Tag: parakaleo

1 Thessalonians 3:7 – Focusing On Others

Posted on by Will

because of this, brothers, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith.

Truth to Learn

Paul was concerned about how his own persecution was affecting the faith of others.

 

Behind the Words

“Because of this” is from the Greek words dia touto. The word dia denotes the channel of action, that is, “on account of” or “by means of.” Touto means “this.” Therefore, dia touto literally translates as “on account of this” or “because of this.”

“Brothers” is the translation of adelphos, which is made up of a, indicating unity and delphus, which refers to the womb. Therefore, literally this word means “someone having the same birth origin.” Since all Christians are “born of the Spirit,” we are all brothers and sisters in the Lord.

The word “affliction” is translated from thlipsis, which we saw back in verse three. It means “pressure, stress, trouble, or affliction.”

The word translated “distress” is anagkē, which can refer to “necessity” or to “an oppositional compelling force.”

“We were comforted” is from the Greek verb parakaleō, which we saw back in verse two where it was translated as “encourage.” It is a picture of someone being called alongside to challenge and encourage. In this verse it could be translated as “comforted” or “encouraged.”

Pistis is the Greek word translated “faith.” It is based on the verb peithō, meaning “to persuade” or “to win over by persuasive discussion.” Pistis refers to the state of having been firmly convinced of a truth.

 

Meaning Explained

As we have mentioned before, word order is very important in Greek. The thought or idea expressed first is the most important. In today’s verse, the Greek word order says, “because of this, we were comforted, brothers, concerning you …” You may recall from verses one and five that Paul wanted to know about how the Thessalonians were doing, but he had not heard any word from them. He knew that he and his co-workers had only spent a brief time with these young Christians and he was concerned that the persecution that they were facing might have weakened their faith. So, Paul had sent Timothy to Thessalonica to strengthen and encourage them and to see how strong their faith was.

But it was not just the persecution of the Thessalonians that Paul was uncomfortable about. Paul was concerned that the persecution and affliction that he and his companions were suffering might be affecting the faith of his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica. This may be only a subtle distinction, but it demonstrates something significant about the Apostle. He was not focusing on himself and his own circumstances, but on how his circumstances might be affecting others.

 

Application

Part of human nature is to look-out for ourselves, to do all we can to ensure that we are safe and comfortable. Pure and undefiled faith in God, however, means trusting God and being concerned about the safety and wellbeing of others. What are you putting your trust in and whose wellbeing are you most concerned about?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 3:2 – Growth and Service

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and sent Timothy, our brother and minister and fellow laborer of God 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 literally 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 “God’s fellow laborer” because he is God’s worker who 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 about what you haven’t done or rewarded for what you have done?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 2:11 – Father Paul

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as you know how we were encouraging, and comforting every one of you, as a father does his own children,

Truth to Learn

We all need some comfort, encouragement, and challenge.

 

Behind the Words

The word “as” is from the Greek word kathaper. This word is made up of katha, meaning “as” and per, meaning “very.” The word kathaper literally means “exactly as” or “just as.”

“You know” is translated from the verb eidō, which means “to see with perception.” As in English, this verb can refer to visibly seeing something and perceiving what it is, or it can mean “to see with the mind,” that is, “to know.”

The word “encouraging” is from parakaleō. It is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” It is a picture of someone being “called alongside” for the purpose of coaching, encouraging, challenging, and comforting.

“Comforting” is translated from paramutheomai, which is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” and mutheomai, meaning “to make a speech” or “to tell a tale.” Paramutheomai means “to speak soothingly” or “to console.”

 

Meaning Explained

Back in verses six through eight, Paul used the metaphor of a mother caring for her infant children to show how tenderly he and his companions ministered to the Christians in Thessalonica. Now he changes his metaphor to that of a father. At the time this letter was written it was the mother’s responsibility to feed and care for the children. The father’s responsibility was to help the children mature, to challenge them, to encourage them, and to comfort them.

First of all, notice in the previous verse that Paul called the Thessalonians as witnesses of his behavior among them. Now he says that they know from observation how he raised them in the faith. These two facts further indicate the close relationship he had with the people who were under his spiritual care. He wasn’t some demagogue, preaching fire and brimstone from the pulpit while keeping his distance from his congregation. He was directly involved with them daily, on a personal level.

When the spiritual battles and hardships of life caused them to become discouraged, he encouraged them. When they experienced set-backs and failures, he comforted them. However, he didn’t let them wallow in their self-pity and he certainly didn’t coddle them. Instead, he challenged them to grow in their faith walk. He taught them the difficult aspects of walking closely with their God. He used examples from his own life to show them that we all have difficulties in this life, but we don’t give up. When our sin nature or life’s problems knock us down, we get back up and get back into the race. It’s this kind of discipline that makes us stronger. The writer of Hebrews said a similar thing about staying in the race:

… let us lay aside every burden, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1b)

 

Application

Are you going through difficult times? Has life, or sin, knocked you down? If so, get back up, fix your eyes on God, get back in the race, and “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, be men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 6:22 – A Personal Comforter

Posted on by Will

whom I sent to you for this very purpose, that you might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

Truth to Learn

The church needs people of comfort and encouragement.

 

Behind the Words

“I have sent” is translated from the Greek verb pempō, which means “to send out” or “to dispatch.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense, indicating past completed action at a point in time. Thus it is translated as “I sent,” not “I have sent.”

The words “that you might know” are translated from the verb ginōskō, which can indicate either “to come to know” or “to know completely.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood indicating the probability or possibility of occurrence.

“Our affairs” is from ta peri hēmōn, which literally means “the things about us.” This is much like the expression Paul used in the previous verse (“the things concerning me”).

Parakaleō is the Greek verb translated “might comfort.” It is made up of para, meaning “beside” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” Thus, parakaleō literally means “to call alongside.” By application it means “to comfort” or “to encourage.”

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that Paul sent a man named Tychicus to the church in Ephesus so that the members of the church there might know how he was doing. It appears that Tychicus was used by Paul as a messenger. He apparently is the one who carried this letter to the church and he also possessed in depth knowledge of what was going on with the Apostle and all those with him.

We learned with yesterday’s verse that Paul was not in the habit of talking about himself in his letters to the churches. Instead, he sent trusted messengers who could relate in detail what was happening. He knew that anything communicated regarding his welfare would produce more questions. By sending someone like Tychicus, all the people’s questions could be answered in a calm and confident manner without having to wait for another letter.

This verse also highlights once again what a tender heart Paul had toward those with whom he had ministered in the past. We know from the nineteenth chapter of the book of Acts that the Apostle spent more than two years at the church in Ephesus. This appears to be the longest length of time that he spent with any one church. During that time he built strong personal ties with the members of that church. A large number of these people were likely led to the Lord as a direct result of Paul’s preaching ministry. For this reason, Paul wanted to make sure that his beloved friends in the church were well informed and comforted regarding what was happening to him while in a Roman prison.

 

Application

There are some members of every church who are specially gifted in giving words of encouragement and comfort to those around them. This is an important ministry, especially as the church and its members are coming under increasingly strong attacks. If there is someone that you know with this gift in your church, be sure to tell them thank-you for using their gift in the body of Christ.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 4:1 – Serve One, Serve All

Posted on by Will

Therefore, I, the prisoner of the Lord, encourage you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,

Truth to Learn

We are all called to serve in God’s church.

 

Behind the Words

“Prisoner” is from desmios, which is derived from the verb desmeō, meaning “to bind.” Thus, desmios means “someone in bonds” or “a prisoner.”

The word “encourage” is translated from the Greek verb parakaleō, which is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” or “near” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” Therefore, we can see that literally this word means “to call near.” In usage, the basic meaning is “to comfort,” “to encourage,” or “to challenge.”

“Walk” is from peripateō. This is made up of peri, meaning “around,” “through,” or “with respect to” and pateō, meaning “to walk.” This Greek word means “to walk around.” It is used as a metaphor of how a person lives his or her life.

The word “calling” is klēsis, which is derived from kaleō, “to call.” It refers to “an invitation.”

“You were called” is translated from the verb kaleō, “to call.” It is expressed in the aorist tense indicating past completed action which occurred at a point in time (not a process).

 

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul starts off this verse reminding his readers that he is a prisoner of the Lord. This is very similar to the way he started off the previous chapter. There, he did so to introduce his ministry to the Gentiles and the mystery regarding the church. Here, he reminds them that he is a prisoner, because he is about to challenge his readers to live a life that is characterized by service to others rather than serving self. As a prisoner, he is a supreme example of this.

Most of the first three chapters of this letter were focused on teaching doctrine. In the remainder of the letter, Paul focuses on duty. Another way to say this is, previously he taught us what to believe; now he will teach us how to behave.

As you can see from Behind the Words, in this verse Paul uses several forms of the word kaleō (to call). This is typical Pauline style. He likes to play on words like this as a device to drive home his message. He is in prison because God called him to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, thus angering religious Jews who thought he was perverting Judaism. He was more concerned with serving God than he was with protecting himself. In fact, before his final trip to Jerusalem, where he was arrested, he was told by a prophet that he would end up in chains:

And [the prophet Agabus] coming to us and taking Paul's belt and binding his hands and feet, said, "The Holy Spirit says this, In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt, and will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.' " (Acts 21:11)

Paul was totally dedicated to the ministry to which he had been called, in spite of the warning from other mature spiritual people. Now he will be challenging us to be just as dedicated to the ministry to which each of us has been called.

 

Application

Every Christian has been called by God to serve within the body of Christ. Each of us has a function to perform for which God has specifically gifted us. There is no excuse for any of us not to be serving. Are you performing the ministry to which you have been called by God?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Corinthians 1:10 – No More Divisions

Posted on by Will

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Truth to Learn

Christians must work hard at being united in doctrine.

Behind the Words

“I plead” is translated from parakaleō, which is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” or “near” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” Thus, parakaleō literally means “to call near.” In common usage it means “to comfort, to encourage, or to challenge.”

The Greek word translated “you … speak” is legō, which means “to relate in words” or “to speak.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood indicating possibility or probability. So, it could be translated as “you … should speak.”

“Divisions” is from the Greek noun schisma, meaning “a split or a division.”

The words “you be” are from the verb of being, eimi. It, too, is expressed in the subjunctive mood indicating possibility or probability. So, we could translate it as “you should be.”

Katartidzō is the Greek word translated “perfectly joined together.” It is composed of kata, meaning “with” and artidzō, meaning “to adjust, to fit, or to finish.” Thus, katartidzō has the idea of being fit together, being united.

Meaning Explained

Paul now begins addressing some of the issues that existed in the church in Corinth. Specifically, he will now address the divisions that had developed between people who claimed to follow different leaders. As we will see in verse twelve, there were some who said they were followers of Paul, while others said they were followers of Apollos or of Peter (Cephas), and even others claimed they were followers of Christ.

As Paul progresses through the early part of this letter, he will get very direct and stern with the Christians at Corinth. However, he starts off with more gentle words. He says, “I encourage you … to speak the same things” with regard to their divisions. It is imperative for any church body that they have unity in the doctrines that they teach. If one person teaches some doctrinal belief and someone else teaches something different with regard to that doctrine, the followers will be confused, at the very least. In the extreme, it will cause divisions within the church just as were evident in Corinth.

Paul also encourages them to be united (perfectly joined together) and to have the same mind (the same beliefs) throughout the body. People who are not united in their beliefs will not be able to progress onto learning other doctrinal truths because their differences will cause arguments between them. That’s not to say that we should always blindly accept whatever is taught, for discussion is an important part of the learning process.

Application

Divisions within a church is a sure way to destroy the witness of the church to those outside. We are to be united and marching forward with a clear message to the lost.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

2 Thessalonians 3:12 – Share the Load

Posted on by Will

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 © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

 

2 Thessalonians 2:17 – Comfort For Our Walk

Posted on by Will

comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

Truth to Learn

Comfort is God’s doing, but walking in faith is up to you.

Behind the Words

“Comfort” is translated from the Greek verb parakaleō. This word has the same root as the word translated “consolation” in yesterday’s verse. It means “to comfort, encourage, and challenge” just as a coach does for an athlete.

Kardia is the word translated “heart.” The English word “cardiology” (the study of the heart) is obviously from this Greek word. It refers not only to the physical heart, but figuratively to “the seat and center of human life, including thoughts and feelings.”

The word “establish” is from stēridzō, which is derived from histemi, meaning “to stand or to set in place.” Stēridzō means “to make firm” or “to place securely.”

Agathos is the word translated “good.” This word refers to the general character or quality of goodness or usefulness.

“Word” is from the Greek noun logos, which refers to “an expression of intellect.” That is “a word or a saying.”

Ergon is the Greek word translated “work.” It refers to “something done or performed, an act or a deed.”

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is directly connected with the previous one. In fact, grammatically, verse sixteen is the subject of the sentence and this verse is the predicate. You will recall that in the previous verse Paul equated the Father and Jesus Christ as one by using singular verbs with the plural subject. He continues that form in today’s verse. Though this sentence has a plural subject (Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father), the verbs “comfort” and “establish” are singular verbs.

There are two key lessons to learn from Paul’s prayer. The first is that our God is the one who comforts our hearts and who makes our stand firm. In his teachings at the Last Supper in the upper room, Jesus said this to His disciples:

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)

In other words, He said, “Don’t allow your hearts to be troubled or afraid.” Modern day psychology indicates that worry and fear are the results of our own minds; that is, we do it to ourselves. Comfort and peace, on the other hand, are the result of outside agents working on us to sooth us. Paul is praying for God to be that outside agent working on us both to comfort us and to make our stand firm.

The other thing we learn from today’s verse is that the Christian life is not just about what we claim to be. We all know people who profess to be Christian, but the way they live their lives does not demonstrate true faith. In other words, don’t just talk the talk, also walk the walk. Let your Christian witness be the way you act and the way you treat others. You may know the words of Christianity, but do you do the works?

Application

Think about your faith this way: If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Thessalonians 5:14 – Caution, Support, and Patience

Posted on by Will

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

Truth to Learn

We all need to patiently work toward peace in the church.

Behind the Words

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

“Warn” is translated from noutheteō, which was translated as “admonish” a couple of verses ago. It means “to put in mind,” “to caution,” or “to reprove.”

“Unruly” is from the Greek word ataktos. This is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of the verb tassō, meaning “to arrange in an orderly manner.” Thus, ataktos literally means “disorderly.”

The word translated “comfort” is paramutheomai, which is made up of para, meaning “alongside” or “near” and the verb form of muthos (a myth or story), meaning “to relate a story.” Paramutheomai means “to speak kindly or soothingly.”

“Fainthearted” is translated from oligopsuchos. This word is made up of oligos, meaning “small or little” and phuchē, meaning “soul.”

Anthecō is the Greek word translated “uphold.” It is composed of anti, meaning “against” and echo, meaning “to have” or “to hold.” So, literally this word means “to hold close.”

“Be patient” is from makrothumeō, from makros, meaning “long” and thumos, meaning “anger.” It means “to be long-suffering or patient.”

Meaning Explained

At the end of yesterday’s verse Paul told us to be at peace with each other (referring to Christians); however, being at peace (or making peace) is an active process, not a passive one. Here, Paul gives us some ideas regarding how we can make peace. Notice, first of all, that he doesn’t say, “Just ignore problems that are in the church.” When we see problems in the church we are to take positive, loving action.

The first issue that Paul addresses is members who are unruly or disorderly. In 1 Corinthians 14:33, Paul contrasted confusion (or disorder) with peace. Those who are disorderly, cause confusion and strife. We need to caution such people and remind them of the need for order and peace within the church.

The second issue that Paul addresses is faintheartedness. These people lack courage or conviction to pursue what is right. They tend to just “give-in and give-up” when faced with opposition. We need to speak kindly to such people and remind them that doing things God’s way is always the right way.

The third issue involves those who are weak. This word is usually applied to those who are physically weak. We are to put effort into lending support to those who are weak, either physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

In each of these situations, however, we are to be patient with those who cause problems. That doesn’t mean ignoring the problem, rather giving loving support and guidance even when the problem recurs over and over again.

Application

Making peace within the church is a full time job and it is to be done in a kind, loving way just as our Lord would do.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Comfort and Build-up

Posted on by Will

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Truth to Learn

Christians need to comfort and spiritually build-up each other.

Behind the Words

“Therefore” is translated from the Greek word dio. This word is a combination of dia, meaning “through” and hos, meaning “who” or “which.” So, we see that dio literally means “through which.”

The word “comfort” is our old friend parakaleō, meaning “to comfort, encourage, or challenge.” It is expressed in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

Allēlon is the word translated “each other.” It indicates reciprocal action on the part of all members of a group.

“Edify” is also a word we have seen before. It is translated from oikodomeō, which is made up of oikos, meaning “a dwelling” or “a house” and a form of dōma, meaning “to build.” This verb is also expressed in the imperative mood.

The words “one another” are from the Greek words heis ton ena, which literally means “one the one” or “one in behalf of the one.” It expresses a more one-on-one type of activity than allēlon

Meaning Explained

Paul has been teaching the Thessalonians about the rapture and the Day of the Lord because they were grieving over the death of other Christians. When Paul finished teaching about the rapture, explaining that all Christians would be joined together as they received their new bodies, he told them:

Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:18)

The knowledge that the rapture would include all Christians and that we will all be together again was a comfort to those whose saved loved-ones had died.

Now that Paul has explained the difference between the rapture and the Day of the Lord, and the fact that Christians will not have to experience the out-pouring of God’s wrath, he tells them again to comfort one another. I had a godly friend who believed in a mid-tribulation rapture. He used to say, “I believe in a mid-trib rapture, but I pray for a pre-trib rapture.” The reason for his comment is the fact that he didn’t want to have to endure even a portion of the outpouring of God’s wrath on mankind. Once we understand the difference between the rapture and the Day of the Lord and the fact that we will be kept out of that time, it is an encouragement to all Christians.

But notice that Paul did not just tell them (and us) to comfort one another. He also commanded the Thessalonians to build-up each other in a one-on-one fashion. As we talk with our brothers and sisters about the things of God, we need to make the subject of the rapture and the Day of the Lord one of the things we talk about. Don’t get in an argument, simply share with them what Paul taught the Thessalonians.

Application

Do you talk with your Christian brothers and sisters about the things of the Lord? Do you have discussions about what the Bible teaches? Or, do you only talk about family, friends, and church activities? Paul commands us to build each other up and we can only do this by talking about what the Bible says.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved