The Way - Day 055 (1 Thessalonians 2)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
1 Thessalonians 2 leads the reader to believe that false teachers had entered the church at Thessalonica to question the work Paul had accomplished. It was common for these teachers to attack Paul because he was preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. Most of these teachers became angry at Paul's doctrine because it meant people would no longer follow them or give money to their ministry. In reality, many of these false teachers were only concerned about financial gain and did not care about the well-being of others. Paul's words become defensive because he does not want the Thessalonians to associate him with these teachers. For this reason, Paul reminds his readers that "our coming to you was not in vain. But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi...we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict." (2:1-2) Paul, Silas, and Timothy really believed in the power of the gospel and were willing to suffer for it. If they did not believe in what they were teaching, they would have abandoned their preaching ministry because no one wants to suffer for a lie! In contrast to these false teachers, Paul never tried to impress them with his words nor did he use them for financial gain (2:5). Instead of seeking recognition or making unreasonable demands, Paul treated them as his own children (2:7-8) and sought to demonstrate a lifestyle of love, holiness, and purity (2:9-10). Throughout his ministry to the Thessalonians, Paul "exhorted and comforted, and charged every one of you...that you would walk worthy of God." (2:11-12) Paul's ministry at Thessalonica was never about selfish gain or prestige, but rather he set out to share the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ and how they could be a part of God's kingdom. In our relationships with others, we should never use our talents or influence to make people think highly of us. Our goal for every relationship should be that the other person would have a fuller love and understanding of the gospel and its' power to change our life.

1 Thessalonians 2:13-20
Paul had already defended his reasons for coming to Thessalonica to spread the gospel - it was never about making a name for himself or financial gain; however, Paul wanted the Thessalonians to experience the grace of God through Jesus Christ (2:1-12). The false teachers did not like Paul spreading this "new gospel" because many people were abandoning these erroneous doctrines in order to embrace salvation in Jesus Christ. Fom the time Paul brought the truth about Jesus to Thessalonica, they "welcomed it not as the word of men, but...the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe." The Thessalonians immediately viewed Paul's message as truth rather than man-made teaching (2:13) and their belief in Jesus Christ resulted in persecution (2:14). The Jews despised Paul's teachings because it completely crumbled the foundation of their so-called religious system. The Jews killed Jesus Christ and now they sought to destroy anyone who continued to spread His message (2:15). Paul, who was a former member in their religious system, proclaims that their ways "do not please God" and is a prejudice religion which desires only Jews to be saved (2:16). Paul is quick to say that God called him to spread salvation through Jesus Christ to even the "Gentiles that they may be saved." A stern warning is written to the Jews who felt that the Gentiles did not deserve salvation: "wrath has come upon them [Jews] to the uttermost." Since the Jewish system of tradition and rules could never bring salvation, eternal punishment awaited those who rejected salvation through Jesus Christ alone (2:16). Salvation is not found in some crafty creation of man, but only through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our sin. Paul wanted the church at Thessalonica to understand that his message was directly from God. There are many religions which have developed a twist on scripture, but we must stand guard and defend the truth of God's word. We must never tolerate new revelation or the questioning of truth as revealed in the Bible. We must love God and His word with all our heart!

Dear God, guard my mind from becoming captured by doctrines and teachings of men. May I view Your word as divine and never look for man's opinions in regard to scripture.