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Outline of 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

September 16, 2012 by William Higgins

 

Thanksgiving #1

2We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers,

A. For their Christian lives: 3remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

B. For God’s work in them: 4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.

B1. For their faithfulness in suffering: You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

A1. For their Christian witness: 8For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. 9For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Thanksgiving #2

13And we also thank God constantly

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For God’s work in them: for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

For their faithfulness in suffering: 14For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, 15who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind 16by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!

 

 

– The second thanksgiving parallels the first thanksgiving, especially the middle portion (B and B1).

– Both begin with a statement about giving thanks “always” /“constantly.”

– Both end with a statement about God’s “wrath.”

– Both focus on their receiving the gospel and have the phrase, “you received the word” – 1:6; 2:13.

– The sections on thanks for God’s work in them both have a statement of contrast concerning the gospel. It was not just a word, but God was at work.

– The sections on thanks for their faithfulness in suffering both have an imitation of suffering theme.

– The last part of the first thanksgiving(A1) and the second one contain a contrast between the witness of the Thessalonians’ Christian lives and how some Judeans have been an obstacle to Christian witness.

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Ministering with Integrity. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

September 9, 2012 by William Higgins

Series: Paul to the Thessalonians

We’ve begun a series on Paul to the Thessalonians and we are working our way through 1 Thessalonians. We are letting the text take us wherever it goes, so whatever it talks about is going to be what we talk about. Today we are up to chapter 2:1-12 and, as we will see, the overall topic here is ministering with integrity.

Let’s remember briefly –

The situation in Thessalonica

Paul, Silvanus and Timothy had come to Thessalonica and had success in establishing a church. But they were chased out of town before they were ready to leave. And the new believers there were suffering persecution.

Traveling charlatans?

In our passage today, Paul is concerned about his reputation. There was no shortage of hucksters and scam artists in that day who would go from town to town seeking fame or fortune by conning people.

And it doesn’t help Paul’s image that he was forced out of town, just as he was in Philippi before this. And certainly a part of the persecution the Thessalonians were suffering was from people, maybe even family and friends, saying things like – “You got taken!” “He’s just another wandering quack.” “What’s wrong with you?”

This context explains two features of this passage. 1) The use of the phrase – “the gospel of God.” It’s used three times in this passage (vs. 2, 8, 9), but only three times in all of Paul’s other writings. And also, the word “God” is used nine times in these verses.

His point becomes clear in 2:13, when he says, you received the gospel “not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God.” He’s saying that they are not peddling myths, human wisdom or sophistry. They are sharing God’s own good news.

This background also explains 2) The trial technique he uses here (also see 1:5, etc.) It’s as if Paul and his team are on trial, and Paul is acting as a defense lawyer, calling on the Thessalonians as witnesses:

  • you yourselves know – v. 1
  • as you know – v. 2
  • as you know – v. 5
  • you remember – v. 9
  • you are witnesses – v. 10
  • even as you know – v. 11

He also calls on God as a witness, swearing two testimonial oaths in verses 5 and 10.

The purpose of this is to remind them that he, Silas and Timothy were not like these wandering hucksters. They had integrity as they ministered among the Thessalonians

The character of their ministry in Thessalonica

You have a handout that illustrates how these verses are carefully organized. I invite you to keep that handy. Let’s look at this a section at a time. First off –

Their ministry was not in vain. “1For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain.”  In the preceding verses in chapter 1, he has just noted how others have reported about their dramatic conversions. So he can certainly appeal here to their knowledge of this.

He’s saying, our preaching produced real results – you!

Next the focus shifts to their character. “2But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.” Even though they had suffered in Philippi and there was conflict in Thessalonica, they had “boldness in our God” to preach the gospel.

They were people of character, who, with God’s help, stood strong amidst opposition.

“3For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive . . ..” Here we have three false charges as to their motivation for preaching. Error or perhaps better “deceit,” impurity, or “impure motives” and an attempt to deceive or trick them. These are the kinds of accusations commonly made against charlatans. But none of these characterize Paul and his team.

Next he talks about their identity, or who they are. “. . . 4but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” They are not hucksters, but rather people approved by God and entrusted with his message. And that is why they speak.

People can say what they want about them, but they preach to please God, not people. What people say is not their concern. What God says is their concern.

Next he comes back to their character.Carrying on the thought of not speaking to please people he says, “5For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed— God is witness. 6Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others . . ..” Again, three false charges often made against hucksters. They did not flatter them, that is just say nice things to gain their favor or to manipulate them. Their preaching was not for the sake of greed – to take their money. He denies this strongly with an oath, “God is witness.” That is, may God curse me if what I say isn’t true. And they didn’t seek glory or honor through their preaching. This might be money related. To be honored can also mean to be paid. Or it might simply mean to be praised by them.

“. . . though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.” Literally it says, “we could have been weighty.” Like we say today they could have thrown their weight around asking for support.

The right to receive support from their hearers comes from Jesus himself (Luke 10:7). But Paul specifically gives up this right, at least with regard to new believers, only accepting support later (Philippians 4:16).

And he does this precisely to avoid being seen as just another wandering charlatan. This was a part of his missionary strategy – a cultural adaptation for taking the gospel to the Gentiles. As he says in 1 Corinthians 9:21, to the Gentiles I became like a Gentile “that I might win” them to the gospel.

“7But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” They were not demanding of them – trying to take from them,  money or honor. Rather, they came to share – the gospel and themselves, not take.

Paul uses the image of a nursing mother caring for her own children to describe their ministry. They were gentle, caring and affectionate. Their love for the Thessalonians comes out clearly, they were “very dear” to them.

Their ministry was not a burden. “9For you remember, sisters and brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.” In 2 Thessalonians 3:7 Paul even says, “nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it.”

They went out of their way not to be a burden to them. They gave up their rights to support and worked day and night.

Then finally Paul brings it all together in a closing statement. “10You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.” Here he focuses on what they were like among them. He gives three descriptions – they were holy, righteous and blameless.

He again he calls on both them and God as witnesses. As the Scripture says, let everything be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:5).

“11For you know how, like a father with his children, 12we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” Here we have three things that relate to what they did among the Thessalonians. They exhorted, encouraged and charged them.

We also have another parental image. Now Paul and team are like a father giving loving moral instruction and guidance. Specifically they taught them “to walk in a manner worthy of God.” Why? So that they will be ready to enter God’s “own kingdom and glory” on the final day.

Ministering without integrity?

Christian leaders are to be examples. Because their behavior speaks as loudly as their words. And when their behavior doesn’t fit their message, the message is discredited and God is discredited.

Some in Thessalonica sought to impugn Paul’s integrity in order to undermine his work and to unsettle the new believers.  But it wasn’t possible, because he was a man of integrity. They knew what he was like.

Sadly, we all know of others who have failed in this area:

– Priests or pastors who take advantage of their trust to sexually abuse those in their charge.

– Pastors who will say anything to “succeed” defined as having more and more people come to hear them.

– “Faith” healers who fake it, playing on people’s emotions and needs, while taking their money.

– Celebrity teachers who are in it to make money, selling books and getting rich – (even though Jesus said, “freely you have received, freely give” – Matthew 10:8).

There is an epidemic of a lack of integrity in American Christianity today. There is misuse of power, raw greed, the idolatry of “success,” and the acceptance of the celebrity culture of the world around us. And this disgraces God and it destroys the credibility of the message we preach. As Paul says in Romans 2:24, “The name of God is blasphemed among the (unbelievers) because of . . .” these things.

Christian witness without integrity?

Well, this doesn’t just apply to Christian leaders. Each of you are to be ministers for God in your daily lives. You are to be witnesses! Each of you bear on you the name of Jesus.

Does your life match up with your Christian confession? Do you engage in questionable business practices? Are you seen as a lazy or irresponsible worker?

Do you engage in obviously un-Christian behavior – drunkenness? Sexual immorality? Not paying your taxes? Slander? Lying? Breaking your word? Bullying?

Let me put it like this, when people find out that you are a Christian do they say, really? How can that be? What kind of a church do they go to? Or, what hypocrisy! Or do they say, yeah, that makes sense. I can see that.

Paul says in Philippians 2:15,  “. . . be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”

Have integrity in your Christian witness. Be a light in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation. Instead of dishonor, let your life bring honor and glory to God.

William Higgins

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Outline of 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

September 9, 2012 by William Higgins

The Character of their ministry

A. Their ministry was not in vain: 1For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain.

B. They declared the gospel of God boldly: 2But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.

C. Three false charges: 3For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive,

D. They are approved and entrusted by God with the gospel: 4but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

C1. Three false charges:5For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed— God is witness. 6Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.

B1. They shared the gospel of God gently: 7But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

A1. Their ministry was not a burden: 9For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

Conclusion:

  • Three things they were: 10You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.
  • Three things they did: 11Even as you know how, like a father with his children, 12we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

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– The overall pattern: A – “for,” B – “but”, C – “for,” D – “but,” C1 – “for,” B1 – “but,” A1 – “for” (γαρ, αλλα)

– A and A1 – “you yourselves know”/”you remember;” use of “brothers;” their ministry was “not” . . .

– B and B1 –  “declare . . . the gospel of God”/“share . . .the gospel of God”; contrast of “boldness”/ “we were gentle”

– C and C1 – not, or, or/neither, nor, nor; each have three false charges

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Paul and the Thessalonians

September 8, 2012 by William Higgins

1. The Path to Thessalonica

  • Paul decided to see how the believers were from his first missionary journey. Paul chose Silas as his partner in this endeavor.
  • They went through the Roman provinces of Syria and Cilicia strengthening existing churches – Acts 15:41.
  • Then they went through Derbe and Lystra (Galatia). Here Paul chose Timothy to come with them. These churches were strengthened and grew – Acts 16:1-5.
  • They were forbidden by God to start work in the Roman provinces of Asia and Bithynia, so they went to Troas on the coast – Acts 16:6-8.
  • Paul had a vision in which a man from Macedonia said, “Come over to Macedonia and help us” – Acts 16:9-10.
  • In Troas they picked up Luke as a traveling companion (the “we,” “us” language) – Acts 16:10-16.
  • They took a ship to the island of Samothrace, and then sailed to Neapolis, a port city – Acts 16:11.
  • From Neapolis they went by road to Philippi  – Acts 16:12.
  • They stayed in Philippi for a time and established a church. They were also persecuted, then apologized to, then asked to leave – Acts 16:12-40; 1 Thessalonians 2:2.
  • They went on through Amphipolis and Apollonia on the Via Egnatia to Thessalonica, about 100 miles from Philippi. Luke stayed behind.  – Acts 17:1

2. Ministry in Thessalonica

  • They came around 50 AD.
  • Paul preached for three Sabbaths in the Jewish synagogue – Acts 17:2-3.
  • There were a number of conversions – a few Jews, a number of God-fearers, a number of prominent women and many idol worshippers – Acts 17:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:9.
  • They stayed in Jason’s house – Acts 17:5-6.
  • They supported themselves – 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8.
  • The Philippians gave them financial gifts to support their ministry – Philippians 4:16.
  • Some from the Synagogue stirred up a mob against Paul and Silas – Acts 17:5. Jews were in a precarious situation politically and socially. They probably thought Paul’s radical message would bring down the authorities on them.
  • The mob couldn’t find Paul and company, but they arrested Jason and other church members and charged that Paul was fomenting revolution against Caesar by preaching Jesus as Lord – Acts 17:6-8.
  • Jason and the others were released on payment of money. Then they sent Paul and company out of town at night – Acts 17:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:17.

3. After leaving Thessalonica

  • They went to Berea and ministered there – Acts 17:10-12.
  • But some opponents from Thessalonica came to Berea and stirred up trouble – Acts 17:13-14.
  • The believers sent Paul off to Athens, but Silas and Timothy stayed behind. They were to join Paul as soon as possible in Athens – Acts 17:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 3:1.
  • Paul ministered in Athens, speaking at the Areopagus– Acts 17:16-34.
  • Persecutions continued in Thessalonica – 1 Thessalonians 3:3.
  • Silas and Timothy came to Paul in Athens – 1 Thessalonians 3:1.
  • Paul felt unable to return to Thessalonica – 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18.
  • Paul sent Timothy back to check on the Thessalonians – 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 5. (Possibly Silas was sent somewhere in Macedonia as well – Acts 18:5).
  • Paul went on to Corinth and began ministering there – Acts 18:1.
  • Silas and Timothy met up with Paul in Corinth – Acts 18:5.
  • Paul heard Timothy’s report concerning the Thessalonians – 1 Thessalonians 3:6.
  • Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians around 50-51 AD in response to this, a few months after his visit there.

Named believers from Thessalonica

Jason: Acts 17:5-9 – a Jewish Christian. Paul stayed with him when he ministered in Thessalonica. He was arrested and then released by the authorities. Romans 16:21 – this Jason is most likely the same as the one from Thessalonica. If this is true then Jason is named here as a relative of Paul.

Aristarchus: Acts 20:4 –he traveled with Paul (Acts 27:2). Acts 19:29 – he was caught up in a riot in Ephesus against Paul’s preaching. Colossians 4:10 – he also spent time in prison with Paul. Philemon 24 – he is named as a fellow-worker of Paul (Colossians 4:11). He was a Jewish Christian – Colossians 4:11.

Secundus: Acts 20:4 – he traveled with Paul for a time.

William Higgins

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Outline of 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

September 8, 2012 by William Higgins

A True Gospel Transformation

Opening

1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.

Thanksgiving

2We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers,

A. For their Christian lives: 3remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

B. For God’s work in them: 4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction,

B1. For their faithfulness in suffering: knowing what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

A1. For their Christian witness: 8For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. 9For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

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– A and A1 – focus on their Christian lives, giving a threefold descriptions of this: faith, love, hope/turned to God, serve God, wait for Jesus.

– B and B1 – begin with a form of the word “to know.” Both focus on their receiving the gospel; both mention the work of the Holy Spirit in them.

– Also, vs. 2-5 are one sentence structured around three participial constructions – “mentioning,” “remembering,” “knowing.”

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A True Gospel Transformation. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

September 2, 2012 by William Higgins

Series: Paul to the Thessalonians

We’re starting a series on Paul to the Thessalonians. Not sure yet if we will go on into 2 Thessalonians or not. For now I want us to look at 1 Thessalonians and break it down to see what it says, and see what we can learn from it to help us in our understanding and walk with God.

As we go through this I encourage you to read and meditate on this letter in your own times of study and prayer. Let’s begin with some background.

The city of Thessalonica

 – still exists today. It’s the second largest city in Greece. In Paul’s day it was also a very important city. It was the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia, a free city which gave it various political privileges and it was prosperous, with a good sea port, on the main east-west trade route and also on a north-south highway. Here’s a map:

As we’ll see most of the Thessalonians came out of idolatry, which was everywhere, as it was in all Gentile cities. They worshipped Aphrodite, Apollo, Kabirus, Zeus, Isis – just to name a few. And they were quite devoted to the worship of Roman emperors as gods.

Paul’s visit to Thessalonica

 – was a part of his second missionary journey chronicled in Acts 17. He traveled from Antioch in Syria, to the Galatian churches, to Troas and then over to Macedonia, to Philippi and then Thessalonica.

After he established a church, a great conflict broke out and persecution, so Paul had to leave quickly. He went on to Berea, Athens and then to Corinth. This caused real anxiety for two reasons. First, these new believers were left facing persecution alone, and second he wasn’t done teaching them all that they needed to know before he had to leave (3: 2,10).

So he sent Timothy back to check on them (3:2), and when he reported back to Paul at Corinth with good news (3:6), Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians as a response.

He wrote it around 50 AD, about 20 years after Jesus’ death. This was Paul’s second letter. And as such it is the second oldest New Testament document, after Galatians.

Let’s go through this a bit at a time.

The greeting – v. 1

“1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.” This letter is actually from Paul, Silvanus and Timothy. “We” language is prevalent throughout. But at several points “I” language comes out and it is clear that Paul is the one speaking (2:18, 3:5, 5:26).

[Silvanus (known as Silas in Acts) was from the Jerusalem church. He went with Paul after Paul and Barnabas separated. Timothy was a disciple from the Galatian city of Lystra that Paul picked up near the beginning of this mission trip. Timothy, of course, came to work with Paul long term.

The word “church” means “a gathering of people” – specifically of the people of God, modeled on the assembly of the congregation of Israel in the wilderness. Here Paul specifies that he is addressing the gathering in Thessalonica  – “in God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This in contrast to other gatherings, for instance the political gathering under Rome in Thessalonica.]

He begins by wishing them grace or God’s favor (an adaptation of the Greek “greetings”) and peace or wellbeing from God (from the typical Jewish greeting “shalom”).

The rest of chapter one is focused on –

Thanksgiving to God – vs. 2-10

“2We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers . . .” All of Paul’s letters, except Galatians, have a thanksgiving section. In this case Paul is really thankful because they are hanging in there with their faith. He wasn’t sure what was going on. His thanksgiving even spills over into chapters 2 and 3 as well.

He says that he gives thanks for them “always” and prays for them “constantly.” Now I would submit to you that this is not some super spiritual ability to give thanks and pray always even while you do other things. It is rather a reference to his daily prayers – as was the common Jewish tradition. He is simply saying that each morning and evening he mentions them in prayer to God.

He gives thanks specifically for their Christian lives. “3remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ . . .”

“Faith, love and hope” is a common triad in Paul and it functions here as a summary of their Christian life. And it can for us too:

  • Faith has to do with what we believe and our trust in God for salvation
  • Love has to do with living the Christian life day in and day out
  • Hope has to do with what we look forward to when Jesus returns.

Paul is saying that their faith is producing works, their love labors and their hope steadfastness. They are doing well. And so he gives thanks for this.

He also gives thanks for God’s transforming work in them. “4knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.”

He notes God’s love for them and tells them that they are chosen, that is, they are a part of the people of God (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). They have been cut off from family and friends because they have turned away from their old lives, and they are being persecuted.

But they are “brothers and sisters” now; a part of a new group, a new family – the church.

How does he know this? Because God’s Spirit was really at work when he ministered to them, empowering Paul’s preaching and working in their hearts to bring them to full conviction of the truth. “Power” here most likely includes miracles. (Galatians 5:3, 2 Corinthians 12:12f, Romans 15:18-19)

Paul also gives thanks for their faithfulness in suffering. “5You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit 7so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.”

Paul is saying that they had just come from Philippi, having suffered for their faith and they were under threat in Thessalonica. And now the Thessalonians have imitated this example of faithful suffering for their faith.

There is actually a chain of imitation here: Jesus suffered for his faithfulness, Paul followed his example, the Thessalonians have now followed both Paul and Jesus, and now they are an example to others in Greece.

But not only did they suffer, they experienced “the joy of the Holy Spirit” in their suffering. Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you . . . Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Even in suffering you can rejoice because of the knowledge that you will be blessed and because of the work of God in you by the Spirit.

Finally, Paul gives thanks for their witness. “8For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.”

The story of what God did among them and their faith has  spread throughout Greece (Macedonia and Achaia). And even beyond – “everywhere.” Everybody is hearing about their story.

“9For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” Paul is hearing from others about what happened in Thessalonica. Perhaps others from Philippi and Berea came along with Timothy to report to him at Corinth.

And again we have a description of their Christian lives:

  • They turned to God from idols
  • They now they serve the living and true God
  • And now they wait for Jesus to return

And Paul is thankful for this.

As Paul gives thanks for all these things, several things stand out for us to reflect on.

How are you doing in your daily prayers?

What do you give thanks for without ceasing? Who do you pray for constantly? Just as Paul was an example for them (and us) in the area of faithfulness in suffering, so he is a model for us of disciplined prayer. How are you doing?

The gospel message

What Paul preached comes out clearly in just a few words in vs. 9-10. “. . . how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” Let me highlight some things from these verses: 1) It has to do with a person named Jesus; 2) he is the Son of God; 3) he died and has been resurrected; 4) he was exalted to heaven; 5) we are to wait for his return; 6) final judgment or “wrath” is coming. This is God’s just judgment on human sin; 7) but Jesus is our deliverer.

The same question that confronted the Thessalonians when they heard this gospel still confronts us. Are we going to receive God’s mercy to us by putting our faith in Jesus – who delivers us from judgment for our sin?

We also get a picture of what –

A true Gospel transformation

– looks like. Think about your own life as we go through this. 1) The Spirit moved in their hearts – v. 5. There is not coming to God without God first coming to us and working in us. 2) They turned from idols to God, which speaks to true repentance – v. 9. 3) They serve God with their lives – v. 9.  4)  Their faith is producing works – v. 3.   5) Their love for others is evident in their behavior – v. 3. 6) They have steadfast hope as they wait for Jesus – vs. 3-10. And 7) they do all this while suffering for their faith with joy – v. 6.

God aims through his gospel to transform every part of us in just these ways. What does your Christian life look like? If this isn’t a picture of your Christian life, I encourage you now to renew your faith in Jesus and to invite the Holy Spirit into your life to transform you.

William Higgins

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Summary: The Blessing of Children

August 13, 2012 by William Higgins

Jesus deeply loved and cared about children. He was concerned that they be honored, taken care of and ministered to (Mark 9:35-37).

Mark 10:13-16 recounts the story of when people brought them to Jesus, ranging in age from infants to preadolescent children. It says,
“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’ And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”

Children are safe in God’s hands. Indeed, as Jesus said, the kingdom of God belongs to them. And because this is so, they too, not just adults, should be able to have the attention of Jesus. They too should be able to receive of what God is doing through Jesus.

How to provide this for children today is modeled for us by Jesus. When the children came to Jesus, he laid his hands on them and he blessed them. He prayed for God to watch over them and to care for them. This is how he ministered to them.

And so, as our adult followers of Jesus come forward to receive the bread and cup of the Lord’s supper, we invite all children to come forward to the front platform to be prayed for, in the name of Jesus, in order to receive a blessing from God.

William Higgins

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Summary: The Lord’s Supper

August 13, 2012 by William Higgins

When we partake of the Lord’s supper, we receive the bread and the cup. But what does this mean?

The bread comes from the Passover meal, which Jesus and his disciples were eating together. The Passover meal celebrated God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery, misery and death in Egypt. It was celebrated just before their deliverance. They were to be dressed and ready to go and afterwards they were set free. Also, this deliverance was connected to sacrificial death. While the Egyptians were judged, the blood of the lambs protected the Israelites. God passed over their homes. (Exodus 12:6-13). So the bread from this meal calls to mind deliverance from slavery through sacrificial death.

Jesus used this bread to symbolically speak of his death – “this is my body” – Mark 14:22. And just as the bread is broken when it is given out to be eaten, he is saying that through his sacrificial death, his broken body on the cross, we are set free from slavery. We are set free from slavery to the world, Satan, our sin and death and we commit to leave all this behind.

The cup is connected to the Mosaic covenant ceremony which happened after Israel traveled out of Egypt to Mt. Sinai. Jesus makes this connection when he uses the phrase “my blood of the covenant” – Mark 14:24, which comes from this event. This ceremony was about new relationship with God. When Israel entered into covenant with God, God forgave them and they agreed to obey everything in the Mosaic covenant. Also, this new relationship is connected to sacrificial death. The blood of the oxen was sprinkled on the altar and the people. It was the “the blood of the covenant.” (Exodus 24:5-8). So the cup, connected to this, brings to mind a new relationship with God through sacrificial death.

Jesus used the cup to symbolically speak of his death – “this is my blood” – Mark 14:24. And just as the cup is “poured out” (Mark 14:24) as it is received, he is saying that through his sacrificial death, through his poured out blood on the cross, we have a new relationship with God; a new covenant. Our sins are forgiven and we commit to do all that Jesus commands us.

When we receive the bread and the cup we acknowledge all this as true in our lives:

  • When you eat the bread you are saying that through Jesus I am set free from the world, Satan, sin and death and I choose to leave all this behind.
  • When you drink the cup you are saying that through Jesus I have a new relationship with God. I am forgiven and I commit to do all that Jesus has commanded.

These are the very things that we acknowledged at the time of our baptism. And each time we partake of the Lord’s supper we renew this baptismal testimony and commitment to God.

William Higgins

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Love your enemy

June 30, 2012 by William Higgins

Here is a link to the site with teaching on this – Love your enemy.

William

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Acceptable Words. Psalm 19

June 3, 2012 by William Higgins

Psalm 19 is a profound psalm with lots of good teaching in it. It’s also a very beautiful poem. I want us to really dig into this today and see what we can learn.

I have a handout for you –  Psalm 19 outline. There are some issues of translation that I won’t get into. I am using two translations, the ESV and NIV. Let’s read it through as a whole first, from the handout.

Introduction

Let me begin by pointing out that there are several allusions to Genesis 1 in Psalm 19. Here are some examples from verse one:

  • “the heavens” is the same word as is found in Genesis 1:1
  • “the sky” is the same word as “firmament” in Genesis 1:7

(For more see below. The seven statements about God’s instructions could also echo the seven days of Genesis one)

But most basically, the structure of Genesis 1 helps us understand how this Psalm is put together. It is generally recognized that days 1-3 and days 4-6 in Genesis 1 are parallel to each other, with the first series focusing on the making of different spaces, and the second series focusing on filling those spaces. 

Making spaces

Filling spaces
Day 1 – light & darkness (temporal space) Day 4 – Filled with stars.
Day 2 – waters below, above (sky) Day 5 – Filled with fish, birds
Day 3 – the earth Day 6 – Filled with animals.

Now on day 4, as a part of filling the created spaces, God set rulers over the day and night, the Sun and the moon. Day 5 has no mention of a ruler. But again, on day 6, God set humanity as the ruler over the earth, both man and woman.

I draw attention to this because these two servants who rule, specifically the Sun and humanity, are contrasted in our Psalm in sections B and B1 (handout).

Now we’re ready to look at our Psalm. We begin with –

The words of the heavens

“1The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.”

A couple of notes, “The heavens declare,” can also be translated “are declaring.” And “the sky above proclaims,” can also be translated “is proclaiming.” This is an ongoing activity. And this is reinforced by v. 2, which tells us that this happens “day to day,” and “night to night.” (The day and night language also echoes day 4 in Genesis 1)

So the heavens are declaring, proclaiming, pouring out speech and revealing knowledge. And this is all focused on “the glory of God.” The heavens praise God and point to God in that they are God’s “handiwork.” For when people see the heavens and their workings, they see the glory of the one who made them. (For similar thoughts see Romans 1:28)

Then we have a qualification. “3They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. 4Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” They do a lot of talking, but not with audible or human words. And yet in spite of this, they still speak. In fact their words go everywhere, to the ends of the world.

Now we have a focus on the Sun, as the ruler of the day –

The faithful servant over the heavens

“In them he (God) has set a tent for the sun, 5which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and like a strong man, runs its course with joy.”

The sun is here vividly personified. It retires in a tent that God gives it during the night. When the sun “comes out” of its tent in the morning, it’s ready to go. This is described with two images: 1) like a bridegroom right after his marriage ceremony, ready to take on the world. 2) like a strong man, or an athlete ready to run, who then “runs his course with joy.” It is not a toil, and there is no complaining. It is ready to go and is happy about it.

“6Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.” It travels its path from east to west each and every day, staying true to the path given to it by God. It goes from one end of the heavens to the other and “nothing is hidden from its heat,” referencing its rule over all the heavens, echoing Genesis 1:16 and 18.

So the sun is singled out as a prime example of the heavens declaring God’s glory. It is doing what it is supposed to do and thus glorifying God.

Next we learn about –

God’s instructions

This is really a poem within a poem – about God’s Law, or as I am putting it his “instructions” to us; God’s will. It is made up of seven statements.

1. “7The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul”

2. “the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple”

3. “8the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart”

4. “the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes”

5. “9the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever”

6. “the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether”

7. “10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.”

Notice the synonyms: law, testimony, precepts, commandment, fear, rules. Notice the characteristics of God’s instructions: perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, enduring forever, true, righteous altogether. And notice its benefit for those who keep it: reviving the soul, making wise the simple, rejoicing the heart, enlightening the eyes.

This section ends with two comparatives that speak to its value. God’s instructions are more valuable than gold or honey. They are to be sought out. Let me ask, Do you seek it out more than gold or honey? If someone put a pot of gold in front of you and said choose this or a better of understanding of what God wants from you, which would you pick?

In the background here is Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. One scholar (David Clines) has pointed out parallels between these passages. Here are two: In Genesis 3:6 the tree seemed good “to make one wise.” But in Psalm 19:7 God’s Law is characterized as “making wise the simple.” In Genesis 3:7 it says when they ate “the eyes of both were opened.” But in Psalm 19:8 God’s Law characterized as “enlightening the eyes.”

The underlying message in this comparison is this. Instead of seeking out wisdom to rule apart from God, we are to find wisdom in God’s instructions. He gives us true insight and enlightenment.

Next we move to a focus on humanity. In contrast to the faithfulness of the sun, we have –

The flawed servant over the earth

And this is in the form of a prayer. “11Moreover, by them (that is, God’s instructions) is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”

Here we see the quandary that David, and all of us face in terms of God’s Law – judgment or blessing? Judgment if we disobey – hence the warning language. Blessing if we keep it. He speaks of “great reward.”

Already in vs. 7-10 we have begun to see the human problem, but this is spelled out further in these next verses, in the form of two obstacles that stand in the way of receiving God’s blessing. This speaks to the flawed rulership of humanity.

“12Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; let them not have dominion over me!”

1. We have errors or hidden faults. That is, inadvertent sins, sinning when we don’t even know we are. What is the solution? He asks for forgiveness. Grace.

2. We have willful sins. That is know, willful choices we make that go against God’s will. What is the solution? He asks for help. Keep me from them. Once again, grace. (In the phrase “let them not have dominion over me,” the word “dominion” echoes Genesis 1:28. But it is an ironic allusion, because it refers now to sin having dominion over humanity, as opposed to humanity having dominion over the earth.) (“Dominion” is the same word used in Genesis 4:7 where God tells Cain must rule over sin) (The word “hidden” is used to describe the sun’s expansive rule. Here it is used to highlight the flawed rule of humanity.)

So, with God’s forgiveness and preventative help, David goes on to say, 13“Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.” In this way he can receive God’s great reward. (Perhaps he means he will be blameless due to forgiveness and innocent of great transgression due to God’s preventative help)

This leads us to the last verse –

The words of humanity

We have already seen in v.1 how “the heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork;” how they pour forth speech. And we have seen how the sun is a prime example of this, as the faithful servant of God who rules over the sky, never wandering from his path.

Now David prays, that as a human, as a ruler over the earth, he will have words that are acceptable in God’s sight. 14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

He acknowledges in this Psalm human brokenness and sin, including his own. But with the help of God’s instructions, instead of his own wisdom, and with God’s forgiveness and preventative help, that is, God’s grace, he prays that his words can be a part of declaring God’s glory. That just as the heavens do this, and the Sun as the ruler of the day does this, that he might fulfill his role in offering up praise to God and pointing others to God in the way he runs his course.

And he also prays this for the mediations of his heart, the source of his words. This is not just an outer thing. He prays that his heart would be acceptable and glorifying to God.

He ends with the theme of redemption as a counterpoint to his brokenness. He uses “Lord” or Yahweh, God’s personal name. In the first part of the psalm it was the generic, “God,” the creator God. But from vs. 7-14 Yahweh is the name that is used seven times – God’s covenant or saving name. It is this God who is his rock and redeemer and, the one who protects him and saves him.

Let me end by asking –

What about you?

Do you desire to join in the chorus of praise to God? To pour out day to day acceptable words that point to and praise God?

Then we too, like David need God’s help. And thankfully we have all the more help, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • We have God’s clearest instructions, God’s Word made flesh. We have Jesus’ teaching and example to guide us, give us wisdom and enlighten our eyes.
  • And we have Gods’ grace. We have forgiveness for all our sins, errors and willful ones, through Jesus’ death on the cross. And we have God’s help, so that sin will not have dominion over us through the Spirit whom we receive in our hearts, who gives us the power to overcome.

In this way we too can fulfill our role; our words too can join in with the words of all creation to give proper praise to God.

 William Higgins


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