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As the apostles proclaimed the gospel in the early days of the church in Jerusalem, the Jewish leaders debated what to do with them. They had already arrested Peter and John once, for preaching in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Now, the apostles had been arrested again for filling Jerusalem with the doctrine of Christ.

They were furious, and plotted to kill the apostles. Then, a famous rabbi named Gamaliel spoke, counseling caution. His words had merit. If these apostles were working on their own, their efforts would eventually come to nothing. But, “if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God” (Acts 5:39).

Throughout the ages, this is exactly what men have done — fight against God. It always ended in destruction for them. God destroyed the world in the flood because men fought against Him. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed with fire from heaven, because men fought against Him. The nation of Israel was taken into Assyrian captivity, Judah into Babylonian captivity, because His people fought against Him.

And now, the Jewish leaders, who had worked to have Jesus crucified on the cross, sought to fight against His disciples, and His kingdom. They too were doomed to failure. They listened to Gamaliel in part, after beating them and threatening them, they let the disciples go. Today, men continue to fight against God. But, the gospel continues to be preached, and the borders of His kingdom are enlarged. Man can fight against God, but man can never prevail.

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The apostle Paul loved his brethren. It is evident in every epistle he wrote, including his first epistle to the Christians in Thessalonica. Paul defends his conduct beginning in the second chapter. He was bold in his preaching, despite previous persecution, and conflict in that city (2). He spoke honestly and he spoke the truth from God (3). He did not seek to flatter them, nor did he seek glory in his speech (5-6). He was gentle in dealing with them, and clearly expressed his affection for them (7-8). He labored day and night, both in a physical trade, and in his ministry toward them. He did not want to be a burden to them as he proclaimed to them the gospel (9).

This led him to say in verse 10 of the text, “You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe.” This wonderful proclamation both expresses Paul’s ministry, and the manner of life we all should practice.

Devotion, justice and blamelessness are the proper life choices of all who have named the name of Christ. It is a response to God for the gift of grace, and the discipleship that he requires of us. It is characteristic of our interactions with the world, and especially our brethren. Why? Because it serves as edification! Paul said that his actions were so that “you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (vs. 12).

Devoutly, justly, and blamelessly… does this correctly describe your interactions with God and man?

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On the matter of offenses Jesus said, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones” (Luke 17:1-2). It can be said that Jesus is not happy with those who offend others.

But, what is it that Jesus refers to as an offense? The words is found a total of 15 times in the New Testament. In the KJV of the Bible, the term is translated offence (9x), stumbling block (3x), occasion of stumbling (1x), occasion to fall (1x), thing that offends (1x).

Thayer defines the term, (skandalon) – a trap, snare; any impediment placed in the way and causing one to stumble or fall.

So, Jesus frowns upon the one who would cause another to stumble or fall — that is, to sin against Him. It is bad enough when we ourselves sin, but if we lead others to sin, “woe to him”!

We should think of this when considering the proper attitude we should have toward those who teach error. When we think about teaching others ourself. When we consider how our actions will affect or influence others. As parents and grandparents as we consider our children and grand-children are watching us closely, and learning from our words and actions. Offenses will certainly come, but “woe to him through whom they do come!”

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The phrase “the day of the Lord” is typically used in scripture to reference a judgment of God. For example, in Joel 2:1-2, the prophet proclaims, “Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord is coming, for it is at hand: A day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, like the morning clouds spread over the mountains…”

Joel was one of the prophets sent by God to seek to bring a rebellious nation to repentance. This particular judgment of God upon Israel took the form of a natural calamity — a plague of locusts devastating the land.

Consider the appropriate response to God’s judgment upon the land. “Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm” (Joel 2:12-13).

Whenever trial and tribulation occurs in our lives, whether individually or collectively, this should be considered. It is not that we know such tribulation comes from God’s judgment. But whether that be so, or if it simply be natural happenstance, we should always seek to examine our standing with God. Remember, the final day of judgment is coming, and it will come “as a thief in the night.” Now is the time for any needed repentance. Tomorrow may be too late.

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In Acts 14, we are told that Paul and Barnabas were in Iconium, preaching in the synagogue. Their preaching was effective among Jews and Gentiles. But, the unbelieving Jews “stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren” (14:3). Many believed, but the opposition was strong and active, and they eventually had to flee for their lives.

We will always emphasize the need for defending the faith, and the capability of truth to stand and convict men of sin. But, we also realize that it is possible for the minds of men to be poisoned. And, when it happens there is often nothing that can be done.

When men call light darkness and darkness light, they can poison the minds of some. When they state with extreme conviction and flattering words a false doctrine that has appeal to the masses, they can poison the minds of some. When they make false accusations about the faithful, characterizing their faith as extreme or irrelevant, they can poison the minds of some.

Such poison minds can make life more difficult for the servant of God. Not only does such opposition confuse the innocent, it emboldens the enemies of the cross to persecute the faithful. What do we do in response?

“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ” … “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:1a,2).

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Paul’s prayer life is worthy of emulation. On numerous occasions he expressed his habit of praying for his brethren. There is one example in particular that is worthy of notice:

“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

What makes you thankful? Is it the physical provisions you enjoy? – house, food, health? Is it family? For Paul, these things were relatively unimportant. As a bachelor, he fully gave himself over to the things of God. He learned, “in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11).

What brought him joy, satisfaction, and a feeling of thankfulness, was the faithfulness of his brethren. Not only was he thankful, he made his gratitude known to God, “without ceasing.” The relative value of the word of God working effectively in the lives of men is worth the emphasis Paul gave it.

Are you grateful for God’s word? Are you mindful of the faithfulness of your brethren? Do you make it a frequent habit to give God thanks for both?

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men… For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (1 Timothy 2:1, 3).

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Anyone who has read the letters of Paul know that he was a passionate man. He was open in expressing anger, sorrow, joy and concern. One example of this is an expression of concern for the Christians in Thessalonica. Note his words:

“Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 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, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this… (5) 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” (1 Thessalonians 3:1-3, 5).

So, twice in five verses, Paul expressed the degree of his concern for those in Thessalonica, “when I could no longer endure it…” They were suffering affliction and tribulation. While it would be understandable to worry about them physically, Paul (as seen in verse 5) was concerned about their spiritual welfare.

A simple question occurs. How intensely do you care for the spiritual welfare of your brethren? Has there been a time when you could endure silence or inaction no longer? A time when you were compelled to speak or act? This is the test of love. “Love the brotherhood”! (1 Peter 2:17).

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The apostle Paul expressed a number of conflicting emotions that were a constant part of his work as an apostle. For example, he wrote about his feelings toward his unbelieving countrymen, saying that, “I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh…” (Romans 9:2-3).

However, in his letter to the Philippians he remarked upon his remembrance of them, “always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now…” (Philippians 1:4-5). Later in the same epistle he talked of his having learned, “in whatever state I am, to be content” (4:11). He also remarked upon the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” that is the blessing of all who give their troubles over to God in prayer (cf. 4:7).

While these emotions seem contradictory, they are the expressions of a child of God who sorrows for the lost, rejoices with the saved, and has learned to trust in his God.

“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed — always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10).

May we all feel the same emotions as those expressed by Paul’s example.

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“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

Paul’s exhortation to hold the traditions which you were taught must be reconciled with the common view that tradition in the church is an evil that should be avoided. This can be easily done by looking at the entire verse. The “traditions” that we are to hold on to are the ones that have come through the agency of the Holy Spirit!

Progressivism in the church is dangerous. It is not that we object to a TV or projector over an overhead, chalkboard or bedsheet. It is also not an objection to the use of the internet, social media and Bible apps on our phones. Some may argue that the older ways are better, but typically it is because they are used to them, not because they are intrinsically better or more righteous.

But, there are certain “traditions”, with us for almost 2,000 years that are sacrosanct. They are God’s ways, thoughts, and methods. They are better than the “improvements” that may claim must be made to keep God relevant in our modern times.

Changes in worship, morals, objectives and work are sometimes championed because “times have changed.” That doesn’t matter. God told us how He wants us to worship Him. He established once for all what is moral (righteous) and immoral (sin). He has given us His work to do in His way. So, hold fast to the traditions of God!

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The word condescend is an interesting one. We tend to bristle when someone speaks in a condescending tone toward us. It is a sign to us that they think they are better, stronger, smarter, wiser than us. It seems to indicate arrogance, and we find it unseemly.

The word condescend is defined by Webster: 1) to assume an air of superiority. 2a) to descend to a less formal or dignified level. 2b) to waive the privileges of rank.

While the word does hold negative connotations, such is not necessary. Consider the reality that God is truly superior. If He condescends to His creation, it is not a negative thing. It is an indication of His love and concern for us.

The Psalmist recognized this. “From the rising of the sun to its going down, the Lord’s name is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, Who dwells on high, Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth?” (Psalm 113:3-6).

God condescended to send His Son to earth to benefit mankind. His Son condescended to come, “taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:7-8).

God came down to our level, to lift us up to His. “Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore!” (Psalm 113:2).

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“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God…” (1 Corinthians 3:18-19a).

We are constantly bombarded with the world’s wisdom. It is seen on television as we watch the news, as well as entertainment. It even rears its head when you watch something as simple as sports. Moral issues, civic issues, questions of war and peace. How to help people. What is most important. Who is right and wrong. People argue back and forth, everyone sure they are right, and the other side is not only wrong but evil. But, few talk about God. Even fewer adopt what God has to say!

James warned about this, calling worldly wisdom demonic and divisive (cf. James 3:15). Here in our text, Paul called them fools who hold to worldly wisdom!

They are crafty, but God catches them in their deceit. Their thoughts are futile. (vs. 19b-20). It is misguided to place your trust in their schemes. The world is a mess because of them. “Therefore let no one boast in men” (21a).

Society seems doomed because too many are swayed by the futile thoughts of our cultural and political leaders and influencers. But it is not too late for you and I. We have to reject the wisdom of the world, and become fools for Christ!

Do you want true wisdom? Place your trust in the Lord!

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In a recent study I had with a number of non-Christians, we were covering the book of Luke, and came across the following passage: “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery” (Luke 16:18).

One person remarked that the passage seemed unduly harsh and unfair. I responded that I understood he would feel that way, but asked others if they thought the same? Several admitted they did.

I must admit I was a bit surprised. I thought the response would be a bit more muted. It just shows how modern day thinking is so opposed to the morals espoused by our Lord.

Of course, Jesus had the same problem when these concepts were first taught by him. In Matthew 19, he said almost the same thing in verse 9. In response, His own disciples said, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” (Matthew 19:10).

It certainly is not easy to live up to the standards God has set for us morally. As Christians we are called to reject the darkness, and cling to the light. “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Not all are willing to heed Jesus’ words. That does not lead our Lord to compromise. Instead, He simply says, “He who is able to accept it, let him accept it” (Matthew 19:12).

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In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he began by expressing thanksgiving for them. Why was he thankful?

1. Because it was fitting (3). In other words, there was a legitimate reason for his joy. Its origin was their conduct in Christ, which he lists in verses 3-4.
2. Because their faith was growing exceedingly (3). These Christians hadn’t stalled in their faith as others did and can do today (Hebrews 5:12—6:6). Through diligence and effort, they were making progress, and growing stronger spiritually.
3. Because their love for each other was abundant (3). John considered this the primary characteristic identifying the people of God (1 John 4:7-11). The Thessalonians were wonderful examples of the proper response to God’s love. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
4. Because they were strong in faith and patience in the midst of tribulation and persecution (10). It is one thing to be strong when the going is easy. It is a true reason to rejoice when faithfulness is seen despite the devil’s attempt to destroy it. The zeal of the Thessalonians was truly praiseworthy.

So, a natural question to ask… Is our congregation one that Paul would “thank God always for”? Are we growing in faith? Abounding in Love? Remaining steadfast despite trials? It is important to be counted “worthy of this calling” (11).

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In Luke 13, Jesus spoke a parable discussing the need for repentance. He pictured a fig tree that did not bear fruit. The master of the vineyard told the keeper to cut it down, “why does it use up the ground?” (7). The keeper asked for another season to cultivate and fertilize it, with the hope that it would bear fruit. “And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down” (9).

The parable mirrors the petition made by Abraham to God, who had determined to destroy the city of Sodom, (Genesis 18:16-33). Abraham asked that the city be spared if fifty righteous souls could be found. He continued to intercede until God decided to spare the city if only ten righteous souls could be identified. Alas, the city was fully given over to ungodliness, and God destroyed the city.

A couple of things to note about the parable. First, there is no indication whether the master of the vineyard spared the tree for another season. (The petition was made, but we don’t know if it was granted). Second, without a change (from non-fruit bearing to fruit bearing) the fate of the tree was sealed.

How does this parable apply to us? First, we must note that our opportunity to repent is dependent upon God’s longsuffering. We may be granted a stay from judgment, but we have no guarantee beyond today! (cf. 2 Peter 3:9-10). Second, without repentance from our sins, our fate is also sealed. Twice in our context, our Lord said, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (3, 5).

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As an evangelist, Timothy had a wonderful teacher, who instructed him in the gospel of Christ. The great apostle Paul took a personal interest in the young man, and called upon Timothy to “Guard what was committed to your trust” (1 Timothy 6:20).

The Greek word translated “Guard,” (or “Keep” in the KJV), means to guard or preserve. An evangelist is certainly not to guard the faith in the sense of keeping it from others. Rather, he is to guard or preserve the integrity of the faith that is committed to his trust.

In fact, the phrase “committed to your trust” indicated that Timothy had a responsibility to pass on to others the exact message of truth that he himself had received. As we consider the extant dangers listed by Paul in the context, “profane and idle babblings”, “contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge”, we see that such corruptions of the truth lead to a disciple straying.

One of the primary responsibilities of the child of God is to, “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Jude speaks of “certain men”, “ungodly men”, who corrupt the truth of God, and in so doing defile themselves, and those who hear them.

As an evangelist, Timothy had a special burden in defending the truth. No man who claims to be an evangelist is worth his salt if he does not stand up to the error that is present in every generation. Not only is a preacher to be a proclaimer, he is to be a guardian of the truth!

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