The Word of God

August 4, 2024 Background Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13 - 3:5 Lesson Passage: I Thessalonians 2:13 - 3:5 The word of God is powerful. Some first century Christian congregations survived great persecution by clinging to the promises in God's word. They believed God's promises and willingly faced suffering and death rather than deny God's word. Many, if not most, of them expected Jesus to return for the saints in their lifetime. It can be quite challenging today to understand the struggles of first century Christian congregations, We live in a country that embraces the principle of religious freedom—or freedom from religion! In many cases, people who promote and practice different forms of religion are not harassed or persecuted for doing so. Many of the past leaders of this nation believed in Judeo-Christian doctrine. Over the years, this nation has become more tolerant of other religious faiths as well. This is not the general practice everywhere in the world. We must be openminded as we study the extreme persecution Christian congregations endured in the first century. Living contrary to the common practices of Judaism was often fatal for first century Jewish leaders. It is in this light that we should read what Paul wrote to the Thessalonians in the Background Scripture of today's lesson. Paul reminded the congregation what he and his fellow laborers, Silas and Timothy, suffered because of sharing the gospel of God with them, Paul and his companions ministered in the Jewish synagogue in Thessalonica for three Sabbaths. Many of the worshipers there believed in Jesus because of Paul's teaching from the Old Testament scriptures. Paul taught them that Jesus fulfilled those scriptures. The Jewish worshipers who rejected Paul' s teaching stirred up a mob against him. They accused him of turning the world upside down and denouncing Caesar as king. As a result, Paul was run out of Thessalonica for teaching the Thessalonians about Jesus and the kingdom of God. Before he was run out, Paul warned the members of the Christian congregation that formed because of his teaching that they too would also suffer because of their belief in Jesus. Many were saved because Paul shared the word of God with them, and they believed Paul's teaching to be God's word. Believing Paul's teaching to be God's word rather than Paul's word was significant in their conversion to Christianity. They confessed their sins and accepted Jesus as their Savior. Afterwards, they also became the target of persecutors. Paul knew the threat was too great for him to return to Thessalonica. Therefore, he sent Timothy to them with this letter. Paul used the technology of his day, written communications, to reach those he could not be present with. Paul took advantage of this virtual connection to continue to minister to the Thessalonians from a distance. Paul wrote about his deep longing to be in their presence, but through this letter, he assured them that Timothy could continue the work that he had begun with them. Their salvation was not based on Paul's presence with them. They were saved because they embraced the word of God as Paul rightly divided it. Nevertheless, Paul was concerned about that infant congregation continuing to grow in the faith in the face of persecution. Paul assured them that Timothy was up to the task of helping them since his own presence would create more problems for them, Timothy would continue the work of teaching them about Jesus and His eventual return to receive the saints. Paul wrote about wanting to be with them on the day that Jesus returns. Paul's joy would be in knowing that the word of God had sustained them, and the tempter had not overthrown their faith. Robert C. Hudson July 25, 2024