June 13, 2023 | Be On Mission
Receiving the Word of God
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2(NIV)
1 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 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. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 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. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 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. 7 Instead, we were like young children among you.
Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 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. 9 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. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews 15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.
17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
Devotional
Thessalonica was an important city in the Roman Empire, located on the Aegean Sea in the province of Macedonia (modern-day Greece). The city was a hub for commerce and a center for worship of the Greek gods. Many, if not most, of the Christians in Thessalonica were Greeks, putting them in direct conflict with their neighbors and business partners. Paul acknowledges this tension saying, “with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition” (v. 2).
Because these first Christians in that city were starting out in a hostile environment, they needed others to help them mature in the faith and not give in to the pressures surrounding them. So, Paul used family metaphors to convey his relationship with and love for them. How would these statements have encouraged the new believers?
“Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you” (v. 7-8).
“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children” (v. 11).
“But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you” (v. 17).
Beyond their personal connection to Paul, Silas and Timothy, the Thessalonian believers had a role model in the churches in Judea (where Jerusalem is), nearly a thousand miles away by sea. Certainly, none of them had ever been there. But Paul reminds them that they are connected to the apostles of Jesus, saying, “For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out” (v. 14-15)
Faith in Christ is never done alone. We have our own church community. We have those who have mentored us in the faith. We have the greater Church, passed down through the ages from the first believers in ancient Jerusalem. Take time to thank God for all the believers who have impacted your faith from the beginning until this very moment!
Poem
Share
As heir with Christ, I have a share
Within the economy of heaven
The Father’s generosity
The Son’s authority
The Spirit’s indemnity
All mine
Approved by God
As heir with Christ, I have to share
Throughout the realms of earth
The Father’s holiness and grace
The Son’s righteousness and blamelessness
The Spirit’s exhortation and encouragement
All offered
Gifts of God
As heir with Christ, I now do share
With others in the Family
The Father’s call to walk the Way
The Son’s suffering and victory
The Spirit’s endeavoring and desire
All mirror
Image of God
