The Jesus (The Way, The Truth, The Life)
First, let me say that I am not speaking here as one who has arrived and has gained or attained any form of sinless perfection, for this is not possible while we continue on the earth, not for any person or even any Christian, that is, follower of Jesus Christ as perhaps the greatest Christian that ever lived said so concerning even himself with these words, "Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) {and} make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me {and} made me His own. I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured {and} made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward." (Philippians 3:12-14) (Amplified Bible).
Therefore, having this as my background and introduction, let me begin by saying that those groups (White Supremacist, Neo-Nazis, KKK, etc.) that marched to keep a Civil War Statue or Monument up have every right to do so, but those who marched with the idea, interest, and intention to incite violence against people whom they believe to be inferior to themselves can never do so under the banner of the King of King and Lord of Lords Jesus Christ for He and His Word declares this, "Well then, are we [Jews] superior {and} better off than they? No, not at all. We have already charged that all men, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles), are under sin [held down by and subject to its power and control]. As it is written, None is righteous, just {and} truthful {and} upright {and} conscientious, no, not one. No one understands [no one intelligently discerns {or} comprehends]; no one seeks out God. All have turned aside; together they have gone wrong {and} have become unprofitable {and} worthless; no one does right, not even one!" (Romans 3:9-12) (Amplified Bible).
This truth from 'The Jesus' debunks every notion that there is or has ever been one race of human beings any where on the earth that is superior to another. The author of this teaching is none other than the devil himself, for he is a liar from the beginning and the father of lies. The devil is the one who has in every generation deceived men into thinking this foolishness. 'The Jesus' (The Way, The Truth, the Life) says this to any man or woman who comes to Him in repentance and faith, "Whoever says he is in the Light and [yet] hates his brother [Christian, born-again child of God his Father] is in darkness even until now. Whoever loves his brother [believer] abides (lives) in the Light, and in It {or} in him there is no occasion for stumbling {or} cause for error {or} sin. But he who hates (detests, despises) his brother [in Christ] is in darkness and walking (living) in the dark; he is straying {and} does not perceive {or} know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes." (1 John 2:9-11) (Amplified Bible).
Therefore, to hold up the banner of 'The Jesus', that person or persons can't help but love what and whom 'The Jesus' loves and this is why 'The Jesus' says this concerning anyone who does not love the people who have been born again by Him and are a part of His Mystical Body the Church, "We know that we have passed over out of death into Life by the fact that we love the brethren (our fellow Christians). He who does not love abides (remains, is held and kept continually) in [spiritual] death. Anyone who hates (abominates, detests) his brother [in Christ] is [at heart] a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding (persevering) within him." (1 John 3:14-15) (Amplified Bible). In other words, according to these words from 'The Jesus', there is no way someone washed in His Blood and born again of His Spirit can hate those who are of like precious faith (2 Peter 1:1), therefore, the White Supremacist and KKK that hold up banners declaring they represent God are delusional, diluted, and deceived having never truly encountered, esteemed, or entered into a personal relationship with 'The Jesus' (The Way, The Truth, The Life).
Now let me say something concerning some of the responses I have read or heard on the news about what happened in Charlottesville: First, many people have harshly criticized Donald Trump for his lack of condemnation of the KKK etc. and rightfully so, but we must remember that the KKK began with some Church people wearing those hoods in the White Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, etc., so let us not think that today we can and will eradicate this generational curse with a statement of condemnation from a White President, for this is what it is, you see no matter how much people call America a Christian Nation, it is not. I am going to go out on a limb and say that America was never a Christian Nation, but was formed by some men and women who were Christian people.
The idea that a newly formed Nation, who formed said Nation to escape the Tyranny and Totalitarianism they found so suppressive in their home Nation would go out upon the ocean travelling thousands of miles to another Continent to capture other people (who did not speak their language) and enslave them killing and brutalizing many of them, raping their women repeatedly, and forcing this people into back breaking labor to build their Nation's Historic sights that still stand today i.e. the White House, the Capitol, the Washington Monument, etc. is a Christian Nation is absurd and if this story were told to another life form from another planet or galaxy would be laughable. Therefore, let us see the events in Charlottesville for exactly what they are, a Nation founded on lies still smoldering with the same cancer that it was founded upon and only the Second Coming of the 'The Jesus' (The Way, the Truth, The Life) will ever change it. The End...
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
I am a Christian Writer of non-fiction primarily and a little fiction. My purpose for forming this site is to Edify Christians with my writing and reach the lost with the uncompromising Gospel of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church Volume 17
Paul Receives News from Timothy about the Thessalonians Part 1
1 Thessalonians 3:6-7 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: KJV
Paul had only one desire when he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica and that was to know the spiritual state and condition of the new believers in Christ in that Church. Timothy returned from his mission and brought Paul the news of the truth as he saw and witnessed it for himself. Upon Timothy's returned, many Bible Scholars (of who I am not one, but I am a lover of the Word of God) believe that after Timothy was reunited with the Apostle Paul that he (Paul) then sits down to write this first letter to the Church in Thessalonica. This makes perfect sense seeing that Paul includes here (in the letter) Timothy's report on the Church there as he declares with these words, "But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:" (1 Thessalonians 3:6) (KJV). Paul had to be patient and wait for Timothy to return before he went and wrote something to these new believers that could have discouraged them instead of encouraging them. The little English phrase 'brought us good tidings' is translated by one Greek word euaggelizo which means simply to bring, declare, or announce good news.
In other words, it was what Paul had longed for since their seperation from one another, that is, he being snatched away from the new Church there well before his wanting to leave because of the intense and violent physical persecution that occured there (Acts 17:5-10). Paul was hurried away by the other brethren in order that what happened to him in Lystra (where he was stoned to death) (Acts 14:19) would not occur there in Thessalonica. The other brethren wanted to protect Paul by getting him as far away from the persecution there as possible, however, Paul had still much to impart to the new believers there and sought a way he could return, but as he stated earlier in this same letter, Satan hindered him as he said with these words, "But since we were bereft of you, brethren, for a little while in person, [of course] not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great longing to see you face to face, Because it was our will to come to you. [I mean that] I, Paul, again and again [wanted to come], but Satan hindered {and} impeded us." (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18) (Amplified Bible).
It was the condition of their faith that concerned Paul and now he had received news that their faith in Christ and love for Christ and one another had withstood all of the devil's violent assaults upon it and this news was to Paul exactly as the Proverb says, "Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far [home] country." (Proverbs 25:25) (Amplified Bible). Surely, Paul had often times imagined, supposed, thought, and even truly believed that this would be the news to him from brother Timothy, but after what he had witnessed in Galatia, he still had that fear or concern that they might have been moved away from the Gospel and the truth by the persecution, but instead his souls thirst was quenched by Tiomthy's report. But not only had Timothy reported of their steadfastness in the faith, but he also told the Apostle Paul of how much the believers there longed for him to return to them and Paul uses the little English phrase 'desiring greatly' to describe their longing and this little phrase is translated by one Greek word epipotheo meaning (to yearn); to dote upon, that is, intensely crave possession of, to earnestly desire, to greatly long after.
In other words, the persecution was far from causing these new Thessalonian believers to turn away from Paul, but it made them feel even closer to Paul and they wanted to be in the physical presence of Paul that they might learn more and more from Paul about our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and how they might suffer patiently to bring glory to God as Paul had done on numerous occassions. In other words, the devils plots, ploys, and plans to use fear to turn these new believers in Thessalonica against the Apostle Paul blew up in his face as they often do because as Paul declared to the believers in Corinth concerning forgiving one another also applies concerning our being loyal to one another and in so doing we will be safe and protected so long as Paul said we remain unbendable, unfaltering, and unshakable in our doing what these words of Paul declare is our ability in Christ to do and that is, "To keep Satan from getting the advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his wiles {and} intentions." (2 Corinthians 2:11) (Amplified Bible).
Paul's own soul (as we stated above) was put at ease by the good report brought to him from Thessalonica by Timothy and so he expresses his feelings concerning their steadfastness in Christ with these words speaking of what it meant to know this for him, "Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:" (1 Thessalonians 3:7) (KJV). Nothing aided the Apostle Paul more than knowing (with certainty) that those whom he preached the Gospel of Christ to, continued in the faith, in love, and in the truth of the Word of God. This brought great peace to the inner man of the Apostle Paul, for we must remember how concerned he always was over the Churches (even more than his own safety and physical well being) as he said himself with these words, "And besides those things that are without, there is the daily [inescapable pressure] of my care {and} anxiety for all the Churches!" (2 Corinthians 11:28) (Amplified Bible). This man was truly a lover of God the Father's children, his brethren, that he could not rest without knowing their spiritual condition and in so knowing that of these Thessalonian believers, that is, their faith being firm and rock solid 'in Christ' he was comforted in all of his suffering and hurting because of the many attacks from Jews and Gentiles for his speaking the truth in love.
"Paul knew that as long as believers stood their spiritual ground against the devil and his onslaughts, they would be taken care of by our Lord Jesus Christ and when he learned that the new believers in Thessalonica (whom he spent the least amount of time with face to face) were standing strong in their faith 'in Christ', then his hardships and trouble (for the sake of the Gospel) seemed to be but a light thing compared to knowing these believers were safe eternally." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
"We have already seen that he and Silas stayed behind at Thessalonica, when Paul was obliged to leave it; for the persecution seems to have been principally directed against him. When Paul came to Athens, he sent pressingly to him and Silas to come to him with all speed to that city. We are not informed that they did come, but it is most likely that they did, and that Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to comfort and build up these new converts. After Paul had sent away Timothy, it is likely he went himself straight to Corinth, and there Timothy soon after met him, with the good news of the steadiness of the Thessalonian Church." Adam Clarke
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Thessalonians 3:6-7 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: KJV
Paul had only one desire when he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica and that was to know the spiritual state and condition of the new believers in Christ in that Church. Timothy returned from his mission and brought Paul the news of the truth as he saw and witnessed it for himself. Upon Timothy's returned, many Bible Scholars (of who I am not one, but I am a lover of the Word of God) believe that after Timothy was reunited with the Apostle Paul that he (Paul) then sits down to write this first letter to the Church in Thessalonica. This makes perfect sense seeing that Paul includes here (in the letter) Timothy's report on the Church there as he declares with these words, "But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:" (1 Thessalonians 3:6) (KJV). Paul had to be patient and wait for Timothy to return before he went and wrote something to these new believers that could have discouraged them instead of encouraging them. The little English phrase 'brought us good tidings' is translated by one Greek word euaggelizo which means simply to bring, declare, or announce good news.
In other words, it was what Paul had longed for since their seperation from one another, that is, he being snatched away from the new Church there well before his wanting to leave because of the intense and violent physical persecution that occured there (Acts 17:5-10). Paul was hurried away by the other brethren in order that what happened to him in Lystra (where he was stoned to death) (Acts 14:19) would not occur there in Thessalonica. The other brethren wanted to protect Paul by getting him as far away from the persecution there as possible, however, Paul had still much to impart to the new believers there and sought a way he could return, but as he stated earlier in this same letter, Satan hindered him as he said with these words, "But since we were bereft of you, brethren, for a little while in person, [of course] not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great longing to see you face to face, Because it was our will to come to you. [I mean that] I, Paul, again and again [wanted to come], but Satan hindered {and} impeded us." (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18) (Amplified Bible).
It was the condition of their faith that concerned Paul and now he had received news that their faith in Christ and love for Christ and one another had withstood all of the devil's violent assaults upon it and this news was to Paul exactly as the Proverb says, "Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far [home] country." (Proverbs 25:25) (Amplified Bible). Surely, Paul had often times imagined, supposed, thought, and even truly believed that this would be the news to him from brother Timothy, but after what he had witnessed in Galatia, he still had that fear or concern that they might have been moved away from the Gospel and the truth by the persecution, but instead his souls thirst was quenched by Tiomthy's report. But not only had Timothy reported of their steadfastness in the faith, but he also told the Apostle Paul of how much the believers there longed for him to return to them and Paul uses the little English phrase 'desiring greatly' to describe their longing and this little phrase is translated by one Greek word epipotheo meaning (to yearn); to dote upon, that is, intensely crave possession of, to earnestly desire, to greatly long after.
In other words, the persecution was far from causing these new Thessalonian believers to turn away from Paul, but it made them feel even closer to Paul and they wanted to be in the physical presence of Paul that they might learn more and more from Paul about our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and how they might suffer patiently to bring glory to God as Paul had done on numerous occassions. In other words, the devils plots, ploys, and plans to use fear to turn these new believers in Thessalonica against the Apostle Paul blew up in his face as they often do because as Paul declared to the believers in Corinth concerning forgiving one another also applies concerning our being loyal to one another and in so doing we will be safe and protected so long as Paul said we remain unbendable, unfaltering, and unshakable in our doing what these words of Paul declare is our ability in Christ to do and that is, "To keep Satan from getting the advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his wiles {and} intentions." (2 Corinthians 2:11) (Amplified Bible).
Paul's own soul (as we stated above) was put at ease by the good report brought to him from Thessalonica by Timothy and so he expresses his feelings concerning their steadfastness in Christ with these words speaking of what it meant to know this for him, "Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:" (1 Thessalonians 3:7) (KJV). Nothing aided the Apostle Paul more than knowing (with certainty) that those whom he preached the Gospel of Christ to, continued in the faith, in love, and in the truth of the Word of God. This brought great peace to the inner man of the Apostle Paul, for we must remember how concerned he always was over the Churches (even more than his own safety and physical well being) as he said himself with these words, "And besides those things that are without, there is the daily [inescapable pressure] of my care {and} anxiety for all the Churches!" (2 Corinthians 11:28) (Amplified Bible). This man was truly a lover of God the Father's children, his brethren, that he could not rest without knowing their spiritual condition and in so knowing that of these Thessalonian believers, that is, their faith being firm and rock solid 'in Christ' he was comforted in all of his suffering and hurting because of the many attacks from Jews and Gentiles for his speaking the truth in love.
"Paul knew that as long as believers stood their spiritual ground against the devil and his onslaughts, they would be taken care of by our Lord Jesus Christ and when he learned that the new believers in Thessalonica (whom he spent the least amount of time with face to face) were standing strong in their faith 'in Christ', then his hardships and trouble (for the sake of the Gospel) seemed to be but a light thing compared to knowing these believers were safe eternally." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
"We have already seen that he and Silas stayed behind at Thessalonica, when Paul was obliged to leave it; for the persecution seems to have been principally directed against him. When Paul came to Athens, he sent pressingly to him and Silas to come to him with all speed to that city. We are not informed that they did come, but it is most likely that they did, and that Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to comfort and build up these new converts. After Paul had sent away Timothy, it is likely he went himself straight to Corinth, and there Timothy soon after met him, with the good news of the steadiness of the Thessalonian Church." Adam Clarke
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church Volume 16
Paul Sends Timothy to Establish & Strengthen them in their Faith Part 3
1 Thessalonians 3:4-5 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. KJV
Many over the years have questioned how could Paul have imparted so much of the Christian Doctrine and Teaching to the newly converted people in the city of Thessalonica, seeing that he was forced out of said city after only 3 weeks to 1 month (Acts 17:2) & (Acts 17:10), but it is not reasonable, responsible, or right for any one of us during any era of the Church to question the Word of God and that is exactly what Paul's letters to theses believers in Thessalonica is the Word of God, therefore, he says this to them reminding them of what he had taught them on the subject of persecution, "For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know." (1 Thessalonians 3:4) (KJV). It is our responsibility to here the Word of God and not question it, but believe it as it is written. Paul, however, (unlike many of us today, myself included) like all of the Apostles was not one to waist time, instead he went about trying to redeem all the time that was given to him by our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ in order that men and women would be saved and built up in the faith just as he declared with these words to the believers in Corinth, "Have you been supposing [all this time] that we have been defending ourselves {and} apologizing to you? [It is] in the sight {and} the [very] presence of God [and as one] in Christ (the Messiah) that we have been speaking, dearly beloved, and all in order to build you up [spiritually]." (2 Corinthians 12:19) (Amplified Bible) and also as he declared to the believers in the region of Galatia with these words, "So then, as occasion {and} opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God's family with you, the believers]." (Galatians 6:10) (Amplified Bible).
Paul uses the little English phrase 'we told you before' which is translated by one Greek word prolego meaning to say beforehand, that is, predict, forewarn: - foretell, tell before. Paul perhaps presented this to the people, even as he was presenting to them the Gospel of Grace in order that they would not be under some false illusions that they would have ease or health, wealth, and prosperity upon coming to faith in Jesus Christ, for Paul certainly knew from first hand experience that this was not so as our Lord Jesus showed to him along his sojourn and pilgrimage (Acts 9:16), so Paul likewise made this (most likely) one of his first teachings to these new converts in Thessalonica. As we know (from Dr. Luke documentation Acts 17:1-10), this is exactly what happened as soon as Paul, Silas, and Timothy presented the Gospel there and God the Holy Spirit converted the souls of many sinners there. This persecution continued for the believers in Thessalonica and this is why Paul could no longer wait, but he needed to know how they were doing physically, but more importantly spiritually, had they stood their ground 'in Christ'? or had the devil had success in bringing so much of the spirit or demon of fear to them, that they had turned away from faith in Christ, these questions were ever present in the mind of this great Apostle, so he declares to them in this stage of his first letter these words, "For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain." (1 Thessalonians 3:5) (KJV). It was the sure fact and reality that Paul knew that the devil would use wicked men and women to persecute these new believers in Thessalonica that he sent Timothy to them (even though he needed Timothy with him). Paul could no longer endure the not knowing their state or condition, so he makes the sacrifice and sends Timothy to them that he might know where they stood in their relationship to Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul uses the little English phrase 'to know' which is translated by one Greek word ginosko which is a prolonged form of a primary verb; meaning to “know” (absolutely), in a great variety of applications and with many implications be aware of, feel, have knowledge, perceive, be resolved, be sure, understand. Paul wanted his mind to be put to rest for his restlessness over their condition by having a report brought back to him one way or another. Paul perhaps being mindful of the troubles that were brought to the Galatian believers wanted to stop (if possibly) the same things happening in Thessalonica, as we are reminded of what took place in Galatia by these words of Paul written to them, "O you poor {and} silly {and} thoughtless {and} unreflecting {and} senseless Galatians! Who has fascinated {or} bewitched {or} cast a spell over you, unto whom--right before your very eyes--Jesus Christ (the Messiah) was openly {and} graphically set forth {and} portrayed as crucified? Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the [Holy] Spirit as the result of obeying the Law {and} doing its works, or was it by hearing [the message of the Gospel] and believing [it]? [Was it from observing a law of rituals or from a message of faith?] Are you so foolish {and} so senseless {and} so silly? Having begun [your new life spiritually] with the [Holy] Spirit, are you now reaching perfection [by dependence] on the flesh? Have you suffered so many things {and} experienced so much all for nothing (to no purpose)--if it really is to no purpose {and} in vain?" (Galatians 3:1-4) (Amplified Bible), so with this experience with the Galatians fresh in his mind Timothy is sent to do just that.
The truth is who our Lord Jesus Christ is (John 14:6) and the lie is who the devil is (John 8:44), so Paul wanted to know if the tempter (the devil) had through the spirit or demon of fear influenced them to turn away from the truth of the Gospel and of the Word of God in order to stop the persecution as some in Galatia had been tempted to do as Paul wrote to them with these words of concern, "You were running the race nobly. Who has interfered in (hindered and stopped you from) your heeding {and} following the Truth? This [evil] persuasion is not from Him Who called you [Who invited you to freedom in Christ]. A little leaven (a slight inclination to error, or a few false teachers) leavens the whole lump [it perverts the whole conception of faith or misleads the whole Church]. [For my part] I have confidence [toward you] in the Lord that you will take no contrary view of the matter {but} will come to think with me. But he who is unsettling you, whoever he is, will have to bear the penalty. But, brethren, if I still preach circumcision [as some accuse me of doing, as necessary to salvation], why am I still suffering persecution? In that case the Cross has ceased to be a stumbling block {and} is made meaningless (done away)." (Galatians 5:7-11) (Amplified Bible). When Paul says 'our labor be in vain', he is not saying that his preaching the true Gospel of Christ or the Gospel of Grace was empty, but on the contrary, what he means is that his concern was that some of their professions of faith 'in Christ' was in vain or empty, meaning that some may have pretended regeneration and new birth by God the Holy Spirit because some family or friends had truly been born again and they did not want to feel left out.
"Greek, 'that we are about (we are sure) to suffer according to the appointment of God (1Thessalonians 3:3). 'Even (exactly) as it both came to pass and ye know'; ye know both that it came to pass, and that we foretold it. The correspondence of the event to the prediction powerfully confirms faith: 'Forewarned, forearmed' [Edmunds]. The repetition of 'ye know,' so frequently, is designed as an argument, that being forewarned of coming affliction, they should be less readily 'moved' by it." JFB Commentary
"In persecution, people are tempted to apostatize from God, in order to avoid suffering. In afflictions of other kinds, Satan often tempts the sufferer to murmur and complain; to charge God with harshness, partiality, and severity, and to give vent to expressions that will show that religion has none of its boasted power to support the soul in the day of trial; compare Job 1:9-11. In all times of affliction, as well as in prosperity, we may be sure that 'the Tempter' is not far off, and should be on our guard against his wiles. And our labour be in vain - By your being turned from the faith." Albert Barnes
"And our labour be in vain: in preaching the Gospel among them; not with respect to God, to whom the Word never returns void and empty; nor with regard to the Apostles, whose judgment was with the Lord, and their work with their God, who will of His own grace reward them; but with respect to the Thessalonians, to whom, should Satan gain his point, it would be of no use and service, for which the concern was. The Ethiopic version reads, 'and your labour be in vain': in receiving the Apostles, embracing and professing the Gospel, and suffering for it; see Galatians 3:4 but the common reading is best, and agrees with what the Apostle elsewhere says, Galatians 4:11." Dr. John Gill
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Thessalonians 3:4-5 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. KJV
Many over the years have questioned how could Paul have imparted so much of the Christian Doctrine and Teaching to the newly converted people in the city of Thessalonica, seeing that he was forced out of said city after only 3 weeks to 1 month (Acts 17:2) & (Acts 17:10), but it is not reasonable, responsible, or right for any one of us during any era of the Church to question the Word of God and that is exactly what Paul's letters to theses believers in Thessalonica is the Word of God, therefore, he says this to them reminding them of what he had taught them on the subject of persecution, "For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know." (1 Thessalonians 3:4) (KJV). It is our responsibility to here the Word of God and not question it, but believe it as it is written. Paul, however, (unlike many of us today, myself included) like all of the Apostles was not one to waist time, instead he went about trying to redeem all the time that was given to him by our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ in order that men and women would be saved and built up in the faith just as he declared with these words to the believers in Corinth, "Have you been supposing [all this time] that we have been defending ourselves {and} apologizing to you? [It is] in the sight {and} the [very] presence of God [and as one] in Christ (the Messiah) that we have been speaking, dearly beloved, and all in order to build you up [spiritually]." (2 Corinthians 12:19) (Amplified Bible) and also as he declared to the believers in the region of Galatia with these words, "So then, as occasion {and} opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God's family with you, the believers]." (Galatians 6:10) (Amplified Bible).
Paul uses the little English phrase 'we told you before' which is translated by one Greek word prolego meaning to say beforehand, that is, predict, forewarn: - foretell, tell before. Paul perhaps presented this to the people, even as he was presenting to them the Gospel of Grace in order that they would not be under some false illusions that they would have ease or health, wealth, and prosperity upon coming to faith in Jesus Christ, for Paul certainly knew from first hand experience that this was not so as our Lord Jesus showed to him along his sojourn and pilgrimage (Acts 9:16), so Paul likewise made this (most likely) one of his first teachings to these new converts in Thessalonica. As we know (from Dr. Luke documentation Acts 17:1-10), this is exactly what happened as soon as Paul, Silas, and Timothy presented the Gospel there and God the Holy Spirit converted the souls of many sinners there. This persecution continued for the believers in Thessalonica and this is why Paul could no longer wait, but he needed to know how they were doing physically, but more importantly spiritually, had they stood their ground 'in Christ'? or had the devil had success in bringing so much of the spirit or demon of fear to them, that they had turned away from faith in Christ, these questions were ever present in the mind of this great Apostle, so he declares to them in this stage of his first letter these words, "For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain." (1 Thessalonians 3:5) (KJV). It was the sure fact and reality that Paul knew that the devil would use wicked men and women to persecute these new believers in Thessalonica that he sent Timothy to them (even though he needed Timothy with him). Paul could no longer endure the not knowing their state or condition, so he makes the sacrifice and sends Timothy to them that he might know where they stood in their relationship to Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul uses the little English phrase 'to know' which is translated by one Greek word ginosko which is a prolonged form of a primary verb; meaning to “know” (absolutely), in a great variety of applications and with many implications be aware of, feel, have knowledge, perceive, be resolved, be sure, understand. Paul wanted his mind to be put to rest for his restlessness over their condition by having a report brought back to him one way or another. Paul perhaps being mindful of the troubles that were brought to the Galatian believers wanted to stop (if possibly) the same things happening in Thessalonica, as we are reminded of what took place in Galatia by these words of Paul written to them, "O you poor {and} silly {and} thoughtless {and} unreflecting {and} senseless Galatians! Who has fascinated {or} bewitched {or} cast a spell over you, unto whom--right before your very eyes--Jesus Christ (the Messiah) was openly {and} graphically set forth {and} portrayed as crucified? Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the [Holy] Spirit as the result of obeying the Law {and} doing its works, or was it by hearing [the message of the Gospel] and believing [it]? [Was it from observing a law of rituals or from a message of faith?] Are you so foolish {and} so senseless {and} so silly? Having begun [your new life spiritually] with the [Holy] Spirit, are you now reaching perfection [by dependence] on the flesh? Have you suffered so many things {and} experienced so much all for nothing (to no purpose)--if it really is to no purpose {and} in vain?" (Galatians 3:1-4) (Amplified Bible), so with this experience with the Galatians fresh in his mind Timothy is sent to do just that.
The truth is who our Lord Jesus Christ is (John 14:6) and the lie is who the devil is (John 8:44), so Paul wanted to know if the tempter (the devil) had through the spirit or demon of fear influenced them to turn away from the truth of the Gospel and of the Word of God in order to stop the persecution as some in Galatia had been tempted to do as Paul wrote to them with these words of concern, "You were running the race nobly. Who has interfered in (hindered and stopped you from) your heeding {and} following the Truth? This [evil] persuasion is not from Him Who called you [Who invited you to freedom in Christ]. A little leaven (a slight inclination to error, or a few false teachers) leavens the whole lump [it perverts the whole conception of faith or misleads the whole Church]. [For my part] I have confidence [toward you] in the Lord that you will take no contrary view of the matter {but} will come to think with me. But he who is unsettling you, whoever he is, will have to bear the penalty. But, brethren, if I still preach circumcision [as some accuse me of doing, as necessary to salvation], why am I still suffering persecution? In that case the Cross has ceased to be a stumbling block {and} is made meaningless (done away)." (Galatians 5:7-11) (Amplified Bible). When Paul says 'our labor be in vain', he is not saying that his preaching the true Gospel of Christ or the Gospel of Grace was empty, but on the contrary, what he means is that his concern was that some of their professions of faith 'in Christ' was in vain or empty, meaning that some may have pretended regeneration and new birth by God the Holy Spirit because some family or friends had truly been born again and they did not want to feel left out.
"Greek, 'that we are about (we are sure) to suffer according to the appointment of God (1Thessalonians 3:3). 'Even (exactly) as it both came to pass and ye know'; ye know both that it came to pass, and that we foretold it. The correspondence of the event to the prediction powerfully confirms faith: 'Forewarned, forearmed' [Edmunds]. The repetition of 'ye know,' so frequently, is designed as an argument, that being forewarned of coming affliction, they should be less readily 'moved' by it." JFB Commentary
"In persecution, people are tempted to apostatize from God, in order to avoid suffering. In afflictions of other kinds, Satan often tempts the sufferer to murmur and complain; to charge God with harshness, partiality, and severity, and to give vent to expressions that will show that religion has none of its boasted power to support the soul in the day of trial; compare Job 1:9-11. In all times of affliction, as well as in prosperity, we may be sure that 'the Tempter' is not far off, and should be on our guard against his wiles. And our labour be in vain - By your being turned from the faith." Albert Barnes
"And our labour be in vain: in preaching the Gospel among them; not with respect to God, to whom the Word never returns void and empty; nor with regard to the Apostles, whose judgment was with the Lord, and their work with their God, who will of His own grace reward them; but with respect to the Thessalonians, to whom, should Satan gain his point, it would be of no use and service, for which the concern was. The Ethiopic version reads, 'and your labour be in vain': in receiving the Apostles, embracing and professing the Gospel, and suffering for it; see Galatians 3:4 but the common reading is best, and agrees with what the Apostle elsewhere says, Galatians 4:11." Dr. John Gill
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church Volume 15
Paul Sends Timothy to Establish & Strengthen them in their Faith Part 2
1 Thessalonians 3:3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. KJV
Paul now continues on in his letter reminding them of one of the main reasons Brother Timothy was indeed sent back to them (at the sacrifice of Paul's comfort) and it was for the comfort and consolation of them the new Thessalonian believers. Paul knew how fierce the devil would continue being in trying every method to instill fear into the hearts of the new believers in Thessalonica, for he had already shown himself to them at the very beginning of Paul, Silas, and Timothy arriving into the city to preach the Gospel of Christ as we already documented in the last two studies/commentaries (Acts 17:1-9), therefore, Timothy's task is to set their minds at ease concerning this opposition against them as Paul first says here with these words, "That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto." (1 Thessalonians 3:3) (KJV). This message was not knew to these believers in Thessalonica, because Paul had imparted, informed, and instructed them of this very fact concerning their faith in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and the response they would receive from many who are still outside of faith in Christ.
Paul wants Timothy there in order to encourage, exhort, and exalt them into such strong and abiding enduring faith that they not allow anyone to move them away from their belief in our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul uses here a little English phrase 'should be moved' to describe his feelings in this regard and this little English phrase is translated by one Greek word saino meaning to shake (figuratively disturb): - move. Paul uses the English word 'afflictions' to declare what method the devil is trying to use to move them away from Christ and this English word is translated by the Greek word thlipsis meaning pressure (literally or figuratively): - afflicted, anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble. In other words, the Apostle Paul has sent Timothy to them to keep them from allowing the devil (through his two legged devils coming against them with physical afflictions and persecutions that would make them afraid to stand for our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ.
Timothy was to instruct them on how to respond to said opposition exactly as Paul had instructed the Roman believers to do with these words, "Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest {and} proper {and} noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God's] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good." (Romans 12:17-21) (Amplified Bible). Paul now reminds them that it is the 'will of God' for them/us to encounter such opposition to the Gospel of Christ with the use of the little English phrase 'we are appointed' which is translated by one Greek word keimai and this word is the middle voice of a primary verb meaning to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively): - be (appointed, laid up, made, set), lay, lie.
In other words, since they/we are now part of the Body of Christ, then we can expect the devil (who hates Christ) to come against those of us who are His with the physical expression of that hatred for Him through the use of human instruments in applying the pressure, punishment, and persecution against and upon the object of his hatred, even as Paul declared to the believers in Philippi when he said to them, "For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ's sake not only to believe in (adhere to, rely on, and trust in) Him, but also to suffer in His behalf." (Philippians 1:29) (Amplified Bible) and also because this is exactly how our Lord Jesus Himself was treated as He (Christ) reminded us with these words, "If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection {and} would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world [no longer one with it], but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you. Remember that I told you, A servant is not greater than his master [is not superior to him]. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word {and} obeyed My teachings, they will also keep {and} obey yours. But they will do all this to you [inflict all this suffering on you] because of [your bearing] My name {and} on My account, for they do not know {or} understand the One Who sent Me." (John 15:18-21) (Amplified Bible).
"The Greek is literally said of dogs wagging the tail in fawning on one. Therefore Tittmann explains it, 'That no man should, amidst his calamities, be allured by the flattering hope of a more pleasant life to abandon his duty.' So Elsner and Bengel, 'cajoled out of his faith.' In afflictions, relatives and opponents combine with the ease-loving heart itself in flatteries, which it needs strong faith to overcome. We always candidly told you so. None but a religion from God would have held out such a trying prospect to those who should embrace it, and yet succeed in winning converts." JFB Commentary
"The Apostles were so far from flattering people with an expectation of worldly prosperity in religion that, on the contrary, they told them plainly they must count upon trouble in the flesh. And herein they followed the example of their great Master, the Author or our faith. Besides, it might prove a confirmation of their faith, when they perceived that it only happened to them as was predicted before. To know their faith, that so he might inform the Apostles whether they remained stedfast under all their sufferings, whether their faith failed or not, because, if their faith did not fail, they would be able to stand their ground against the tempter and all his temptations: their faith would be a shield, to defend them against all the fiery darts of the wicked, Ephesians 6:16." Matthew Henry
"We are quickly approaching the arrival of 'Fall' and with its arrival comes Football Season. In the game of Football, the object of the game is to stop your opponent from reaching the goal line to score a touchdown, well just like in this game, we Christians have an opponent (the devil) and he will constantly, continuously, and consistently oppose every Christian who lifts up the Name of Jesus Christ and the Word of God, therefore, we just like every offense in football must navigate through the defence in order to reach the end zone just as the Apostle Paul declared to the Christian converts in the cities of Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch with these words concerning our perseverance, 'When they had preached the good news (Gospel) to that town and made disciples of many of the people, they went back to Lystra and Iconium and Antioch, Establishing {and} strengthening the souls {and} the hearts of the disciples, urging {and} warning {and} encouraging them to stand firm in the faith, and [telling them] that it is through many hardships {and} tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.' (Acts 14:21-22) (Amplified Bible)." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Thessalonians 3:3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. KJV
Paul now continues on in his letter reminding them of one of the main reasons Brother Timothy was indeed sent back to them (at the sacrifice of Paul's comfort) and it was for the comfort and consolation of them the new Thessalonian believers. Paul knew how fierce the devil would continue being in trying every method to instill fear into the hearts of the new believers in Thessalonica, for he had already shown himself to them at the very beginning of Paul, Silas, and Timothy arriving into the city to preach the Gospel of Christ as we already documented in the last two studies/commentaries (Acts 17:1-9), therefore, Timothy's task is to set their minds at ease concerning this opposition against them as Paul first says here with these words, "That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto." (1 Thessalonians 3:3) (KJV). This message was not knew to these believers in Thessalonica, because Paul had imparted, informed, and instructed them of this very fact concerning their faith in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and the response they would receive from many who are still outside of faith in Christ.
Paul wants Timothy there in order to encourage, exhort, and exalt them into such strong and abiding enduring faith that they not allow anyone to move them away from their belief in our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul uses here a little English phrase 'should be moved' to describe his feelings in this regard and this little English phrase is translated by one Greek word saino meaning to shake (figuratively disturb): - move. Paul uses the English word 'afflictions' to declare what method the devil is trying to use to move them away from Christ and this English word is translated by the Greek word thlipsis meaning pressure (literally or figuratively): - afflicted, anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble. In other words, the Apostle Paul has sent Timothy to them to keep them from allowing the devil (through his two legged devils coming against them with physical afflictions and persecutions that would make them afraid to stand for our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ.
Timothy was to instruct them on how to respond to said opposition exactly as Paul had instructed the Roman believers to do with these words, "Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest {and} proper {and} noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God's] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good." (Romans 12:17-21) (Amplified Bible). Paul now reminds them that it is the 'will of God' for them/us to encounter such opposition to the Gospel of Christ with the use of the little English phrase 'we are appointed' which is translated by one Greek word keimai and this word is the middle voice of a primary verb meaning to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively): - be (appointed, laid up, made, set), lay, lie.
In other words, since they/we are now part of the Body of Christ, then we can expect the devil (who hates Christ) to come against those of us who are His with the physical expression of that hatred for Him through the use of human instruments in applying the pressure, punishment, and persecution against and upon the object of his hatred, even as Paul declared to the believers in Philippi when he said to them, "For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ's sake not only to believe in (adhere to, rely on, and trust in) Him, but also to suffer in His behalf." (Philippians 1:29) (Amplified Bible) and also because this is exactly how our Lord Jesus Himself was treated as He (Christ) reminded us with these words, "If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection {and} would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world [no longer one with it], but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you. Remember that I told you, A servant is not greater than his master [is not superior to him]. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word {and} obeyed My teachings, they will also keep {and} obey yours. But they will do all this to you [inflict all this suffering on you] because of [your bearing] My name {and} on My account, for they do not know {or} understand the One Who sent Me." (John 15:18-21) (Amplified Bible).
"The Greek is literally said of dogs wagging the tail in fawning on one. Therefore Tittmann explains it, 'That no man should, amidst his calamities, be allured by the flattering hope of a more pleasant life to abandon his duty.' So Elsner and Bengel, 'cajoled out of his faith.' In afflictions, relatives and opponents combine with the ease-loving heart itself in flatteries, which it needs strong faith to overcome. We always candidly told you so. None but a religion from God would have held out such a trying prospect to those who should embrace it, and yet succeed in winning converts." JFB Commentary
"The Apostles were so far from flattering people with an expectation of worldly prosperity in religion that, on the contrary, they told them plainly they must count upon trouble in the flesh. And herein they followed the example of their great Master, the Author or our faith. Besides, it might prove a confirmation of their faith, when they perceived that it only happened to them as was predicted before. To know their faith, that so he might inform the Apostles whether they remained stedfast under all their sufferings, whether their faith failed or not, because, if their faith did not fail, they would be able to stand their ground against the tempter and all his temptations: their faith would be a shield, to defend them against all the fiery darts of the wicked, Ephesians 6:16." Matthew Henry
"We are quickly approaching the arrival of 'Fall' and with its arrival comes Football Season. In the game of Football, the object of the game is to stop your opponent from reaching the goal line to score a touchdown, well just like in this game, we Christians have an opponent (the devil) and he will constantly, continuously, and consistently oppose every Christian who lifts up the Name of Jesus Christ and the Word of God, therefore, we just like every offense in football must navigate through the defence in order to reach the end zone just as the Apostle Paul declared to the Christian converts in the cities of Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch with these words concerning our perseverance, 'When they had preached the good news (Gospel) to that town and made disciples of many of the people, they went back to Lystra and Iconium and Antioch, Establishing {and} strengthening the souls {and} the hearts of the disciples, urging {and} warning {and} encouraging them to stand firm in the faith, and [telling them] that it is through many hardships {and} tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.' (Acts 14:21-22) (Amplified Bible)." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church Volume 14
Paul Sends Timothy to Establish & Strengthen them in their Faith
1 Thessalonians 3:1-2 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the Gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: KJV
Seeing then what Paul has just said to them in the last two verses of how they are the cause of his joy now and in heaven, Paul goes on to declare to them why he sent Timothy to them when he did as he says here, "Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;" (1 Thessalonians 3:1) (KJV). Paul needed to know what was happening with these new believers in Thessalonica, so he sacrificed his own comfort and care by sending Timothy to them and remaining alone in Athens, Greece. Paul was among people with very sharp minds of philosophy that were not bent to spiritual things at all, for these people worshipped every type of man-made fabricated 'god' imaginable, so it would have been very beneficial for Paul to have Timothy stay with him to share in the presenting our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ to these people as the True and Only God who made all things by His Own Hand and Power.
We recall that Dr. Luke documented for us how Paul was sent away from Thessalonica into Berea upon the attack against them because of the conversion of many in Thessalonica, but the Jews followed them into Berea so Paul was sent off again and at this time seperated from Silas and Timothy, "But when the Jews of Thessalonica learned that the Word of God [concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God] was also preached by Paul at Beroea, they came there too, disturbing {and} inciting the masses. At once the brethren sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained behind. Those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and receiving instructions for Silas and Timothy that they should come to him as soon as possible, they departed." (Acts 17:13-15) (Amplified Bible). Of course it was never Paul's intentions or desrie to be seperated from Silas and Timothy at this time, but circumstances dictated otherwise.
Paul was not concerned that much for Silas and Timothy because they were now well grounded in the faith and in the Word of God, but the new converts in Thessalonica were not so being still at this time 'babes in Christ', so this prompts Paul's inner desire or yearning to know their physical and more important spiritual condition. Paul uses the English word 'forbear' to express this deep desire he had to know what was their status and this word is translated by the Greek word stego meaning (figuratively) to cover with silence (endure patiently): to suffer, that is, to hold out as to anything, to bear with, to endure. In other words, such time had elasped or passed by that caused Paul to act because he could no longer take the not knowing, so it is likely that he got word back to Timothy in Berea to go back to Thessalonica. Paul was perhaps still urged to stay away from that city because of what happened there with the Jews at the beginning of his ministry there, so instead he sent the less reconizable Timothy back to check on the new converts in Thessalonica.
It was on account of Paul's dear and devout love for the souls of these new believers that he wanted to know of their spiritual condition as he had already declared to them with these words in the previous Chapter, "But since we were bereft of you, brethren, for a little while in person, [of course] not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great longing to see you face to face, Because it was our will to come to you. [I mean that] I, Paul, again and again [wanted to come], but Satan hindered {and} impeded us." (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18) (Amplified Bible). Paul was bursting as if his desire and emotions were as a water tight containter about to burst through being overfilled with water, so was Paul's anxiety or angst over these believers. Paul sends Timothy to them because of his great trust in and faith in Timothy to edify them or build them up in their faith, even as he Paul would do, so he says to them after he could take it any no longer, "And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the Gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:" (1 Thessalonians 3:2) (KJV).
Paul declares to them three (3) things that make Timothy (despite his youth) as Paul wrote later to Timothy instructing him with these words concerning his youth, "Let no one despise {or} think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. Till I come, devote yourself to [public and private] reading, to exhortation (preaching and personal appeals), and to teaching {and} instilling doctrine." (1 Timothy 4:12-13) (Amplified Bible) that make Timothy the capable representative of the Apostle Paul before these new believers in Thessalonica. First, Timothy was their brother, that is, their spiritual brother in the Body of Jesus Christ. Secondly, Timothy was a minister of God, that is, specifically a Christian teacher and pastor (technically a deacon: - deacon, minister, servant appointed as such surely by the Apostle Paul. Thirdly, Timothy was a fellowlabourer in the Gospel of Christ, that is, Timothy (like the Apostle Paul) was declaring the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ to all sinners everywhere.
Therefore, Paul being confident in Timothy sent him to them in order 'to establish' them in their faith in Christ. The little English phrase here 'to establish' is translated by one Greek word sterizo meaning to set fast, that is, (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm: - fix, establish, stedfastly set, strengthen. Timothy also was 'to comfort' them and this little English phrase is translated by one Greek word parakaleo meaning to call near, that is, invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation): In other words, it was Timothy's job to make sure that these new believers in Thessalonica were well grounded and rooted in the Word of God and all that it reveals and declares about our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and what are all of our spiritual blessings in Him as well as our responsibilities to Him now that we are a part of His Body the Church.
"The Apostle Paul had extreme confidence in Timothy irregardless of his young age in comparison to others, and that was because he showed himself to be faithful to Christ and to Paul when others like Hymenaeus and Alexander blasphemed the Word of God (1 Timothy 1:20) and Demas forsook Paul (2 Timothy 4:10), but Timothy was always there and ready for what ever assignment Paul had for him to take on." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
"It appears from the statement here that Timothy had joined him there, but such was his solicitude for the Church at Thessalonica, that he very soon after sent him there, and chose to remain himself alone at Athens. Why he did not himself return to Thessalonica, is not stated. It is evidently implied here that it was a great personal inconvenience for him thus to part with Timothy, and to remain alone at Athens, and that he evinced the strong love which he had for the Church at Thessalonica by being willing to submit to it. What that inconvenience consisted in, he has not stated, but it is not difficult to understand, (1) he was among total strangers, and, when Timothy was gone, without an acquaintance or friend. (2) the aid of Timothy was needed in order to prosecute the work which he contemplated. He had requested that Timothy should join him as soon as possible when he left Berea Acts 17:15, and he evidently felt it desirable that in preaching the Gospel in that city he should have all the assistance he could obtain. Yet he was willing to forego those comforts and advantages in order to promote the edification of the Church at Thessalonica." Dr. John Gill.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Thessalonians 3:1-2 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the Gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: KJV
Seeing then what Paul has just said to them in the last two verses of how they are the cause of his joy now and in heaven, Paul goes on to declare to them why he sent Timothy to them when he did as he says here, "Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;" (1 Thessalonians 3:1) (KJV). Paul needed to know what was happening with these new believers in Thessalonica, so he sacrificed his own comfort and care by sending Timothy to them and remaining alone in Athens, Greece. Paul was among people with very sharp minds of philosophy that were not bent to spiritual things at all, for these people worshipped every type of man-made fabricated 'god' imaginable, so it would have been very beneficial for Paul to have Timothy stay with him to share in the presenting our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ to these people as the True and Only God who made all things by His Own Hand and Power.
We recall that Dr. Luke documented for us how Paul was sent away from Thessalonica into Berea upon the attack against them because of the conversion of many in Thessalonica, but the Jews followed them into Berea so Paul was sent off again and at this time seperated from Silas and Timothy, "But when the Jews of Thessalonica learned that the Word of God [concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God] was also preached by Paul at Beroea, they came there too, disturbing {and} inciting the masses. At once the brethren sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained behind. Those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and receiving instructions for Silas and Timothy that they should come to him as soon as possible, they departed." (Acts 17:13-15) (Amplified Bible). Of course it was never Paul's intentions or desrie to be seperated from Silas and Timothy at this time, but circumstances dictated otherwise.
Paul was not concerned that much for Silas and Timothy because they were now well grounded in the faith and in the Word of God, but the new converts in Thessalonica were not so being still at this time 'babes in Christ', so this prompts Paul's inner desire or yearning to know their physical and more important spiritual condition. Paul uses the English word 'forbear' to express this deep desire he had to know what was their status and this word is translated by the Greek word stego meaning (figuratively) to cover with silence (endure patiently): to suffer, that is, to hold out as to anything, to bear with, to endure. In other words, such time had elasped or passed by that caused Paul to act because he could no longer take the not knowing, so it is likely that he got word back to Timothy in Berea to go back to Thessalonica. Paul was perhaps still urged to stay away from that city because of what happened there with the Jews at the beginning of his ministry there, so instead he sent the less reconizable Timothy back to check on the new converts in Thessalonica.
It was on account of Paul's dear and devout love for the souls of these new believers that he wanted to know of their spiritual condition as he had already declared to them with these words in the previous Chapter, "But since we were bereft of you, brethren, for a little while in person, [of course] not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great longing to see you face to face, Because it was our will to come to you. [I mean that] I, Paul, again and again [wanted to come], but Satan hindered {and} impeded us." (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18) (Amplified Bible). Paul was bursting as if his desire and emotions were as a water tight containter about to burst through being overfilled with water, so was Paul's anxiety or angst over these believers. Paul sends Timothy to them because of his great trust in and faith in Timothy to edify them or build them up in their faith, even as he Paul would do, so he says to them after he could take it any no longer, "And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the Gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:" (1 Thessalonians 3:2) (KJV).
Paul declares to them three (3) things that make Timothy (despite his youth) as Paul wrote later to Timothy instructing him with these words concerning his youth, "Let no one despise {or} think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. Till I come, devote yourself to [public and private] reading, to exhortation (preaching and personal appeals), and to teaching {and} instilling doctrine." (1 Timothy 4:12-13) (Amplified Bible) that make Timothy the capable representative of the Apostle Paul before these new believers in Thessalonica. First, Timothy was their brother, that is, their spiritual brother in the Body of Jesus Christ. Secondly, Timothy was a minister of God, that is, specifically a Christian teacher and pastor (technically a deacon: - deacon, minister, servant appointed as such surely by the Apostle Paul. Thirdly, Timothy was a fellowlabourer in the Gospel of Christ, that is, Timothy (like the Apostle Paul) was declaring the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ to all sinners everywhere.
Therefore, Paul being confident in Timothy sent him to them in order 'to establish' them in their faith in Christ. The little English phrase here 'to establish' is translated by one Greek word sterizo meaning to set fast, that is, (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm: - fix, establish, stedfastly set, strengthen. Timothy also was 'to comfort' them and this little English phrase is translated by one Greek word parakaleo meaning to call near, that is, invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation): In other words, it was Timothy's job to make sure that these new believers in Thessalonica were well grounded and rooted in the Word of God and all that it reveals and declares about our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and what are all of our spiritual blessings in Him as well as our responsibilities to Him now that we are a part of His Body the Church.
"The Apostle Paul had extreme confidence in Timothy irregardless of his young age in comparison to others, and that was because he showed himself to be faithful to Christ and to Paul when others like Hymenaeus and Alexander blasphemed the Word of God (1 Timothy 1:20) and Demas forsook Paul (2 Timothy 4:10), but Timothy was always there and ready for what ever assignment Paul had for him to take on." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
"It appears from the statement here that Timothy had joined him there, but such was his solicitude for the Church at Thessalonica, that he very soon after sent him there, and chose to remain himself alone at Athens. Why he did not himself return to Thessalonica, is not stated. It is evidently implied here that it was a great personal inconvenience for him thus to part with Timothy, and to remain alone at Athens, and that he evinced the strong love which he had for the Church at Thessalonica by being willing to submit to it. What that inconvenience consisted in, he has not stated, but it is not difficult to understand, (1) he was among total strangers, and, when Timothy was gone, without an acquaintance or friend. (2) the aid of Timothy was needed in order to prosecute the work which he contemplated. He had requested that Timothy should join him as soon as possible when he left Berea Acts 17:15, and he evidently felt it desirable that in preaching the Gospel in that city he should have all the assistance he could obtain. Yet he was willing to forego those comforts and advantages in order to promote the edification of the Church at Thessalonica." Dr. John Gill.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church Volume 13
Paul's Rejoicing is in these Thessalonian Gentiles Redemption
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy. KJV
The man/Jew/Pharisee Saul had many personal accomplishments that he could have went on and on boasting, blustering, and bragging about concerning himself as he recounted for the Philippian believers when he said of himself, "Though for myself I have [at least grounds] to rely on the flesh. If any other man considers that he has {or} seems to have reason to rely on the flesh {and} his physical {and} outward advantages, I have still more! Circumcised when I was eight days old, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew [and the son] of Hebrews; as to the observance of the Law I was of [the party of] the Pharisees, As to my zeal, I was a persecutor of the church, and by the Law's standard of righteousness (supposed justice, uprightness, and right standing with God) I was proven to be blameless {and} no fault was found with me." (Philippians 3:4-6) (Amplified Bible).
However, the redeemed man who changed his name to Paul and was now the Apostle Paul (having seen with his own two eyes the Risen, Resurrected, Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ) new that all human accomplishment, achievement, or attainments were nothing as he went on to declare to the believers in Philippi with these words, "But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as [one combined] loss for Christ's sake. Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord {and} of progressively becoming more deeply {and} intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One), And that I may [actually] be found {and} known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law's demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith." (Philippians 3:7-9) (Amplified Bible).
Therefore, with this background of Saul/Paul now firmly fixed in our minds, we have no problem understanding these words he now writes to these new believers in Thessalonica concerning what and where he gets true joy from as he says, "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?" (1 Thessalonians 2:19) (KJV). Let's remind ourselves of what the English word 'hope' really means here when Paul speaks of hope to these believers, it is translated by the Greek word elpis meaning confident expectation. The English word 'joy' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word chara meaning cheerfulness, that is, calm delight: - gladness. The English word 'crown' is translated by the Greek word stephanos meaning from an apparently primary “stepho” (to twine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, a “diadem” (as bound about the head): ), literally or figuratively: - crown. The little English phrase 'of rejoicing' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word kauchesis meaning boasting (properly the act; by implication the objective), in a good or a bad sense: - boasting, whereof I may glory, glorifying, rejoicing.
So, in other words, the Apostle Paul has nothing in himself or about himself that he sees of value, but what Paul will now be proud of, delight in, rejoice over, and give honor to, and that is the fact, the reality that these people (in the Church @ Thessalonica) were worshipping man-made images of birds, four footed animals, and creeping things believing that this was worship of God and the right worship of Him, but upon the Apostle Paul, Silas, and Timothy entering into their city preaching Jesus Christ and Him Crucified and Resurrected from the dead, these people were turned from this false worship of idols to the One True and Living God Jesus Christ and their souls were redeemed, reborn, and resurrected unto eternal life 'in Christ Jesus our Lord' and this is now all of Paul's rejoicing and boasting to all of the world and to the heavenly host (Luke 2:13), that is the good angels who are faithful and obedient to God the Father in Heaven.
Paul saw the salvation of a sinful soul as his utmost joy in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and found the fierce and constant persecution he encountered and endured but light affliction as he said in this manner to the Corinthian believers, "For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing {and} producing {and} achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!]" (2 Corinthians 4:17) (Amplified Bible). Paul will boast only in the grace of God before Christ Throne in Heaven that enabled him to be an instrument of God in preaching, teaching, and writing of the Word of God for the Glory of God, this will be his crown as he says to them with these words, "For ye are our glory and joy." (1 Thessalonians 2:20) (KJV). The Apostle Paul is so honored to have been a part of Christ plan's in bringing saving faith to these Gentiles in the city of Thessalonica.
"The meaning is, that the source of happiness to a minister of the Gospel in the day of judgment will be the conversion and salvation of souls. The object of the Apostle in dwelling on this in a manner so tender and affectionate is, to show them that his leaving them, and his long absence from them, were not caused by any want of affection for them." Albert Barnes
"These are expressions of great and endeared affection, and high estimation. And it is happy when ministers and people have such mutual affection and esteem of each other, and especially if they shall thus rejoice, if those that sow and those that reap shall rejoice together, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming. The Apostle here puts the Thessalonians in mind that though he could not come to them as yet, and though he should never be able to come to them, yet our Lord Jesus Christ will come, nothing shall hinder this. And further, when He shall come, all must appear in His presence, or before Him. Ministers and people must all appear before Him, and faithful people will be the glory and joy of faithful ministers in that great and glorious day." Matthew Henry
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy. KJV
The man/Jew/Pharisee Saul had many personal accomplishments that he could have went on and on boasting, blustering, and bragging about concerning himself as he recounted for the Philippian believers when he said of himself, "Though for myself I have [at least grounds] to rely on the flesh. If any other man considers that he has {or} seems to have reason to rely on the flesh {and} his physical {and} outward advantages, I have still more! Circumcised when I was eight days old, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew [and the son] of Hebrews; as to the observance of the Law I was of [the party of] the Pharisees, As to my zeal, I was a persecutor of the church, and by the Law's standard of righteousness (supposed justice, uprightness, and right standing with God) I was proven to be blameless {and} no fault was found with me." (Philippians 3:4-6) (Amplified Bible).
However, the redeemed man who changed his name to Paul and was now the Apostle Paul (having seen with his own two eyes the Risen, Resurrected, Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ) new that all human accomplishment, achievement, or attainments were nothing as he went on to declare to the believers in Philippi with these words, "But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as [one combined] loss for Christ's sake. Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord {and} of progressively becoming more deeply {and} intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One), And that I may [actually] be found {and} known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law's demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith." (Philippians 3:7-9) (Amplified Bible).
Therefore, with this background of Saul/Paul now firmly fixed in our minds, we have no problem understanding these words he now writes to these new believers in Thessalonica concerning what and where he gets true joy from as he says, "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?" (1 Thessalonians 2:19) (KJV). Let's remind ourselves of what the English word 'hope' really means here when Paul speaks of hope to these believers, it is translated by the Greek word elpis meaning confident expectation. The English word 'joy' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word chara meaning cheerfulness, that is, calm delight: - gladness. The English word 'crown' is translated by the Greek word stephanos meaning from an apparently primary “stepho” (to twine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, a “diadem” (as bound about the head): ), literally or figuratively: - crown. The little English phrase 'of rejoicing' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word kauchesis meaning boasting (properly the act; by implication the objective), in a good or a bad sense: - boasting, whereof I may glory, glorifying, rejoicing.
So, in other words, the Apostle Paul has nothing in himself or about himself that he sees of value, but what Paul will now be proud of, delight in, rejoice over, and give honor to, and that is the fact, the reality that these people (in the Church @ Thessalonica) were worshipping man-made images of birds, four footed animals, and creeping things believing that this was worship of God and the right worship of Him, but upon the Apostle Paul, Silas, and Timothy entering into their city preaching Jesus Christ and Him Crucified and Resurrected from the dead, these people were turned from this false worship of idols to the One True and Living God Jesus Christ and their souls were redeemed, reborn, and resurrected unto eternal life 'in Christ Jesus our Lord' and this is now all of Paul's rejoicing and boasting to all of the world and to the heavenly host (Luke 2:13), that is the good angels who are faithful and obedient to God the Father in Heaven.
Paul saw the salvation of a sinful soul as his utmost joy in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and found the fierce and constant persecution he encountered and endured but light affliction as he said in this manner to the Corinthian believers, "For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing {and} producing {and} achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!]" (2 Corinthians 4:17) (Amplified Bible). Paul will boast only in the grace of God before Christ Throne in Heaven that enabled him to be an instrument of God in preaching, teaching, and writing of the Word of God for the Glory of God, this will be his crown as he says to them with these words, "For ye are our glory and joy." (1 Thessalonians 2:20) (KJV). The Apostle Paul is so honored to have been a part of Christ plan's in bringing saving faith to these Gentiles in the city of Thessalonica.
"The meaning is, that the source of happiness to a minister of the Gospel in the day of judgment will be the conversion and salvation of souls. The object of the Apostle in dwelling on this in a manner so tender and affectionate is, to show them that his leaving them, and his long absence from them, were not caused by any want of affection for them." Albert Barnes
"These are expressions of great and endeared affection, and high estimation. And it is happy when ministers and people have such mutual affection and esteem of each other, and especially if they shall thus rejoice, if those that sow and those that reap shall rejoice together, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming. The Apostle here puts the Thessalonians in mind that though he could not come to them as yet, and though he should never be able to come to them, yet our Lord Jesus Christ will come, nothing shall hinder this. And further, when He shall come, all must appear in His presence, or before Him. Ministers and people must all appear before Him, and faithful people will be the glory and joy of faithful ministers in that great and glorious day." Matthew Henry
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church Volume 12
Paul Longs to Go back to Thessalonica but is Blocked by the devil
1 Thessalonians 2:17-18 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. KJV
We see the work of the devil being carried out fiercely and ferociously against the Apostle Paul and all those with him as he Paul just reminded these new believers in Thessalonica in the previous two (2) verses, and because of such things we now find Paul yearning and longing to be in the presence (face to face) of these Thessalonian believers as he declares to them with these words, "But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire." (1 Thessalonians 2:17) (KJV). The little English phrase 'being taken' is used this one and only time in the entire New Testament and it is translated by one Greek word aporphanizo, which is from the Greek word apo that is a primary particle meaning off, that is, away from something near. Secondly, this Greek word aporphanizo is a derivative of the Greek word orphanos which means bereaved (orphan), that is, parentless. Therefore, we see then that this Greek word aporphanizo is the combining of the two (2) Greek words apo & orphanos meaning then to bereave wholly, that is, (figuratively) separate (from intercourse or communication between individuals).
In other words, Paul had been taken away from vital communication with these new believers in Thessalonica much earlier than he would have liked as we remind ourselves once again with the words documented for us by Dr. Luke in the Book of Acts with these words, "But the unbelieving Jews were aroused to jealousy, and, getting hold of some wicked men (ruffians and rascals) and loungers in the marketplace, they gathered together a mob, set the town in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring [Paul and Silas] out to the people. But when they failed to find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brethren before the city authorities, crying, These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, And Jason has received them to his house {and} privately protected them! And they are all ignoring {and} acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, [actually] asserting that there is another king, one Jesus! And both the crowd and the city authorities, on hearing this, were irritated (stirred up and troubled). And when they had taken security [bail] from Jason and the others, they let them go. Now the brethren at once sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea; and when they arrived, they entered the synagogue of the Jews." (Acts 17:5-10) (Amplified Bible).
Paul viewed this seperation as that of something that would last only a short while and he was never at all seperated from these new believers in Thessalonica in spirit, but was always with them and had them in his inner man continuously. With this thought now in mind, Paul declares to them in this letter that he endeavoured more abundantly to see their faces in person. The English word 'endeavoured' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word spoudazo meaning to use speed, that is, to make effort, be prompt or earnest: - do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour, study. The little English phrase 'the more abundantly' is translated by one Greek word perissoteros which is an adverb meaning more superabundantly: - more abundant, the more earnest, (more) exceedingly, more frequent, or much more. In other words, the Apostle Paul wanted them to know and underdstand that he made diligent, earnest, grueling, hard, frequent, and abundant efforts to get back to them in Thessalonica soon after having been forced out of the city as we documented again above (Acts 17:10), but here he now declares to them the reason for not being able to get back to them in person, "Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us." (1 Thessalonians 2:18) (KJV).
Paul lets them know why he was unable to get back to them in person, for it was the same enemy or adversary that had caused him to leave sooner than he would have desired, that is, the devil working in and through the Jews who persecuted the Apostle Paul physically everywhere he went as again evidenced by what we previously documented in Acts 17:13 as they even followed him from Thessalonica into Beroea to cause him the same problems there. It was the devil who was in and energizing every person that brought physical attacks against the Apostle Paul imprisoning and attempting to kill him as documented again for us by Dr. Luke here with these words, "And when the strife became more and more tense {and} violent, the commandant, fearing that Paul would be torn in pieces by them, ordered the troops to go down and take him forcibly from among them and conduct him back into the barracks. And [that same] following night the Lord stood beside Paul and said, 'Take courage, {Paul,} for as you have borne faithful witness concerning Me at Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.' Now when daylight came, the Jews formed a plot and bound themselves by an oath {and} under a curse neither to eat nor drink till they had done away with Paul. There were more than forty [men of them], who formed this conspiracy [swearing together this oath and curse]. And they went to the chief priests and elders, saying, We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath {and} under a curse not to taste any food until we have slain Paul." (Acts 23:10-14) (Amplified Bible).
Also even at the very beginning in Paul's ministry when an attempt upon his life took place as documented for us again by Dr. Luke with these words, "After considerable time had elapsed, the Jews conspired to put Saul out of the way by slaying him, But [the knowledge of] their plot was made known to Saul. They were guarding the [city's] gates day and night to kill him, But his disciples took him at night and let him down through the [city's] wall, lowering him in a basket {or} hamper." (Acts 9:23-25) (Amplified Bible). We see then that Paul was no stranger to the devil's schemes and plots throughout his life and ministry to destroy him and as he thought, then he would destroy the Gospel of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, but instead our Lord Jesus was always and at all times in complete control and none of the devil's plans and schemes succeeded until Paul had finished his race of faith here on the earth as he declared to brother Timothy with these very affective and touching words written to Timothy to encourage him and strengthen him in the spiritual battles and warfare with the devil, "For I am already about to be sacrificed [my life is about to be poured out as a drink offering]; the time of my [spirit's] release [from the body] is at hand {and} I will soon go free. I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith. [As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor's] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me {and} recompense me on that [great] day--and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved {and} yearned for {and} welcomed His appearing (His return)." (2 Timothy 4:6-8) (Amplified Bible). I would say that the desire of the wicked men documented above would come under the category of causing Paul hinderances.
"We have a remarkable instance, not so much of the transient affections of holy grief, desire, or joy, as of that abiding tenderness, that loving temper, which is so apparent in all St. Paul's writings, towards those he styles his children in the faith. This is the more carefully to be observed, because the passions occasionally exercising themselves, and flowing like a torrent, in the Apostle, are observable to every reader; whereas it requires a nicer attention to discern those calm standing tempers, that fixed posture of his soul, from whence the others only flow out, and which more peculiarly distinguish his character." John Wesley
"The Apostle Paul was no stranger to attacks from the devil against his preaching of the truth of the Gospel of Christ and against his very life, but that never deterred him because Paul knew that our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ was in control of his life and not the devil, therefore, Paul had no fear of the devil, but the enemies stumbling blocks did cause Paul grief when it kept him from strengthening the faith of new believers 'in Christ' because he wanted them to become as spiritually strong as himself or even stronger that they too would be able to take the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and the shield of faith to quench every fiery dart thrown at them by the devil." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Thessalonians 2:17-18 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. KJV
We see the work of the devil being carried out fiercely and ferociously against the Apostle Paul and all those with him as he Paul just reminded these new believers in Thessalonica in the previous two (2) verses, and because of such things we now find Paul yearning and longing to be in the presence (face to face) of these Thessalonian believers as he declares to them with these words, "But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire." (1 Thessalonians 2:17) (KJV). The little English phrase 'being taken' is used this one and only time in the entire New Testament and it is translated by one Greek word aporphanizo, which is from the Greek word apo that is a primary particle meaning off, that is, away from something near. Secondly, this Greek word aporphanizo is a derivative of the Greek word orphanos which means bereaved (orphan), that is, parentless. Therefore, we see then that this Greek word aporphanizo is the combining of the two (2) Greek words apo & orphanos meaning then to bereave wholly, that is, (figuratively) separate (from intercourse or communication between individuals).
In other words, Paul had been taken away from vital communication with these new believers in Thessalonica much earlier than he would have liked as we remind ourselves once again with the words documented for us by Dr. Luke in the Book of Acts with these words, "But the unbelieving Jews were aroused to jealousy, and, getting hold of some wicked men (ruffians and rascals) and loungers in the marketplace, they gathered together a mob, set the town in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring [Paul and Silas] out to the people. But when they failed to find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brethren before the city authorities, crying, These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, And Jason has received them to his house {and} privately protected them! And they are all ignoring {and} acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, [actually] asserting that there is another king, one Jesus! And both the crowd and the city authorities, on hearing this, were irritated (stirred up and troubled). And when they had taken security [bail] from Jason and the others, they let them go. Now the brethren at once sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea; and when they arrived, they entered the synagogue of the Jews." (Acts 17:5-10) (Amplified Bible).
Paul viewed this seperation as that of something that would last only a short while and he was never at all seperated from these new believers in Thessalonica in spirit, but was always with them and had them in his inner man continuously. With this thought now in mind, Paul declares to them in this letter that he endeavoured more abundantly to see their faces in person. The English word 'endeavoured' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word spoudazo meaning to use speed, that is, to make effort, be prompt or earnest: - do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour, study. The little English phrase 'the more abundantly' is translated by one Greek word perissoteros which is an adverb meaning more superabundantly: - more abundant, the more earnest, (more) exceedingly, more frequent, or much more. In other words, the Apostle Paul wanted them to know and underdstand that he made diligent, earnest, grueling, hard, frequent, and abundant efforts to get back to them in Thessalonica soon after having been forced out of the city as we documented again above (Acts 17:10), but here he now declares to them the reason for not being able to get back to them in person, "Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us." (1 Thessalonians 2:18) (KJV).
Paul lets them know why he was unable to get back to them in person, for it was the same enemy or adversary that had caused him to leave sooner than he would have desired, that is, the devil working in and through the Jews who persecuted the Apostle Paul physically everywhere he went as again evidenced by what we previously documented in Acts 17:13 as they even followed him from Thessalonica into Beroea to cause him the same problems there. It was the devil who was in and energizing every person that brought physical attacks against the Apostle Paul imprisoning and attempting to kill him as documented again for us by Dr. Luke here with these words, "And when the strife became more and more tense {and} violent, the commandant, fearing that Paul would be torn in pieces by them, ordered the troops to go down and take him forcibly from among them and conduct him back into the barracks. And [that same] following night the Lord stood beside Paul and said, 'Take courage, {Paul,} for as you have borne faithful witness concerning Me at Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.' Now when daylight came, the Jews formed a plot and bound themselves by an oath {and} under a curse neither to eat nor drink till they had done away with Paul. There were more than forty [men of them], who formed this conspiracy [swearing together this oath and curse]. And they went to the chief priests and elders, saying, We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath {and} under a curse not to taste any food until we have slain Paul." (Acts 23:10-14) (Amplified Bible).
Also even at the very beginning in Paul's ministry when an attempt upon his life took place as documented for us again by Dr. Luke with these words, "After considerable time had elapsed, the Jews conspired to put Saul out of the way by slaying him, But [the knowledge of] their plot was made known to Saul. They were guarding the [city's] gates day and night to kill him, But his disciples took him at night and let him down through the [city's] wall, lowering him in a basket {or} hamper." (Acts 9:23-25) (Amplified Bible). We see then that Paul was no stranger to the devil's schemes and plots throughout his life and ministry to destroy him and as he thought, then he would destroy the Gospel of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, but instead our Lord Jesus was always and at all times in complete control and none of the devil's plans and schemes succeeded until Paul had finished his race of faith here on the earth as he declared to brother Timothy with these very affective and touching words written to Timothy to encourage him and strengthen him in the spiritual battles and warfare with the devil, "For I am already about to be sacrificed [my life is about to be poured out as a drink offering]; the time of my [spirit's] release [from the body] is at hand {and} I will soon go free. I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith. [As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor's] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me {and} recompense me on that [great] day--and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved {and} yearned for {and} welcomed His appearing (His return)." (2 Timothy 4:6-8) (Amplified Bible). I would say that the desire of the wicked men documented above would come under the category of causing Paul hinderances.
"We have a remarkable instance, not so much of the transient affections of holy grief, desire, or joy, as of that abiding tenderness, that loving temper, which is so apparent in all St. Paul's writings, towards those he styles his children in the faith. This is the more carefully to be observed, because the passions occasionally exercising themselves, and flowing like a torrent, in the Apostle, are observable to every reader; whereas it requires a nicer attention to discern those calm standing tempers, that fixed posture of his soul, from whence the others only flow out, and which more peculiarly distinguish his character." John Wesley
"The Apostle Paul was no stranger to attacks from the devil against his preaching of the truth of the Gospel of Christ and against his very life, but that never deterred him because Paul knew that our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ was in control of his life and not the devil, therefore, Paul had no fear of the devil, but the enemies stumbling blocks did cause Paul grief when it kept him from strengthening the faith of new believers 'in Christ' because he wanted them to become as spiritually strong as himself or even stronger that they too would be able to take the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and the shield of faith to quench every fiery dart thrown at them by the devil." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
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