Why Please the LORD?

 Why Please the LORD?

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

 

 

Let’s begin by reminding ourselves of something I said a few months back when we started studying 1 Thessalonians. Paul, Silas, and Timothy wrote to the Church in Thessalonica so the Church would stand firm. That is the purpose and thesis of First and Second Thessalonians: standing firm. They exhort and implore us all to stand firm.

 

As we begin chapter 4 of 1 Thessalonians, we see the following words:

1 Thessalonians 4:1 (NKJV) Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;

 

In these words, we have an emotional and authoritative request. Paul and his companions use two words, both of which have significant implications.

 

First, they say, “We urge you.” 

 

This is the New Testament, and Paul wrote it in the Greek language. The word he used, which is translated as “urge” in this place, is ἐρωτάω(erótaó). The root meaning of the word is to question or interrogate, and so it came to mean asking fervently or begging.

 

Erótaó is an emotional word, but not an authoritative word. It is like saying, “Please, please, please remember to pick up milk on your way home.”

 

The word they use after urge is “exhort.”

In Greek, Paul uses the word παρακαλέω (parakaleō), which carries a range of meanings: to call alongside, to encourage, to comfort, to urge, to exhort, to appeal. Jesus uses this word of the Holy Spirit when He says that He will send a “comforter” (Paraclete).  Lawyers were also called “Paracletes” in New Testament times.

 

Parakaleō carries more authority than the emotional appeal of erótaó. However, it does not have a sense of “that is an order!” It is like a lawyer saying, “You really need to do this. It’s for your good.”

 

Consider one more thing about their exhortation: They urge and exhort “in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

 

Now there is authority! Jesus is the Head of the Church. It is His Church. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. 

Matthew 28:18 (NKJV) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

 

The Church belongs to Jesus. So a request given in His name is a command. We cannot, we must not ignore it.

 

What is so urgent, important, and essential that it comes with such a prelude? It is what follows in the verse. Let me show you 1 Thessalonians 4:1in the NLT.

1 Thessalonians 4:1 (NLT) Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more.

 

This version says it so well. The urgent, essential issue is living in a way that pleases God. If we are going to stand firm in our faith, living in a way that pleases God is an absolute must. We must not compromise on this.

 

In verse two, it says:

1 Thessalonians 4:2 (NKJV) for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

 

Their emotional, urgent exhortation is to please “increase in obeying the commands of Jesus.” When Jesus gave us marching orders, He said to make disciples of all peoples, teaching them to observe all that I’ve commanded you.

Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV) 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, [even] to the end of the age.” Amen.

 

The Thessalonian church was doing what Jesus said. Therefore, they were an example for all the churches, as they lived in a way that pleased God. However, Paul, Silas, and Timothy urged them to “abound more and more” in this lifestyle.

 

We can always grow in this area. Even the best of us is not perfect; thus, we all have room for improvement.

 

Living in a way that pleases God is a theme in the New Testament. In Colossians 3, Paul and Timothy  say:

Colossians 3:1-5 (NKJV) 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ [who is] our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

 

Looking at Colossians and 1 Thessalonians, you will notice that the first issue addressed is sexual sin. And, along with sexual sin, passion, desires, and covetousness are addressed. These all come from the same source.

 

1 Peter 2:11 reveals the source when it says:

1 Peter 2:11 (NKJV) Beloved, I beg [you] as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,

 

Our fleshly lusts (desires) are the source of much of our sin. So, Peter says “abstain.” 

 

However, the flesh is not able to abstain from itself! Before we ask Jesus to save us from our sins, we are held captive by our flesh and its desires.

Romans 7:23 (NKJV) But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

 

We are slaves. Jesus saves us from our sins by saving us from both the penalty and power of our sins. First,  He forgives our transgressions so that we do not suffer the punishment that perfect justice demands. God saves us from the penalty of our sins by forgiving us. He can forgive and still be a just God because Jesus paid our penalty in our place.

 

Jesus saves us from the power of sin by delivering us from slavery to sin. Like I said, the flesh cannot abstain from itself. When Jesus delivers us from slavery to sin, He breaks the power of sin. He breaks the power of sin by making us a new creature. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) Therefore, if anyone [is] in Christ, [he is] a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

 

Our flesh is put to death by the Spirit of God. Our fleshly lusts wage war against our souls, so our flesh must die. This necessity of death is why Paul says:

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the [life] which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

 

Without Jesus and the Holy Spirit He gives us, living in a way that pleases God is impossible. It cannot be done in the flesh, and it never has been done in the flesh, with Jesus being the one and only exception. But thanks be to God, we are told:

Galatians 5:16 (NKJV) I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

 

Walking in the Spirit is the key to abounding more and more in a life that pleases God. 

 

To walk in the Spirit, we must first have the Spirit. Have you ever asked Jesus to save you? If you haven’t, you can do it right now. Ask Him, and then as soon as possible, tell somebody what you have done. Jesus said:

Matthew 10:32 (NKJV) “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.

 

Suppose you have already asked Jesus to be your Savior, but do not know how to walk by the Spirit. Begin by asking God for help. Next,abstain from things that stimulate the flesh and add things that focus your heart and mind on things above. You will find that the more you do this, the more the Spirit will change you.

 

Will you commit yourself to seeking God each morning by looking at what He says in His word, the Bible?

 

If you do, you will soon notice significant changes in your life!

Concern for Christians

 Concern for Christians 

1 Thessalonians 3

Paul, Silas, and Timothy were concerned for the believers in Thessalonica. Before writing this letter called 1 Thessalonians, they visited Thessalonica for the first time and shared the gospel. Many believed, putting their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and deliverance from sin. 

Paul, Silas, and Timothy were chased out of Thessalonica, and the believers there were left on their own. Paul and his companions knew of the persecution, testing by Satan, and temptations the Thessalonians were facing. These three men wanted to visit Thessalonica and encourage the believers, but could not. Several times in this section of the letter, they express how greatly they desired to go to Thessalonica. Their concern for the Thessalonians was very great indeed, so much so that in 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2 they tell us:

1 Thessalonians 3:1-2 (NKJV) 1 Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,

Notice the great concern expressed by these words. Connect these words with those expressed in verse 5.

1 Thessalonians 3:5 (NKJV) For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.

Twice, the letter says, “When we could no longer endure it.” They cared very deeply for the Thessalonians. It is surprising to see how anxious the great apostle is! This shows us another side of the Apostle Paul. In another place, he says:

2 Corinthians 11:28-29 (NKJV) 28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?

Paul’s concern for the churches where he had been was one of his biggest burdens. He really cared! We see this concern reflected in the decision to send Timothy.

1 Thessalonians 3:6 picks up with Timothy's return. The language changes from concern to rejoicing. As we look at these verses, we see two concerns that the Apostle and his companions had, and when they saw these two things, they rejoiced greatly.

Their first concern was that Christians stand fast in the Lord.

We see this expressed in verses 7-8.

1 Thessalonians 3:7-8 (NKJV) 7 therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.

Notice they say, “We were comforted concerning you by your faith.” Therefore, their concern had to do with their faith. They follow this with “For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.” They cared so much that their lives were at stake. Most parents know what this feels like. There is nothing scarier than the thought of losing a child. That is how these men felt. They say, “If you stand fast in the Lord.” They were okay only if the believers stood fast in the Lord.

What does it mean to “Stand fast in the Lord?”

In Psalm 1, the Psalmist says that the person who meditates on the word of God day and night will be like a tree planted by rivers of water. Let’s think of that tree. When the wind blows, lightning flashes, and thunder roars, the branches sway and bend, but the tree stands firm because its roots are sunk deep in the soil, which is the word of God. Standing firm is like that tree. The storms, the temptations, persecutions, and testing only serve to strengthen our grip on our foundation. Jesus used the example of building a house on a rock.

In addition to standing firm, Paul, Silas, and Timothy expressed their concern that Christians “increase and abound in love to one another and to all.” We see this in verses 12-13.

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 (NKJV) 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we [do] to you, 13 so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.

Let’s compare the prayer that the Thessalonians increase and abound in love to Jesus’s teaching that the greatest commandments are to love God with heart, soul, strength, and mind and to love one’s neighbor as oneself. He tells us that all the teachings of the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. 

To grow in love, we need the prayer that the Lord makes us to increase and abound. One thing we can do is practice self-control and purpose to treat others as well as we treat ourselves. This is an act of the will, including how we think of others. This does not mean we let people do whatever they want. Our conscience does not permit us to do whatever we want. It does mean that we treat others respectfully, even when confronting them with their sins against us. Another crucial component of growing in love is meditating on the word of God, especially our salvation, God’s love, and what He has done for us. 1 John tells us that we love God because He first loved us. Focusing on our salvation and God’s love is also how we forgive our neighbors. We are to forgive others because God forgives us.

Are we doing all we can to stand firm and grow in love?

Unshakable

1 Thessalonians 2:14-3:5

Jesus changes lives. The Thessalonian believers were evidence of this. In Chapter 1, verse 8, they turned from idols to serve the living and true God. In Chapter 2, verse 14, they became imitators of the churches of God in Judea.

The Thessalonians were transformed by God’s word. We see this in chapter 2, verse 13, where it says, “You welcomed it...as the word of God, which also works effectively in you who believe.”

Having been transformed by Jesus and the word of God, the Thessalonians soon found that some people did not like the change. They experienced opposition. The believers were opposed in every way, legally and physically. Their detractors resorted to physical violence and the destruction of property.

The big offence that caused the violence was that they spoke the truth. Their opposition characterized the Christians as liars and called the truth lies. This very conflict has been going on since Cain and Abel. Abel did what was right, and Cain did what was wrong. When God accepted Abel’s sacrifice but rejected Cain’s, Cain was angry and killed Abel. 1 John 3:12-13 tells us:

1 John 3:12-13 (NKJV) 12 not as Cain [who] was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous. 13 Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.

Jesus told us that in the world we will have tribulation. 

Opposition and resistance do not mean you are wrong, and they do not mean you are right, either. In any case, opposition is to be expected. It will come. Paul’s comments show that the Thessalonians were tested in three ways.

The first way the Thessalonians were tested was the hatred of their own countrymen.

1 Thessalonians 2:14 says:

1 Thessalonians 2:14 (NKJV) For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they [did] from the Judeans,

They suffered the same thing as the Judean believers, so let's ask what that suffering was.

1 Thessalonians 2:15 (NKJV) who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men,

They killed the Lord Jesus and their own prophets. They did this because “They do not please God and are contrary to all men.”

As one reads the Bible, one will discover two things. Many people are angry at God and contrary to others. The Bible teaches us that our flesh is hostile toward God. Rather than being reconciled to God through our Lord Jesus Christ, some choose to live as enemies of God. This attitude exists all around us. We see it in the many ways people defy God. Their attitude is seen in Psalms 2.

Psalm 2:1-3 (NKJV) 1 Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, [saying,] 3 “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.”

Do you see how they rage against God?

In like manner, many are like Cain, who murdered his brother because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s were righteous. Sometimes there is no way to keep from being persecuted, and sometimes believers die. God does not stop every bullet or every violent attack. Therefore, the Scriptures tell us to be strong and courageous. We must support and encourage each other. The Thessalonians were imitating the Judean churches, many of whom had been chased out of homes in Judea. Paul, Silas, and Timothy’s main reason for wanting to visit the Thessalonians was to encourage them so that their faith would remain unshakable despite their intense suffering.

Paul, Silas, and Timothy were anxious to return to Thessalonica to encourage the believers with the word of God as they faced this violent opposition. But they found their road blocked by another way that tested the Thessalonians. 

The second way that the Thessalonians were tested was by Satan.

In verse 18, they say:

1 Thessalonians 2:18 (NKJV) Therefore we wanted to come to you--even I, Paul, time and again--but Satan hindered us.

Satan was able to keep the Apostle and his companions from encouraging the Thessalonian believers.

Satan’s opposition is real, and it is a danger to all believers. The Apostle Peter warned us:

1 Peter 5:8-9 (NKJV) 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

Along with warning us that the devil is like a roaring lion, Peter tells us what we must do. We must resist the devil (one might say “just say no!”) and we must stand firm in the faith. As encouragement, we can see that many are successfully resisting him. But notice it says “the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood.” All believers experience this opposition. We must recognize that in every trial we face, the devil will be there telling us things like, “Just give up!” “What’s the use?” “God has no use for you.” “God is not involved in your life.” “God is persecuting you.” And, it goes on and on. We must resist him like Jesus did. We must turn to the word of God to find answers to these insidious lies.

Finally, there is a third way the Thessalonians were tested.

The third way the Thessalonians were tested was temptation.

We see this in 1 Thessalonians 3:5.

1 Thessalonians 3:5 (NKJV) For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.

The devil is involved in both this and the second matter. 

There are temptations to seek power, or riches, or pleasure. Our flesh has enough desires that the devil does not have to work hard to dangle something attractive in front of us. Add to the attraction of these things the suffering and hardship of tribulations, and the temptations become even more appealing. The question for us today is, “How can we keep from falling into these temptations?”

We see the answer in 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3.

1 Thessalonians 3:2-3 (NKJV) 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.

Paul and Silas sent Timothy to encourage them so they would not be shaken concerning their faith. For our faith to be unshakeable, we must encourage one another and build each other up. As much as Scripture can build our faith, we cannot be unshakeable without other believers. The Scriptures are clear that we are not to quit gathering together as a body of believers. The words I just gave you about encouraging each other are taken directly from the same letter we are looking at today. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says:

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

The Thessalonians were tested in three ways: 

1. Their countrymen

2. Satan

3. The Tempter

We all face these same tests. Today, we have examined practical tools to help us overcome them. We see that we must encourage and support each other and stay grounded in the word of God. 

We must realize that we are in a spiritual battle. Our enemies are not flesh and blood, but spiritual beings. Therefore, the weapons of our warfare are spiritual; mainly prayer, the word of God, and worship. Ephesians 6 speaks of these things in terms of spiritual armor, but prayer, the word of God, and worship sum up the armor. The only other addition is that a soldier does not stand alone, but is part of an army. We must encourage each other and build each other up. As we use our spiritual armor, we come to understand that it is God who keeps us, and we can say with the Psalmist:

Psalm 27:1 (NKJV) The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?