Here we see the Apostle Paul an example of true leadership , expressing his genuine care for those in Thessalonians churches .
Verse 9 he labored so that no one could accuse him of personal gain , made his own way , not even appearing to be taking advantage of them , which was not the case in reality . This is very good fruit .
Never give money to anyone for their service to God , it makes them look bad . And if it's their motive they are bad . It's not wrong to help people but be careful on how it's done . Pure motive in the work of the gospel is not at all concerned about money or gain. God supplies .
It can even be a temptation sometimes to except gain for doing Gods work , discernment is needed .
Verses 7,8-Paul was a bold and courageous man but he was also a tender and compassionate man when he needed to be. We must likewise be balanced in our personalities.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. -- Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. -- John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
16Forbidding 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. 17But 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. 18Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again but Satan hindered us. 19For wh
1 Thessalonians 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.
Paul rejoiced to see these believers embrace their calling as children of the Living God. They actually turned from the idols of their day. May we as believers today be clear in our gospel witness that true Bible conversion only manifest itself through a turning from the things of this world. We will never be "perfect" but being Born Again there should be a great change in heart and walk.
I learned about thessalonias church they are strong with faith;love;hope and received holy spirit word of God rings out from them to other because of these they are model to us...
"Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:" We are workers together with God, and the Holy Spirit uses the lives of the Saints to demonstrate the power of the Glad Tidings of Christ, and to testify to the consciences of all who behold them. Sadly though, many never will find that completion of Grace and Knowledge in Christ.
Just scripture, "For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know. Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person. For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away." Job 32:21-22. "Be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth, for one is your Father" Matt 23:8-10
1 Thessalonians 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: Notice Paul did not say follow Jesus, but the churches of God which in Judaea. The reason is to not confuse the gospel of Paul. Paul wanted the his teaching to stay the same .
Men like Ahab surround themselves with their own kind of prophets, which tell them what they want to hear, and encourage them on fools' errands; not knowing, and hating to ever hear, that God is still conducting the whole affair from His throne in heaven; and is actually working these things out for their destruction. Great reference, Insight! For the Jews who received not Jesus are the same kind.
V15, Paul is speaking of the Jews that killed their own prophets. Their Prophets that did not tell the king what he wanted to hear were killed. The king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil." The king did not want truth, he wanted victory and power.
All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. 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. For God made not death: neither hath he pleasure in the destruction of the living. For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
The Apostle Paul was countering claims made against him that he was greedy, but he countered that with refreshing the memory of the Thessalonians of his work and labor among them without compensation from the people he evangelized. He was obviously accused of using guile and deceitful practices, but instead he gave them the Word of God. He also wanted them to know he still loved them. Some had probably said he hadn't come back because he didn't want to come back. Paul said Satan hindered him so that others would not be saved. Paul's great joy was the fellowship these Thessalonians had made with him, and he carried them in his heart just as we might proudly carry pictures of our loved ones.
Paul for his day had a PHD in religious studies he knew the Torah back and front and sideways too. This is the reason he was chosen to do this work. Chosen? yes we are chosen of God the Father purchased with the price of his Son 's Blood and we are not our own.
Paul was a very powerful man in faith as well as in action. To keep you humble when you are that powerful like Job the hedge that protects you is lifted and you are tried to test your faith, and resolve.
It is not shocking to learn that Satan hindered Paul s planned visit to Thessalonica, because Satan attempted to hinder God s plan of salivation at Jesus s birth killing the new born children at random , during His early ministry the wilderness confrontation , attempting to create confusion and doubt about His resurrection, sowing deception and lies. Jesus knew Satan well, thought His death, resurrection and ascension guaranteed by the Father, He however, He never ceased to humble Himself and pray to the Father until to the end. After all, Jesus was a perfect human as well as a perfect God. He kept the balance with the righteous humility and Deity. Satan does not have days off, at evening, morning, every day, and 24 7, he busy with lays, condemnation, deception, intimidation, and coercion and manipulation. 1 Pet 5: 5-9 is a good reminder of the enemy s character and need for our humility and alertness.
Brianna, good point though I am not a Jehovah 's Witness as a faith. I believe all true Christians are God or Jehovah 's witnesses.I heard an atheist once say that christians in to many cases talk about going to heaven and not heaven or paradise on earth which the holy bible also speak plenty of 2 Peter 3, v10-13 and many other Scriptures. God bless!
As one of Jehovah 's witnesses, this is good reminder for me as I engage In my door to door ministry. We do have a gospel we preach , a paradise earth. It 's important for anyone who preaches, to speak as with truth to the bible, pleasing God and not men. There is no need to sugar coat the bible or alter it 's words to gain people. The bible is truth, and it will draw honest hearted people to Gof on its own merit.
Though satan is defeated by Jesus ' finished work, Heb,2 14 Col.2 15 , there is still a "mopping up " to be done even though the enemy has lost the war! Hell is not satan 's office, he 's the prince of the power of the AIR... Eph.2 1 3 ...he 's not locked up YET... He will occasionally he will pop up his head, but we have authority in Jesus ' Name...Paul 's word are encouraging to us trying to do something for God...bb
But we were gentle among you as a nurse takes care of her children. Nursing is one of the most heavenly occupations, and may God bless all the nursing mothers who feed their children with the milk God provides. That is what the Apostles were doing to the Thessalonians by feeding them the Word of God. Thank God that you can do your occupation to the glory of God.
I think what is been said is that he paul is been trying to come to brothers to visit or to revive them but satan was preventing that from happening.But through the power of God he succeded cause God can not failed by any forces
Thankyou and blessings
Here we see the Apostle Paul an example of true leadership , expressing his genuine care for those in Thessalonians churches .
Verse 9 he labored so that no one could accuse him of personal gain , made his own way , not even appearing to be taking advantage of them , which was not the case in reality . This is very good fruit .
Never give money to anyone for their service to God , it makes them look bad . And if it's their motive they are bad . It's not wrong to help people but be careful on how it's done . Pure motive in the work of the gospel is not at all concerned about money or gain. God supplies .
It can even be a temptation sometimes to except gain for doing Gods work , discernment is needed .
Amen.