rather than tearing each other down. We should respect people in positions of authority because of the responsibility that comes with such roles and also because those people have been put in those positions by God. Paul then repeats his command to comfort those who are in need, and he reminds us to be patient with one another, even when we have a hard time understanding the other person’s perspective or actions.
Question to Ponder:Which of these commands is hardest for you to follow? How can you ask God to help you with that?
Various Exhortations, Part 2 of 2
See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. – 1 Thessalonians 5:15-22
Paul’s exhortations to the people of Thessalonica continue in these eight short verses. We should not try to do harmful or evil things to one another but to do what is right and good instead. We should always rejoice and give thanks, even when times are tough. After all, as Christians, we have been saved by Jesus and we have eternal life in Him--no hardship in this life can ever take away our eternal joy! Paul also urges us to pray without ceasing, which doesn’t mean that we have to kneel in prayer 24 hours a day, but that we need to maintain a spirit of prayer and stay in close communication with God. Finally, he commands us to not quench the Spirit, which we so often do out of a fear of what other people will think, and to stay away from all forms of evil.
Question to Ponder:Which of these commands is hardest for you to follow? How can you ask God to help you with that?
Warning Against Idleness
But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. – 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12
God doesn’t want us to become idle or lazy. We see more and more people who are becoming lazy, not wanting to do any real work while relying on the government. God gave us the ability to work, and He expects us to work to provide for ourselves.
Question to Ponder: Are you a hard-worker, or are you frequently lazy, wanting to let someone else do the work?
Admonishing Those Who Disobey
But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. – 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15
First, Paul urges the Thessalonian people to not grow weary in doing good. He realizes that there are times when it is hard to do what is right, and that is perhaps more true in today’s world than it has ever been before. But we can’t become discouraged; we must keep doing what is right and good if we want to impact the world for Jesus. Next, Paul gives advice on how to treat a person who is not doing what is right. We do not need to do anything that would encourage such behavior (as some people, even Christians, do when they get caught up in the excitement of the moment). However, Paul also says that we shouldn’t treat the person as an enemy. Instead, we should respond with love, correcting and admonishing that person and trying to lead him or her back onto the right path.
Question to Ponder:Do you ever grow weary in doing what is right? How do you treat others who may go astray?
** Friday & Saturday starting at this point **
Stick to the Truth
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia--remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith. – 1 Timothy 1:3-5
The Bible, the Word of God, is the absolute truth. Some people try to twist its words or make claims that are out of context in order to satisfy their own agendas. That may make some people feel better in this life, but the Bible isn't a "feel-good" story. It is simply the truth, delivered to us straight from God. Anyone who tries to claim that something else is the truth will ultimately cause divisions in the church, as Paul warns in these verses. In order to discover the truth, we only need to go to God's Word and see what He tells us. Be careful not to be led astray by such people. As Christians, we know that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and we need to unite and spread that message to the world around us!
Question to Ponder: Do you wholeheartedly believe in the absolute truth of the Bible?
The Abundant Grace of God
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. – 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Before he was saved by Jesus, Paul committed horrific acts against Christians, some of which he mentions here. Now, having been saved, he freely recognizes his sin (calling himself the chief of all sinners), and is clearly extremely grateful for God's grace. No matter what you may have done in the past, God forgives--and He freely gives His grace to all of us!