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1 Thessalonians 3:2 – Growth and Service

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Will

and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,

Truth to Learn

Christians are called both to grow in faith and to serve God through faith.

Behind the Words

The verb “sent” is from pempō, which means “to send.” The emphasis of this verb is on the point of departure, rather than the destination.

“Minister” is translated from diakonos (from which we get our English word “deacon”). This word is probably derived from diakō, meaning “to run an errand.” Therefore, diakonos refers to “a helper” or “an assistant.”

The words “fellow laborer” are from the Greek word sunergos, which is made up of sun, meaning “with” or “together with” and ergon, meaning “work” or “labor.” Thus, sunergos refers to “someone who labors together with someone else.”

Stēridzō is the word translated “establish.” It is based on the word histēmi, meaning “to stand” or “to set in place.” Stēridzō means “to set firmly in place” or “to firmly establish.”

“Encourage” is from the Greek verb parakaleō. This word is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” Thus, parakaleō means “to call alongside.” It is a picture of a coach or mentor who comes alongside an athlete to give advice, to comfort, to challenge, and to encourage.

Meaning Explained

We learned in yesterday’s verse that Paul endured his separation from the saints in Thessalonica as long as he could. Since he had been prevented from returning there himself, he sent Timothy to them. He refers to Timothy as a “brother” in the faith and as “an assistant.” Notice, however, that Paul does not refer to Timothy as “his” assistant, but as God’s assistant. Paul recognizes that he is not working for himself, but for God. He also recognizes that everything that he has, in terms of all things necessary for him to accomplish his task, are supplied by God. Therefore, even the people who work alongside him and assist him are not working for Paul, bur for the One who calls each one of us to our ministry. He refers to Timothy as “our fellow laborer” because he works “with” not “for” Paul.

In today’s verse Paul explains what Timothy’s assigned task is. It is two-fold: to ensure that the believers in Thessalonica are firmly grounded in the faith, and to be a coach for them. It was Timothy’s job to instruct and challenge these Christians to become more Christ-like as they grow in their faith. However, it was also his responsibility to encourage and comfort them through the growing pains and difficult times of their Christian walk.

It’s also important to note that Paul’s concern for the young Christians in Thessalonica did not focus on health, wealth, ease of life, or even self-esteem. Instead, he focused on the spiritual quality of their lives.

Application

We see two aspects of the Christian life in this verse, growing and serving. Any Christian who is not doing both of these is not being obedient to his or her Lord and Master. When you stand before Him will you be ashamed or rewarded?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 3:1 – Family Ties

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Will

Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone,

Truth to Learn

Christians are all part of the same loving family.

Behind the Words

The words “we could no longer endure it” are translated from the Greek verb stegō. This word literally means “to cover.” It can mean “to conceal” or “to cover with silence,” that is, “to forbear” or “to endure.”

“We thought it good” is the translation of the verb eudokeō, which is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and dokeō, meaning “to think.” Thus, this word means “to think good of.”

Kateleipō is the word translated “to be left.” It is composed of kata, meaning “down” but used here as an intensifier and leipō, meaning “to leave” or “to forsake.” Thus, kataleipō means “to utterly leave behind.”

“Alone” is translated from monos, which means “without others” or “alone.”

Meaning Explained

In chapter two of this letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, Paul spent considerable time and effort defending what appears to be accusations leveled against him and his companions. One of those accusations was that Paul had abandoned the Thessalonian church and that he had made no attempts to return there.

You may recall in our discussion of verse seventeen that we alluded to the fact that Paul had to be secretly ushered out of town as a result of the turmoil that was caused by people who had come from Philippi. Paul has already explained that he had repeatedly planned on returning to Thessalonica but that he had been hindered by Satan.

He has used fatherly and motherly metaphors to explain to these dear Christian brothers and sisters the anguish he had experienced as a result of his separation from them. He even referred to such separation as being like that of an orphan deprived of his or her father and mother. Therefore, because he had been prevented from returning to Thessalonica, Paul tells his beloved friends there what he did instead.

He tells them here that he endured the pain of separation as long as he could. This is a very revealing comment from the Apostle. After all, we know from his letter to the church in Philippi, written some ten or twelve years after this letter, that Paul learned to be content with whatever God provided for him. He told the Philippians:

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: (Philippians 4:11)

Now he tells the Thessalonians that he was not content; he could no longer endure the separation from them and the lack of news about them. Therefore, he tells them that his plan is to be left alone at Athens and (as we learn in the next verse) to send Timothy to them.

Application

One of the wonderful aspects of the Christian life is that we get to make friends with people from all walks of life, who share our love for the Lord. And, since we are all children of our Heavenly Father, they often become as dear as brothers and sisters. Are you involved enough in your church to make close friends like this? If not, you’re missing out on a rich blessing.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:20 – A Joyful Coming

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Will

For you are our glory and joy.

Truth to Learn

There will be rejoicing for Christians when Christ returns.

Behind the Words

The word “glory” is translated from the Greek word doxa. This word primarily means “thought” or “opinion,” especially a favorable opinion. In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, splendor, or light.” Thus, the word doxa, as Paul uses it here, probably refers to the glory we receive as a result of God’s favorable opinion about our faithfulness in serving Him.

“Joy” is from chara, which is based on the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Chara refers to rejoicing or joy.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we were introduced to the idea of the “coming” of the Lord. This is not to be seen simply as a singular event, but as a period of time. This “coming” is one of the major themes of this letter to the Thessalonians. It really has several aspects with respect to Christians and to the unbelieving world.

The first aspect of Christ’s “coming” applies only to the church. It is referenced in 1 Corinthians 15:22, 23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; and 1 John 2:28. This is Christ’s coming at the rapture, when Christians who “sleep in Jesus” will be resurrected and those of us who are alive and remain will be “caught up together” to eternally be with the Lord. Once we have been raptured, we will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ where we will receive our rewards (in the form of crowns) for the works we have done in His name. The crown mentioned in the previous verse is sometimes referred to as the “soul winner’s crown,” since Paul seems to imply that he anticipates this reward for the gospel work he did in Thessalonica. This aspect of the “coming” is probably what Paul is describing in this verse and the previous one. It is a time when there will be glory and joy for all who have faithfully served God, even in the midst of persecution.

The second aspect of Christ’s “coming” applies to His coming to the earth in judgment of the unbelieving world. This “coming” will occur at the end of the seven year Tribulation period. References to this “coming” include Matthew 24:3, 27; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; and 2 Thessalonians 2:8. At this event Christ, as the conquering King, will come mounted on a white horse to defeat the armies who have mounted one final attack against Israel. This victorious coming is described in Revelation 19:11-15. This passage indicates that His armies are clothed in fine linen, white and clean, riding on white horses. Also, 1 Thessalonians 3:13 indicates that He will be accompanied by “all His saints.” So, the army referenced in Revelation 19:14 probably includes all who have believed in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (both Christians and Jews).

The final aspect of Christ’s “coming” includes our eternal presence with the Lord. This aspect of His “coming” is referred to in 1 Corinthians 15:22, 23 and 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

Application

For Christians, the “coming” of our Lord is repeatedly portrayed as a time of joyful rejoicing, of victory over sin and death, and eternally being in the physical presence of our Lord. Keep these things in mind when you suffer in this life for being a Christian and for proclaiming His word.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:19 – Present Suffering or Future Glory?

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Will

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

Truth to Learn

Keep your focus on eternity when you suffer as a Christian.

Behind the Words

Elpis is the Greek word translated “hope.” This word signifies more than just a wish that something good will happen. It also implies a full expectation of obtaining that good thing. It could be paraphrased as “hopeful expectation.”

The word “crown” is translated from stephanos, which refers to the crown or wreath awarded to the winner of an athletic event. It is distinctly different than a diadēma, which refers to a crown of royal dignity.

“Rejoicing” is from kauchēsis, meaning “to boast” or “to brag.” Kauchēsis refers to “boasting” or “glorying” in some achievement, either of self or of others.

The words “in the presence” are translated from emprosthen, which is made up of en, meaning “in,” pros, meaning “to” or “toward,” and then, denoting a direction or a place. Thus, emprosthen indicates “the place directly in front of someone.”

The word “coming” is from parousia. This word is derived from pareimi, meaning “to be present.” Parousia can refer either to the presence of something or it can refer to the coming of someone into our presence.

Meaning Explained

Apparently, the Apostle Paul had been accused of having deserted the Christians in Thessalonica and not trying to return there. In the previous couple of verses he expressed his heart wrenching separation from as having been orphaned. He also expressed the fact that he had repeatedly planned on returning there but was hindered from doing so by our adversary.

During times of persecution it is important to keep the future in view. Instead of continuing to focus on the current persecution that he and the Thessalonians were facing, Paul reminds them of the coming rewards for their persistence. He reminds them (and us) of our future hope we have in the coming of our Lord. He reminds them (and us) of the boasting, or glorying, that we will have at His coming. And, he reminds them (and us) of the eternal rewards we will receive when He comes back for us.

When Christ returns, all Christians will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. This is a time when our works will be judged for the purpose of finding good (1 Corinthians 3:10-15), and rewards in the form of crowns will be awarded. These rewards, and this rejoicing, will not be temporal like things in this life; these things will be eternal. Also, in recognition of the real source of all our accomplishments, we will be able to cast our crowns at His feet, proclaiming that He is the one worthy of all glory and honor (Revelation 4:10).

Application

Don’t be discouraged, my dear Christian friends, when you suffer from opposition and persecution for your Christian witness. One day we will receive rewards for our good works done in faith. And, we will be able to give recognition and glory to our Lord for His faithfulness and empowering Spirit.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:18 – Opposition to Ministries

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Will

Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.

Truth to Learn

Christians’ plans may be hindered by God – or by Satan.

Behind the Words

“We wanted” is translated from a form of the verb thelō, meaning “to wish” or “to will.” However, this word implies more than just a desire. It implies purpose and determination. Therefore, we could translate this as “we determined.”

The words “time and again” are from the phrase kai hapax kai dis, which literally means “both once and twice.” This is an idiomatic phrase meaning “several times.”

“Satan” is transliterated from the word satanas, which is originally of Chaldean origin, appearing in the Old Testament as sawtawn. The word literally means “accuser” or “adversary.” In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) it is often translated as diabolos (devil) and these two words are often used interchangeably.

Engkoptō is the verb translated “hindered.” It is made up of en, meaning “in” or “into” and koptō, meaning “to strike” or “to cut.” This word was used to describe the cutting of a trench in a road as a hindrance to the progress of an advancing army.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul expressed his eagerness to return to Thessalonica to be with the people there whom he considered to be his spiritual children. He now tells them that he and his co-workers were determined to return there. He makes a point here that it was not just his companions who wanted to return, but that he specifically wanted to see them in person.

We also see here that it was not just a one-time plan to return, but something they determined to do over and over again. We see from 1 Thessalonians 3:1, 2 that he had already sent Timothy back there, and probably Silvanus as well, with the purpose of encouraging and strengthening them.

Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, (1 Thessalonians 3:1, 2)

The reason that Paul gives for his not having personally returned to Thessalonica is hindrance from Satan. We know from the book of Acts that the Holy Spirit had prevented him from carrying out some of his plans previously (see Acts 16:6, 7). This time, however, he perceives that it was the direct opposition of our adversary which thwarted his plans. We are not told how Paul knew that it was Satan rather than the Holy Spirit, but he seems certain as to the source of the opposition.

In some Christian circles it is common to blame Satan for any and all opposition to Christian ministry. Keep in mind, however, that Satan is not omnipresent like God. He can’t be in more than one place at a time. More often than not, satanic attack comes from one of his hoards rather than Satan himself.

Application

When we face opposition in our ministries, we need to prayerfully consider whether it is the Spirit of God or our enemy who is standing in our way. If it is God, we need to make other plans. If it is our enemy, however, we need to prayerfully decide whether or not we need to stand and fight.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:17 – Orphaned Christians

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Will

But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.

Truth to Learn

Persecution of Christians occurs world-wide today.

Behind the Words

The words “having been taken away” are translated from the Greek verb aporphanidzō. This word is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and orphanos (from which we get our English word orphan). Orphanos means “obscure” or “dark,” like an orphan who, without parents, was often forced to wander in obscurity and darkness. Thus, aporphanidzō means to be made alone and helpless, without parents.

“For a short time” is from the Greek words kairon horas. Kairon refers to a period of time or “a season,” and horas means “an hour.” Therefore, kairon horas literally means “a season of an hour.” Metaphorically, it means “for a short time.”

“Endeavored” is from spoudadzō, which is based on spoudē, meaning “speed, haste, or diligence.” Spoudadzō, therefore, means “to be eager, diligent, or earnest.”

The word “more” is translated from perissōs, which means “abundantly” or “exceedingly.” It implies a much greater amount than just “more.”

Both of the words “presence” and “face” are translated from prosōpon, which literally means “before your eyes.” It is the word that refers to a person’s face, but it also means “in someone’s presence” (just as we might refer to close proximity as “being in your face”).

Meaning Explained

In the last few verses Paul has been telling the Christians in Thessalonica how he, and they, have been persecuted by their fellow countrymen. They were hindered from witnessing the Gospel truth because of it. Paul and his companions even suffered physical persecution. In fact, the opposition was so great that Paul and Silas had to be scurried out of town at night:

Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. (Acts 17:10a)

Paul has used the personal family metaphors of a nursing mother and a father to describe his relationship with, and love for, the Thessalonians. Now he uses even more emotional words to describe his separation from these dear people. He says, “having been taken away from you,” that is, “having been orphaned from you.” This is very descriptive of the heart wrenching pain of their sudden separation from each other.

However, Paul informs his children in the Lord that this separation is only for a short time. We don’t know for sure how long he had been gone from Thessalonica when he wrote this letter; it may have only been a few months. And we will learn in this verse and the next verse that Paul had already tried to return to Thessalonica, but he wasn’t able to. He tells his readers that he had tried very hard to return to them so that he could at least see their faces again.

Application

In some countries of the world today Christians are under heavy persecution, being imprisoned or even killed because of their desire to be obedient to God. Let’s all take a few minutes right now to pray to our Heavenly Father for protection and comfort for Christians everywhere who suffer for their faith.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:16 – Proclaim It Fearlessly

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Will

forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.

Truth to Learn

Christians are to share the Gospel, in spite of persecution.

Behind the Words

“Forbidding” is translated from the Greek verb kōluō, which is related to the noun kolos, which refers to “a dwarf.” The verb kōluō means “to weaken” or “to cut off.” In its common usage, it means “to hinder, restrain, or prevent.”

Laleō is the verb translated “to speak.” It refers to verbal conversation in general, as opposed to the content of the conversation, which would be the word legō.

The word “Gentiles” is from the Greek noun ethnos. This word literally refers to “a group of people belonging and living together.” In Greek secular writing, it primarily refers to “a race of people” or “a nation.” The Jews used this word to refer to anyone who was not a Jew, that is, a Gentile.

“Saved” is translated from sodzō, which means “to rescue from danger or destruction.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of it happening.

“Always” is translated from pantote, which is made up of a form of pas, meaning “all” and tote, meaning “then.” Therefore, pantote means “all the time.”

The words “fill up” are from anaplēroō. This is composed of ana, meaning “up,” used as an intensifier, and plēroō, meaning “to fill.” Thus, anaplēroō means “to fill up completely.

The words “has come upon” are from the verb phthanō, meaning “to come suddenly and unexpectedly.”

“Uttermost” is from telos, meaning “the termination,” “the completion,” or “the end.”

Meaning Explained

The Thessalonian Christians were just told that they are suffering in the same way as the Christians in Judea, at the hands of their own countrymen. Paul now describes the motivation behind such persecution. He says that their countrymen tried to prevent them from having conversations with the people around them so that these people might not hear and believe the gospel message, thus getting saved.

This sounds very contemporary, doesn’t it? Even in our own country, which was originally based on religious freedom and the freedom of speech, our countrymen are trying to prevent us from spreading the good news. Prayer has been taken out of our schools and teachers are forbidden from sharing the Gospel message. Discussions about sin and salvation are hindered in the workplace and many government offices have forbidden the display of Christian materials.

But Paul tells us that the consequences of such hindering of the Gospel will be far worse for those who are hindering our witness than they will be for us. Their actions will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment and they will experience the wrath of God, while we will only know the peace of God.

Application

Don’t be discouraged from sharing the Gospel message with people around you. Keep in mind that it is “… the power of God unto salvation …” (Romans 1:16) that causes people to believe, not your own persuasiveness.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:15 – Suffering Is Good?

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Will

who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men,

Truth to Learn

Persecution and suffering can make us stronger Christians.

Behind the Words

The word translated “killed” is from the Greek verb apokteinō. This word is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from,” used here as an intensifier and kteinō meaning “to slay” or “to kill.” Apokteinō means “to kill outright.” This word indicates an intentional killing rather than an accidental killing.

“Prophets” is transliterated (bringing a word from one language directly into another) from the word prophētēs. This word is made up of pro, meaning “before in time or location” and phēmi, meaning “to show or make known one’s thoughts.” Thus, prophētēs can mean “one who tells something before it happens” or “one who makes a proclamation in front of others.”

The word “persecuted” is from ekdiōkō. It is made up of ek, meaning “out” or “out of,” used as an intensifier and diōkō, meaning “to pursue or persecute.” Therefore, ekdiōkō means “to drive out” or “to banish.” This word implies a stronger persecution than that which is spoken of in Romans 12:14.

Enantios is the word translated “contrary.” It is made up of en, meaning “in” and antios, meaning “set against.” It is a picture of an army in the field set in battle array against an opposing army. It is sometimes translated “opposed to” or “opposite.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul told the Christians in Thessalonica that they had become like the Christians in Judea because they suffered at the hands of the people of their own country. He reminds us here that the Jews killed their own Messiah as well as many of their own prophets. In the book of Acts, Peter described the killing of Jesus this way:

Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; (Acts 2:23)

Some people argue that Jesus was not killed by the Jews, but by the Romans. The reason for this is that under Roman law the Jews were not permitted to execute anyone for violating their religious laws, even though those laws required death by stoning for some offenses. However, Jesus was found innocent by the Romans. Also notice that Jesus was convicted by the Jews for claiming to be God, a claim they considered to be blasphemous, but was in fact true. Therefore, because the Jews weren’t permitted to execute Him, they insisted that the Romans carry out the execution for them.

Paul also tells us here that those who persecute Christians are not pleasing to God. But couldn’t God have stopped the persecution? Couldn’t He have prevented the crucifixion of Jesus? The answer, of course, is “yes” to both these questions. However, God had a purpose for both the crucifixion of Jesus and the persecution of Christians.

Application

If you are suffering as a Christian, it doesn’t necessarily mean that God is displeased with you. It may be that He is allowing it so that you will become a stronger Christian. Thank Him for it!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:14 – Family Suffering

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Will

For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans,

Truth to Learn

Many Christians suffer at the hands of friends and relatives.

Behind the Words

“Imitators” is from the word mimētēs, which we saw in the sixth verse of the previous chapter. It refers to “someone who mimics, imitates, or follows the example of someone else.”

The word “churches” is translated from the word ekklēsia, which is made up of ek, meaning “out” and a form of the verb kaleō, meaning “to call.” It literally refers to “the called out ones.” Originally, this word referred to an assembly of citizens who were called out by civil authorities. It is used throughout the New Testament, however, to refer to the church, either a local assembly or the world-wide church.

Paschō is the Greek word translated “suffered.” This word means “to undergo an experience,” “to be subjected to evil,” or “to suffer.”

The words “your own” are from idios which means “pertaining to yourself.”

“Countrymen” is translated from sumphuletēs, which is made up of sun, meaning “together with” and a form of phulē, which refers to “a family,” “a tribe,” or “a race of people.”

Meaning Explained

In yesterday’s verse Paul said that he was thankful for the way the people of the church in Thessalonica received the Word of God. As a result of receiving and believing the gospel message they became Christians, members of the family of God.

Now he says something very interesting about these new believers. He says that they became imitators of the members of the Christian churches in Judea. It’s interesting that he refers to the Judean Christians as being members of the “churches of God … in Christ Jesus.” The reason for referring to them in this way is that the followers of Judaism in Judea referred to themselves as a “church” as well. Early in the life of the church, Christians were thought of as nothing more than a new sect of Judaism. Paul is making it very clear that he is not referring to the followers of Judaism who met in a synagogue every week, but to the followers of Jesus Christ.

We learn here that the manner in which the Thessalonians were imitating the churches in Judea was in their suffering. He’s not so much indicating that they suffered alike, but that they suffered at the hands of their own countrymen. Paul was very familiar with the way the Judean Christians suffered because he, himself, was one of the Jews who persecuted Christians there (see Acts 8:1-3). The Thessalonian Christians also suffered at the hands of their own countrymen. This persecution may have originated with Jews, but it was later carried out by the Greek people of Macedonia.

Application

Do your friends and family members treat you differently because you are a Christian? If so, you’re in good company. Don’t hate them for it, continue to pray for them, that God would open their hearts to believe the Gospel message as well.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:13 – God’s Effective Work

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Will

For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

Truth to Learn

Any success we might have is because of God, not us.

Behind the Words

The words “we … thank” are translated from the verb eucharisteō, which is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of charidzomai, meaning “to grant” or “to give.” The basic meanings of this word include “to show oneself to be pleased or grateful” or “to give thanks.”

Adialeiptōs is the Greek word translated “without ceasing.” It is a double compound word made up of a, meaning “without,” dia, meaning “through” or “between,” and a form of the verb leipō, meaning “to leave.” Thus, adialeiptōs literally means “without leaving space between.” In other words, it means doing something without pausing or stopping.

“You received” is from the Greek verb paralambanō. This word is made up of para, meaning “from” and lambanō, meaning “to take” or “to receive.” This word means “to receive from someone else” or “to receive to oneself.”

“You welcomed” is translated from dechomai, which means “to accept something deliberately and readily.”

The words “effectively works” are from the verb energeō. This word is based on energēs, meaning “operative, active, or working.” Thus, energeō means “to be at work” or “to be effective.”

Meaning Explained

One of the hallmarks of the Apostle Paul’s ministry is his repeated thankfulness to God. He realized, without a doubt, that his ministry, its effectiveness, and its result were all the result of God’s working in him, not his own efforts. He also realized that his message was not something that he made up or delivered in his own personal eloquent style. He knew that he was not the originator of the message, simply the messenger. As a result, he reminded the Christians in Thessalonica that the message they heard from him is not of human origin, but God’s word.

You may recall from the first chapter of this letter that these believers were undergoing persecution (a point which he will reiterate in the upcoming verses). Under similar persecution, Christians of all ages have found comfort and encouragement in the words of Holy Scripture. Paul also reminds his readers here that God’s word is truth. Notice that in His closing prayer at the last supper, Jesus declared plainly that it is the truth which sets us apart from the rest of the world (John 17:17). In similar fashion, throughout the apostolic teaching in the New Testament, the writers give testimony that God’s word is truth (2 Corinthians 4:2, 6:7; Ephesians 1:13; Colossians 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:18; 1 John 3:18).

Application

Let us all remember that we are here to serve God, not ourselves. In whatever ministry we find ourselves, our responsibility is to represent our King and it is His message we deliver. Therefore, any success which we might have is the result of His working, not ours. Give Him thanks and praise!

In God's service, for His glory,