1 Thessalonians 5

1 Thessalonians 5

Paul: Our Parental Example

Verses:
1-3 Paul is affirming what he has already taught the believers
4-10 Paul is affirming their position in Christ and duty as believers

In these verses, Paul is reminding the church of the eternal perspective he has already begun to teach to them. He is giving them a worldview that puts their current lives into a larger picture of the Lord at work. He is setting before them the ability to focus on the Lord’s work on their behalf both now and for the future. He is giving them the gift of hope and purpose to their momentary struggles and the promise that they will be carried through.

Reflect/Discuss: Do I see my life from this eternal perspective? Am I looking forward and upward for the purposes behind my daily tasks, challenges and joys? Am I establishing this worldview into my children? Do I cause them to understand that every detail of their lives is connected to the Lord’s plan for their own present and future lives, as well as the future of the world we live in?

V. 11 Key verse! A summary of our role as members of the body of Christ

Paul’s List for Discipleship: What should we teach?
Verses
12-13 – Respect, appreciation and love for elders and those in authority
13 – Live in Peace
14 – Admonish the Unruly
          Admonish: remind, warn, to warn of a fault, to reprove gently or kindly, but seriously; to exhort; to put one in mind of something forgotten, by way of warning or exhortation.
                Exhort: to incite, encourage; to incite by words or advice; to advise or warn earnestly.
                   Incite: to arouse to action; spur on, urge on, stir up, excite to action, prompt.
          Unruly: not submissive to rule or restraint; turbulent, ungovernable, refractory.
                  Refractory: obstinate; unmanageable, resisting ordinary treatment.
14 – Encourage the fainthearted
          Encourage: i.e. Comfort; to speak to, address one, whether by way of admonition and incentive, or to calm and console
          Fainthearted: i.e. feebleminded (KJV); lacking courage; cowardly; timorous; lacking conviction or boldness or courage;
14 – Help the Weak
         Help: i.e. Support (KJV;) to hold before or against, hold back, withstand, endure; to keep one's self directly opposite to any one, hold to him firmly, cleave to, paying heed to him. (See Mt. 6:24; Titus 1:9 – “hold, hold fast”)
         Weak: weak, infirm, feeble; without strength
14- Be patient with everyone
         Patient: to be of a long spirit, not to lose heart; to persevere patiently and bravely in enduring misfortunes and troubles, to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others; to be mild and slow in avenging; to be longsuffering, slow to anger, slow to punish

Reflect/Discuss: Do I see the individual personalities and needs of each of my children? Do I see how they need me to come alongside of them in varying ways to guide them further in their walk with the Lord? Do I take the time to understand the unique design the Lord has created in them both in strength and weakness?

15 – Do not repay evil with evil – Romans 12:17; Seek after that which good for others
16- Rejoice always
         Rejoice: to rejoice, be glad; to rejoice exceedingly; to be well, thrive
17 – Pray without ceasing
18 – Give thanks in everything; THIS is the will of God
      "The way to rejoice evermore is to pray without ceasing. We should rejoice more if we prayed more. We should keep up stated times for prayer, and continue instant in prayer. We should pray always, and not faint: pray without weariness, and continue in prayer, till we come to that world where prayer shall be swallowed up in praise. The meaning is not that men should do nothing but pray, but that nothing else we do should hinder prayer in its proper season. Prayer will help forward and not hinder all other lawful business, and every good work. If we pray without ceasing, we shall not want matter for thanksgiving in every thing.  We should be thankful in every condition, even in adversity as well as prosperity. It is never so bad with us but it might be worse. This is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us, that we give thanks, seeing God is reconciled to us in Christ Jesus; in him, through him, and for his sake, he allows us to rejoice evermore, and appoints us in every thing to give thanks."  Matthew Henry

19 – Do not quench the Spirit
         Quench: to decrease; to extinguish; to make an end of; as to quench a fire; of emotions: to suppress or subdue; to extinguish by satisfying (thirst); to cool suddenly; to subside; to become calm or cool.
         Concordance: Mt. 12:20; Mark 9:44, 46, 48; Eph. 6:16; 1 Thes. 5:19; Heb. 11:34
         A Journal Entry: There is this constant reference to fire. This idea of a burning that is extinguished. The Holy Spirit – as he has come to us- is revealed as a flame or fire. A burning - a passion - something that consumes – fire. It also grows – becomes hotter- affects others. It can be extinguished, though. Quenched. Smoldered. Put out. What is in my life that would or is doing that? I am to “fan the flame.” Am I? I know my time in your word certainly does that. I know more time in prayer would also do that. What is keeping me from those things? Make a list.

20- Do not despise prophetic utterances
        Prophetic utterances: i.e. phrophesyings (KJV) a discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; esp. by foretelling future events
        Despise: to make of no account; To regard as unworthy of one's interest or concern
21 – Examine everything carefully; hold fast to the good
22 – Abstain from every form of evil
Verses 23-24:  A prayer focusing on the Lord’s role in accomplishing these things in their lives. The above lists aspects of sanctification, therefore His work in our lives. We cannot manifest these things in our own hearts or our children’s hearts. The Lord has to do this work, even as we obey Him in directing one another to these ends. It is always for His glory and His purposes.

Discuss/Reflect: As I work to train our children, do I see the Lord at work? Do I understand that I am one of his tools to accomplish His work of sanctification in their lives? Do I remember that if they reject these instructions, they are rejecting the Lord and not me? (see 1 Thes. 4) Have I removed my own desires and goals so that I am not standing in the way of the Lord’s work in my life or my children’s lives?

25 – acknowledge and teach the need to pray for parents; our children are a great gift that the Lord has given to lead us closer to Him. Their prayers are powerful tools to accomplish this work.
26 – relationships with other believers
27 – study and share the scriptures
28 – closing prayer

May the Lord give us continued direction as we work to lead our children in their knowledge and love of the Lord. May He grant us wisdom and understanding as we join Him in His work of sanctification both in our own lives and in the lives of our family. May we joyfully receive all of His works designed to make us holy as we are drawn closer to Him through our role as parents. Praise Him for the unique gift of discipling our own young believers, that we may better understand His work in discipling our own hearts. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us. Amen.

Assignment: Pray 1 Thes. 5:23-24 over your children and yourself. Read through the book of 1 Thessalonians again, with a new focus on the lives of the church members. What were their lives like? How were they known? What work was the Lord doing in and through them? How can you apply this to your life and those you are leading?

Redeeming the Time ~ Buying the Opportunity

"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Eph 5:16

Strong's definition:
Redeeming; to make wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good, so that zeal and well doing are as it were the purchase money by which we make the time our own

Matthew Henry:
"It follows, redeeming the time (v. 16), literally, buying the opportunity. It is a metaphor taken from merchants and traders who diligently observe and improve the seasons for merchandise and trade. It is a great part of Christian wisdom to redeem the time. Good Christians must be good husbands of their time, and take care to improve it to the best of purposes, by watching against temptations, by doing good while it is in the power of their hands, and by filling it up with proper employment—one special preservative from sin. They should make the best use they can of the present seasons of grace. Our time is a talent given us by God for some good end, and it is misspent and lost when it is not employed according to his design. If we have lost our time heretofore, we must endeavour to redeem it by doubling our diligence in doing our duty for the future. The reason given is because the days are evil, either by reason of the wickedness of those who dwell in them, or rather "as they are troublesome and dangerous times to you who live in them.’’ Those were times of persecution wherein the apostle wrote this: the Christians were in jeopardy every hour. When the days are evil we have one superadded argument to redeem time, especially because we know not how soon they may be worse. People are very apt to complain of bad times; it were well if that would stir them up to redeem time..."

John Gill:
" Redeeming the time; 'ye buy this opportunity'...taking time for a space of time, it denotes a careful and diligent use of it, an improvement of it to the best advantage; and shows that it is valuable and precious, and is not to be trifled with, and squandered away, and be lost, as it may be; for it can neither be recalled nor prolonged: and taking it for an opportunity of doing good to ourselves or others, it signifies that no opportunity of discharging our duty to God and man, of attending on the word and ordinances of the Gospel, and to the private and public exercises of religion, of gaining advantage to our own souls, or of gaining the souls of others, and of doing good either to the bodies or souls of men, should be neglected; but even all risks should be run,"

John Wesley:
"With all possible care redeeming the time - Saving all you can for the best purposes; buying every possible moment out of the hands of sin and Satan; out of the hands of sloth, ease, pleasure, worldly business; the more diligently, because the present are evil days, days of the grossest ignorance, immorality, and profaneness."

Lord, you have given me "purchase money" to redeem the time in my life. Spirit, stir up within me your zeal and well doing that I may watch against temptations and do good while it is in the power of my hands to do so. Help me to fill my time with proper employment as a way to preserve my life and those around me from sin. My time is a talent given by You, Lord,  for some good end, and I misspend and lose it when it is not employed according to Your design. I should never neglect an opportunity of fulfilling my duty to You and man, of time spent in Your word and teachings of the Gospel, and to the private and public exercises of my faith, of gaining advantage to my own soul, or of gaining the souls of those around me, and of doing good either to the bodies or souls of men.  But I should risk all to pursue these things.  Forgive me for the many times I have failed to do so.

Lord, using the gift of your strength and zeal teach me to buy every possible moment out of the hands of sin and Satan; out of the hands of sloth, ease, pleasure, worldly business and the many distractions and sins that lure me from You. I praise you that you cleanse me from these sins, you equip me with the necessary tools to overcome them and empower me to deny my selfish heart as I learn to follow You.

The Hospitality of Home Church: a Book Review

The Hospitality of Home Church: A Woman's Perspective

by Shelley Howland

What a fantastic find I have in this little book. While the purpose of the author is to give practical advice to women on the details of hosting a home church meeting, I found that her insights and biblical truths shared pertain to all aspects of hospitality as well as preparing our hearts for the Lord's day, regardless of the location we choose to celebrate.

The title of this book, alone, was like a magnet to me. In effect, it said..."Hey! You have a unique purpose in this calling. You, as a woman and helper to your husband are vital to this ministry the Lord is setting before you."  Speaking to this, Mrs. Howland writes;

     "A man who decides to home church will tell his wife that church will be in their home every other week. 30 or more people may attend, they are going to break unleavened bread, eat a full meal together and worship. Now see, I think that's funny. Men, you're not getting it are you?
     You see, a group of 20 or 30 people coming for dinner would normally be considered a large gathering or event. But when you home church this is potentially a regular occurance. When a husband tells this to his wife, she immediately begins to think about the details, it is just natural. We were designed as helpmeets and that is where our minds begin to go." (p.6-7)

In this book you will find practical helps that equip you to take on this privilege of hosting a home fellowship meeting with confidence. Such details as: Preparing for Sunday, Get the Family Involved, House Rules, The Meal, Seating, Pets, Children, Clean Up and How to Be a Guest.  You'll also uncover deeper subjects such as: Spiritual Preparation, Regarding Romans 14, Women's Silence and Headcovering.  Each of these chapters is graced with Mrs. Howland's experience, humor and wisdom.  It is a quick read, but one that you'll want to return to again and again.

Allow me to share with you one of my favorite insights I gleand from this book. It regards the concept of hospitality in general and how the practice of it reflects the heart. She writes,
    
    "Let's take a look at the difference between hospitality and entertaining. Webster's says that hospitality is a 'generous and cordial reception of guests,' to offer a 'pleasant environment.'  Entertaining, on the other hand, is a 'public performance,' 'something diverting or engaging'. One is me focused, my cooking abilities, my hostessing skills and such, the other is you focused, 'how can I serve you?' 'How can I make your visit in my home the best it can be for you?'  I believe the Lord wants us focused on the needs of others. That's hospitality." (p. 14)

Here is one last nugget of wisdom I'd like to share. I've taken this on as a new challenge in our lives. This week I am working on rearranging our weekly routine to refocus our attention on preparing for Sunday.  I am excited to make our Sunday meeting time such a prominent and special day in our lives that we cannot help but turn our hearts to it every other day of the week.  Mrs. Howland explains this idea with a great visual description.
    
     "There is a book called Making Sunday Special by Karen Mains. The basic concept of this book is to look at your week as sort of a wave, with the high part of the wave being Sunday when your church body gathers. That is the highlight of your week. From Sunday to Wednesday you refelct on Sunday. From Wednesday to Sunday you prepare for Sunday. How often are we rushing around on Sunday doing things that could have been done Thursday, Friday or Saturday? Write down those things that need to be done and space them out from Wednesday to Sunday. I believe we need to practice 'making Sunday special'..." (p.16)

I am grateful to have this little gem in my hands now. Along with giving me useful advice regarding the how-to's of hosting a larger group in our home, I am challenged to consider my heart and motivation in these preparations.  It is truly a gift to understand that all we set our hands to accomplish should and can give glory to the Lord. Our Sunday preparations are a new tool the Lord has given us to grow me in this area. An added benefit is seeing our children join in the preparations and begin to understand that our Sunday morning experience effects every other day and moment of our lives. That is an invaluable truth that I pray they cling to for their whole life.

UPDATE: I received a lovely email from the author. She's given her link to purchase this book: http://www.abundantblessings.ecrater.com/  You'll find the book listed under "House Church" but do plan to spend some time there looking through her other items for sale. Thank you, Shelley!!

At Sundry Times In Diverse Manners

"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;" Hebrews 1:1-2

In our study time during Sunday worship this week we began to look at the book of Hebrews. I've been reflecting on this teaching, particularly the phrase, "at sundry times". It's not a phrase I was familiar with and as our discussion unfolded and my meditation has increased, I am struck by its signficance.

First, as it relates to the context, I see how the Lord revealed His plan and purposes of our salvation through Christ in portions or "separate parts" as Matthew Henry describes it. We have the advantage of looking at the Old Testament revelations through the lens of the New Testament fulfillment, so it is difficult for us to comprehend the importance of this small phrase and method the Lord used. To reveal His complete plan for our redemption in one sitting, well, how could our feeble minds comprehend it? How would we respond? Would we even accept it? Would we have even had the sense to see our desparate need for such a plan of salvation through Christ and the completeness that lies therein? Instead, he spoke and revealed His actions and future plans in portions appropriate to our understanding, needs and ability to respond. Please forgive me if this makes light of His awesome and eternal wisdom, but it seems he chose to leave us clues to piece together, wrestling with them one generation at a time, for the whole picture at once would have left us with a burden we could not fully grasp.

Matthew Henry's Commentary:
"The order in which God spoke to men in those times that went before the gospel, those past times: he spoke to his ancient people at sundry times and in divers manners. At sundry times, or by several parts, as the word signifies, which may refer either to the several ages of the Old-Testament dispensation—the patriarchal, the Mosaic, and the prophetic; or to the several gradual openings of his mind concerning the Redeemer: to Adam, that the Messiah should come of the seed of the woman,—to Abraham, that he should spring from his loins,—to Jacob, that he should be of the tribe of Judah,—to David, that he should be of his house,—to Micah, that he should be born at Bethlehem,—to Isaiah, that he should be born of a virgin."

John Wesley's Explanatory Notes:
"God, who at sundry times - The creation was revealed in the time of Adam; the last judgment, in the time of Enoch: and so at various times, and in various degrees, more explicit knowledge was given."


Another crucial aspect of the Lord's method of revelation is that each of these portions would create unity in His plan. Each time a new piece of revaltion is given, or clue is revealed, it supports, enhances and strengthens the prior truth. We are given an important measuring tool in understanding how these prophecies and truths are bound together to reveal a thorough and unified plan. Even in messages that appear to differ, God's spirit reveals the minute details that actually bind them together.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible:
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners

The apostle begins the epistle with an account of the revelation God has made of his mind and will in former times: the author of this revelation is God, not essentially, but personally considered, even God the Father, as distinguished from his Son in the next verse; for the revelation under the Old Testament is divine, as well as that under the New; in this they both agree, in whatsoever else they differ: and this revelation was made at several times, at different seasons, and to different persons; and consisted of a variety of things relating to doctrine and worship, and concerning the Messiah, his person and office; of whom, at different times, there were gradual discoveries made, both before and after the giving of the law, from the beginning of the world, or the giving forth of the first promise, and in the times of the patriarchs, of: Moses, David, Isaiah, and other prophets: and this was delivered in various manners; sometimes by angels; sometimes in a dream; at other times by a vision; and sometimes by Urim and Thummim:"

My heart rejoices in seeing the Lord's mercy and favor in his dealings with men throughout history.  He loves us so much that He chooses to share His ways and thoughts with us, yet in such a way that we will have time to grasp it's truth...at least in part. He is patient and longsuffering as we wrestle with understanding the mind of the Lord. What a dear Father we have, who would not only make a way for us to be forgiven and accepted into His perfect presence, but also take the time to walk us through that process.

I began to consider how this relates to His work in our lives today.  Our family is standing at a crossroads of sorts, begging the Lord to reveal His will and direction for our family. We feel confused and unsure of what this season of "drought" could mean. Do we continue to trust through the "famine" and stay where the Lord has placed us, developing the endurance He desires? Are these "closed doors" the Lord's way of telling us that a change is in order and we need to prepare and pursue new horizons?

In light of Hebrews, it appears that the Lord has been giving us these answers over the years. He chooses to reveal His plans at sundry times in diverse manners. We are challenged to reflect back on previous times we have seen the Lord speak and direct us and then pray to understand how these are all connected as pieces of a larger picture. Rather than asking the Lord to reveal His plan for this particular season, we would be wise to ask how the portions He has already given us will lead us to further understand His complete purposes for our lives. As we do this, we can measure our thoughts and ideas against what we already know of His truths. The past will agree with the present and bring unity for our future. If they do not, we can know we are on the wrong path.

I also understand that His ways are not my ways, yet they should be. I should work to adopt my Lord's methods as I communicate with others, particularly my family. I need to see each of my children as unique in their ability to understand and comprehend the information given to them. I need that patient, longsuffering endurance and wisdom that will help me to reveal just the portions they are able to grasp...at sundry times in diverse manners.

Finally, I cannot help but see how this relates to news I learned just yesterday regarding a dear friend. Last week, their family was anticipating an ultrasound that would give them a peek at their newly developing baby. They rejoiced to see that little person wiggling about and to learn that their long-awaited wish for another daughter had been granted. Oh, what rejoicing came from that portion of knowledge the Lord had given!

This week they received more revelation concerning their precious daughter. That same ultrasound revealed that this precious child has Down's Syndrome, club feet and some heart disorders. This portion of revelation is still received with gratitude, yet mixed with fear and grief.

As I pray for my friend and her family, I cannot help but think of the Lord's mercy in revealing His plans for us at sundry times. If the whole picture were revealed at once, just how would we be able to stand?  In the smallest portions He gives us the truths we need as we are able to grasp them. Each part of His plan is connected to a previous part. Each portion is leading us to another and they will all bring unity. We can rest in the moment, knowing that He has given us enough of Himself and His ways.  We can rest because we know that He will reveal the next portion in His providence, keeping His love for us always in mind.

A Melting Heart

I'm so blessed by what I am learning through God's word in 1 Thess. One of the truths that continues to press in my mind is found in this verse:
1 Thessalonians 4:8 "So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you."

The "this" Paul is referring to in the context of the passage are the teachings and instructions he has given and is now repeating to the believers in the church. He is listing for them the characteristics of their sanctification, the very things that God desires to complete in their lives to identify them as His followers. It strikes me that as I focus on this same list to use as I disciple my own "believers" (my children) that any rejection they give is an important sign of my need to prayerfully consider their hearts and my own.

I know that in my imperfections, my training is often faulty in it's methods.  There are times that my desire and efforts to teach God's truths are defeated by my selfish motivations or impatient actions. In short, I get in the way of what the Lord is working to accomplish in their lives. When I see my children reject my instruction, my first thought should be, "What have I done to impede their hearts? How am I presenting His truths? Am I communicating in the power of God's spirit or in my own desires for gain? Am I exasperating my children?"  More often than not, my sinful heart is, at least in part, the cause of their resistance.

There are times, however, where I see my children genuinely reject the work the Lord desires to accomplish. I confess that when this happens I am again tempted by my pride to take this as shame and guilt on my behalf. Yet, I understand, through this verse, that my children are also responsible for their own hearts and there will come times when their rejection of truth is a result of their rejection of the Spirit's work in their life. That pierces my heart. When I remove myself and my hurt feelings over their resistance, I see that my dear children are rejecting the work of God in their lives. Oh, how that grieves me! How I long to wrap them up and cry out, "Receive the Lord! Soften your heart to His commands. Embrace His teachings so that you can live and enjoy His blessings!"  This is a clear call from the Lord to fall upon my knees on their behalf and pray for His victory in their hearts and minds.

This past Sunday, in a time of fellowship with another family, we searched God's word and discussed the idea of hardening our hearts against the Lord. It was evident that this idea of rejecting the Lord's work is directly related to the sin of hardening our hearts. I love when the Lord continues to bring similar truth to my mind to cement His revelations. I could see that as I work with my children, I need to pray for their hearts. That they would not harden their hearts against the Lord.

In Matthew Henry's commentary regarding this hardening of hearts, he identifies this sin:

The causes of their sin. See what God imputed it to: It is a people that do err in their hearts, and they have not known my ways. Men’s unbelief and distrust of God, their murmurings and quarrels with him, are the effect of their ignorance and mistake.

First, Of their ignorance: They have not known my ways. They saw his work (v. 9) and he made known his acts to them (Ps. 103:7); and yet they did not know his ways, the ways of his providence, in which he walked towards them, or the ways of his commandments, in which he would have them to walk towards him: they did not know, they did not rightly understand and therefore did not approve of these. Note, The reason why people slight and forsake the ways of God is because they do not know them.

Secondly, Of their mistake: They do err in their heart; they wander out of the way; in heart they turn back. Note, Sins are errors, practical errors, errors in heart; such there are, and as fatal as errors in the head. When the corrupt affections pervert the judgment, and so lead the soul out of the ways of duty and obedience, there is an error of the heart.

I see now, that along with prayer, there is something else that I can do when I find my children rejecting the Lord's instructions. First, it is a result of their ignorance. I can come alongside of them and open the scriptures to them so that they will have the knowledge that can lead to repentance. Secondly, it is a result of their "corrupt affections", those sinful desires that plague us all. Through God's word, I can help them see how their sinful passions are perverting their judgement and setting up prominence in their hearts against the Lord. I cannot change their hearts, but I can hold of the mirror of God's truth so they can see what is causing their discontent and the reality of their sin.

Now comes the completion of how the Lord works in my life. As I reflect on how to better reach my children's hearts and grow excited at finding yet another practical application of His word, His spirit churns within me asking, "How is it with you?" Forever I will praise the Lord for His gift of motherhood. I cannot imagine a more effective way for Him to twist, chisel and prod at my own hardened heart than through the lives of the precious children he has given. As I read further through Mr. Henry's commentary, the Lord's spirit worked to caution and direct my own heart where it needs to be softened:

Psalm 95:8 "Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, As in the day of Massah in the wilderness,"
Thus here, Harden not your heart as you did (that is, your ancestors) in the provocation, or in Meribah, the place where they quarrelled with God and Moses (Ex. 17:2-7), and in the day of temptation in the wilderness, v. 8. So often did they provoke God by their distrusts and murmurings that the whole time of their continuance in the wilderness might be called a day of temptation, or Massah, the other name given to that place (Ex. 17:7), because they tempted the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among us or is he not? This was in the wilderness, where they could not help themselves, but lay at God’s mercy, and where God wonderfully helped them and gave them such sensible proofs of his power and tokens of his favour as never any people had before or since.

Note, (1.) Days of temptation are days of provocation. Nothing is more offensive to God than disbelief of his promise and despair of the performance of it because of some difficulties that seem to lie in the way.

(2.) The more experience we have had of the power and goodness of God the greater is our sin if we distrust him. What, to tempt him in the wilderness, where we live upon him! This is as ungrateful as it is absurd and unreasonable.

(3.) Hardness of heart is at the bottom of all our distrusts of God and quarrels with him. That is a hard heart which receives not the impressions of divine discoveries and conforms not to the intentions of the divine will, which will not melt, which will not bend.

(4.) The sins of others ought to be warnings to us not to tread in their steps. The murmurings of Israel were written for our admonition, 1 Co. 10:11.2.

I am amazed at the peace the Lord has given us in these last couple of months. The idea that we are in the midst of "Days of Temptation" is powerful. When I consider the time that has gone by with David not working and the changes our family has gone through resulting from that, it delights my heart that I find myself rejoicing. It can only be the work of the Lord that He has caused me to be thankful for this time of trust, of seeking His face, of receiving His provision, seeing that He brings "something out of nothing". As we move forward each day, clinging to His promises, I am reminded that I need to reflect back on the powerful ways the Lord has already worked on my behalf and in the lives of others. We may very well face even more temptation and struggles in the coming weeks, yet I will not harden my heart to the Lord's ability to provide what He knows is necessary for our growth and livelihood because I have seen His faithfulness proved mighty time and again. I will embrace His instructions to trust and look for His purposes beyond my needs and desires. I will ask Him to remove my ignorance, my corrupt desires, my doubts and distrust, the very things that work to harden my heart against Him.

Lord, as I allow your Spirit to keep my heart soft to your work in my own life, may I be an example to my children of the joy that comes from being willing to bend and melt into Your image.

1 Thessalonians, chapters 3 and 4

Paul’s Example – A New Season of Growth

1 Thes. 3:1-5
 In Paul’s separation and suffering, he continues to carry the burden of the young believers’ growth in the Lord. He takes action to encourage them as they deal with fears over his life. (Maybe they are wondering, “Will this happen to us?”)

Consider/Discuss: When our children see us struggle, are we taking action to strengthen and encourage them in their own faith? Have we prepared them in advance that we, as followers of Christ, will have to endure hardships, yet can trust the Lord’s will and purpose? Do we respond to our struggles in a way that builds and strengthens their faith?

3:6-10
What gave Paul comfort in his distress?
    >Timothy’s good news of their faith and love, always thinking kindly of Paul, longing to see him, their faith.

What causes Paul to “really live”?
     >“if you stand firm in the Lord”

What is Paul’s continued role in their lives, even while separated?
    >night and day keep praying, longing to complete what is lacking in their faith

Consider/Discuss: Where do we look for comfort in our own distress? Do we see our children as God’s tool to strengthen us in our weaknesses? Do we see them as fellow believers? What causes us to “Really live”? What is our role in our children’s lives as they or we move on to new paths?

3:11-13 – A prayer for our children

Paul’s Example: Committed to Continued Education

4: 1 Paul’s instructions have been given. He now commands them to Excel Still More. Same instructions, Repeat Often. (as parents, we often feel discouraged when we need to repeat ourselves. Yet, we see here that it is the KEY to maturity in our children's lives.)

4:2-12 The Instructions Paul has given and repeats as to how they ought to walk and please God

  >2 Commands given by the authority of Jesus.

  >3 God’s will is their sanctification, which involves:

  >v. 3 abstain from sexual immorality

  >v. 4-5 know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor without lustful passion (Self-Control in all things)

  >v. 6 no man transgresses and defrauds his brother in the matter (in immorality or passions)

  >v. 9-10 love one another

  >v. 11 lead a quiet life, attend to your business, work with your hands (be busy for the Lord!), take care of each other.

  >v. 12 behave properly toward unbelievers

V. 7-8 Reminder! If anyone rejects these teachings and work of sanctification, they are rejecting God and His work in their life. They are not rejecting man efforts.

Consider/Discuss: If I am teaching God’s truth, in His love and grace, and my children reject that truth, they are not rejecting ME, they are rejecting the Lord. This should drive us to our knees. How do I deal with my child’s rejection of what I am teaching? (am I taking it personal or getting out of the way so the Lord can work?)

What are the areas of sanctification in my children’s life that I need to focus on training and instruction from Paul’s list of commands? Where should my greatest efforts be placed in the day to day discipleship of my children? (see list from verses 3-12) Will I need to repeat these instructions? (oh yeah! And in varying degrees. What they "get" at age 7 will need to be "gotten again" at age 12 at a new level.) Will they get it the first time? (nope, Do I?) Will I challenge myself to Excel Still More?

How will this training worked out among believers affect our influence to unbelievers? Where is the majority of time spent in the life of a young believer? (with whom should their training primarily take place?)

4:13-18 Paul continues to be a source of instruction
   >answers their questions, encourages them to comfort one another with words of truth.

Consider/Discuss: As Paul reiterates the teaching he once gave, he is moving them in a direction to care for one another as he steps away as their “primary care-giver.” We can see his commitment to their faith and growth never stops, but it does take on different forms as he allows the believers to take more responsibility for their faith and each other. Our role, as parents, is to do the same. Commit to the faith and growth of our children. Instruct them in God’s truth, that they will grow in His sanctification. Repeat those instructions in various ways to encourage our children to continue to excel still more in the way of the Lord.

Assignment: Read 1 Thessalonians 5, Pray 1 Thes. 3:11-13 over your children daily.

1 Thessalonians study, Part 2.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-20
1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, 2 but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition. 3 For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit ; 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts. 5 For we never *came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed -God is witness - 6 nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted *our authority. 7 But we proved to be gentle among *you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. 8 Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. 9 For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers ; 11 just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, 12 so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. 13 For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. 14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, 15 who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. They are not pleasing to God, but hostile to all men, 16 hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved ; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the utmost. 17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short *while -in person, not in spirit -were all the more eager with great desire to see your face. 18 For we wanted to come to you-I, Paul, more *than once -and yet Satan hindered us. 19 For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation ? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming ? 20 For you are our glory and joy.

Paul: Our Parental Example

v. 1-3 review of Paul’s experience and courage in sharing the gospel in the midst of persecution.

v.4 What does God say about what He has done for us and how He has equipped us?

- approved us  (See Who Am I in Christ? at this link:) http://www.ficm.org/newsite/index.php?command=textwhoamiinchrist

- entrusted us with His gospel

The Result: We speak (the gospel) to please God, not men.

Consider/discuss: Where is my focus? Why do I speak?

v. 5-6 How should we speak? (to our children)

- without flattering speech - are we praising them or the work we see the Lord doing in them? Are we puffing them up or are we pointing them to Jesus?

- without a pretext for greed - are we motivated to train/teach our children for our own gain? Are we after making our own life more comfortable or working to make their lives fruitful?

- not seeking glory from men - are we focused on giving glory to the Lord through our work in our families, or are we seeking the praise, acceptance and validation of men? (i.e. evaluators, superintendants, parents, friends, etc.)

- not asserting our own authority - do we demand our children to respect our authority, or are we winning their respect by winning their hearts? Do I demand authority in my child's life or do I direct them to the Lord's commands to honor and obey?

Consider/discuss: Do I train so others are impressed or my children hear the gospel? Am I seeking my glory or the Lord’s?

v.7-11 How should we behave? (please note, Paul gave us an example of discipleship based on the roles he knew that mother's and father's played in the lives of their children. He took on these roles together in order to raise up these young believers. While there are distinctions in how fathers and mothers are required and naturally inclined toward working with their children, Paul is showing us that he took on all of these roles to affectively impact their lives. We are wise to pray for the ability to do the same.)

- As a nursing mother: gentle, tender, having a fond affection
   >pleased to impart the gospel
   >pleased to impart her own life - am I willing to be real, transparent, show my hopes and strengths as well as admit my failures? Is there any area of my life that I withhold from my family? Do I demand my "own time"?
   >laboring, enduring hardship, working night and day so as not to be a burden, in order to proclaim the gospel - labor and hardship cannot be escaped in motherhood. Yet, do we accept and serve our families so as not to be a burden, or are we counting the cost? Do I work with a heart of joy, so that my children will see the gospel lived out, or am I complaining and drawing attention to my "sacrifices"?

- As a father:

· devout, upright, blameless

· exhorting – to incite by words or advice; to advise or warn earnestly (parakaleo)

· encouraging – To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope; to animate; hearten; cheer on or up. (paramutheomai)

· imploring – To call upon, or for, in supplication; pray to, or for, earnestly; beseech, entreat. (marturomai)

Challenge: Make it a goal to see the distinction in these words and apply them in your daily training in your home.

Consider/discuss: What area of mothering is the Lord refining in me?

v. 12-20 WHY should we behave and speak in these ways?

So that our children will:

v.12 – walk in a manner worthy of God, into His kingdom and glory.

v. 13 – receive the word of God which they have heard from us, accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in them who believe.

v. 14-16 – become imitators of the church of God in Christ Jesus, willing to endure sufferings

v. 17-18 – create a desire to be together and keep relationships strong

v. 19-20 – (see v. 5-6) they would become our hope, joy and glory at the time of His coming.

Assignment for: Read 1 Thessalonians 3-4; pray 1Thes. 3:11-13 daily for your children.