1 Thessalonians 5

Key verses:

“For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” (v. 2)
“So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” (v. 6)
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; …” (vv. 16-18)

I’ll confess, it took me a while to figure out what God was saying to me in this chapter, but as I tried to approach it as a single, unified message, I had to come up with a slightly unorthodox presentation, which explains the different format for this post.

The first eleven verses might well be regarded as a continuation of the latter half of chapter 4. Paul has told the Thessalonians what will happen when Jesus returns, and now he tells them when it will happen.

The chapter ends as Paul often ends his letters, with what I think of as a “heading out the door” last-minute flurry of thoughts and admonitions. Kind of like the flurry of instructions I got from Mom as I was heading out the door!

That is, I believe, a very surface-level overview of the chapter. I want to dig deeper for a unified message, and I think I’ve found one: Be ready, always!

We are reminded that Jesus might return at any moment, which is something we should believe even when we’ve been waiting for two thousand years. “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9). Paul isn’t the only one to make this claim. John wrote of Jesus imminent and unexpected return in Revelation 16:15. Jesus spoke of it in Matthew 24:43.

When we accept that Jesus is returning for His church at any moment, HOW shall we be ready for his return? Paul gives us three powerful suggestions as he brings this letter to a close.

REJOICE ALWAYS. Let’s face it … some days just aren’t material for rejoicing. The car had a flat tire, but when we finally got out there, Charlotte traffic was still horrible. (Lookin’ at you, Independence Boulevard!) Should have stayed in bed anyway; the accountant delivered numbers which call into question the continued viability of the business. How in the world can we rejoice?

That’s just the point! We don’t rejoice in this world … this corrupted, sinful, damaged world. Our rejoicing is in the next world, the one our Lord and Savior is preparing for us. We rejoice in this world knowing what’s coming, and knowing that Jesus is ultimately in charge, even in this world. He is sovereign. He who hold our future and directs our steps is all-loving, all-powerful, wise beyond measure, and totally trustworthy. How can we not rejoice?

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING. I don’t think Paul meant for us to go about our business with heads bowed and hands folded, constantly tripping over our steps! I believe his intent is that we should live our lives in constant communion with God, as if He were walking with us, sitting beside us, and joining us for lunch – because He is!! The thought here may be best summarized by the prayer that my wife has hanging on the wall in our bedroom (author unfortunately unknown):

Dear God, You are my first thought and my first love. As the day goes on and I encounter challenges or busyness, help me to keep You in first place. Help me to discern Your voice from all other voices. Give me the grace and wisdom I need to serve You today and be a blessing for those You send my way. I love You and I pray that my actions throughout the day can reflect that. Amen.

I need to live my life with the knowledge that my God sees everything I do and hears everything I say (Luke 12:2-3, Hebrews 4:13, Job 28:24). Stop! Hold on there … go back and click those links, read what the Bible has to say about when we think we’re all alone!

Now, having read those scriptures, I’m asking myself, “What am I doing, that I wouldn’t be doing, if I actually saw Jesus sitting right beside me?” Perhaps you’re asking yourself the same question. That’s a really good start to being ready, at any moment, for Jesus’ return.

GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. There are lots of circumstances which don’t seem to lend themselves to giving thanks. I may not be thankful for the previously mentioned flat tire, but do I remember to be thankful for the car to which it is attached? I may not be thankful for the Charlotte traffic jam, but am I thankful I have a purpose for my day, and someplace to go? I am reminded that I need to be constantly looking for the blessings God is pouring into my life, day by day and moment by moment.

The most inspiring story I’ve ever heard about being thankful in ALL circumstances was told by Corrie ten Boom in her book The Hiding Place. If you’re not familiar with the story, the excerpt is available to read here. The really short version is that Corrie’s sister Betsie gave thanks for everything, even the fleas infesting their prison at Ravensbruck. As miserable as the fleas made them, the conditions kept the guards away!

I was surprised, and pleased, when I reviewed the story to write this blog, to find that the scripture Corrie and Betsie were reading that day was our chapter for this week, 1 Thessalonians 5! God does indeed work in mysterious and wonderful ways!

So I’ll end the post with a challenge I’m setting for myself this week. You’re welcome, if you choose to do so, to join me. I’m looking for whatever makes me the most upset, the most angry, or the most miserable, and finding God’s blessing in that circumstance for which I can give Him thanks! (And hoping it doesn’t turn out to be fleas!)

1 Thessalonians 3

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.” (v. 7)

Read the chapter.

A thoughtful reading of this chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians church reveals an evangelist consumed by love for a church from which he had been forcibly separated. In deep concern for the welfare of these new believers, Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to strengthen and encourage them in their faith. He rejoiced when Timothy returned with a good report of their faithfulness in persecution, and their fondness for Paul and the other evangelists who had brought them to saving faith. Paul ends this chapter with his longing to return to visit this church again, that he might continue to teach and encourage them.

This mutual love and concern is refreshing and encouraging to read, but it should not at all be unusual. As John wrote, “Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light”. (1 John 2:10) This love should characterize any church; indeed, it is not only a goal, it is a command!

My focus today is on verse 7, where Paul writes that he is encouraged by the faith of this beloved church. The lesson for us is that faith is not just an individual thing; it’s not just between the individual and God … it should and must be shared, as it encourages other believers!

I know people who, most unfortunately, refuse to talk about their faith, because “it’s private, it’s just between me and God.” While I applaude their deep respect for this personal relationship with their Creator, they’re missing out on the joy of sharing and encouraging others. Worse yet, other people are missing out on the encouragement they could be receiving from these Christians. Unbelievers miss the opportunity to see the source of a peace that passes all understanding, and learning how to obtain such a peace for themselves. Believers miss the opportunity to be strengthened by another’s faith.

Amelia Monroe Carlson writes “Faith is never private. The Sacred Scriptures clearly teach that not only is our faith public, and not private, but it should draw people to Christ. Our faith is a tool the Holy Spirit can, and should, be able to use to pull Christians away from sin and into a life hidden in Christ.”

My question to myself today is this: Am I talking about my faith in such a way as to cause others a desire to know God more completely? Am I letting others see a changed life because of Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s grace to me? If not … why not?

Second Coming of Christ

“For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19)

“Does this refer to the rapture?” The question was asked in our study of this chapter, and it’s a good question! For this post, I’m taking a sidetrack from our usual expository style to dig into this topic and just see what the Bible has to say about it.

First, let’s take a moment to consider the word “rapture”. To the best of my knowledge, this word is not found in the Bible, in any English translation. My research indicates that the word may have arisen from the text of 1 Thessalonians 4:17, where the Greek word ἁρπαγησόμεθα (meaning “will be caught away”) was translated into Latin as rapturo.

Therefore, for the remainder of this post, we’ll leave the word “rapture” for the reader’s consideration, and explore what the Bible has to say about the second coming of Christ, which seems to be the subject of both these scriptures.

In 1 Thessalonians 2:19, quoted above, Paul seems to be taking as given that Jesus will return again. He doesn’t question this, but is eager to present the Thessalonian church as his work (along with others) to his Lord and Savior.

Let’s start our survey with Matthew 24:36–44: “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son,[a] but the Father only. … o will be the coming of the Son of Man.” The first thing we learn about the second coming of Christ is that no one knows when this will occur. Paul says the same in 1 Thessalonians 5:1–3. “… the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”

The same passage in Matthew goes on to say “Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left.” Jesus’ resurrecting activity at this event will be selective; not everyone will be caught up to Heaven at this second coming.

In this scripture from Matthew, Jesus isn’t at all mysterious about the point He’s making; He’s quite direct: “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Next, let’s take a look at Luke 21:25–28: “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” The second coming, although we do not know the date and time, will be preceeded by signs, which Jesus expects His disciples to recognize. When He returns, all will see Him return with power and glory. For His redeemed, it will be a time to rejoice, but for everyone else, a time of great fear.

Moving on, we learn more in John 5:28–29: “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” It won’t be only the living to see His second coming; the dead will rise again to be a part of the event. All of the dead, some resurrected to life, and some to judgement.

Now we get back to 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, where we saw the origination of the word “rapture”. “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” We learn three things here we haven’t encountered yet.

First, this isn’t the “meek and lowly” Jesus we met at His first coming! The second time, Jesus will return with a shout of command which even the dead will hear! Along with the trumpets, He will announce His return, and no one will be in doubt who this is!

Second, we see that the dead in Christ shall rise first. I’m not sure I understand the significance of that, except that Dad always told me he’d get there first!

Third, this all has a very specific purpose, about which Paul is crystal clear: “… we will always be with the Lord.” This is not just from Paul; Jesus Himself said the same in John 14:3: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

Hebrews 9:27–28 reiterates Jesus’ purpose in His triumphant return. “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”

Perhaps the best way to wrap this up is to let the apostle John do it, as he wrote in the marvelous introduction to the Revelation. “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.” (Revelation 1:7) Thanks to my good friend Jeff Walling, the whole of Revelation, and perhaps the whole Bible, can be summarized in one short paragraph:

The game is already decided. God’s side wins. Pick a side. Choose wisely!

Will you choose God’s side?

1 Thessalonians 2

“For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive.” (1 Thessalonians 2:3)

Suggested: read all of chapter 2.

In this chapter Paul discusses his ministry in founding the Thessalonian church, and it may be instructive to see what he reveals about his approach to teaching.

Paul first talks about the background of his coming to the city, and how that, in spite of all the harsh treatment he had suffered in Phillipi, he “had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict” (v. 2). This leads me to question my own boldness in proclaiming the gospel. Do I really teach as if I’m bringing good news?

Paul continues with what his teaching did NOT contain: no error, no impurity, no intent to deceive. How does that compare to our own approach to teaching the gospel? Do we attempt to tie up naysayers in logical knots, or find slick ways to slide the Word in under the door? Do we use scare tactics of fire and brimstone? Or, do we simply present God’s word as Paul did, in a manner pleasing to God, and let His Word do its own work in human hearts? Do we trust God to know whom He has elected, and to prepare their hearts to respond to Him? We have His assurance in Isaiah 55:10-11 that His Word will accomplish what He has set out for it to do. “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.“

Paul make the claim in these verses that “we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel“. How was Paul approved? How can you and I be approved to be God’s ambassador to the lost? Paul answers that question in his second letter to Timothy. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 ESV) You may be more familiar with the wording of other translations, which use words like “study” (KJV), “work hard” (NLT), “make every effort” (Berean), or “be diligent” (NASB). However we translate it, there’s work involved. I must ask myself here, am I doing the work? What more could I be doing?

Before I close, I want to focus a moment on Paul’s final phrase in verse 13: “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” The Word of God is not a text of facts which we are to simply know. It’s not a story to simply be believed as an intellectual acceptance of fact. The Word of God should constantly be at work within us!

How is this possible? God’s Word is to be known, yes, but it needs to be the subject of constant meditation. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2) “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.” (Joshua 1:8)

Jesus’ disciples go beyond meditation; God’s Word is where they live (abide). “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.” (John 8:31) True disciples can’t get through the day without the Word of God, both directing and motivating their daily lives.

That’s what we’re attempting to do in this blog; to abide in the Word, by examining it closely for lessons to be learned, and applying it to how we live each day. If the Word of God does not change how we think, how we feel, how we live and how we interact, do we have any legitimate claim to be Jesus’ disciples?

1 Thessalonians 1

“For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.” (v. 4-5a)

As we begin our study of 1 Thessalonians, it may be helpful to consider the background of Paul’s letter to this persecuted church, and his possible reasons for writing to them.

Thessalonica was a provincial Roman capital, a city of perhaps 200,000 people in Paul’s day, with a citizenship of Greeks, Romans, and a significant Jewish minority. The city still exists today as Thessaloniki in Greece, and is the second-most populated city after the Greek capital of Athens.

Paul’s visit to Thessalonica was a brief one, only a few weeks (Acts 17:1-9). As Paul reasoned with the local Jews in the synagogue, “some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.” The Jewish leadership, however, was jealous of Paul’s success, and attempted to have Paul arrested. The situation became so dire that Paul’s new brothers in the faith arranged to have Paul and Silas escape in the night, whereupon they moved on to Berea.

The story in Acts doesn’t say this, but it’s easy to imagine that the Jewish leadership which essentially ran Paul out of town would have been none to happy with some of their former synagogue membership continuing to follow Paul’s teachings after they got rid of such a troublemaker. Keep that in mind as we study Paul’s first letter to this church.

Chapter 1 is a short chapter, only ten verses, including Paul’s customary greetings and prayers for this beloved church. There is much we can learn from this short chapter, not the least of which is the example of the Thessalonian church. Paul writes “you became an example to all the believers”; high praise indeed from this apostle who was not at all reluctant to call out believers who failed to “walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” (2:12)

My focus today, however, is on Paul’s statement that God had chosen them for salvation (quoted above). Paul offers evidence to back up his assertion. His first evidence was that his own words of teaching were backed up and supported by the power of the Holy Spirit (v. 5). If Paul’s teaching was not supported by the Holy Spirit, it would not have been effective. The personal lesson I take from that is that my own teaching will be effective with those whom God has chosen, and that without the power of the Holy Spirit, I can do nothing. If I can see that I’m not being effective in my own teaching efforts, I should strongly consider that maybe God wants me to be doing something else. When whatever I’m doing or teaching is fully aligned with God’s will, He will produce the results (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)

The second evidence Paul cites is that the Thessalonians received God’s Word “with full conviction”. Not everyone does. Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 13:3-8. The Thessalonian believers had been “good soil”. Why is that? Paul had nothing to do with it … he was only there for a few weeks. Long before Paul ever came, God had been at work, preparing some of the Thessalonian synagogue flock to hear His message of hope and salvation, making them ready to respond.

My personal lesson from this is that God is already at work, preparing people to hear what I have to teach, and preparing people whom I may serve in His name. My prayer to Him is to lead me to those people in His own good time, and to strengthen me not to become discouraged when I find myself casting seed upon shallow or rocky soil.

Paul’s third evidence is the Thessalonians life response to the gospel. “You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (v. 9). The accurate identification of a truly saved believer is not in what they claim to believe, or in the prayer of acceptance they’ve prayed, but in a lasting change in their manner of living. This is why Paul urges believers in so many of his letters to “walk in a manner worthy of God” … not to “talk in a manner worthy of God”. Actions speak louder than words, much louder.

My wife likes it when I tell her I love her, but she feels loved when I wash the dishes!

My personal lesson from this is to examine myself, ignoring what I claim to believe, and exploring how I’m living out my claimed belief (or not!). If my walk is different than my talk, then maybe my true belief isn’t what I think it is.

There’s so much more in these short ten verses. I hope you will join me in seeking to apply all that Paul has written to your life, and seeking to draw closer to God through Paul’s first letter to Thessalonica.

Colossians 4

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison — that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (v. 2-6)

In this chapter, Paul is wrapping up his message to the Colossian believers. Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to review, and see how Paul got to where he is now.

Remember that Paul is writing to a church he did not start, and has never visited. Paul begins by writing of his love for this church, expressed in his constant prayers on their behalf. His example for us is that we also can express our greatest love for someone by being their prayer warrior.

Paul’s greatest concern for this church seems to be that false teachers might “take them captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits[a] of the world.” (2:8) He reminds them throughout the letter of the fundamental theology upon which their faith is founded, encouraging them to remain faithful.

In chapter 3, Paul reminded these believers of the things which their allegiance to Christ should have caused them to leave behind, such as sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness. In place of these evil attitudes and activities, they need to develop compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. It’s a good reminder for all of us also, that we cannot take something bad out of our own hearts without replacing it with something Godly. The empty space will always be refilled with something, and if we don’t allow God to fill it with His gracious nature, Satan will always step up to offer something worse.

Paul ended this chapter with a brief reminder about Godly relationships, within the family and also with employers. This is a condensed version of the same thoughts we’ve previously studied in Ephesians 5 and 6. Either of these books offers excellent direction on our most important temporal relationships; we just didn’t dive in here, having previously covered the same teaching in Ephesians.

Now Paul is wrapping it up with some final thoughts, perhaps already mindful that this might be his last and only message to this beloved church. “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Why “steadfast”? God doesn’t have a poor memory! I believe it’s more because of our own poor memory. Steadfast prayer is a way to demonstrate to God that we really mean it, that we truly earnestly desire what we’re asking for. Jesus taught His disciples to pray for their daily needs, not because God doesn’t already know, but to remind themselves that they are constantly dependent upon God for everything. That’s also why Paul emphasizes thanksgiving. By thanking God for what we’ve already received from His hand, we remind ourselves that God is faithful to provide, and generous in doing so.

“At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, …” Paul asked for prayer for his own ministry, leaving the example that we need to be steadfast in prayer for the ministries in which we are involved, either actively or simply by caring. Everyone reading this has neighbors who need to know and obey the gospel. They may have no faith at all; they may place their faith in science and knowledge; they may have a false self-assurance of salvation, having been ill-taught by false teachers. Are we praying for them? Are we praying for an opportunity to share truth with them?

There are other ministries which may seem quite far away, yet if we know of them, we ought to be praying for them. I may never see the shores of Senegal, for example, but I know Nate and Leah who are working there, and pray for their ministry. What far-away ministries are you praying for? Are you following Paul’s example?

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” Outsiders, to Paul, are unbelievers. In our modern world, we don’t always know who the unbelievers are; they’re not wearing labels! It’s best to always walk in wisdom, acting constantly in such a way as to maintain our credibility as ambassadors for Christ. Never let your guard down. Always interact with people in such a way that, should the opportunity arise, they will want to hear what you have to say about your own faith.

“Let your speech always be gracious, …” Our verbal presence may be the only interaction some people ever have with us. Do they experience compassion? Do they gain the impression that you genuinely care about them, about their feelings? If someone is having a bad day, did you make it better?

I’ll end this study with the same admonition Paul sent to Archippus, which applies equally to every one of us: “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”

Colossians 3:12-15

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

I believe it was my father who first taught me that “nature abhors a vacuum”. I’m sure I heard it from my science teacher as well. Most believe the idea originated with Aristotle, although I wasn’t around to verify that. (Don’t let my daughters tell you otherwise!)

The concept begins in science, but applies to many walks of life, including spiritual life. If we remove some bad attitude or behavior from our lives, something else is going to fill in the vacuum and replace it.

Paul understood this. Having just listed many traits which must be “put to death” (v. 5), and of which we must “rid ourselves” (v. 8-9), he now encourages us to replace what we’ve set aside with good, Godly characteristics instead.

What things do we, as we learn to walk through this life as Christ did, need to add and make an intrinsic part of self? Here’s Paul’s list:

compassion – Followers of Jesus should be, by nature, compassionate people. In Matthew 9, Jesus saw the crowds of people “helpless, like sheep without a shepherd”, and had compassion for them. In Luke 10, he told the parable of the “good Samaritan”, illustrating that compassion sees no boundaries of race or class.

kindness – Jesus was always displaying his kindness, healing the sick and disabled, feeding the hungry, and teaching his disciples to do likewise.

humility – A true disciple of Christ is always humble, following the example of his Master. Jesus left us the perfect example of humility, as Paul wrote in Philippians 2:5-9.

gentleness – Gentleness is not weakness. No one could ever accuse Jesus of weakness, having destroyed the power of Satan forever! But in His kind, gentle spirit, He offers rest to the weary and burdened, and tenderly cares for His flock.

patience – As disciples of Jesus, we must seek to respond to the weak and faltering with patience. Paul wrote of Jesus’ patience with him [Paul] as he wrote to Timothy.

forgiveness – Paul gives us the highest possible standard to forgive others, “Forgive as the Lord forgave you”. So I ask you, how much has our Lord forgiven you? How much, therefore, is too much for you to forgive?

OK, so that’s quite the ambitious list of Godly attributes to develop! Why should we do this? Why make these changes in our character? Paul gives us the answer in verse 12:

We are God’s chosen people! Do you remember on the school playground, how special it felt to be one of the first chosen for the team? We’ve been chosen for the best, greatest team in all of human history – God’s team!! You are very, very special, because God chose you, before the foundation of the world, to be His. Just a bit more humility and forgiveness certainly isn’t too much to ask.

We are holy! That means we’ve been set apart, by God Himself. “These are mine”, he says. Do you remember the special dishes on Grandma’s top shelf, which we set apart for use on special occasions only? God has set you apart from the world, on His top shelf, for His exclusive use in His kingdom!

We are dearly loved! Do you remember how you had that very special relative (grandfather in my case), who made you feel so special and loved that you never wanted to disappoint him or her in any way? Whoever that was for you, God loves you even more! God loves you so much, He gave the most precious gift for you that could ever be given.

What will we get out of this? What does this character transformation do for us? If we adopt these Christ-like attitudes, fully integrated into our hearts, we will find the “peace of Christ” giving us continuous calm and comfort.

OK, by this time you may be completely convinced, and just ready to learn how to get started. Once again, Paul comes through for us:

Be thankful (v. 15). Gratitude constantly reminds us how much we’ve been blessed; how much Jesus has done for us; how much God has forgiven us. It’s so much easier to be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient and forgiving while we’re thankful for all our own blessings; thankful for the kindness and patience God has shown to us.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly (v. 16). Be filled with God’s Holy Word. To be “richly” filled, this isn’t just an occasionaly drive-by; we must be in His Word daily, soaking in it, meditating upon it.

We’re not putting all this into practice in our lives in a day, with time left over for a round of golf! This is a lifetime pursuit of holiness; a lifetime of preparation to live with our Savior forever. Will you join me?

Colossians 2:8

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Paul, having never visited Colossae, is writing to the believers there to encourage them, and to address specific teachings that were leading them astray from total faith in Jesus. We don’t know specifically what this teaching was, but it is likely to have been an attempt to pollute pure Christianity with local folk spritualism. Probably a local shaman had arisen to bring “errant” Christians back into the fold of the local religion.

It’s a good thing we don’t have that kind of thing going on today!!

Or do we?

What about the Prosperity Gospel, teaching that the primary goal of faith and obedience is to be blessed with wealth and success in this life, and that a lack of prosperity may indicate a lack of faith, or of obedient practice? A recent Lifeway Research poll indicates that 76% of U.S. Christians believe in some form of prosperity gospel!

I wonder what Paul would say about that?

Or, there are various forms of Moralist Gospel, teaching that moral living and personal effort are the way to salvation. I personally grew up in a church teaching a watered-down form of this belief, and had a lot of un-learning to do. It’s easy to mislead believers with this teaching if they are not personally educated in the Bible. Many will not yet have encountered Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Some churches, while not necessarily teaching a social-club gospel, have allowed themselves to become a sort of religious social club, where friendship, fellowship and social support are primary, and the spiritual aspects of the true gospel take a back seat.

These false teachings and beliefs cater to self-centered needs and desires, but do not lead to salvation. Jesus said “For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.” (Matt 7:13-14)

What lessons shall we take home from this? Here are my suggestions:

Jesus said “abide in my Word”. Spend quality time with Jesus through thoughtful, prayerful study of His Word. A simple reading is a place to start, but it’s just a start. That’s a drive-by. We need to abide (i.e., “live in”) the Word.

Follow the example of the Bereans (Acts 17). As Paul and Silas were teaching them, they examined the Scriptures to verify the truth of what they were being taught. How many of us do that? How many of us just swallow whatever the pastor says, hook-line-and sinker?

When you hear false teaching, stand up and say something! Do your homework first, and be prepared to oppose false teaching with the Word of God, but don’t just sit back in silence and allow others to be lead into false beliefs.

Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Paul is wrapping up his letter to Philippi, and there’s one last encouragement he wants to be sure to include before he closes. Is this the most important instruction in his letter? Is this a final afterthought, or a summary of his message? Let’s begin our study for the day, not here, but in another “finally” passage in Paul’s letters.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Eph. 6:10-11)

Paul was concerned about the devil’s attacks on the Ephesian church, attacks with temptation, sin, discouragement, distraction, and the cares of everyday life. He uses the metaphor of a soldier’s armor, encouraging believers to use the protections that God provides against spiritual attacks.

One of those pieces of armor, perhaps the most important, is the “breastplate of righteousness”. In physical terms, the breastplate was a vital piece of armor, critically important because it protected the wearer’s heart. Warfare has changed quite a bit since this was written, but the importance of protecting one’s heart has not. We use different materials today, and call it a bulletproof vest, but we still protect the heart.

In spiritual terms also, it is most vital to protect the (spiritual) heart. Jesus said “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” (Matt. 15:19) Solomon, the wisest man ever, wrote “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23 NIV)

So, if both apathy and compassion can flow from the same spiritual heart, depending upon how well we’ve protected it, how do we guard and protect our hearts?

This question brings us back to Paul’s final instruction in Philippians. We guard our hearts by keeping our thoughts abiding in the attributes and virtues of God! Protect your heart by thinking about honorable things. Avoid frustration with the world by thinking about what is just. Eschew immorality by concentrating on whatever is pure. Don’t let the ugliness of the world get you down; focus on whatever is lovely. Instead of becoming resentful over injustice, thank God for what you see that is commendable. Search out those things around you that are excellent. You will find much that is worth of praise, so give all praise to the Creator.

How about you? Are you wearing the armor which God has provided? Will you join me in donning that breastplate of righteousness? We’re going to need it out there!!

Philippians 4:4-7

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

How can we rejoice constantly? How can our hearts be filled consistently with peace? I don’t know about you, but I have days when the absolute last thing I feel like doing is rejoicing! The simple oil change turned in to a thousand-dollar repair. One family member is hospitalized in one state, as another lays dying in another state, in the opposite direction. The bills pile up, while the funds drain away. Peace? What is that?

Paul here gives us both the instruction and the secret of actually carrying it out. Yes, though prayer and supplication lay all your needs, worries and fears at the foot of God’s throne, but as Paul says, with thanksgiving! In thanking God for all He has done for us, we are ourselves reminded of His gracious provision for us; of His power over all things that affect our lives to bring us what we need. The result of (1) being mindful and thankful of God’s work in our lives up to now, and (2) approaching the same gracious and powerful God with the needs of today, is that we can have “the peace of God, which passes all understanding.”

David wrote in Psalm 9:1 “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” David was a man with a lot of problems; eight wives, just for starters! Yet in all his dangers and trials, he remembered all that God had done for him, and gave thanks.

When we combine our memories of all that God had done for us, all the rich blessings He has poured out upon us day by day, and combine that with our knowlege of and faith in His power and soverignty, it enables us to have hearts filled with peace, AND when Satan attacks us with the temptations (and he will!), this same faith in God’s everlasting care will guard our hearts.

My life, my every moment of every day, is so filled with God’s blessings I never run out of new things for which to be thankful. With every prayer of thanksgiving, I realize more and more how inadequate is my ability to even recognize and enumerate all the blessings poured into my life, let alone be properly thankful for them.

How about you? What of God’s blessings are you thankful for today? Does this mountain of blessings make your problems look a little bit smaller?