1 Thessalonians Chapter 2

 Paul, with Silas and Timothy, continues his letter to the church in Thessalonica, where people had received the message of Good News with joy but are suffering severely because of their neighbors and countrymen.

For me, Chapter 2 contains Paul’s words of encouragement to his beloved church because Paul remains separated from them despite his efforts to rejoin them.  From Paul whose words are prompted by the Holy Spirit, we too can take courage and heart to persevere despite sufferings and opposition we will face.

First, as encouragement from Paul’s letter we are reminded that in our trials and sufferings, our purpose remains to please God and not people (v. 4).  A basic human instinct is the need for praise and the acceptance by others which can drive us to behavior that veers from truth and good.  But God frees us from this human need and calls us to focus our attention on Him and His purpose in the middle of our sufferings. Think of the implications for us in our human behavior and how much freedom results from pleasing the never-changing God instead of trying to please human beings whose needs can change daily.  With the refocus and perspective, we view our trials in a different light.

Secondly, our service encourages us.  As we serve and care for others, we do not keep a score of all our good deeds for others so that someday we can expect a payback from those who benefitted by us. Our purpose is to share the Good News and our own lives (v. 8) to others so we constantly “pay forward” to others because of Christ’s love and forgiveness for us.  Our service to others in the midst of suffering will require work “night and day” so we do not become a burden to others.  There is no free pass from work in the Lord’s service as Paul acknowledges.  Our service to the Lord keeps our minds and hearts occupied on meaningful work, fills us with joy for others, and reduces the isolation and impact of the trials and sufferings we experience.

Finally, and most importantly as encouragement, we should remember our blessings and remain thankful to God that we accepted Christ’s love and forgiveness by God’s grace. Paul reminds us that as believers in Christ, we will suffer even at the hands of our own families, friends, and neighbors.   Jesus had told his followers to expect this because He had been persecuted.  But the greatest encouragement of all in this chapter is the blessing of hope and joy of Christ in our lives and looking forward to the reward at the end when Jesus stands next to us before God to speak on our behalf.

It gives me great comfort and hope for the future when I look back at how God protected and provided for me and gave me a family, friends, and a roof over my head and food on the table.  As the Great Provider, God can be trusted to provide in the future even as He has provided for each of us in the past.  There is no greater encouragement than having God walk hand-in-hand with us each day of our lives.  God’s blessings of the past encourage us to look forward to God’s blessings in the future.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 1

Do you have a favorite sports team?  Perhaps you love The Warriors or the San Francisco Giants…..What happens when your favorite team wins a big game? You respond like this: “WE DID IT! WE WON!” You may run around the living room high-fiving, chest-bumping, and doing a little jig.  Now my question is: What role did you play in this victory? Maybe you bought a jersey or a cap, but the truth is you didn’t do anything that contributed to your team’s success. Yet, you feel intense ownership because this is YOUR team.

If you and I can feel this strongly about our favorite sports team, how much more intense should our feelings be for our local church?  We need to think of the church as “we,” not “they.” Although churches are made up of individuals, we are the church!  In the book of 1 Thessalonians, we learn about a church that we can get excited about. Although there are no “perfect” churches, the church in Thessalonica is a model church. 

What struck me was Paul’s long “thanksgiving section”.  He is pumped about this church!  In 1:2-3 he writes, “We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.” It’s been said, “You can tell a man’s values by what he appreciates.” In these verses, Paul expresses his deep appreciation for the spiritual maturity of the Thessalonians.  These verses are challenging. They call you and me to pray for our church, specifically.  Not just a generic, “Lord, bless our church,” but specific expressions of gratitude for individuals in our church. It challenges us to pray for our life groups, for our pastors and leaders, for our Sunday school classes, or youth or college group. Cry out to God for individuals in our ministries. 

Something else that stood out to me and made this a healthy church is that the church waited for Jesus’ return (1:10).  Paul writes that these believers who converted to Christ responded by “wait[ing] for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.” The word wait means literally, to wait up. The Thessalonians were waiting up for the Lord’s return!

 Looking for the Lord to return at any moment will change our lives. It will transform our way of doing things. It will change the way we deal with temptations. It will alter our priorities. It will lead us to do something about broken relationships.  It will make us invest our precious days in what truly matters.  All possessions we have worked so hard for will be destroyed and only what is eternal will last.  What a difference it would make if we truly believed His coming is near!!

This Thessalonian church was a baby church and we can learn so much by this letter from Paul! My prayer is that God continues to bless COTC and that we strive to follow the model of this church in Thessalonica.

Colossians Chapter 4

Today’s Game: Distraction vs. Devotion

I have a popular sports app on my phone, which conveniently allows me to follow my favorites. My app reflects perhaps an awkward devotion to a motley collection of teams and sports from my childhood, places I’ve lived, and experiences I’ve had. I have to admit that too frequently, I allow my keen interest in these activities to cross the line into unhealthy distraction.

Although distractionand devotionare not world-famous teams, they are colossal themes that vie for our affection daily.

In Colossians 4, one theme Paul eloquently conveys is the importance of devotion to prayer.

“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.”  Colossians 4:2-4 (NLT)

There is so much in this passage – I will concentrate on the word “devote”. This is an intense word. It has meaning overflowing with intentionality, frequency, and faithfulness. Prayer is important! It is our mechanism to actually connect in conversation – in real life – to our gracious and loving Heavenly Father. He is there with us. When is he with us? When is he available? When does he desire to connect with us? Always, always, always!

In some ways, distractions can be healthy rather than unhealthy, and I certainly do not intend this commentary to squash all whimsy! However, it is all too easy for the innumerable distractions in our lives to rule over our time and our minds – such is the oft effective work of the enemy.

What is your most common daily distraction? What takes your focus away from devotion to prayer?

The main point, put quite simply, is that Paul is prodding us to pray! Just PRAY! Often! More often they you _________ (fill in the blank with your daily distraction)!

May DEVOTION be the victor in your game today

Colossians Chapter 3

I like the way Paul uses clothing metaphor to describe how believers are to be different from non-believers.  I think of how styles change from season to season, especially women’s clothes, and when a person wishes to express their moods, they select colors or styles that reflect that mood.  It is also said that clothing tells something about that person.  So Paul relates changing or putting on “clothing” that reflect compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience and putting off “clothing” of our earthly nature, some of which are sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed.

I see a major problem in doing so as we get all too used to our “earthly

Nature’ clothing.  Some of our “earthly clothing” may be too comfortable to replace, like an old t-shirt that we worn so long that it has become a favorite, or shirt, or dress that has gotten favorable comments through time.  When we get too comfortable with things, it is difficult to “toss out” or give away to Good Will.  Becoming a “new person” can be uncomfortable.

When we need to feel like a “new person” do we buy new clothes or put on something different or fresh?  Putting on new clothes or fresh clothes really don’t do much if we don’t bathe or shower before!  The real issue in changing into a new man or woman is from the inside-spiritually. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit an real change take place- a process of sanctification-a life long process. II Corinthians 5:16-17 puts it this way: “So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view.  At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view.  How differently we know him now. This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.  The old life is gone; a new life has begun.”

Colossians Chapter 2

In Colossians 2, Paul urges Christ followers to find all we need in Christ.  At the time of the writing of Colossians 2, some Christians were attempting to follow a strict asceticism, denying themselves food, drink or earthly comforts in an effort to increase their ability to experience unity with God.  While Jesus did refer to periodic fasting as a means to effective prayer (see Mark 9:29), he did not teach His followers to exalt fasting as a means to increase their ability to experience unity with Himself. Instead, it’s our daily walk with Christ, the daily surrender of our will for His will that results in continual fellowship with Him.  To exalt anything other than Christ Himself as a means to unity with Christ is what Paul was warning believers against.

I am reminded of John 15:5 where Jesus states, “I am the Vine, you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”  

One of my favorite ways to remain in Christ is through thankfulness.  When things are humming along, when home, health and family are all good, it’s easy to be thankful.  When things are tough, or uncertainty looms, I can give thanks that I serve the One who knows the answer, even when I don’t.  When I feel like I don’t have the time, money or resources to do what I think I need to do, I can be thankful that my heavenly Father owns all things, including time and all treasure.  I remember that He finds many ways to take care of us.  What I know for sure is “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28). 

There is nothing we need to add to Christ to experience unity with Christ.  He is completely and utterly sufficient for all of our needs, now and forever. 

Colossians Chapter 1

This is how Colossians starts out: “This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy.”

Isn’t it awesome that Paul knows exactly who he is and what his main purpose is?  How might I introduce myself:  This blog is from Dave, an elder at church of the Chimes, chosen by God to share a sliver of truth about Jesus with you today. 

Here is the sliver that I would like to share.   Did you know that regardless of what ugly things you might have done in the past, today you are viewed by God as holy and blameless!  Yes, God sees you without a single fault!  This is astonishing to me.  Not only are you and me forgiven for our ugly behaviors, thoughts, words, etc.  But God has completely forgotten them and sees us as Holy, pure, righteous, perfect, and faultless.  

This truth has been revealed throughout many of our readings leading up to today in the New Testament challenge.  But today it was revealed again in verse  22 which speaks of how God the father views us today. Here’s what verse 22 says, “Yet now he (God) has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he (God) has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.”

Notice that as described in this verse we did nothing to deserve being viewed like this by God. First of all, it was God the father who reconciled us to himself.  Second of all, it was by virtue of the physical death of God the son (Jesus) who served the sentence for our violations and thereby took away our sins so that we can be seen as blameless.  And third of all, it is God the father who brings us into his presence, we did not approach him.  God did it all.  We did not earn it, and possibly we did not even want it.  But he wanted to be reconciled to us and he wanted to be with us. 

Pretty awesome, huh?  I think we should celebrate!

Philippians Chapter 4

This is a great chapter.  So much encouragement and guidance from Paul – settle your disagreements, rejoice, don’t worry, be grateful, pray about everything, think about excellent things, put into practice everything you saw me (Paul) doing and saying and the God of peace will be with you.  This list doesn’t sound too difficult to do, particularly when things are going well, but what about when life isn’t going well.  How do these verses feel when life is falling apart? Do they encourage you, or make you feel guilty for not putting them into practice?

I love Philippians 4:13.  As a teenager it was one of my favorite verses, but I always thought of it in terms of athletic achievement.  God can give me the strength to win this game, or win this race.  Christ will strengthen me so I can do something great and get the glory.  I’ve seen many professional athletes use this verse for motivation, but it is a misuse of scripture in my opinion.  You can’t separate verse 12 from verse 13:

12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ,who gives me strength.

When Paul says “I can do everything”, everything for him means living through all circumstances we face in life – times of plenty, and times of need.  Paul says he’s learned the secret of living in every situation.  What is that secret?  Christ gives him strength.

When we are in the midst of difficult circumstances it can be hard to believe in the promises of God.  It can be difficult to pray, be grateful, rejoice – to do the things Paul encourages us to do in the beginning of chapter 4.  That is why verses 12 and 13 are so encouraging to me.  Paul writes these lines from experience, from traveling through these circumstances in his life and coming out on the other side.  Paul faced more discouragement, pain, rejection, difficulties and suffering in his life than I will ever face in mine, yet he could write these incredible verses.  He doesn’t say it is easy – just that he knows how to live through every situation.

Paul’s final encouragement to the Philippians and us – fix your thoughts on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and excellent and worthy of praise, then the God of peace will be with you.  God with us, Emmanuel, Jesus – the secret of living in every situation.

Philippians Chapter 3

Philippians 3 NLT - The Priceless Value of Knowing Christ

We have all been there, hoped for a good outcome, hoped for a wonderful dream to come true. We have even gone as far as praying for and hoping, ok negotiating with the Lord that if he would just bless us with…that one thing, all would be grand. The reality is all of these things are just things that we desire for the moment, a temporary fix, because the world tells us we need it, we want it. In reality we were made for more. We should not focus on the physical things rather we should be putting our hope and focus on HIS promises. 

After reading this chapter, I was filled with a sense of Hope. Philippians 3 is filled with valuable truths that we need to hold on too and tuck into our hearts. Here are my takeaways:

No matter what, rejoice in the Lord and it will guard our faith. 

Keep guard and do not fall prey to the ways of the world.

Christ Jesus, is our true treasure.

Let go of the past, it’s a hinderance and gets in the way of God’s works.

Put all Hope and Faith in the Lord, for his ways are righteous and true.

Focus on Him and what he has done, be willing to carry your cross every day.

We are a work in progress.

Don’t look back, keep moving forward, for our day will come to be with Him. 

Verses 18-20 stood out the most because of Paul’s heartfelt plea that we stay on guard and to hold on to our faith. He reminds us to not fall for those who distract us or try to entice us to follow the ways of the world. V.19 says, “They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.” Paul tells we are not of this world, but are citizens of heaven. Paul loves the Lord and the mission he was commanded to do, so much so that he didn’t allow his circumstance of being in jail stop him from rejoicing in the Lord and sharing the Good News with the Philippians. His words reassure us that we were meant for greater things. This chapter is filled with words that a parent would share with their children, an elder or a mentor would say to a dear friend. It’s a reminder that through Christ we are made new.  It’s a warning to not fall back into our old ways or allowing the past to dictate the way we should be. Rather it a guide for what we should hold on too, the truth that our worth is in Jesus and we should let go of the past. I am filling my heart with the Hope that comes from Christ Jesus, are you?

Philippians Chapter 2

Philippians 2 is all about encouragement!  Starting with Paul encouraging us to have the same attitude of Christ Jesus.  “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.  Instead he gave up his divine privileges, he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.  When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.  Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Then he encourages us to shine brightly for Christ.  “Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.  For God is working in you giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

Paul was writing to the Philippians from prison probably in Rome and was troubled that he was not able to come himself.  But he cared so much for the believers there that he wanted to make sure they were ok.  So he sent Epaphroditus to them knowing that Epaphroditus who had loved them and had been ill would encourage them and eleviate their concerns about him.  “So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him , and then I will not be so worried about you.”

Be encouraged that Jesus loves us.  He gave his life for us so we would have eternal life with him in heaven.  If that is not encouraging, I don’t know what is!

Be Blessed!

Philippians Chapter 1

How easy it is to be caught up in what doesn’t matter.  I don’t think it is intentional.  We have jobs, kids, and obligations.  Pretty soon life becomes one big “ToDo” list.  

I look at the things that mattered so much to me over the years.  What was I going to wear? Did I really say that? What does that person think of me? I can’t believe they took my parking spot!

I turned 50 this year and it has been kinda magical.  There is a certain perspective that happens when you hit the golden year.  I am finding that all of the little things that once mattered to me don’t anymore.  What a relief! The filter is a little better on what I say. You can have that parking spot I was about to pull into.  I’m wearing comfortable shoes.  Because none of that stuff really matters!

And that brings me to verse 10. “For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.”  That causes my focus to shift from myself here and now to an eternal perspective where I long to hear my Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21.  

Paul’s and my prayer for you - May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation - the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ – for this will bring much glory and praise to God.  v11 (and you!)