Faith That Sets an Example

November 10, 2019 Background Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:2 – 10 Lesson Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:2 – 10 Paul arrived at Thessalonica after he was officially asked to leave Philippi during his second missionary journey. Luke recorded in the book of Acts that Paul met with a group in the synagogue there for three sabbaths. During those three weeks, Paul preached and taught from the scriptures (Old Testament of the bible) the truths concerning the Messiah of Israel coming into the world as a suffering savior rather than a military hero as many expected. Luke recorded that many of the Jews believed as well as many of the Grecians. The unbelieving Jews sought to take Paul and his companions by force but did not find them but apprehended one of the local converts and brought him before the city officials on the charge of inciting a rebellion against the Roman Empire. Once again, Paul and his traveling companions were forced to leave the city where he had been making strides in the ministry. However, their departure did not extinguish the spark that had been ignited by the reception of the gospel by the gentiles of Thessalonica. The faith of these new converts continued to grow even after Paul’s departure. It was to this group that Paul sent two letters. In his first letter, Paul acknowledged their faith in the saving power of Jesus Christ and their strong belief in Jesus’ imminent return. They were not idly sitting around waiting for the return of Christ. They were actively engaged in the work, labor, and ministry of the word of God, as it pertained to their faith. The strategic location of Thessalonica as a port city on a busy trade and travel route caused the activity of this group of Christians to become known well beyond that region as travelers would carry their testimony forward. Paul was greatly encouraged as he heard about the continued spiritual growth of the Thessalonians. Whenever God allows our faith to be tested publicly, it becomes more than just a testimony for us. Our tested faith will become an example for others. This was the case for the congregation of saints in Thessalonica. Paul applauded them in his letter for their example that was being spoken of in many places beyond Macedonia and Achaia. Paul referred to their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope that was in, or through, Jesus Christ. Because of it, Paul prayed for them. As one who planted churches, Paul had a tremendous burden of hope. In many cases, he could not remain with them or the persecution against him would possibly imperil the infant congregation. Therefore, Paul depended on God to sustain the churches. The Thessalonians had been witnesses of God’s movement among them through the power of the preached gospel. The Holy Spirit had given them assurance and joy in spite of the afflictions that some of them suffered. This example of their faith in God could not be contained locally, but resounded throughout the region and beyond. This encouraged others who had not known them personally. This was important for the New Testament church whose foundation was still being laid through the work of the apostles in the first century. Paul was an important part of that work and the Thessalonians had become a true victory for him in his work. The Thessalonian example showed the power of the preached gospel to turn the hearts of people from the worship of idols to the worship of the true and living God. The movement of God in Thessalonica was so powerful that not even afflictions could stop it. No doubt, that congregation was viewed by many as heroes of the faith. However, their joy would have been in knowing that the person of the Holy Spirit was with them as they endured persecution. Robert C. Hudson October 11, 2019

Faith That Is Tested

November 3, 2019 Background Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:1 – 11 Lesson Passage: 2 Corinthians 13:1 – 11 Someone once opined, A faith that has not been tested is a faith that cannot be trusted. I don’t know if that is true or not. But what I do know is, once you have been through a trying situation, one in which you had to depend on God, you learn something about yourself and what true faith in God is all about. I am convinced that God can always be trusted—with small things and large ones. However, I am also convinced that as human beings, we like to use our brain to solve our own problems. Even when we know that we are not well-informed about a specific situation, we would rather “figure it out” than depend on God for help. That is what I believe is in mind when the scriptures speak of “boastings of the flesh”. We put too much confidence in ourselves. Human flesh seeks to live by its own moral code in opposition to the just laws of God. In today’s lesson, Paul challenged the Corinthian congregation to examine themselves to be sure they were living in faith rather than ignoring Christ in them. Paul stated clearly that he was addressing the issue of some of them living in sin and yet professing to be believers in Christ. He also acknowledged that some of them considered him to be weak because of how he presented himself to them in the past. The proof of Paul’s strength would be seen through Christ speaking to them through him. Paul would seek to justify himself to them in no other way than to allow Christ to speak through him. The real question was not his strength or weakness but whether Christ was truly in them. To this, Paul stated that they would have to examine themselves for the answer. The only proof that a person has been qualified for eternal life is the indwelling spirit of Christ in them. His prayer for them was that they would live lives of righteousness. Even if Paul appeared to some of them to not be approved by God, he did not want that to hinder them. They should live honorable lives in spite of how he appeared to them. Paul found joy in seeing their spiritual growth even if he appeared to be weak to them. Paul wanted his ministry to be one that built up rather than rebuked them. Paul had been entrusted with great power as an Apostle of Jesus Christ. He did not want that authority to be used in a negative way because of the stubbornness of some of them. Apostles were given authority that would cause heaven to honor their decisions. If an apostle remitted people’s sins, then heaven accepted it. If an apostle caused people to be judged for their sins, then heaven would honor that. Paul was clear that he would rather humble himself than cause a person to suffer. He was seeking their spiritual growth, which would lead to spiritual maturity in them. The end being singleness of mind within the congregation, lives of peace, and the continuous presence of God with them. This passage of scripture should challenge believers today. Are we living lives today that exhibit faith towards God? Or, are we simply going through the motions and not growing spiritually at all? Are congregations today moving towards singleness of mind and lives of peace? Depending on how we answer these questions, it may be time to examine ourselves—individually. Has your faith been tested lately? Robert C. Hudson October 11, 2019