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Author: Will

1 Thessalonians 4:12 – Lacking In Nothing

Posted on August 13, 2012 by Will

that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

Truth to Learn

There is a key to receiving everything that we need in life.

Behind the Words

The word “that” is from the Greek conjunction hina, which means “so that” or “in order that.”

“You may walk” is translated from the verb peripateō. This word is composed of peri, meaning “around” and pateō, meaning “to walk.” Paul uses this word frequently to express “the manner in which we live our lives.” It is expressed here in the present tense, subjunctive mood indicating the possibility of such action as an ongoing event.

The word “properly” is from the Greek adverb euschēmonōs. This word is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of schema, which refers to “the external form or appearance of something.” Thus, euschēmonōs means “in good form” or “in the proper manner.”

Exō is the word translated “outside.” It is derived from the preposition ek, meaning “out” or “out of.” It is a reference here to those who are outside the church, that is, non-Christians.

“Nothing” is from the Greek word mēdeis. This is a double compound word made up of mē, meaning “not,” de, meaning “and, but, or even,” and eis, meaning “one.” When we put these all together we find that mēdeis means “not even one (thing)” or “nothing.”

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse begins with a conjunction (hina) meaning “so that.” Whenever a verse begins with a conjunction, we have to look back to see what it is joining the current verse to. In this case, we have to look back to the end of verse ten, “But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more;” and, in order to know what it is that has to be increased, we have to look back at verse nine. It says, “…concerning brotherly love …” In other words, one of the reasons that we have to greatly increase our love for others more and more is “so that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.”

In yesterday’s verse we learned the first reason that we need to increase our brotherly love. It is so that we can keep from crossing the line to meddling and instead lead a quiet life, mind our own business, and work hard at whatever task we have been given to do. Now Paul teaches us that another reason for increasing our love more and more is so that it will guide our footsteps in life. If we continue to focus on being more loving, showing genuine brotherly love to others, it will continue to instill a habit in us regarding the proper way to live. Notice that this is not just to our brothers and sisters in Christ; by developing the habit of brotherly love, we will act the way God wants us to toward those who are outside the church as well.

Paul also tells us that if we develop the habit of showing genuine brotherly love to all people, we will have all our needs met; we will be lacking in not even one thing.

Application

God never promises us that we will have everything we want, but He does promise us that we will have everything we need if we learn to show genuine brotherly love to all people.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 4:11 – Love, Don’t Meddle

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Will

that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,

Truth to Learn

Loving others is right. Meddling in their affairs is wrong.

Behind the Words

“Aspire” is translated from the Greek word philotimeomai. This big word is composed of philos, meaning “a friend” along with a form of timē, meaning “honor.” So, literally it means “to be fond of honor.” In general usage it means “to be ambitious of something honorable” or “to be eager to do something honorable.” This word is never used of ambition to do something dishonorable or bad.

The words “to lead a quiet life” are from the Greek verb hēsuchadzō, a form of hēsuchos, meaning “quiet or still.” Hēsuchadzō means “to live quietly” or “to be quiet.”

The words “to mind your own business” are from prassein ta idia. Prassein is a form of prassō, meaning “to make a practice of.” The Greek word ta means “things.” And idia means “pertaining to yourself.” Thus, this expression means “to practice your own things” or “to mind your own affairs.”

“To work with your own hands” is a very literal translation of ergadzesthai tais idiais chersin.

Meaning Explained

As we have noted previously, the Christians in Thessalonica had a reputation for being very loving toward others. Paul commended them for this, but challenged them to add abundantly to this practice. In order to show love to others, however, it is often necessary to know what is going on in the lives of others. But this presents a dilemma and a fine line that should not be crossed.

Some people are natural care givers while others have to work at it. The problem is that care givers sometimes get carried away, meddling in the private affairs of others, wanting to know more details than is necessary and giving advice on matters that they should leave alone. These people sometimes get so wrapped up in the lives of others that they become quick to give advice and slow to do their own things.

These are the people (and problems) that Paul is addressing in today’s verse. Yes, it’s important to show love to our brothers and sisters in the Lord. It’s just as important, however, to be a silent witness of the love of Christ. Yes, it’s important to assist others who are going through difficult times. It’s just as important to mind your own affairs and get your own work done.

In fact, the Thessalonians had such a difficult time in showing love without crossing the line into being meddlesome that in his second letter to them he had to tell them:

For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. (2 Thessalonians 3:11)

Application

We all need to work hard at showing love for others, for those inside the church as well as those outside the church. But, we need to work just as hard at not becoming meddlesome, rather minding our own business. Our testimony to others depends on us being Christ-like in everything we say and do. Does your love of others look like Jesus in action?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 4:10 – Increase Your Love

Posted on August 9, 2012 by Will

and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more;

Truth to Learn

We need to greatly increase our love for all Christians.

Behind the Words

The words “you do” are translated from the Greek verb poieō, meaning “to make” or “to do.”

The word translated “urge” is parakaleō, which we have looked at several times before. It is made up of para, meaning “near, in the vicinity of, or alongside” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” Thus parakaleō literally means “to call near” or “to call alongside.” It is a picture of a coach being called alongside an athlete to encourage, comfort, and challenge him or her.

“Increase” is translated from perisseuō, which is the verb form of perissos, meaning “abundant” or “excessive.” Perisseuō means “to be in excess” or “to be full to the point of overflowing.”

Mallon is the Greek word translated “more and more.” It means “much more.” When combined with perisseuō it indicates a huge increase which is what Paul is urging the Thessalonians to accomplish in loving each other.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul began his teaching regarding how we are to conduct our lives, both with regard to our brothers and sisters in Christ and to those outside the church. He told the Thessalonians that they already knew about loving their Christian brethren, having learned this love from God Himself.

Now he gives them a few words of affirmation, demonstrating that he is aware that they do indeed practice love for all Christians in their part of the world. Back in the first chapter of this letter, Paul remembered how hard they worked (labored) at loving others (1 Thessalonians 1:3) and noted that they were good examples to Christians throughout Macedonia (the northern part of modern day Greece) and Achaia (the southern part of modern day Greece).

But – when it comes to demonstrating love in our lives, we can’t simply rely on our reputation, and we can never assume that the amount of love we are currently showing is good enough. Even though Paul tells them that they are “doing” love toward all Christians, he now challenges them to do it even more. And, he doesn’t simply tell them (and us) to increase their (our) love a little bit. He coaches them, he urges them, he challenges them, like an athlete in a race, to increase their love exceedingly.

Take note that Paul does not simply bark out commands to those under his ministry and expect them to perform without any help, he spends time in prayer asking God to give them the ability to follow his advice (1 Thessalonians 3:12).

Application

We need to put more effort into loving others. Even though we may think we’re doing all we can, we need to do more – much more. Remember that our Lord told us that this is how others will know that we are His disciples (John 13:35). How is your love for your brethren? Is it strong, is it openly demonstrated? Good! Now, increase that love – a lot!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 4:9 – The Christian Birthmark

Posted on August 6, 2012 by Will

But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;

Truth to Learn

Brotherly love is the birthmark of a true Christian.

Behind the Words

The words “brotherly love” are from the Greek word philadelphia, which is made up of philos, meaning “a friend” and adelphos, meaning “a brother.” This word refers to the kind of personal fondness that good friends have for one another.

The words “you have” is from the verb echo, meaning “to have” or “to hold.” In some translations this is written as “we have”; however, the best Greek manuscripts have it written in the second person plural form, meaning “you (plural) have.”

“Need” is translated from cheira, which properly means “employment.” By implication, however, it refers to “an occasion, a requirement, or a necessity.”

“Theodidactos” is the Greek adjective translated “taught by God.” This word is made up of theos, meaning “God, or some deity” and a form of the verb didaskō, meaning “to teach.” Thus theodidactos literally means “taught by God.”

The words “to love” are from the infinitive form of agapē, which refers to “a self-sacrificing God-love.”

“One another” is from the Greek plural reciprocal pronoun allēlous, meaning “each other” or “one another.”

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul spent the first three chapters of this letter to the Thessalonians assuring them of his love and concern for them. In this fourth chapter he began his doctrinal teaching for the church. Through the first eight verses of this chapter, he taught about avoiding sexual immorality, specifically fornication and, instead, living a life of holiness.

Now he switches his teaching to how we should live our lives both within and outside the church. Within the church we should all exhibit a genuine fondness for our brothers and sisters in the faith. He starts off with “you have no need that I should write to you concerning brotherly love.” In other words, the Christians in Thessalonica had already learned and were demonstrating that they had a genuine love for the brethren.

It is also interesting that Paul tells them that they learned this love for each other, not from some preacher of other people in the church, but they learned it from God. So how does God teach us to love one another? God the Father taught us how to love each other when He gave His only begotten Son to die for us. God the Son taught us to love one another when he said, “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another” (John 13:34). And the Holy Spirit taught us to love one another when He poured out the love of God in our hearts (Romans 5:5) when we trusted in Christ as our personal Savior. This love for one another is the defining characteristic of true Christians (1 John 4:7).

Application

The best way we can demonstrate the genuiness of our new birth is to exhibit the love we have for others in the Church. Can people see how real your faith is in the way you treat other Christians?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 4:8 – Spirit-filled Living

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Will

Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.

Truth to Learn

We live godly lives through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Behind the Words

“Therefore” is translated from toigaroun, which made up three separate Greek words. The first is toi, which indicates a contrast to what was just said. The second word is gar, a particle which assigns a reason, often translated “for.” The third word is oun, meaning “then” or “therefore.” The full impact of this word is best understood by the English word “consequently.”

The word translated “rejects” is atheteō, which is made up of the negative particle a and thetos, referring to something that has been put in place. Atheteō refers to removing something from its rightful place, that is, “to cast off or to reject.”

The words “has … given” are from the Greek verb didōmi, which means “to give of one’s own accord and with good will.” This word does not indicate the act of giving out of obligation or as a result of something done, it indicates giving strictly out of the goodness of one’s heart. It is expressed here in the aorist tense. Most of the better manuscripts, however, have this verb as a participle in the present tense, indicating current, ongoing action.

Meaning Explained

Having spoken very firmly about the evils of fornication (sex outside the bounds of marriage), Paul now concludes this particular teaching with a stern warning. This warning is to those who would reject his teaching on this subject, who would instead cling to following their own lusts. He says, “Anyone who rejects this teaching is not merely rejecting human wisdom and instruction, he is rejecting God’s teaching.”

The second half of this verse has differing readings depending on which manuscripts are being translated. The better manuscripts would be translated as “who is giving you His Holy Spirit.” Paul is not trying to justify his statement that this is God’s teaching by claiming to be a channel of the Holy Spirit (which certainly is true of all the writers of Scripture). He is, rather, emphasizing the statement that he made in the previous verse (… but in holiness). All Christians have been called to live a life of holiness (separation from the world and dedicated to God), and God is continually supplying us with His Holy Spirit in order to enable us to live a holy life.

This should not be interpreted as God giving us His Spirit at times and taking it away at others because we have been sealed with the Spirit, and He has been permanently given to us as a guarantee of our salvation (Ephesians 1:13, 14) which cannot be taken away. Nonetheless, we are exhorted to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), and there are many examples of believers being filled with the Spirit at times (Acts 2:4, Acts 4:8, 31; Acts 13:9, 52). Paul’s teaching here is that in order for us to resist the lustful temptations of fornication and to live a sanctified life, we must do so by the power of His Spirit. God knows our weaknesses and provides us with the Holy Spirit’s power to resist temptation if we are willing to accept His help.

Application

Living a life separated from worldliness and dedicated to Godliness can only be accomplished through the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Lord God, fill us with Your Spirit!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 4:7 – Uncleanness or Holiness

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Will

For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.

Truth to Learn

We are to avoid uncleanness and separate ourselves to God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “call” is kaleō. This word primarily means “to call out to someone, inviting him or her to come or to go somewhere.”

“To” is translated from epi, which can mean “on, upon, or over,” but it can also be used as a preposition of purpose and can be translated as “for.”

“Uncleanness” is from the Greek word akatharsia, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of the verb kathairō, meaning “to cleanse.” Thus, akatharsia refers to “the state of being not cleansed or unclean.”

The word “in” is translated from the preposition en, which refers to a position at rest within something (not movement into or movement out of, but in).

Hagiasmos is the Greek word translated “holiness.” We saw this word back in verse three. Hagiasmos indicates “separation from sin and dedication to God.”

Meaning Explained

In this portion of Paul’s letter to the Christians at Thessalonica, he has been giving doctrinal instruction regarding fornication (sexual activity with anyone other than one’s husband or wife). He started off by saying that we should keep ourselves away from such activity and, instead, care for and nurture the person to whom we are married. Our relationship with our husband or wife should not be based on lust, and we should not go beyond the proper bounds of marriage in this matter.

Now Paul tells us why this particular teaching is consistent with what God wants for us. He says that this (sinful sexual activity) is not the purpose for which God called us. Through His holy Word (the Bible), God calls each one of us to follow Him, but there are two aspects of this calling. The first is the “general call.” In Matthew 22:14, as part of His parable of the wedding feast, Jesus said:

"For many are called, but few are chosen."

The second aspect of God’s calling is sometimes referred to as the “effectual call.” This refers to the calling in which those who hear His call respond to it by submitting to His will and following Him. This aspect of God’s calling is referred to numerous times in the New Testament (see Romans 1:6, 7; Romans 8:28-30; 1 Corinthians 1:2, 9, 26, Galatians 1:15, 5:13; Ephesians 4:1, 4, etc.)

Paul tells the Thessalonians that we were not called for the purpose of uncleanness, but holiness. The contrast between these two conditions (uncleanness and holiness) is further emphasized by Paul’s use of different prepositions (epi and en). God expects us to live our lives in a holy manner. He expects us to live our lives separated from the sinful practices of the world and to remain dedicated and devoted to Him.

Application

Living a life separated from the sinfulness of the world and remaining dedicated to following God is not easy! It is a constant struggle for all Christians, but it is the life that He has called us to. It can only be accomplished by constant prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit. Are you committed to that?

In God's service, for His glory,

Vacation Break

Posted on July 9, 2012 by Will

Dear Friends,

We will not be posting any new verses for the next two to three weeks. We will resume this ministry around August 1, 2012.

In God's service, for His glory,

Will

1 Thessalonians 4:6 – Avoid The Avenger

Posted on July 9, 2012 by Will

that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified.

Truth to Learn

Don’t deceive, either in business or in marriage.

Behind the Words

The word translated “take advantage” is huperbainō, which is made up of huper, meaning “over” or “beyond” and bainō, meaning “to go.” Thus it means “to go beyond (what is right)” or “to go too far.”

“Defraud” is translated from pleonekteō. This word is made up of pleiōn, which means “more in quantity, number, or quality” and a form of echō, meaning “to have.” As used in the New Testament, pleonekteō properly means “to have more than someone else.” Through usage it has come to mean “to have an advantage over someone else,” then to mean “to take advantage of someone else” or “to take something by means of fraud.”

The word “matter” is from pragma, which means “a business matter” or “a deed.” In the Greek text, it is written as tō pragmati, meaning “the matter,” that is, the particular matter under discussion (sex with someone other than one’s marriage partner).

Ekdikos is the Greek word translated “avenger.” It is made up of ek, meaning “out” or “out of” and dikē, meaning “justice.” Ekdikos refers to “one who executes justice,” that is, “one who gets revenge” or “one who punishes.”

Meaning Explained

There are two main interpretations of this verse. Some say that it is a continuation of Paul’s teaching about fornication (sex with someone other than one’s marriage partner.) Others claim that Paul is now talking about business matters in general.

Those who hold to the latter interpretation explain that Paul is teaching the wrong of transgressing the bounds of justice and cheating, or taking unfair advantage, of someone in a business transaction. This could be in the form of tricking someone into purchasing something for more than it is really worth or intentionally violating a contract in order to gain at the expense of the other party in the contract. Clearly, this is not the behavior that God expects from His children, and Paul warns that God will execute revenge against any Christian who conducts business in this manner.

Notice, however, that Paul refers to such action in “the matter,” not in “a matter.” Therefore, it is clear that he is referring to the matter currently being spoken of (fornication). He says that no one should “go beyond what is right” regarding sexual relations. It is right that a married man and woman should enjoy the sexual act which God approves of, and it is wrong to go beyond the bounds of marriage and engage in sexual relations with anyone else. He also says that it is wrong to take advantage of someone else, that is, taking advantage of someone else’s wife.

Whichever interpretation is correct, Paul makes it clear that the one committing the fraud should expect that God will stand on the side of the one being wronged.

Application

Whether in the sanctity of the marriage bed or business transactions, God will take vengeance against the evil doer.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 4:5 – Uncontrolled Desires?

Posted on July 6, 2012 by Will

not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God;

Truth to Learn

Uncontrolled passion is bad for a marriage and Christian faith.

Behind the Words

The word translated “passion” is pathos, which is derived from the verb paschō, meaning “to suffer.” In general usage it refers to strong emotion, either as suffering or as passionate emotion. In the New Testament it is used twice with epithumia (strong desire), and once with atimia (dishonorable).

“Lust” is from the Greek word epithumia, which is made up of epi, meaning “on” or “over,” used as an intensifier, and thumos, meaning “an violent action of the mind” such as anger or strong desire. Thus epithumos refers to overly strong desire.

Ethnos is the Greek word translated “Gentiles.” It refers to “a nation” or “a race of people.” In Hebrew writing it generally refers to all non-Jews. When Paul used the term he often means all peoples who are neither Christian nor Jewish. In the current verse he makes it clear that he is talking about non-Christians.

Meaning Explained

In the first three chapters of this letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, Paul put considerable time and energy into addressing the concerns of the church there. They were under considerable persecution and some believed that Paul had deserted them, fleeing from the same persecution they were suffering. In response, he expressed in very tender terms how much he loved them and was concerned about their welfare. He also informed them that he had tried to return to them but was hindered. Therefore, he had sent Timothy to them to help them grow in their faith. Upon Timothy’s return, Paul learned that the Thessalonians had a strong faith and had as much fondness for Paul as he did for them.

Paul then began the doctrinal teaching portion of this letter. The first subject that he addressed head-on was that of sexual promiscuity, which seems to have crept into the church. This is not surprising, since Macedonia and Achaia (all of modern day Greece) were dominated by paganism. The practices of these pagan religions frequently involved acts of sexuality. In fact, many of these religions employed temple prostitutes as part of their “religious” observances.

One of the difficulties for recent converts to Christianity was, and is, separating themselves from the pleasurable (though sinful) practices that they had previously thought to be normal and acceptable. One of the major differences between religion and Christianity, however, is the fact that God does not want religious observance from us, He wants a relationship. He wants more than a casual relationship, He wants an intimate relationship, and promiscuity destroys intimacy. He tells them here that the way to avoid the desire for extra-marital affairs is for a man to nurture and care for his wife, developing an intimate relationship with her, not based on passionate lust.

Marriage is a picture of our relationship with God. It is one of submissive fellowship and genuine love. Clinging to and putting your faith in anything other than God is like infidelity in a marriage, it damages the relationship and fellowship.

Application

You may not have a problem with uncontrolled passion and lust in your marriage, but do you have a problem with selfish desires and unfaithfulness in your relationship with God?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 4:4 – Sacred and Honorable

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Will

that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,

Truth to Learn

Sex within a marriage is undefiled, sacred, and honorable.

Behind the Words

Eidō it the Greek word translated “know.” We have pointed out previously that this word literally means “to see with perception.” However, Paul may be using this word as a Hebrew expression meaning “to have regard for” or “to care for.” This is the apparent meaning in 1 Thessalonians 5:12 (know those who labor …), and is probably Paul’s intent here.

The Greek verb translated “possess” is ktaomai, which primarily means “to get for oneself, to acquire, or to purchase.” When expressed in the perfect tense (past completed action with an ongoing effect) it can also mean “to have acquired” or “to possess.” Although it is expressed here as a present tense infinitive, many Biblical scholars believe that Paul’s meaning here is “to possess” or “to take care of.”

“Vessel” is translated from skeuos, meaning “a container, utensil, or implement.”

Meaning Explained

This is probably one of the most difficult verses in this letter to the Thessalonians. The difficulty is due primarily to the three words we looked at above (eidō, ktaomai, and skeuos) along with the word porneia, which we saw in the previous verse.

Let’s start with porneia. This word originally referred to “prostitution.” If we look at the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) we can see the meaning of the Hebrew words that were translated with porneia. These various words mean, “lying down like a prostitute, harlotry, prostitution, or unfaithfulness.” Thus, it does not refer to just any sexual sin, but specifically to “sex with another person outside of marriage.” The best translation of this word is “fornication.”

Now let’s look at ktaomai. It literally means “to acquire.” Again, looking at the Septuagint, we see in Ruth 4:10 that ktaomai is used to translate a word that means “to acquire.”

… I have acquired as my wife … (Ruth 4:10)

Skeuos, as noted above, refers to “a container, utensil, or implement.” In 1 Peter 3:7, it refers specifically to the physical body of a man’s wife. But in 2 Corinthians 4:7 and 2 Timothy 2:21 it refers to a person’s own body, so it isn’t necessarily a reference to a wife, though it probably is here.

Therefore, a reasonable translation of this verse would be “each of you should know how to acquire his vessel in sanctification and honor.” But Paul is talking about abstaining from fornication. Why would the knowledge of acquiring a wife prevent fornication? It wouldn’t, but knowing how to possess a wife (to provide for her, to care for her, and to respect her) means knowing how to treat her as one with your own body (Matthew 19:5, 1 Corinthians 6:16, Ephesians 5:31.) That’s the key to avoiding fornication.

Application

Sexual gratification should never be the reason for getting married. Marriage is an intimate relationship between a man and a woman, and the pleasure of sexual intercourse is only a part of that relationship. Therefore, there is no justification for sex outside of marriage. Marriage (and sex within a marriage) is intended to be undefiled, sacred, and honorable before God.

In God's service, for His glory,