Our pure message
1 Th 2:1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
Paul and his helpers did not come to Thessalonica in some empty trip, for self pleasure or glory. They had a purpose from God. Paul was called as an Apostle to the Gentiles.
1 Th 2:2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
Even through trials and persecutions, they pressed on to speak boldly the gospel of Jesus Christ. This was their calling and passion and should be ours as well. Do we spend most of our time in empty vain things of pleasure and idle talking? Or, is our heart eager to speak God's word to yet another hungry heart, even knowing that many oppose our message?
1 Th 2:3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
We encouraged you and showed you the better way, not by deceit, or impure desires, nor in a trap set for you, to trick you.
1 Th 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
With great joy and sincerity we speak the message of life, caring for your souls. We are not men pleasers, so it matters not what they say opposing our words. Many oppose the gospel message, but some receive it. We are giving the message of new life through Jesus Christ, because we serve God by doing this. We are sharing what we ourselves have received. We cannot give what we do not have. We have received salvation from God, through Jesus. Our message to others is, come through faith to Jesus and God will receive you. Repent and be converted.
Mat 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Mat 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
We must tell others about Jesus.
Gentle to the Newborns
1 Th 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness:
Flattery appeals to the flesh. Satan uses flattery before taking something from you. Paul used no flattery, nor was he seeking gain in money or personal favor. Ministers who preach a gospel of financial wealth, would not fit in with the apostle Paul. He desired only to preach Jesus on the cross and his resurrection. The way of grace for those who believe.
1 Th 2:6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
They could have sought and received the best food and accommodations. They could have taken money for themselves in excess of their needs, but this is not the mind of Christ. Paul followed the Holy Spirit who speaks of Jesus and his way. He did not Lord it over the people, nor did he manipulate them for personal gain.
1 Cor 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1 Cor 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
1 Th 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
Gentle as a nurse to new born babes. We must be gentle and patient with those newly born into God's family.
1 Th 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
His love and care went beyond duty, he became as a father to them. They were close family, cherished by Paul and loved by God. If you are the one who led another to Christ Jesus, you have a responsibility to feed the new one and to give them love and support. This is where the church comes in. The church has all the gifts. An evangelist may not be gifted in mercy and helps, let others share in the care of the newborn in Christ.
As a Father
1 Th 2:9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
They labored earning their provisions, being self supporting, he did not take from them, but he gave unto them. He preached the gospel to them and loved them as his own family. As we mature we are to give to others as we receive from God.
1 Th 2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
He wished to remind them of his behavior with them, for false teachers and wolves came in accusing Paul. Paul was an example of patient enduring. He never stopped teaching and preaching the word of life. His ministry would include much suffering for Christ.
Phil 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
1 Th 2:11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
He was both a nurse and a father. A nurse is gentle and takes care of the helpless. A father gives strength and wisdom from above. There is a time for comfort but also time to be challenged to grow into the fullness of our Lord Jesus Christ. We need to know the Bible and feed others, as well as to protect them from anti-Christian doctrines; doctrines of devils.
1 Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1 Tim 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1 Th 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
All the gifts are needed to help disciple the new believers. The nursing gifts of mercy and compassion and the father gifts of teaching, encouragement; being an example and a protector.
Contrary
1 Th 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. Amen, It is God's word, not the words of men. Men wrote the words down, but they were spoken by God.
2 Pet 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2 Pet 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
1 Th 2:14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
The church at Thessalonica was persecuted the same as were the churches in Judea. Who persecuted the church? Satan did, using his foolish servants. Wolves in priestly garments. The Jews who were in authority opposed their Messiah.
1 Th 2:15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
1 Th 2:16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
Some are still persecuting the church today. But what about the holocaust? Millions of Jews were killed by people who claimed to be a Christian nation. Satan works wherever he may get a stronghold. He rules in the darkness and in those who pretend to be the light, but are full of evil.
Crown of Rejoicing
1 Th 2:17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
Although separated from this church, they were not separated in heart. This is true and when we are separated from our church body, we should find a local church where we are received and loved, for all are God's church and family. All who serve the Lord Jesus Christ in truth, are his church.
1 Th 2:18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
Satan often hinders God's people. He sends persecution and sometimes he sends negative thoughts that cause us to be separated. Christ has buried the past sins and hurts. Do not let the wolf from hell dig them up and bring them back to you. Who hinders you?
Sometimes the Holy Ghost prevents us from going to a place. We should obey the Holy Spirit.
Acts 16:5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
Acts 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
Later on, they were permitted to go into Asia. We listen to God, he knows when we should move and when we should be still. Satan puts fear in the way. God gives us peace as we go in the way he has chosen. Sometimes we must just walk over fear, for satan comes to block God's path for us. Learn to know God's direction in your heart. Be immersed in His word and in prayer.
1 Th 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
1 Th 2:20 For ye are our glory and joy.
What have we to give our Lord when we are with him? Paul gives the Lord his crown of rejoicing. The crown of a faithful witness who has brought many souls to salvation. His joy was seeing others with him in glory. All good comes from God and belongs to him.
Rev 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
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