1Thess 2:7-12
But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
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.
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.
Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
“as a nurse cherisheth her children” being gentle, he comforts them, encouraging growth, Paul has a deep care for these people – he doesn’t need to be forceful or overbearing and compelling – he ahs the truth, when you have the truth you do not need to use coercion tactics and stratagems. This swath of verses is in direct contrast to the pervious verses that says what Paul DIDN’T do.
“we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls”, I think Paul is personally connected with these Thessalonians, the gospel is the first step, but Paul wants to have them know more of what they need to know, the doctrine needed to live a quiet and peaceful life: “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1Tim 2:3-4)
“labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable”, Paul and company worked, did not expect donations or tithes, the Thessalonians were “children” just coming into the grace of God, they needed to grow and not be a burden to them; concerning children: “Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 2Cor 12:14”; when it comes to ministry – new believers should not be burdened with financial obligations, they should grow in the Bible and then determine whether they can and where to give.
“how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved” This verse hits me hard, because I am a vile individual that cannot seem to depart from fleshly “old man” behaviors, this is a struggle personally for me.
“we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you” Paul was in it for their growth and benefit, not his own; he cared.
“walk worthy” enough said.
“called you unto his kingdom and glory” we have a calling, we believe the gospel, believe and are put in Christ (we are in the kingdom of God – though still in this body of flesh on earth: "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption." 1Cor 15:50); we are going to be in glory(a few verses on our destination coming in glory):
Rom 5:2
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Rom 8:18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
1Cor 2:7-8
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
1Cor 15:41, 43
There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. ... It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
2Cor 3:10, 18
For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. ...But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2Cor 4:17
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
Eph 1:18
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Phl 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Col 1:27
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Col 3:4
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
2Thess 2:14
Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Tim 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
2Tim 2:10
Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Grace and Peace James
Sorry I missed yesterday
No comments:
Post a Comment