1 Thessalonians 2:13-20 APPRECIATION EXPRESSED It is not uncommon for us to remain silent when we meet others who have impacted us in our lives. It is not that we don't talk, but that, for some reason, we don't open our hearts to express appreciation for the blessing they have been to us. Our reticence is often just the fear of feeling vulnerable and being patronized. It may even be, on some occasions to be a matter of pride not to let our emotions show lest we appear to be less manly or even childish. A strong person who knows who they are and all they will ever be because of God's grace and mercy; will not have a lot of difficulty opening his heart to those for whom he cares. Paul expressed his appreciation in the epistle to the Thessalonians openly and specifically. He appreciated them because they accepted the message of the Gospel he brought to them [v.13-16], and he wanted to be physically present with them as a parent likes to be with his/her children [v.17-20].
The Thessalonian believers were constantly on his mind because he knew they had received the word of God for themselves when he preached it to them. The word of God is a light and a lamp to those in darkness. It is a mirror that reveals us as to who we really are. As the sword of the Spirit, it has the power to continue to work in conquering power over the enemies - the world, the flesh, and the devil. Through the word of God comes the needed understanding of ourselves and the awakening to what the Lord has done for us. By the power of the word of God, we were brought to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
The word of God has the transforming power to work in the lives of believers who received it in their ears as objective truth and accepted it in their hearts as subjective truth. By the Spirit of God using the word of God, we received the Son of God as our Lord and Savior and became children of God who have been born of God. Now we live by faith in the Son of God as servants of God, proclaiming through the word of God the truth of the kingdom of God. No wonder the people of God appreciate each other because we are in the family of God.
Thankful people whom the word of God themselves has blessed, put God's word foremost in their teaching and preaching. The servants of God who do that are successful in their work as it "effectually" works in those who hear and believe and then live out what God has worked in. There are also features that mark a true servant of God as he labors in the word for the benefit of others.
It is to be expected that there will be persecution from those who do not agree with the message of the Gospel. The Jewish Christians in Jerusalem were persecuted by the Jews who wanted to retain their religion and their religious status. Now the Gentile Christians in Thessalonica were being persecuted and opposed by Gentiles who had their idolatrous religion that was tied to their national identity. False gods and government went together in the Roman Empire. Opposition can be discouraging, and persecution can be very daunting, especially if it is accompanied by suffering. Knowing there are believers in other places who are going through the same things as we are can strengthen us. When we learn how they managed to go through the trials, we are able to imitate them and experience with them the fellowship of suffering.
The Jews in Jerusalem thought Jesus was a false prophet, and they feared reprisal from the authorities as Christianity flourished there. Jewish leaders also feared for their position and power in Jewish society. They were proud of their status and didn't want to lose that lucrative position in their culture. The apostles were driven out because of religious hatred. We have to accept the fact that the heart of man has not changed, and it will never be popular to be a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ - especially if we are committed to godly living. The Lord Jesus was killed because of who He was and what He did and taught. The servants of the Lord should not expect any better. It is still going on in the world today.
In those days, people were forbidden to speak the truth of the Gospel in many places so people could be saved. The same is true today in many places. Some of those things we have no power to change. Often it is in times of persecution that the Gospel flourishes best. We need to remember that God is "longsuffering, not willing that any should perish." In a brief phrase quoted from the Old Testament, Paul writes about sins being filled up. God's righteous wrath will come when His patience with man’s evil is finished. He loves to the uttermost, but His wrath goes to the uttermost as well. There is not some compromising, inconsistent justice that God will carry out. Contrary to the deceitful brand of "justice" as a crooked judge might dispense is the righteous justice from a loving and just God. Religious people killed the Master, and the servant cannot expect different treatment from his Master.
In this last section of this chapter, as Paul addresses the "brethren," assuring them in this way of his identification with them, he expresses in words his appreciation of them and his desire to be with them. He had a father's heart for his converts. A soul-winner can't help it. When God’s grace saves people through the efforts we put forth, there is a special place in our hearts for them. Their well-being, their growth, and their fruitfulness in the things of God are all causes for our desire to be with them. Paul was like a father bereaved of his children when he could not get to see them for five years. He tried twice to come, but Satan hindered him - "broke up the road in front of him." It is one thing when the Holy Spirit hinders us. We may not understand why we are hindered at the moment, but we can trust the Omniscient One. When Satan, the adversary, hinders, we know it is in opposition to what we can do or want to impart for the benefit of our spiritual children. Satan is a real adversary.
The preacher’s character comes out through his preaching and conduct. His conduct and concern for his children in the faith will often bring on a conflict. In spite of persecution from those without faith and sometimes opposition from those within the family of God, the evangelist's hope is secure. There are souls whom God has saved through the preaching of the Gospel, and we will see them and rejoice in them, and with them, at the "coming" of our Lord Jesus Christ. His coming (parousia) simply means His presence. That is like a period of time after His arrival. There is more than the rapture of the church involved in His coming. There will be crowns given at the judgment seat of Christ, the "bema." The crown of rejoicing is for the soul- winner; the crown of life is for the martyr. The crown of glory is for the faithful shepherd; the incorruptible crown is for those who lived consistent lives. The crown of righteousness is for those who love the appearing of the Lord, and there is the victor's crown.
What a wonderful cause of anticipation as we think of the time when the sower and reaper rejoice together, and the preacher and the convert share joy in the results of the Gospel. The great reward of seeing the new believers who were saved and going on for God thrills our souls. This is not the glory of vaunting one's self but glorying for the cause of the Gospel, bringing praise to God. To think about all the saints of God in the future and knowing some of them are with the Lord because they heard the word of God when we were allowed to preach it is glory and joy - all praise to God! What a privilege it is to be the Lord's servant!
APPRECIATION Some things can't be expressed in mere words from a human pen The value of a soul who was saved when the Gospel they heard from men When we stop to think of that, it was God who directed us to go to them - The best words to describe such a blessedness is, "All glory and praise to Him."
To hear of new believers going on for God and growing in faith and grace Is a great reward in itself to know that God the Spirit led us to that place And when we recall how the Lord opened the way as the path of life we trace - The best way we can put our thoughts to words is, "All glory and praise to Him."
To be able to share in the work of the Lord with those we led to Christ Has a humbling impact on the soul as we realize He has blessed us twice. Any cost of time and effort, any losses we might experience are such a trivial price - The best thoughts to describe the privilege I have is, "All glory and praise to Him."
When the time comes to leave this earth and be gathered to the Lord above And we look around at millions who are the objects of God's grace and love We will see there among that throng, those spiritual children God to us gave - Each one singing the song of the redeemed; each one grateful to Him who them did save.
"O Father, this morning I am brought to tears at the thought Thou hast allowed Thy unprofitable servant the great privilege of bringing people to the Lord. When I think of souls Thou hast saved after we preached the Gospel to them, and know they will be in heaven and will love and serve Thee forever, all I can say is, 'Thank You! Thank You so very much for allowing me to be Thy servant!' In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.'"
1Thessalonians 3:1-5 THE SHEPHERD'S AFFECTIONS Those servants of God whose lives are focused on bringing the Gospel to the lost and seeing those whom God has saved by His grace cannot help having those dear people in their hearts. The shepherd's heart has certain features that mark them out among God's people. One of those features is the urgency of the shepherd to know of the welfare of those for whom he cares. He wants to know if they are well in body and soul. He knows they will be suffering to a certain degree because that happens to all who follow the Lord. He is also aware of the temptations and pressures Satan puts on believers to conform to everything that is popular. The problems of pressures and just living for God are unavoidable, but not all new Christians know how to deal with them. The caring shepherd has the desire to help bear the burdens and see those who suffer living victorious lives in spite of all that happens.
Servants of God will suffer, but that does not mean suffering is because of sin. God allows the suffering of loneliness that Paul had to happen to us at times. There are those times of desolation when we need to have assurance about the well-being of the saints, about our own calling, and to be reminded that God has not abandoned us. Problems and times of persecution can build up our faith in God. Often the greatest work for God is done when there are obstacles and opposition, and we realize our own inability to accomplish what needs to be done.
The problems and pressures in life are ways God brings about maturity in us, so we have an understanding of how we can help others. Our character is developed in times of difficulty when what we believe is reinforced by what we are called upon to practice in adverse circumstances. Trustworthiness and the ability to thrive and persevere are developed in times of tension when the choices we make are serious and we realize we have to live with the outcome of them.
Our genuine interest in others and sensitivity toward their situations are enhanced and clarified when we learn by experience. The Christian life is quite different from that of the majority of people because we have goals and motivation that go beyond what pleases us. The true shepherd wants the best for his spiritual children. He knows their conduct in day-to-day living greatly affects their relationship with God. It is one thing to know God and be His child. It is quite another to enjoy God and be in full fellowship with Him.
Problems often indicate the effectiveness of our Christian living. That is one reason why an effective, caring shepherd wants to know the state of his flock. Because of circumstances, Paul, Silas, and Timothy had to leave Thessalonica and go to Berea. Paul went to Athens and sent his fellow laborers back to see the new believers. Silas went to Philippi and Timothy to Thessalonica. That method is still of great value to a true shepherd and is one of the ways he cares for those God has placed in his charge.
Not everyone can be trusted to represent the shepherd and do what needs to be done for the sheep and then bring a reliable report to the shepherd. Timothy was the right man for the job. He was a man of God who was mature and "thoroughly furnished unto all good works." He had the heart of a servant [Acts 19:22] and was willing and eager to serve people. We serve God what we serve people. He was a companion [Acts 20:4] who was available and satisfied to work with others. Timothy was teachable as a learner [1 Tim.3:10] who wanted to learn and "fully know" what the teacher was seeking to impart to him. He was also a genuinely caring person who was like-minded with Paul [Phil.2:20]. He was trustworthy (faithful) in difficult situations [1 Cor.4:17]. Paul and Timothy had the same goals that God had placed deep within them. Their minds and hearts were united on the objectives of the ministry in which they were involved. The relationship between them kept them thinking the same way and maintained the fellowship they had in their service. Timothy was a reproducer, a worker with vision and the capacity to teach and observe what was needed by the Lord's people [1Thes.3:2]. A plurality of shepherds enables the objective to be reached and completed.
The sphere of service these men had, covered the needs of the Thessalonian Christians. The Gospel preaching had established them on the common basis of being believers in Christ in that city. Establishing the new believers in the faith was also what Timothy was trusted to do to preserve them so they would not be moved by the opposition and the suffering it caused them. The objective of both Timothy and Paul was to know the reality of their faith. It is normal for us to be concerned about new converts when we have gone through an open door with the Gospel and had seen God work. The contrast to being established is to be disturbed and upset because of the trouble and pressures that arise against the people of God.
These things happen to preachers who expect them because they know the adversary does not give up his people without a fight. We are not surprised when such things arise against us and are not easily dismayed or deflected by them. But for new Christians, it is unexpected even though they have been told that opposition will come when the power of God is seen, and the Gospel is spread. There are consequences that accompany new work that are not often seen after an assembly has been in a location for a number of years.
Christians from Thessalonica had taken the Gospel to areas beyond their community and had seen results for their labors. In the midst of their joy, they needed to be warned as to the "tribulation" and "afflictions" that would follow. A feature of one who is a shepherd is the fact that he prays for those for whom he cares. Those same prayers bring faces and names to our minds and move us to want some information regarding them. We long for some communication until we can bear the uncertainty no more. How thankful we are when someone brings news of the state of the saints. The burden for others becomes a strain so great that God in grace sends a "Timothy" along with the news for which we are so anxious and the assurance we need. We know the adversary will tempt God's people to turn away from holiness. He will seek to get them to yield to the temptation that will defile them and destroy their Christian testimony.
We are thankful for the shepherds who really are interested in the Lord's people and are willing to take the time to communicate with them in meaningful ways. Those same people need to "take heed" to themselves and to "the flock of God." An encouraging report of the condition of the assembly and the individual believers in it can meet the longing of a faithful heart.
1Thessalonians 3:1-2. “Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; and sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow-laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith.” DELEGATION. It is not easy to think that someone else can do what you do; as well or even better. It is not easy to realize that there are things you can not do at all because of circumstances or situations you are found in. It is not easy to see faces in your mind’s eye, and know you can not help them. It is not easy to turn over a major responsibility to someone who is much younger than you. It is not easy to give the responsibility that will affect the lives of many people, to someone who is young enough to be your child. It is not easy to trust completely a young man, even though you know he can do what needs to be done with grace and tact.
It is a wise man who knows his limitations. It is a wise man who is willing to pass to others responsibilities that give significance to his ministry. It is a wise man who places a work in the hands of another, and leaves him to do it without interfering. It is a wise man who passes the torch of truth to another and lets that person carry it in the way that best suits him. It is a wise man who admits he is not qualified, let alone able, to do everything. It is a wise man who lets another make mistakes because he remembers he made mistakes himself. It is a wise man who had learned from his own teachers how to help his students do their best. It is a wise man who can define a delegated work specific enough for another person to know when they have completed it.
It is right to expect another to do a work to the best of his ability. It is right to give a tested person responsibility equal to his ability.
It is right to define a work that is delegated specifically enough that a person can know what to do and when the work is accomplished. It is right to want to know the results of the work that has been delegated. It is right to make suggestions as to how to bring about the desired results. It is right to encourage a person who may not feel as able to do a work as they would like to feel. It is right to caution a person who is overconfident, lest they overlook the small things that need to be addressed. It is right to support in any way possible the one who has been delegated a task. It is right to give a trusted person’s credentials in a public way. It is right to praise a work well done.
“O Father, I am at the age when I know I must step back from things I once did. It is not easy to admit I cannot do effectively what I once did. I know that others can do things better than I can. Give me the grace to pass on the names and qualifications of good people to those who need their God-given gifts. Amen.”
1Thessalonians 3:6-13 COMFORTED There are close ties that bind us to God's people because of the common faith we share. The suffering one passes through when one passes through the fires of affliction affects others because we are members of the same body. When the adversary attacks one with whom we share fellowship in the same assembly, we want to help that person through the difficulty they are facing. In times of blessing, we share their joy as well. The news Timotheus brought to Paul from Thessalonica regards the saints there gave him special joy in himself and that he shared with God. The Lord's people were not only standing fast themselves but others were being blessed as from them, the Gospel sounded forth.
Preachers and teachers find great joy in seeing benefits from the work they have invested in others. When they are faithful themselves and strong in faith towards others, there is a unique fruitfulness because the love of God is shown to others through them. An outreach toward those around us that are motivated by "the love of Christ which constraineth us" is a demonstration of the reality of faith in Christ. That cannot be denied nor ignored as of no account. Not only is it an encouragement to those mature believers who invest time and effort in the new believers, but it is a cause for joy and real meaning in life for those new in the faith. They can see the value of their Christian testimony. They also care to appreciate more the ones who had an interest in them to bring them to Christ. The messengers are blessed; the new believers are blessed, and God is blessed.
Paul was going through crushing distress internally in himself and at the hands of others. When he got the report from Timothy as to how the Thessalonians were getting on in the things of God, he was greatly comforted. He was no longer fearful for them as he learned their faith was growing and they were maturing spiritually. In his great joy at this news, he gives thanks to God for them and the things concerning them. It is only right that we should encourage the initiative and commitment we see in other saints by thanking them and letting them know we appreciate their example. To "stand fast in the Lord" is what a Christian should do consistently in spite of what may come against us. There is a certain power in thanksgiving that challenges us to go forward because we know God is working through us, and we want Him to continue doing so.
How thankful we are when we hear of the advances of the Gospel and the work of God going on through the brothers and sisters we know! Some are in the far parts of the world and are speaking in languages we don't know, but God is working through them. What joy it brings in a prayer meeting when God's people hear of His work prospering in far places, even though it may seem to be slowly dying here. We can understand Paul's desire to go there and be with them in the work that was spreading in Macedonia and Achaia, and other places. Joy and thanksgiving before God are sometimes the only way we can share in the work of others.
Paul wanted to see them all again, but only if the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ gave him that guidance. There is much we would like to be doing and many places we would like to share in the work, but even in the work of God, we can act in the energy of the flesh. The key to any effective work is acting in the will of God. We may have our own desires to assist others and be where God is doing great work, but our responsibility is to be where He wants us to be, doing what He wants us to do. Our joy, our prayers, and our rejoicing in the triumphs of the Gospel through others may be the extent of our participation in some new work, but that may be enough.
We can find a part in the work others are doing when we intercede on their behalf and ask the Lord to increase their love and devotion towards those they see saved, even as we do for them. The interests we have in other and their spiritual well-being and growth establishes our own hearts. Christian character unmistakably rooted in the Lord vindicates us against any charges that others may lay against us. Usually, the fewer words we say in our own defense, the better. Our character that has been established speaks louder volumes than all the words we can say.
All those things: words, deeds, sufferings, joy, and everything involved in living for God, will be seen in their true light at the Lord's coming. The challenge is to be pure in life in view of the Lord's coming when holiness will be seen for what it really is. The motivation of our hearts will be clearly revealed before God, the Judge of all who has committed all judgment to the Son. When the Lord Jesus Christ establishes His kingdom at His coming with all the saints, the Thessalonian believers will be there; Paul, Silas, and Timothy will be there, and we will be there. The family of God will share in the joy of the King when He rules in peace and righteousness and when justice and grace will be hand-in-hand.
As children in the family of "God, even our Father," we will stand as His sons and daughters before Him. The purity that is to accompany the work of God at this present time will be absolute on that day. There will be Purity in His presence at His coming when we see the Person of Jesus at His coming, and look at all those we had a part in seeing saved and growing in the Lord as the Prize we will enjoy at His coming. It is with this in mind; we also Petition the Father. We would like to be able to go and see those who are our children in the faith. We would Pray that they, too, will be knit together in love and that they will be able to stand in blameless sanctification before the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming. These features mark those who care for the sheep and lambs the Chief Shepherd has entrusted to us for their keeping.
1 Thessalonians.3:12. “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you.” INCREASING LOVE. Love is only mentioned once in this verse but is the center of attention. Its source is in “The Lord.” He is working on me to make stronger and greater the love that already exists toward the Lord’s people. But more than that, He is making it increase toward “all men.” There is an increasing love for the unsaved people all around me. The arrow of divine love is getting larger and longer as it is focused on me. Then the arrow of my love is getting larger and longer as it is focused on the people of God on one hand and the world around me on the other hand. Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus are, in their turn, directing and increasing in love toward the Thessalonian believers. With such a development of holy love on every hand, what great blessings will reach out in all directions! One of the most significant results of this increase in love from above and in all really reflects on Him as He is the Lord who made that love increase in me in the first place. “May the love of Jesus fill me, as the waters fill the sea; Him exalting, self-abasing, this is victory.”
“Father God who is love: I am so thankful for Thy love which is shed abroad in my heart. I know it is there, and I can tell when it is strong and surging with the divine nature. I can also tell when it is faint and flickering. I need to keep the wick trimmed and the basin filled with oil so the flame of Thy love to me can shed light on those in darkness around. I need the grace for living in love that can only find its source in Thee. I am ready to be filled. Amen.”
These are not mine, Oh Gracious Father But in my heart, each sister and brother Has claimed a place that I cannot shake So that I find joy or sorrow in each step they take And from deep within there is a real care That they will be willing in their lives to share The truths of God they have personally received Since the time in their lives they came to believe On Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord And since then have been committed to following Thy Word To the place they gather with others where Thou hast placed Thy name It is the same place where I many years ago came Now I look ahead to when we all shall see The One who has called us and with Him we shall be To share in His life, His kingdom and glory And then we shall know better the fullness of the story.
"Father, I am longing to see the saints where we have proclaimed the Gospel. It seems now that I am older, I have a deeper concern for them than even when they were saved. If it is possible, grant that Thy servant may look upon their faces. If not, keep them by Thy grace in fellowship with Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
1Thessalonians 4:1-8
PLEASE GOD There are certain features that those who are faithful teachers of the word of God have that others do not have. They are willing to teach things that are needed, not just what people like to hear. In this final section of 1st Thessalonians, Paul goes further than encouraging the saints at Thessalonica because of their obvious interest and commitment to the Gospel. These were plain folks who needed plain talk and instructions so that we were not misunderstood. Those involved in the work of the Gospel need to go beyond the basics of the truth they preached to others to practical sanctification themselves. Paul did not want them to be "ignorant" concerning the Lord's coming and how it was going to happen. But before answering their apparent concern about the loss of their loved ones, he had to make one more matter clear in view of that coming event. Sexual immorality was a serious social problem that needed to be addressed. That is what a sincere and true teacher will do. He will clarify things in order so that all aspects of living make sense - common sense as well as spiritual sense.
For those who live in an immoral, promiscuous society, it does not take long for those things that are practiced by those who do not know the Lord to seem to be a normal way of life. Holiness in living is not a common practice in today's world, and it was not common in the Greek and Roman empires. It was in that social setting that the Gospel came to Thessalonica, so not only was the salvation of the soul explained, but the salvation of a person's life. There is an inward and outward change when one becomes a child of God. "Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." The new nature of the believer is entirely a work of God. The outward change is our responsibility. We have an inward strength from the indwelling Holy Spirit, but we also have an outward obligation that depends on us.
In view of the pressures of that age when Paul wrote and the necessity of living to please God, he used the word "beseech" rather than a command. Beseech is a word used between equals when making an appeal. In the family of God, esteem between believers is something that has to be nurtured. We can't take for granted that everything we say will be gladly accepted. People may think, even if they don't say, "Who does he think he is, telling me what to do!?" It is an appropriate approach to sensitive issues to beseech and "exhort." To urge the Lord's people to act a certain way needs a legitimate voice of authority behind what is said. Paul had the right to encourage the Thessalonians to please God because that authority came to Him from the Lord Jesus, who is the highest possible authority. Our relationship with Him is maintained in good standing when we please God. That involves our "walk," our conduct in daily life. It is not sufficient to put on Christian characteristics on the Lord's Day and live like the world the rest of the time.
We all like to make some people happy. Probably the first one who comes to mind that we would like to see happy is ourselves. Certainly, the happiness of our spouse and children motivates us to do what is needed for them to be happy. Other family members and the Lord's people stir love in us to do what we can to bring pleasure to them. How much more should we want to please God? Abounding like an overflowing well is the desire to please God, not just once but over and over again. There is no end to the need for practical holiness in the life of a believer, both for his or her enjoyment of the Christian life and the blessings that come to others through the testimony of a godly life.
Instructions given by a teacher are "commandments," as in a chain of command. When a superior person gives instructions to be carried out, it is important to follow them. In this case, these commandments originated with the Lord Jesus and came to the believers at Thessalonica through the ministry of the apostle Paul. The will of God is that His people are identifiable by their holiness. "Be ye holy, for I am holy." Greeks and Romans were used to immoral living, so these new believers had to be reminded that Christians are different. They are to be holy in their sexual life. Marriage has been ordained for that purpose. It is honorable, and within the bonds of marriage is where believers maintain their sexual life. Fornication is illegal access into another body, and that is forbidden to a child of God. Every believer needs to take control of his/her own body. The importance of marriage needs to be emphasized because we live constantly in the sight of God and are expected by Him to do His will. There is dignity and respect expected from the family of God that is not expected of those who follow the ways of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Uncontrolled passion is evidence of fleshly lust, which "wars against the soul." People who don't know God do not govern their emotions but are willing to act out of control to fulfill selfish desires.
Lustful desire causes people to excuse sin; rather than stop sinning, they covet a neighbor's wife, causing a marriage to be destroyed. It is also a deliberate rebellion against God and His word. Sexual immorality always hurts more than one person and leads to a lost reputation that is unable to be regained. We need to remember that the Lord knows all we do and think. Immorality begins in the mind and soon leads to action. Pornography in our day is easily available, and those fantasies that begin in the mind will soon become a dark reality if we do not commit ourselves to holiness.
Blameless living and holy behavior represent the Holy and Righteous God. Godly believers may not realize the influence they have on other people for good. Righteousness is a reward in life for the believer and a testimony for the One who has imputed His righteousness upon us. Holiness, sanctification, and purity in life are directly related to our Christian witness. An assembly is affected by the conduct of all of its members. God is directly involved in the life of each person because the Holy Spirit is within each of us. We dare not despise that which pleases God even though other men may mock, challenge and oppose the conduct of life by those who belong to God.
It is not a complicated thing to commit to do what's right Fellowship with saints and God is what it means to walk in light. When grace has been responded to and the Spirit is within We know what is right and wrong, and what is good or sin.
A mind with thoughts that aren't controlled begins a darkened course Soon the thoughts become latent plans and plans become a choice. When those plans are fleshly based and are fantasies unfulfilled One who is away from God will hope their conscience stilled.
There is a way to escape, we don't have to yield to temptation. Faith, the Holy Spirit and God's word defines the situation. God's will, is able to act on our behalf bringing sanctification And one who may have close to a fall, values practical redemption.
Take control, do not let get out of hand thoughts that plague the mind From God's provision of the Spirit and word, sanctification you will find. And actions that were planned fall back, and by faith you turn away. From any person or temptation which had pressured you to stray.
Pleasing God begins at first in the mind where our plans are laid. Decisions made before the acts, strengthen one who mind on Christ is stayed. Pleasing God then acts in faith by grasping hold of task now undone. And our efforts and our heart are in those things that please Father and the Son.
"How grateful I am Father; that Thy provision of grace, Thy word, and faith has kept Thy servant from falling through these past years. Please help me to keep my mind and life focused on Thee until this life is over. And please remember my brothers and sisters who are facing temptation today. By Thy Spirit guide them back to the cross where this journey with Thee began. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
1Thessalonians 4:1. “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more."
FURTHERMORE. It is not enough to stay where I am, and think everything’s just fine. My life is not over, I am still moving on and maturing really takes time. I can learn from others who have gone on before, but the response to them is mine. I cannot stop now, there is more up ahead, as toward faith’s goal I climb.
To keep on adding to what I know and have experienced, is important to me; Because I may have seen and done quite a lot, doesn’t mean I know everything. The more that I learn reveals to me, that of all things around that I’ve seen; It is only a scratch on the surface of life, and of truth God gave me.
Physical life doesn’t reach a point, where everything is under control. My heart’s deceitful, the desire for more isn’t gone because I am old. Ambition and challenge, influence and power, at times are more important than gold. But I want true devotion, compassion and grace, to be what abounds more and more.
Love for the saints, for God and His word, is one thing to daily increase. I need to be constant to show to all men, real proof of God’s redeeming grace. In order to maintain a devotional life right, I need to – in everyplace- Take time to go, and put in the mind, more truth to fill my heart’s space.
It takes time and will to go farther than here, and add to each facet of life. My walk and my word, and life with the Lord, need to grow in faith far more than sight. I need time with God who helps me each day to be strengthened to live by His might. And my response to His will, to go farther with Him, will make each part of my life right.
“Father God, who knows each and every part of me and my life: I commit my mind and heart to seek to go further that I have been, by applying effort to what has been given me. Give me the desire to add more to the things that count, and not waste time on the trivial things. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”