Old Greenbrier Baptist Church

Blog for Week of November 26, 2017

Whom Do You Please with Your Life?

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Whom do you seek to please with your life? Here are some candidates: Your parents, your spouse/children, your friends, your boss, yourself! While some or all of these may appear good and right, they are not the ones you should please. God is the only one that you should please with your life. The object of your life should be to glorify God in all that you are and do. Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to live lives pleasing to God in holiness and love.

¹ As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. ² For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

³ It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; ⁴ that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, ⁵ not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; ⁶ and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. ⁷ For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. ⁸ Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

⁹ Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. ¹⁰ And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, ¹¹ and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, ¹² so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 NIV).

Please God with Your Life (1-2)

The thanksgiving and concern expressed by Paul for the Thessalonians in the first three chapters of 1 Thessalonians turns to exhortation and instruction in the last two chapters. "Finally" marks a major transition from thanksgiving for the past to exhortation for the future. "We instructed you how to live in order to please God" (1). Paul used two verbs to describe his instruction, but most English translations only use one. First, he used a work (Gk., erotomen) which refers to guidance given to a new convert in how to live a life pleasing to God. Second, he used a work (Gk., parakoloumen) that focuses on encouragement given by personal example and practical teaching in shared life. The phrase "how to live" (Gk., pos dei humas perimatein) literally translated is "how it is necessary for you to walk." Paul addressed our daily walk with the Lord; about how we should live life each day. The way we should live according to Paul is "in order to please God" (Gk., areskein theo). Pleasing God should be the main objective of life. Paul's teaching is not new to the Thessalonians. They have known and are practicing his teaching. Paul's challenge is not just that they keep up the good work but that they live lives that are "more and more" pleasing to God. We never arrive in our pursuit of excellence in living life to the glory of God. Note that the authority of his teaching is not from Paul himself but from "the Lord Jesus" (2).

Please God by Being Holy (3-8)

These instructions are "God's will (Gk., thelema tou theou)" for believers. Certainly, we seek God's will in important decisions. We ask, "What is God's will for my life?" Sometimes we believe that God's will is hidden or difficult to know. In reality, much of God's will is obvious and available to us if we will only open our hearts and our Bibles. God's will for us in living life  is clearly revealed in the life of Jesus and the words of the Bible. In this passage, Paul reminded the Thessalonians of two ways to please God in life: holiness and love.

It is God's will that we should be "sanctified (Gk., hagiasmos)." The word sanctified means "holy." It is the word used to describe God's saints and the Holy Spirit. One of God's first commands to his people was:  "I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy" (Lev 11:45).

What does it mean to be sanctified or holy? To be sanctified or holy means to be set apart from others in the world for a special purpose of God. Israel was God's chosen nation that he called out from all other nations for the special purpose of being his people through whom he would bring our Savior, the Lord Jesus, into the world. As members of the New Testament church, we are called out from the world and its ways for the special purpose of proclaiming the good news of Jesus in word and deed. Sanctification is a process, a journey that begins as we are justified by receiving Jesus by faith; that continues as we walk more closely with Jesus each day; and that concludes when we enter glory.

Paul gave three examples of holy living in verses 3b-6. His examples are not exhaustive but illustrate what it means to live a holy life that is pleasing to God. First, Paul exhorted "avoid sexual immorality (Gk., apechesthai . . . porneias)" (3). Like our society today, the Greek definition of acceptable sexual behavior differed considerably from that of Jews and Christians. We are called to separate from the world's standard and to live by God's higher standard. That does not mean that we flaunt our higher moral standards but that we simply live by them and are ready to share the reason we follow them when asked.

Second, each believer must "control his own body / possess his vessel (Gk.,  skeuos ktasthai)" (4-5). This may be an elaboration or detail related to the first command. The key phrase is "control his body" (NIV) / "possesses his vessel" (KJV). It may refer to a believer's self control in avoiding sexually immoral activities. It may refer to the husband/wife relationship, God's will for proper sexual expression. Sexuality is God-given and is not bad. Unfortunately, the world corrupts God's good gift. Clearly, the world offers many sexual temptations. We need God's help to be holy in this area. The world gives in to "passionate lust" (Gk., pathei epithumias). Believers, with God's help, must live "holy and honorable" lives before God and the world.

Third, a believer must not "wrong his brother or take advantage of him" (6). The word "wrong" (Gk., huperbainein) is used only here in the New Testament. It means to go beyond the bounds of legal or proper behavior. It is an overtly illegal action. The verb "take advantage" (Gk., pleonektein) means "to cheat." It is dishonesty compounded by a violation of trust. It may be a legal action, but it is certainly not ethical or right. Our relationships with other believers must be above board and in accord with God's higher standards in all respects.

Paul makes a final appeal to holy living and also gives a warning (7-8). God calls us not to "impure" (Gk., akatharsia) living as outlined in these example but instead calls us to "holy" (Gk., hagiasmos) living, which is his will for us. Remember that God's punishment of sinful behavior begins with his own children, whom he loves. The writer of Hebrews counsels that ". . . the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son" (Heb 12:6). Our moral behavior should not flow from fear of God's judgment but from loving obedience to God's will which we know is best for us and those who share life with us. If we continue to live immoral lives as Christians, our living gives evidence that we have rejected God himself, the one who gives us his Holy Spirit to live within us. If we reject holy living, then we reject our holy God.

Please God by Loving Others (9-12)

It is God's will that we should show "love" to each other (9). Paul spoke about two kinds of love. The term "brotherly love" (Gk., tes philadelphias) refers to the love that we share in Christian fellowship. Paul used a second word for love n the phrase "taught by God  to love" (Gk., theodidaktoi agapan). This love is the love that we share as we serve others. God is our teacher when it comes to self-sacrificial love. He teaches love by action and word.

Paul exhorted the Thessalonians: "Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more" (10). The love of the Thessalonians is evident. They are learning and growing well. However, Paul exhorted them to love "more and more" (Gk., perisseuo = "overflowing"). Paul linked this command with his prayer for the Thessalonians in 1Th 3:12.

How do we continue to grow until our love overflows? Again, Paul gave a couple of examples. First, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, . . ." (11a). Don't detract from and disrupt the gospel message by failing to show love to one another. Maintain peace in the church and so deprive the outside world of anything to criticize. Second, ". . . work with your hands" (11b). Each one who can should work to support him/herself and make a contribution to church/society. Don't give the world a chance to call you lazy or a taker rather than a giver. Love gives.

Why do we keep growing in love? First, so that "your daily life may win the respect of outsiders" - Non-Christians observing a believer should see a life that makes the gospel and church attractive. Let your light shine (cf., Mt 5:16). Second, so that "you will not be dependent on anybody"  - Certainly there are times/seasons when we are dependent on others. The meaning here is that we do all that we can for others without making demands on them for our needs.

What can we learn from this passage today? Remember that God is a holy and loving God. He wants you to be holy and loving like him. Live a holy life by avoiding the excesses of the world and by never abusing or exploiting others. Live a loving life by keeping the peace and working hard, which both reflect positively on the gospel. If you live each day to please God, then those who matter will also be pleased with your life.

Blog for the Week of November 19, 2017

Keep On Keeping On

1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Do you worry about your children, your grandchildren? As parents and grandparents, we often worry about bad things happening in the lives of our children. We must remember God is with them and trust them to follow him in faith. We must train them right and release them with love, prayers, and encouragement into the world. We must pray that God will help us and them keep on keeping on in the faith day-by-day.

Paul was worried about his children in the faith back in Thessalonica. He knew that the Thessalonians were being persecuted by non-believers just as he had been. He knew that Satan was tempting them to turn from the faith and back to the worship of idols and other ungodly practices. Paul had tried to go in person to check on them, but he had been stopped by Satan (cf., 1Th 2:18). So, he sent Timothy to check on the faith condition of the Thessalonians. He feared Timothy would find the church in chaos with many believers having turned from the faith. He feared his "efforts" (Gk., kopos) for the gospel had become "useless" (Gk., keno) (1Th 3:5). However, Timothy returned with a good report about the faith of the Thessalonians. Paul was so encouraged by the faith of the Thessalonians that he gave thanks and prayed for their continued spiritual growth.

⁶ But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. ⁷ Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. ⁸ For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. ⁹ How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? ¹⁰ Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

¹¹ Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. ¹² May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. ¹³ May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones (1Th 3:6-13 NIV).

Encouraged by the Present (6-10)

Paul celebrated the faith and love of the Thessalonians (6). "Timothy has just now come to us from you" with a good report. Paul couldn't wait to send back a letter of affirmation and encouragement to his children. Timothy brought Paul "good news" (Gk., euangelizo) about the faith and love of the Thessalonians. They were keeping on in the faith in spite of persecution and temptation. They still loved Paul, had "pleasant memories" (Gk., mneian agathen) and longed to see him. Paul had feared that the Thessalonians, due to their persecutions, would remember him as a troublemaker and no longer love him. His fears proved to be false.

Paul was encouraged in life and ministry by the continuing faith and love of the Thessalonians (7-8). Paul continued to face "distress and persecution" in his present ministry in Athens/Corinth. The good news that Timothy brought of the Thessalonians' continued faith "encouraged" (Gk., parakaleo) Paul. Even a spiritual giant like Paul needed a holy hug of encouragement. Paul declared that if the Thessalonians would continue to "stand firm" (Gk., steko) in the Lord, then Paul would continue to be refreshed and revitalized in his work.

How good it is to hear about the successes and growth of our loved ones in the faith. We all need times of refreshing and encouragement that our efforts in the Lord are fruitful. Paul had joy in life and would continue to have it in the persevering faith of the Thessalonians. Paul's responded, "for now we really live" (8). This is like our saying, "I don't think I could live without you." It is an exaggeration, but the quality of our life is greatly impacted by others. It speaks to the genuineness of love and the depth of relationship that they shared.

Paul gave thanks to God for the Thessalonians (9-10). a. Paul continued a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the Thessalonians (cf., 1Th 1:2-10, 2:13-16). Paul gave thanks for the Thessalonians' "work produced by faith . . . labor prompted by love, and . . . endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ" (1:3). He gave thanks that the Thessalonians had become "imitators of us and the Lord" (6), and "a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia" (1:7). He gave thanks because they had "received the word of God" (2:13) and "became imitators of God's churches in Judea" as they also suffered for their faith in Jesus (2:14). In 1Th 3:9, Paul gave thanks for the joy that he had before God because of the Thessalonians. "How can we thank God enough for you . . . ?" - Paul was overwhelmed with joy/thanksgiving. He said to the Thessalonians, "Don't you know how thankful I am for you?"

Paul was thankful, but he was also concerned because he knew that the faith of the Thessalonians would continue to be tested. The job of spiritual formation, growth, and endurance is never complete in this life. So, Paul continued to pray earnestly "night and day" (i.e., regularly) for two things (10). First, he asked "that we may see you again . . ." - Paul loved them and wanted to be with them. Second, he prayed that he ". . . may supply (Gk., katarizo) what is lacking in your faith." Paul was not pointing to a deficiency or flaw in the Thessalonians' current faith but to the fact that they always needed to keep on growing in their faith. Paul wanted to continue to be used as God's instrument to help them grow spiritually. So, Paul offered a beautiful and specific prayer in 3:11-13 for their spiritual growth.

Prayers for the Future (11-13)

Paul expressed two wishes concerning the Thessalonians' spiritual growth. First, Paul prayed to be present with them (11). He asked God to "clear the way" (Gk., kateuthune - "make straight, direct") - God's spiritual power was required to remove obstacles of Satan that prevented Paul from going to them. Paul wanted to be with the Thessalonians, to love them, and to continue teaching them. We all need mentors who challenge us to continue growing in the Lord. We all need encouragers to help us through the hard times and rejoice with us in the good times. Second, Paul prayed for them to love even more (12). Paul wanted an "increase" (Gk., pleonazo - "abundant growth") and "overflow" (Gk., perisseuo - "overabundance") in their "love" (Gk., agape - self-sacrificial love) for all people, both believers and unbelievers. God's love fills us and overflows as we minister to those around us. Paul's key themes in the lives of the Thessalonians were faith, love, and hope (1:3). Faith, hope, and love became important themes throughout Paul's teaching. "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love" (1Cor 13:13, emphasis mine). The result of continued spiritual growth and increased sacrificial love is the manifestation of God's strength (13). God's strength made them "blameless" (Gk., amemptous - "something acceptable to offer God"). God's strength made them "holy" (Gk., haiosune - "consecrated as God's special possession"). God's strength would carry them through to the end, "when our Lord Jesus comes." They must not let go of God, and he certainly will not let go of them. They are in his hand.

Lessons for Today

What can we learn and do based on this passage? Keep checking on and praying for fellow believers. Be encouraged by the spiritual growth and perseverance you see in others. Be there for others and keep on encouraging them to remain faithful when they are tempted  to ease up their faith commitment, lose their conviction, or relax their morality. Give thanks to God for those with whom and to whom you minister. Pray for spiritual growth in yourself and in other believers. Seek opportunities to be with other believers and to help them grow in their faith walk. Remember that we are adopted children of God by faith in Jesus. We gather together at our Father's table as children in need of his love and strength. Let us pray for the strength and spiritual growth of both those around us and those who are far away. Let us give thanks for our faith and pray for continued spiritual growth in ourselves and others. May we continually use Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians as a model for our prayers for each other.

Blog for Week of November 12, 2017

Keeping the Faith When Others are Hurting

1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5

There is inherent difficulty in having children who live far away. I am somewhat envious of those whose children live near them. The separation of distance was particularly difficult recently as Hurricane Harvey cut a path of disaster across south Texas including Houston, where our daughter lives. Fortunately she came through safe and sound, but the days of the Hurricane's passing were difficult, especially when communication was sketchy with all the disruptions. Paul, the spiritual father of the church at Thessalonica, had a similar experience of pain in being separated from his spiritual children. Paul wrote about the pain of his separation from the Thessalonian believers and of his desire to send them strength and encouragement.

^2:17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short while—in person, not in spirit—were all the more eager with great desire to see your face. ¹⁸ For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—and yet Satan hindered us. ¹⁹ For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? ²⁰ For you are our glory and joy.

^3:1 Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, ² and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, ³ so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. ⁴ For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know. ⁵ For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain (1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5 NIV).

The Pain of Separation (2:17-19)

Paul said he was "torn away" (Gk., aporphanisthentes - "made an orphan") from the Thessalonians. We know of Paul's persecution in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea as he was driven by his detractors from the region of Macedonia in northern Greece. Paul made his way to Athens and later on to Corinth in southern Greece. The resulting separation was physical, "in person" (Gk. prosopo - face-to-face) "not in thought" (Gk., ou kardia - not in heart, mind, and spirit). Paul continued to think about and pray for his spiritual children, even as we think about and pray for our children. Paul and his ministry team". . . made every effort . . ." to come and be with his spiritual children, ". . . but Satan stopped us" (18). The desire to see the Thessalonians again was a very personal desire for Paul. He says emphatically, "I, Paul . . ." It is not clear what "Satan stopped us" meant. Perhaps a physical illness hindered Paul's visit, or perhaps there was a travel ban on Paul from his previous encounters with authorities in Macedonia. Whatever it was, Paul believed it to be an interference from Satan. Satan causes us to suffer for our faith. Satan tempts us to turn from our faith. In spite of the pain of separation, the Thessalonian believers were a source of hope, joy, and glory for Paul (19).

What fills you with joy? Perhaps it is the love of family, the successes of life, or the beauty of nature and music? Christian joy comes not only from the good and beautiful experiences of life but also from facing the disappointments and adversities of life with faith in the present and sure hope for the future. Paul looked past the current pain of separation to the coming of the Lord Jesus. Paul was inspired by the work produced by faith, the labor prompted by love, and the endurance inspired by hope (cf., 1Th 1:3) that he saw in the Thessalonian believers in spite of their suffering and separation from him. Paul was filled with Christian "hope" (Gk., elpis) for the future. He felt the "joy" (Gk., chara) of a proud parent watching his child face and overcome adversity. Satan had blocked Paul's way back to Thesslonica but not his joy in the Thessalonians' faith. Paul believed that the Thessalonians will be a crown (Gk., stephanos - victory wreath) presented by Jesus for his effective work in spreading the gospel.  The Thessalonians were fruit of his call to be Jesus' "chosen instrument to carry [Jesus'] name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel" (Acts 9:15). Paul concluded, "You are our glory (Gk., doxa) and joy (Gk., chara)" (20).

Sending Strength and Encouragement (3:1-5)

Paul could not stand being separated from and without knowledge of the status of the Thessalonians' faith (1-2). Paul and Silas (Gk., monoi "by ourselves" is plural) stayed in Athens. Timothy, apparently not barred from entry to Macedonia or otherwise blocked by Satan, was able to travel back to Thessalonica to check on the believers there. Paul's goal was to "strengthen" (Gk., steriksai) and "encourage" (Gk., parakalesai) the Thessalonians' faith. Paul's pattern of care when absent from believers came in three ways: 1) He wrote and sent letters of encouragement, like 1 & 2 Thessalonians; 2) He sent trusted Christian colleagues, like Timothy, as emissaries of encouragement; and 3) He called on believers to encourage and strengthen one another.

Just before and during Hurricane Harvey we called to check on and encourage our daughter. After the storm we sent a card with words of encouragement and money. We appreciate the Friendship Sunday school class sending her a card and money as well. The note the class sent to her contained a story that reminded her of her childhood days at Old Greenbrier when she fell asleep hidden behind a door and we couldn't find her. It was a happy memory that brought laughter and joy.

Paul knew that the young believers were fragile and vulnerable to both the persecutions and temptations of Satan (3-4). He wrote to encourage them in their time of trial. He had warned them when he was with them about "trials" (Gk., periasmos - both persecutions and temptations) which would come their way. He was afraid that they might have become "unsettled" (Gk., sainesthai - "shaken" NRSV) in their faith. Paul sent Timothy to check on the faith condition of the Thessalonians. He knew that the Thessalonians were being persecuted by non-believers just as he had been. He knew that Satan was tempting them to turn from the faith and back to the worship of idols and other ungodly practices. He was afraid that Timothy would find the church in chaos with many believers having turned away from the faith.

God will not allow our "efforts" (Gk., kopos) in spreading the gospel to become "useless" (Gk., keno). As parents, we often worry about the worst possible outcomes in the lives of our children. We must train them right and release them with love, prayers, and encouragement into the world. We must remember God is with them and trust them to follow him in faith.

What shall we do based on Paul's teaching in this passage? Pray for those from whom we are separated by physical distance. Send them encouragement for faith in life by word and by presence when the way is open. Don't forget to encourage faith in those who are nearby. Know that persecution and opposition by the world/Satan are part of being a Christian. Know that temptations to turn from faith and our walk with God will come upon us. Trust God to overcome the evil one and bring all believers together in eternity at his coming. Keep the faith and encourage others to keep the faith, especially when they are hurting. As we keep the faith, we will have joy for the journey of life and hope for the glory that is ours at the Lord's return.

Blog for Week of November 5, 2017

Genuine Witness Leads to Genuine Faith

1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

How do you describe something? You can share negatives; What it is not or does not do. You can share positives; What it is or does. How would you describe a vase of cut flowers? First the negatives: What is it not or does it not do? It is not alive, and it would not be good to eat, at least in my opinion. Second the positives: What is it or does it do? It is beautiful to behold, and it points us to contemplate God's creative power.

How do you describe an Apostle, a Christ-follower, one who shares the good news of Jesus? A Christian's life in this world and his/her faith walk with Christ Jesus cannot be separated. Who one is and what one does in life/ministry reveals the truth or falsity of the walk of faith in Christ. If who you are or what you do is inconsistent with the Christian walk of faith revealed by Jesus, then your ability to share the gospel effectively is negatively impacted. If who you are and what you do is consistent with a Christ-like walk of faith, then your ability to share the gospel effectively is enhanced. The truth of your words about Jesus is known by the way you live them out.

Paul encouraged the Thessalonian church to imitate him and in turn to become models of Christian behavior for others. His genuine witness had led to their genuine faith. They are to witness as he did. First, Paul described what he was not and did not do as he shared the gospel in Thessalonica (vv. 1-6). Second, Paul described what he was and did as he shared the gospel in Thessalonica (vv. 7-12). Finally, Paul celebrated the fact that he saw the Thessalonian believers imitating him to the glory of God (vv. 13-16).

Look for the negatives of what an Apostle/Christian is not to be/do.

¹ You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. ² We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. ³ For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. ⁴ On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. ⁵ You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. ⁶ We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority (1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 NIV).

Avoiding the Negatives (1-6)

In 1 Thessalonians 1, Paul gave thanks for the Thessalonian believers because they accepted the gospel and ". . . became imitators of us and of the Lord . . ." (1:6). In 1Th 2:1, there is an un-translated Greek word (Gk., gar = "For") in the text which directly connects what Paul said in chapter 2 with his thanksgiving in chapter 1. Paul set out in more detail in chapter 2 what was worthy of imitation in his walk with the Lord. He noted that the Thessalonians knew these things (i.e., 2:1 "You know") because they has seen them. In these verses, Paul described the ethical behavior of an Apostle or a Christian in sharing the gospel by describing three things that he was not and did not do in his ministry.

A Christ-follower is not a failure (1-2). The world would have described Paul's ministry as a failure (Gk., keno) due to the opposition he faced and the fact that he was run out of town, even out of the region. The main verb "dared" (Gk.,  eparresiasametha) is better translated "were given courage" Paul was given courage by God "to speak the gospel." When both the source of the message & the courage to speak it come from God, we can't fail. The words "suffered" and "insulted" modify main verb "were given courage." The word "opposition" (Gk., agoni) means "struggle" like an athlete engaged in training or a contest. It is a metaphor for moral struggles and strenuous effort to overcome an opponent. Our faithfulness in adverse conditions is one poof of pure motives and authentic ministry.

A Christ-follower does not teach erroneous beliefs with impure motives and trickery (3). "For" (vs. 3) - The assertion of not being a failure is based on the nature of Paul's teaching. Paul spoke the truth and not from "error" (Gk, ek planes). He spoke the good news God gave him. We must study and know the truth so that we will be ready to share the truth. He did not speak from impure motives (Gk., ek akatharsias) or in order to deceive (Gk., en dolo). Paul was not a sideshow hustler or con-man. His message originated with God, who entrusted it to Paul, who faithfully delivered it in the courage provided by God.

A Christ-follower does not seek to please humans by flattery with motives of greed/praise (4-6). Paul uses a strong adversative "On the contrary" (Gk., alla) - The positives expressed in verse 4 are a direct contrast to the negatives of verse 3. The phrase "approved by God" (Gk., dedokmasmetha hupo tou theou) means that Paul and his message were approved after careful examination (Good Housekeeping seal) by God. We must remember that flaws in our character can be used to discredit the gospel. The phrase "no flattery" (Gk., oute kolakeias) (5a) means he did not-tailor the truth to fit popular opinion. The phrase "no greed" (Gk., oute pleonexias) (5b) means more than just an unhealthy desire for money. It is a desire for things that dominates everything else. Paul did not act with a motive of greed. The phrase "not seeking praise" (Gk., oute doxan)" (6a) - Paul did not seek human affirmation. Paul, as an Aposlte "could have been a burden (Gk., barei)" by putting pressure on the Thessalonians for money and praise, but he did not (6b).

Living Out the Positives (7-12)

Listen for the positives of what an Apostle/Christian is to be/do.

⁷ Instead, we were like young children among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, ⁸ so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. ⁹ Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. ¹⁰ You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. ¹¹ For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, ¹² encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:7-12 NIV).

In these verses, Paul described the ethical behavior of an Apostle or a Christian in sharing the gospel by describing five things that he was and did in his ministry.

A Christ-follower lives a life of  gentleness (Gk., epioi) (7) - Paul evokes the image of mother nursing her child as an example of gentleness and care we are to have for others.

A Christ-follower has a love for people and wants them to hear the good news (8). Paul uses a rare word for "love" (Gk., homeiromoi). It describes the bond between a parent and beloved child. Paul shared daily life not just the gospel with the Thessalonians.

A Christ-follower toils and endures hardships so that he is not a financial burden (9). The words "toils" (Gk., kopos) and "hardships" (Gk., mochthos) are synonyms used together for effect. Paul most likely worked during the day as a tent-maker (Acts 18:3) and ministered in the evening. He was not a financial burden (Gk., barei - cf., 2:6b) to those to whom he ministered.

A Christ-follower's life exhibits holiness-righteousness-blamelessness (10). The terms "holiness" (Gk., hosios) and "righteousness" (Gk., dikaios) were used together by the Greeks to indicate one who kept both God's laws and the laws of men. Paul's claim of "blamelessness" (Gk., amemptos) means that no legitimate charge could be brought against him. These characteristics are interconnected and were affirmed by what believers saw in Paul's life.

A Christ-follower encourages, comforts, and urges godly living in others (11-12). Paul used the analogy of a loving father with his children (v11). A father encourages and guides. "encouraging" (Gk., parakalountes) and "comforting" (Gk., paramythoumenoi) are synonyms. The word "urging" (Gk., martyromenoi), literally "giving witness," summons the image of a father gently sharing directive guidance. A father helps his children up when they fall and points them in the direction to move forward.  The purpose of the father is that the children will ". . . live lives worthy of God . . ." (12b). Paul calls the Thessalonians and God as witnesses that he did do these things (10).

Celebrating the Results (13-16)

This is the second of three "thanksgivings" in this letter (cf., 1:2-6; 2:13-16; 3:9-13). In 1Th 1:2-6 Paul gave thanks that the Thessalonians had imitated him and the Lord in work produced by faith and labor prompted by love. Listen to Paul's continuing thanksgiving for the Thessalonians' imitation of fellow believers in Judea.

¹³ And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. ¹⁴ For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews ¹⁵ who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone ¹⁶ in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last (1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 NIV).

Paul offered this prayer of thanks for and affirmation of the Thessalonian believers because they had become imitators of the Judean churches in their persecution and sufferings. Their receipt of and sharing of the gospel coupled with their turning from idols drew the ire of both non-believing Jews as well as Gentiles in Thessalonica just as it had with Paul. Paul had been harassed by these anti-gospel forces and chased out of Macedonia altogether. However, the band of believers left in Thessalonica endured as they were inspired by the hope of the Lord's return and their ultimate vindication.

If those to whom we minister were to live as we live, what kind of church would result? We are not failures as we faithfully live out and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. We must not teach error with impure motives and trickery seeking to please others and receive praise. We must be gentle with a love for others to hear the gospel while we work hard and endure hardship without wavering in our holy, righteous, and blameless walk of faith. We must encourage, comfort, and urge others to godly living in all we say and do. Sounds like a tall order, and it is. Like Paul and the Thessalonians, we can do it as our faith in and love for Christ Jesus produces good works and kingdom labor. Jesus Christ, our Hope, inspires us to endure.