Category: 2 Thessalonians 3

2 Thessalonians 3:18 – Our Master’s Grace

Posted on by Will

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ is our gracious Lord and Master. He owns us.

 

Behind the Words

“Grace” is translated from the Greek noun charis, which is from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Therefore, we see that charis is “that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, or acceptance as a result of a kindness granted.” It is often translated as grace, thanks, or gratitude.

The word “Lord” is from kurios, which is based on kuros, meaning “might, power, or control.” Kurios refers to someone who has supreme authority or control over someone else.

Christos is the word transliterated “Christ,” which is based on the verb chriō, meaning “to anoint.” Thus, christos literally means “the anointed one.” It is equivalent to the Hebrew word mashiach, or Messiah.

The word “amen” is transliterated from the Hebrew word ‘āmēn, meaning “to be trustworthy, steady, or firm.” It is often translated as “truth,” “verily,” or “it is so.” It is usually appended to the end of a prayer or a hymn. There is some evidence that this word was not included in Paul’s original letter. Some manuscripts have it and others don’t.

Also, some manuscripts have the following appended to the end of this letter, “To the Thessalonians, a second letter written from Athens.”

 

Meaning Explained

Paul closes this letter with his typical salutation of grace. Probably more than any other characteristic of God, Paul is ever mindful of God’s grace toward us. Every single letter of Paul’s ends with a reminder of God’s grace In fact, the only other writings of the New Testament that end with a mention of God’s grace are Hebrews (which some people believe was written by Paul), 2 Peter, and Revelation. For this reason, it is possible that the “sign” that Paul referred to in the previous verse may be this closing benediction. It appears to be a signature or “sign” of the authenticity of this letter from the Apostle Paul.

God’s grace, as shown in our salvation and the many blessings that result from it, should serve as a constant reminder to us that without it we are dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1) and destined to receive the wrath of God. It is only by God’s grace that we who deserve eternity in hell being separated from the love of God, should receive His merciful and priceless salvation. With this comes fellowship with Him while on this earth and the promise of eternity in His presence bathed in His love. A thorough understanding of God’s grace should cause every Christian to humbly fall before our Lord with gratitude and thanksgiving.

But, Paul tells us something else here about God’s grace. It is “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This could also be translated as “the grace from our Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace comes, not simply from the godhead (all three persons), but specifically from the second person of the godhead, our Lord Jesus Christ. And Paul tells us that Jesus Christ is not just our God, but our Lord. Jesus Christ has purchased us with his blood (Revelation 5:9). We do not own ourselves, we were bought by, and now are owned by, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). He is our owner, our Lord, and our Master.

 

Application

By the grace of God, we will not get what we deserve (eternity in hell); instead, we will get what we don’t deserve (eternal salvation). Let us all fall on our faces with humble thanksgiving and gratitude, and let us strive to do the will of Him who owns us – our Lord Jesus Christ.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:17 – Read Your Bible

Posted on by Will

The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every letter; so I write.

Truth to Learn

We must read the Bible to learn God’s message to us.

 

Behind the Words

Aspasmos is the Greek word translated as “salutation.” It is based on aspodzomai, which means “to salute.” Thus, aspasmos refers to “a salutation or greeting.”

The expression “with my own hand” is from tē emē cheiri, which literally means “by me the hand.” The word order in Greek indicates that Paul is emphasizing the fact that it was done with his own hand.

The word “sign” is sēmion, which refers to “a sign, a mark, or a miracle with a spiritual end and purpose.” It is commonly used to indicate a signature or mark of a person’s identity. In the gospels and other places in the New Testament, this word is also used to indicate a miraculous occurrence that is given as a sign of God’s mighty power.

 

Meaning Explained

Most of the Apostle Paul’s letters were written by an amanuensis (a scribe), who did the physical writing of what Paul dictated. We see distinct evidence of this in his letter to the church at Rome:

I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord. (Romans 16:22)

One possible reason for him using a scribe is that Paul may have had a problem with his vision. In Galatians 6:11 he said,

See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!

Note that the word translated “letters” (the Greek word gramma), could also refer to an entire epistle, but since we know of only one letter that he wrote to the Galatians, it is reasonable to assume that he was referring to the size of his lettering, not the size of the epistle. If Paul did, in fact, have a problem with his vision, it would explain why he used a scribe.

Paul put a similar statement of a salutation from his own hand in his letters to other churches (1 Corinthians 16: 21).

But, why would Paul indicate that this letter was from him and not a forgery? You may recall, back in 2 Thessalonians 2:2 he said the following:

not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us …

It was not uncommon during the early years of the Church for letters to be written to other believers in which the writer claimed to be Paul, Peter, John, or another of the apostles. For this reason, and because the subject matter of this letter is so vital in correcting false teaching, Paul gave irrefutable proof that this was a genuine letter from him.

 

Application

What we have in the Bible today is God’s word, revealing Himself to us. He used many different human authors, but they were all controlled by the Holy Spirit so that their writing is inspired (God breathed). What we do with God’s Word is up to us. We cannot live a fruitful Christian life is we don’t read it regularly and put into practice what He tells us. Read your Bible, my friend. Read your Bible. Read your Bible!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:16 – No Worries, Mate

Posted on by Will

And may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Truth to Learn

There is no cause for worry when the Lord of peace is our God.

 

Behind the Words

“Lord” is from the Greek noun kurios, which is based on kuros, meaning “might, power, or control.” Kurios refers to someone who has supreme authority or control over someone else.

The word translated “peace” is eirēnē. It can refer to an absence of war and dissention, that is, harmony among individuals. However, it can also refer to peace of mind and mental tranquility. It is a state in which there is no perceived threat or cause for worry present.

Autos is the Greek word translated “Himself.” This word literally means “self” and is used for emphasis, setting apart “the Lord” from everyone and everything else. In Greek, word order is very important and in the Greek text of this verse, the word autos is the first word, making it emphatic that it is the Lord and no one else who gives us peace.

“Always” and “every” are both translated from forms of the word pas, which contains the idea of oneness and a totality of the whole.

The word “way” is from the Greek word tropō, which literally means “a turn” as one would turn from one path to another. It is used symbolically to refer to “a general manner of life.”

 

 

Meaning Explained

Having finished his teaching in this letter, Paul now closes with a benediction, as is his custom. The expression “the Lord of peace Himself” is found nowhere else in the New Testament, although Paul uses the expression “the God of peace Himself” in his first letter to the Christian believers in the church at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Why is it so important for him to refer to the God of peace or the master of peace? You will recall that the purpose of both of these letters was to correct some false teaching regarding the Day of the Lord. Because of this false teaching, the believers in Thessalonica were confused and concerned that they had missed the rapture and were living during the time of God’s great wrath. Now having corrected this teaching, Paul wanted the Thessalonians to stop worrying and, instead, experience peace in their lives. As the God of peace and the master of peace, only He can provide us with this “peace that surpasses all understanding,” as Paul called it in Philippians 4:7.

Notice that God can give us this peace at all times no matter what is occurring in our lives. “But I don’t feel at peace right now,” you may say. If we believe that Jesus Christ is a loving God, the God of peace, and He is our Lord, the one who has supreme authority over every aspect of our lives, then we don’t have to worry. He will provide for us. He will watch over us. He will protect us. He will guide us. And, He will keep all His promises. What is there to worry about?

 

Application

Worry is nothing more that lack of trust. No matter what your circumstances, God is there beside you and will take care of you. Work hard and trust in Him. If you do, there’s nothing to worry about, is there?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:15 – Loving Restoration, Not Punishment

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Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Truth to Learn

Church discipline should be done as an act of love, with the objective being restoration and growth, not punishment.

 

Behind the Words

The word “count” is translated from the Greek verb hēgeomai, which is based on the verb agō, meaning “to lead” or “to go before.” Metaphorically, this word means “to lead out before the mind,” that is, “to regard, esteem, count, or reckon.” Today, we might say “… don’t think of him as …” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

“Enemy” is from echthros, which refers to “someone who is an enemy” or “someone who is hated.”

The word translated “admonish” is translated from noutheteō. It is made up of nous, meaning “the mind” and tithēmi, meaning “to put” or “to place.” Thus, noutheteō means “to place in the mind” or “to warn, admonish, or exhort.” This verb is also expressed here in the imperative mood.

“Brother” is from the Greek word adelphos, which we saw a couple of verses back. As used here, it means “a brother or sister in the Lord,” that is, another Christian.

 

Meaning Explained

The concept Paul is talking about in yesterday’s verse and this one is often referred to as “church discipline.” It is necessary in any organization to have some form of action against those who cause problems. Within the church, it is just as important for such discipline to be done with love and with the end objective being to restore the person to full fellowship with the Lord and with the church. Notice that what Paul is talking about here is not a punishment; it is not to be used as retaliation for their actions, but as discipline with a loving attitude. This is to be done like a parent disciplining a child in order to make him or her a better person.

There are several kinds of behavior that require discipline within the church and each has its own proper response. If a brother or sister sins against you, you are to confront him or her in person, then confront him or her in the presence of two or three witnesses if he or she will not listen to you. Then you are to reveal it to the church if he or she still won’t listen. And, if all these fail, reject that person from the church (Matthew 18:15-17). If someone in the church is teaching doctrinal error, that person should be patiently taught the truth (2 Timothy 2:23-26) and if he or she persists, then the church leadership should rebuke that person (Titus 1:10-14). If a brother or sister is overtaken in sin, then one who is spiritually mature should restore him or her in love (Galatians 6:1-3). If a brother or sister is causing division within the church, he or she should be warned twice and then rejected (Titus 3:10). If someone in the church is living in open immorality, you are not to keep company with him or her (1 Corinthians 5:9).

What Paul is specifically addressing in this letter is the brother or sister who is a busybody and refuses to work. He says that if such a person does not respond to the teaching in this letter, we are not to have fellowship with that person, and we are to warn that person but not treat him or her as an enemy.

 

Application

Whenever discipline is necessary, it must be done with love and humility in order to cause restoration, not as vengeance or retribution.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:14 – Breaking Fellowship

Posted on by Will

And if anyone does not obey our word in this letter, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.

Truth to Learn

We are not to fellowship with other Christians who are rebellious and disobedient.

 

Behind the Words

“Obey” is translated from the Greek word hupokouō, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” or “beneath” and akouō, meaning “to listen” or “to hear.” It is a picture of a student sitting under the instruction of a master and applying what is being taught.

The word translated “note” is sēmeioō, which means “to sign, mark, or make a mental note about.” It is expressed here in the middle voice, indicating action that is done by the subject to himself or herself. Thus sēmeioō, as it is used here, means “to make a mental note to yourself.”

Sunanamignumi is the Greek word translated “keep company.” It is a double compound word made up of sun, meaning “together” or “with,” ana, meaning “on” or “again,” and mignumi, meaning “to mix or intermingle.” This verb is also expressed in the middle voice, so as used here it means “to intermingle yourself again with someone else.” In other words, it means “to associate yourself with” or “to keep company with.”

The words “may be ashamed” are from the Greek verb entrepō, which is made up of en, meaning “in or upon” and trepō, meaning “to turn.” Therefore, entrepō literally means “to turn upon” or “to turn in.” It is expressed here in the passive voice indicating something done to the subject. Thus, as it is used here it means “he may be turned into himself.” In other words, it means “he may look into himself and understand why this has been done to him.”

 

Meaning Explained

Over the past few verses, Paul has been talking about people within the church who are being lazy and expecting others to provide for their needs, and walking around sticking their noses into other people’s business. He instructed that everyone is to work hard without complaining or telling others what to do. In yesterday’s verse, we were reminded not to get discouraged by such behavior, but to continue doing good deeds to everyone.

In this verse and the following one, Paul gives instruction regarding those who don’t put into practice what is being taught from the Word. This is not just directed at the unruly members of the church, but at anyone who refuses to follow sound Biblical teaching. Back in verse six, Paul said,

But we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which you received from us. (2 Thessalonians 3:6)

Unfortunately, in the past, the Roman Catholic church has perverted this teaching in order to “excommunicate” anyone who disagrees with their church teaching. That’s not Paul’s purpose, as we will see in tomorrow’s verse.

 

Application

We are commanded to “break fellowship” with Christians who reject sound doctrine. But, we are to do so in love, in order to help them to submit to the lordship of Christ. This means that we first have to be submitted to Him ourselves. Are you?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:13 – Don’t Get Discouraged

Posted on by Will

And you, brothers, do not get discouraged in doing good.

Truth to Learn

Work hard for God and don’t get discouraged.

 

Behind the Words

Adelphos is the word translated “brothers.” It literally refers to someone from the same womb, hence, “a brother or sister.” It is used throughout the New Testament as a term of endearment, referring to “a brother or sister in the Lord,” that is another Christian.

The words “get discouraged” are from the Greek verb ekkakeō. This word is made up of ek, meaning “out of,” used here as an intensifier, and a form of kakos, meaning “evil or bad.” It means “to lose one’s courage.”

“Doing good” is translated from the verb kalopoieō, which is composed of kalos, meaning “something that is inherently good or beautiful” and poieō, meaning “to make or to do;” thus, kalopoieō means “to do something good or virtuous.”

 

Meaning Explained

Paul has been writing about people in the church who are not busy doing constructive things but, instead, are depending on others for their daily needs and sticking their nose into other people’s business. As a result, he sternly told the Thessalonian Christians (and us) to work quietly and provide for their (our) own needs.

A natural response from our sinful nature might be “Well, if I can’t depend on others to take care of my needs, then I’m not going to do anything for anyone else either.” Knowing that this is how the human mind tends to work, Paul now addresses this type of response head on. He starts out with, “And you, brothers …” Notice the term of endearment that he uses. He calls us brothers and sisters. Even the great Apostle Paul does not refer to us as being any less important than he is.

He goes on to say, “don’t become discouraged doing good.” In many other translations of this verse we see the words “grow weary” or “become tired,” but the word ekkakeō does not imply tiredness or fatigue; instead, it carries the idea of being discouraged. If Paul were intending to say, “don’t get tired,” he would have probably used the words ekluō (to relax, that is, to become tired or weary), or kamnō (to become tired or faint from working) instead. The point is that Paul is not saying it is wrong to get tired or fatigued from doing what is right. He is saying that we shouldn’t get discouraged from it. Nearly every Christian who gives his all to God and serves Him faithfully gets tired. It’s okay to get tired in the work, but we should never get tired of the work.

In Thessalonica, as in churches today, there was a core group of Christians who carried on the work of the ministry. There were also others who didn’t carry their fair share and who either complained or told those who are working how to do their jobs. This is discouraging to those who are working hard.

 

Application

Let’s all commit ourselves to doing the work that God has given us to do without complaint, even when we get tired. Let’s also encourage others to join us in the work. Remember, it’s all for Him and for His glory, not our own.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:12 – Share the Load

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Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

Truth to Learn

Everyone in the church needs to carry his or her own weight.

 

Behind the Words

The words “who are such” come from the Greek word toioutos. It basically means “of this kind or sort.” It is a direct reference to “some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.”

“We command” is from the verb parangellō, which we have seen several times recently. It means “to relay an order from the commander from one soldier to the next.”

The word “exhort” is translated from parakaleō, meaning “to encourage, challenge, or comfort.”

The Greek word translated “quietness” is hēsuchia, which refers to “quietness, tranquility, or silence.” As used here it refers to a quiet, unobtrusive lifestyle.

Arton is the word translated “bread.” Specifically, it refers to a loaf of bread, but it is often used, as it is here, in reference to anything that is eaten as a meal.

 

Meaning Explained

You will recall that the purpose of this second letter to the Christians in the church at Thessalonica was to clear up some false teaching that the Day of the Lord had already arrived. Because of this misconception, there apparently were people in the church who figured they could stop working for themselves since the “end” was very near.

In yesterday’s verse, Paul used a play on words. He is especially fond of this literary device. He said of these particular people that they are “not working,” from the word ergadzomai, but that they are “busybodies,” from the word periergadzomai. In today’s verse he addresses them directly. Not only does he command these people to work in quietness, but he also challenges them to do so. This is another play on words (parangellō and parakaleō), but it is also a very strong statement from the apostle. Today we might say, “Get to work, and do it quietly, without complaining or bothering others.”

Remember that all Christians are part of the body of Christ. What we do affects other members of the body, either positively or negatively. If we are not working for our own needs and for the needs of the body, then others have to take up the slack. And, while there are many Christians who are willing to sacrifice themselves to build up the body and support others, it is not right that they should have to do the work of others in addition to their own work.

In the following verses, we will learn from Paul how we should act ourselves and how we should respond to those who do not heed the instructions given.

 

Application

Are you working hard in your own life and in the life of the church? Or do you depend on others to provide for you and let others carry all the weight in the church? If our Lord was standing next to you, what would He say about your performance? Remember, He IS standing next to you!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:11 – Another Fine Line

Posted on by Will

For we hear that there are some among you walking in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but being busybodies.

Truth to Learn

There is a difference between taking care of the needs of others and becoming a know-it-all busybody.

 

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “we hear” is akouō, from which we get our English word acoustic. It means “to hear something” or “to listen to something.” The form of the word used here indicates present continuous action. Thus, it appears that Paul was repeatedly hearing about these problem people.

“Walking” is from peripateō, meaning “to walk around.” It refers to the manner in which someone lives his or her life.

The words “in a disorderly manner” are from atakteō, which we saw back in verse seven, meaning “to be disorderly.”

Ergadzomai is the verb translated “work.” It means “to be engaged in a task or occupation.”

“Busybodies” is translated from the verb periergadzomai, which is made up of peri, meaning “around” and ergadzomai, meaning “to work.” Literally, it means “to work around.” It refers to someone who is constantly busy, but never really accomplishing anything. It also refers to someone who meddles in the affairs of others instead of doing their own work.

 

Meaning Explained

People who have nothing of constructive value to do often end up meddling in the affairs of others. This problem was not (and is not) something that only occurred in Thessalonica. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul said:

And besides they learn to be idle, going about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. (1 Timothy 5:13)

Also, the Apostle Peter, in his first general epistle said:

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or as a meddler in other people's matters. (1 Peter 4:15)

From this we can see that Peter categorizes people who are busybodies in the same group as murders, thieves, and other doers of evil things.

We all know people who have a habit of sticking their noses into other people’s affairs. They act like know-it-alls and like to share their knowledge with others whether others want it or not. They are often quick to give advice but seldom willing to take advice. Paul, in his first letter to the church in Thessalonica seems to have been talking to just such people.

that you also Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you, (1 Thessalonians 4:11)

We see here another fine line. This one between “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others,” (Philippians 2:4) and being a busybody. Let’s make sure we don’t cross that line.

 

Application

It is good and right to look out for the concerns of others, but don’t step over the line and become a know-it-all busybody. Instead, be humble as you work hard to provide for yourself and others and show your love to others with generosity, grace, and humility.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:10 – A Fine Line

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For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone is not willing to work, neither is he to eat.

Truth to Learn

There is a difference between showing love and enabling the laziness of others.

 

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “we commanded” is parangellō, which is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” or “with” and angellō, meaning “to declare a message.” It is used in a military sense of “relaying an order from the commander from one soldier to the next.” It is expressed here in the imperfect tense, which implies past, continuous action.

In the New Testament there are three Greek conditional clauses. The first class condition assumes that the condition is true. The second class condition assumes that it is false. The third class condition makes no assumption. The expression “if any will not work” is a first class condition. Therefore, it is assumed that there were some who had determined not to work.

“Willing” is from the Greek verb thelō, which means “to determine as an act of the will.”

Ergadzomai is the verb translated “work.” It means “to be engaged in a task or occupation.”

“Eat” is from esthiō, meaning “to consume food.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood indicating a command.

 

Meaning Explained

Having written about how unselfishly he and his associates have behaved toward the Thessalonian Christians, Paul now turns his attention towards the members of the church. Apparently, there were people there who refused to work. We’ll learn more about then in the next verse. Instead of working, these people depended on the church to provide for them. Having to work hard for food is a result of the curse. Remember what God told Adam and eve after the fall?

In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return." (Genesis 3:19)

Apparently, the problem of people being disorderly and lazy had existed in the Thessalonian church from the beginning. Paul tells us here that he and his associates passed on a command from our Lord that anyone who can work but refuses to work must not depend on others to feed them. These Thessalonians were also very likely familiar with several of their own philosophers, including Homer, Demosthenes, and Pythagoras, who all declared that lazy people should not be provided with food from those who are industrious.

Keep in mind, there is a difference between those who cannot work and those who will not work. This church in Thessalonica had a problem with people who would not work. Christians should always be kind and generous to those who cannot work. In fact, if we truly love our Christian brothers and sisters, we will (as we quoted in yesterday’s verse), “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” But, if we provide the daily needs for others who can work but refuse to, we are only enabling their laziness.

 

Application

As with many teachings in the Bible, there is a fine line between showing love to others and enabling the laziness of others. We should all be generous toward others, but we must also see that everyone does what he or she can by working hard.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:9 – Christ-like Selflessness

Posted on by Will

not because we do not have authority, but that we might give ourselves as an example for you to imitate us.

Truth to Learn

Our love for others is shown in what we sacrifice for them.

 

Behind the Words

“Authority” is translated from the Greek noun exousia, which is derived from the verb exesti, meaning “it is permissible.” Thus, exousia refers to “permission, authority, or the power to do something.”

The wordx translated “we might give” is a form of didōmi, meaning “to give something of one’s one accord,” that is “to freely give a gift.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of giving. So, literally, Paul is saying “that we might freely give ourselves as an example …”

“Example” is from the Greek word tupos, from which we get our English word “type.” It refers to an object that is struck with a blow to produce a specific mark or impression. In common usage it refers to an example that is to be followed or imitated.

The word “imitate” is from the verb mimeomai, which we saw back in verse seven, meaning “to imitate” or “to follow as an example.”

 

Meaning Explained

As we learned in yesterday’s verse, like every other faithful preacher of God’s word the Apostle Paul had the right to receive compensation from those to whom he ministered. However, he didn’t receive anything from the people in Thessalonica because he didn’t want to be a burden to them. Here he tells us that he also wanted to be an example of what it means to sacrifice for the good of others.

He taught the Galatians:

But the one who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. (Galatians 6:6)

And to the Corinthians, he said:

Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat the food of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should get their living from the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:13-14)

Nonetheless, Paul had another lesson to teach the Thessalonians (and us). If we are to become more like Christ, we need to be willing to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of others. Paul did not take any type of compensation from the Thessalonians, not because he didn’t deserve it, but because he was showing his own Christ-likeness by sacrificing himself for their sakes. And, he was not behaving this way just to please God; he was giving them (and us) an example that we can observe and mimic. Here’s what he said to the Philippians:

… but in humility of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3b, 4)

 

Application

The Christian walk is all about love. Not just the love we have for God, but also the love we have (and show) for others. Are you willing to sacrifice for God? Are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of other Christians? That’s what Paul did.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved