In His Service

                  The Lasting Work of the Good News.  1 Thessalonians 3:6-13 It is always good news when we hear of the lasting work of the Good News. Paul, having been blocked by Satan’s scheme, now hears the good news from Timothy. The Thessalonicans have persevered in their faith, in their love, and in their attitudes towards God and Paul. First, let’s look at the first portion of the text, 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. Therefore, brothers and sisters, 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? Night and day we pray most earn...

         The Tempter’s Snares: Deception 1 Thes. 2:17-3:5 In our world today, there are many temptation’s that are set out to ensnare those who are ignorant and foolish, as well as those who are rebellious, proud, and arrogant. Even among the believers, Satan has set traps, temptations by those who look righteous but are like their master, Satan, angels of light. “For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve .” (2 Cor. 11:13-15) Paul knew that these would come, for Jesus had said, “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.” (Matt. 24:4-5)   Let’s begin with the first portion of the text,   “But, brothers and sisters, when we we...

  Live the Walk, Not Just the Talk 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Paul, Silas, and Timothy recalled the persecution for the gospel in Philippi, yet they were dependent on God, the helper and source of their strength as they stood firm against those who opposed them even in Thessalonica. So let's begin with the first portion of the text, “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. 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. 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 o...

                       The Thessalonians’ Faith 1 Thes. 1:1-10 A little background from the book of Acts, chapter 17. Paul,  Silas, and Timothy had been in Phillippi for several weeks and had just been delivered out of a prison by God. They were in Troas, waiting on the Holy Spirit’s direction. Paul had received a vision of a man in Macedonia begging for God to send Paul to help them. The call to Macedonia would send Paul, Silas, and Timothy through Thessalonica, where they will meet with more hostilities against the gospel, but it also gave them time to plant the seeds of the gospel (1 Cor. 3:6-9) into the hearts of “some Jews and many God-fearing gentiles and quite a few prominent women.” Paul is sending this letter from Corinth. Let’s look at the first portion of the text, “ Grace and peace to you. We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father yo...