When was the last time you were pleasantly surprised? In a world filled with its share of harsh realities and disappointments, the fact that the gospel wins out over all the opposition of the enemy is a source of thrilling joy! Paul planted a church in the capital city of Macedonia, the city of Thessalonica. Before he was able to share all that he desired to share with them about Jesus Christ, he was called away. Multiple times he tried to get back to them and make sure that their faith was strengthened and that they had all the information they needed to withstand the intense persecution they would face for sharing the truth of the gospel, but we are in a constant warfare, and the enemy put roadblocks in the way of Paul’s plans.
Satan fought hard against the church in Thessalonica, persecution from both Jewish and Gentile authorities raged against the new congregation. Our enemy, the devil, puts obstacles in the way that keep us, as they did Paul, from being able to do all that we would desire to for the Lord.
At long last, Paul sent Timothy in his place to go back and see if the church had scattered as a result of the persecution or if they had given up entirely without words of encouragement from him. Paul was pleasantly surprised with the report Timothy brought of their growth, their steadfastness in the face of hard times, and their passion for spreading the gospel. The first letter to the Thessalonians is Paul’s heart-swelling response to know that those dreams we have that we are not strong enough to reach on our own can be trusted to God, who most certainly can accomplish all things.
13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
It’s impossible to put absolute confidence in anything that a human being has to say, but the inspired word of God, our Holy Bible, is God’s message and not man’s. It has stood the test of time and the most intense scrutiny; the word of God will stand forever, even in Heaven. The message of the gospel is true, is relevant, and is effectual regardless of political, social, or historical change. Paul was concerned that the believers in Thessalonica would not have enough of the Word to make a stand, but He found that the gospel was more than enough to sustain them. Do you read your Bible with the same devotion? Do you apply the truth that you find there, knowing it is a message from God, or do you read as you read other books, holding your own opinion to be the higher one?
The Bible, unlike any other book, has the ability to change us. It is accomplishing God’s work in those who believe it. It doesn’t depend on human talent or updating to make it work for today’s generation. The message of the Bible is simple, and at the same time, it is unfathomably deep because its source is the Creator of all things.
14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
To be sure, those who belong to God will always be opposed by this world. The church in Thessalonica was suffering because they would not compromise on who Jesus is. At that time, and still to this day, Jewish believers who come to Christ are rejected by their own families and communities. The gentile believers would have been accepted by their neighbors if they had been willing to say that Jesus was “a” god, but they knew He was “the only begotten Son of God.” When a person says they believe in “god” or that they believe in “heaven,” the world mostly views them as harmless. However, if you state correctly that Jesus is the only way to God and that He is the ruler over all of His creation, that’s a different conversation entirely.
When you witness to others about Jesus, or when you invite them to come with you to church, do you have the courage of the Thessalonians who faced fierce opposition from their neighbors?
16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
17 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.
18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
We know this for sure, that God will judge sin. God is holy, righteous, honest, and trustworthy. No sin will ever be tolerated in his presence. Either your sin was poured out on Christ and buried with Him, or it remains on you. Those who caused pain to the church in Paul’s letter were facing an eternity separated from God. The stakes could not have been higher, and they are the same today. Eventually, the time for leading others to Christ will be over, the Father will call an end to this time of grace and judgment will follow. The book of Thessalonians speaks clearly about the return of Christ and about the kingdom of God because Paul wanted believers in Thessalonica to know that their suffering was temporary, but the suffering of those who were lost would one day be eternal. A true understanding of that reality will change your heart toward those who persecute christians, it should cause you to have compassion, it will enable us to have love for our enemies.
Paul wanted to return to the new church, but Satan wanted to see the gospel hindered. It is a glorious thought to know that when we do the best we can and fall short, God does not depend on us to accomplish His purpose.
Ecclesiastes states: “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days."
Sharing Jesus with others is not a waste of time, even if they don’t immediately respond. Our obedience to spread the gospel does not depend on how it is received because we won’t always be around to see the results. It is instead based on our love and trust for our Savior and our love for others.
19 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?
20 For ye are our glory and joy.
When the Lord returns, how will you feel about the way you’ve lived for Him? What will matter most when we leave this world and enter into eternity? Like Paul, our joy and our glory will be the souls that we have had a part in bringing to Jesus. All the trappings and worries of this world will long be forgotten, but we will rejoice forever over the work we did for Christ.
1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;
2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow labourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
Paul cared about his congregation, he prayed for them and sent Timothy to help them. He feared they may have moved away from God, but was delighted to find them growing and abounding, despite the troubles they were in. Have you been moved away from your relationship and responsibilities in Christ by affliction? It becomes increasingly more difficult to stand up for Jesus in our world, although we don’t suffer anything compared to what believers in the past or in other nations around the world are suffering. What else moves us away from the work of the church? Laziness, pride, cowardice, and too much attention paid to ourselves can rob those we have influence over of Heaven, and it can rob us of the fulfillment of seeing what God is able to do through our lives.
We need a visit from Timothy. No, not literally, but we need to revisit the simplicity, beauty, and power of the gospel. We’ve gotten so comfortable in the world that we have forgotten that it will end. We’ve lost focus, even without persecution. Let’s not allow the Lord to find us scattered or ineffective when He returns. What a grief that would be!
4 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.
5 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.
Vain means empty and worthless. Paul grieved over the thought that new converts would be living empty, worthless lives instead of bringing glory to the LORD Jesus Christ. Yes, they would suffer and have trouble, but they had guaranteed victory. How do we know? Because just outside of Jerusalem sits an empty tomb. The same Jesus who conquered death, hell, and the grave is living inside of His church today. That same Jesus is Victor over all things, and He gives us the power and the opportunity to take part in His incredible plans for the future.
When you are tempted to go quietly, living as a Christian in hiding, because you fear that the people living around you are a lost cause and past redemption, remember that you are not called to a life of quiet fear. You are part of the bride of Christ, you have been given the Holy Spirit as comforter and guide. You will, one day, look upon the face of Jesus, and you will be so honored to tell Him thank you for all he’s done for you. Hopefully, He’ll show you the faces of those you helped make it to Heaven, and that will be the most thrilling moment and worth anything we have to endure down here.
The pleasant surprise is that the results of sharing the gospel do not depend on our perfect execution or stellar abilities, the gospel works, because Jesus has defeated the enemy. So, what holds you back from sharing Him with others?
What pleasant surprises has God brought into your life, when it didn’t seem possible, what was God able to accomplish?
It can feel like our work for God is in vain, we invite others and they don’t respond, how many times were you invited to know the Lord before you responded to His call? What made the difference?
Thank you for studying with us! God bless!