1 Thessalonians 2

What is your goal? 

1 Thessalonians 2

FRIDAY  Reflections

Why did Paul do what he did at Thessalonica? The answer is found in the last part of verse 12, so they would "live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory." Paul did the ministry he did so that they would live the lives God wanted for them, period. It wasn't about building a fan club or to get rewards, it was to help them live for God. This is the ultimate goal of all Godly ministry.

There are other things to find in this chapter, but for those who work in ministry (and all Christians do in some way) we need to remember why we are doing ministry. 

1Th 2:1-20
(1)  For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
(2)  But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
(3)  For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
(4)  But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
(5)  For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
(6)  Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
(7)  But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
(8)  So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
(9)  For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
(10)  Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
(11)  As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
(12)  That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
(13)  For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
(14)  For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
(15)  Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
(16)  Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
(17)  But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
(18)  Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
(19)  For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
(20)  For ye are our glory and joy.

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1 Thessalonians 1

Nearly anyone can be a role model.

1 Thessalonians 1

THURSDAY  Reflections

"I'm not a role model!"

Charles Barkley made this statement 25 years ago. The very fact that I am quoting it today makes the point that yes, he was. We may not like it but we are role models for people around us. No, as Christians, it shouldn't be our goal, but it happens. You and I may never be on the level of an NBA Hall of Famer, but in some ways, we may be more of a role model to those that know us best.

Paul reminded the people in Thessalonica that they had become followers of Paul and Silas and the Lord (1 Thessalonians 1:6). When he says this he didn't give the typical response which I hear today, "Don't follow me follow Christ." Paul understood that people naturally follow people that they look up to. Paul knew he wasn't perfect but understood that he was a role model for Christians and he embraced it (1 Cor. 11:1).

Every Christian is called to be Jesus to the world around them. This doesn't mean that we turn into a parody of Jesus but that we live as he would if he were us, which in some ways He is. This is what God wants, but we have to realize we are also an example to those around us.

1Th 1:1-10

(1)  Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(2)  We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

(3)  Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

(4)  Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

(5)  For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

(6)  And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

(7)  So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

(8)  For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

(9)  For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

(10)  And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

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Psalms 39

Speak no evil

Psalms 39  

WEDNESDAY  Reflections

Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing. There is power in silence. There is wisdom in holding our tongues (refusing to speak). Here are a few scriptures which echo this same point:  Proverbs 10:19 says "Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues." Proverbs 13:3 says "Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin." Proverbs 21:23 says "Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity." James 1:26 says "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless." James 3:2 says "We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check"(All verse from NIV).

 

When you do begin to speak, speaking to God was the psalmist’s plan.

Psa 39:1-13
(1)  To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
(2)  I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.
(3)  My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
(4)  LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.
(5)  Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
(6)  Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
(7)  And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
(8)  Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish.
(9)  I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.
(10)  Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand.
(11)  When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.
(12)  Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
(13)  O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.

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Leviticus 10

Leviticus 10

TUESDAY  Reflections

Moses understood the command of God that once anointed the priest had to finish his days of service. Aaron's family had lost two sons due to their disobedience to God. They held their peace but surely on the inside they were grieving greatly. Moses was quick to get the worship of the tabernacle back to its proper routine. He was upset that Aaron and his remaining sons were not eating of the sin offering which was their potion. 

Aaron indicates in verse 19 that his heart was not where it should be. He believed eating the holy things would not be done in the right attitude thus making it unacceptable to God. Moses agreed and let the issue slide.

There are times when, though we may not have sinned, our hearts may not be in the correct frame of mind to worship God. Though we do not have the sacrificial system and the food to eat, the church celebrates the Lord's Supper. Paul in 1 Corinthians 11 tells believers to examine themselves before taking Communion. I believe there may be times that though we are not in sin we may not be in the right frame of mind to take that which is holy.   

 

Lev 10:1-20
(1)  And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
(2)  And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.
(3)  Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.
(4)  And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.
(5)  So they went near, and carried them in their coats out of the camp; as Moses had said.
(6)  And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled.
(7)  And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses.
(8)  And the LORD spake unto Aaron, saying,
(9)  Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:
(10)  And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;
(11)  And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.
(12)  And Moses spake unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons that were left, Take the meat offering that remaineth of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and eat it without leaven beside the altar: for it is most holy:
(13)  And ye shall eat it in the holy place, because it is thy due, and thy sons' due, of the sacrifices of the LORD made by fire: for so I am commanded.
(14)  And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for they be thy due, and thy sons' due, which are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.
(15)  The heave shoulder and the wave breast shall they bring with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave it for a wave offering before the LORD; and it shall be thine, and thy sons' with thee, by a statute for ever; as the LORD hath commanded.
(16)  And Moses diligently sought the goat of the sin offering, and, behold, it was burnt: and he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron which were left alive, saying,
(17)  Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it is most holy, and God hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD?
(18)  Behold, the blood of it was not brought in within the holy place: ye should indeed have eaten it in the holy place, as I commanded.
(19)  And Aaron said unto Moses, Behold, this day have they offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD; and such things have befallen me: and if I had eaten the sin offering to day, should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD?
(20)  And when Moses heard that, he was content.

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Leviticus 9

Leviticus 9

MONDAY  Reflections

Aaron begins his work as high priest. He offers the sacrifices and blesses the people but then the most amazing thing happens. God shows up in a mighty way. God’s glory is seen and fire consumes the sacrifice. Aaron has done all that he was supposed to do, now God is adding His fire.

We talked about this fire a couple of chapters back. This fire was a sign that God himself had accepted what was being offered. God was using signs to confirm His word. Though signs can lead a person wrong (Matthew 7:21-23; 24:23-24; Deuteronomy 13:1-4; Mark 13:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:9), they can also be a powerful reminder of what God desires and designs. Here it was a powerful sign that Aaron had done what is right. Unfortunately, we will see later this sign didn't change the hearts of the people. Relationships change people, specifically when it’s a relationship with God. Signs, on the other hand, might change behavior for a time but they don't really change hearts.  

Lev 9:1-24
(1)  And it came to pass on the eighth day, that Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel;
(2)  And he said unto Aaron, Take thee a young calf for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer them before the LORD.
(3)  And unto the children of Israel thou shalt speak, saying, Take ye a kid of the goats for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, both of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt offering;
(4)  Also a bullock and a ram for peace offerings, to sacrifice before the LORD; and a meat offering mingled with oil: for to day the LORD will appear unto you.
(5)  And they brought that which Moses commanded before the tabernacle of the congregation: and all the congregation drew near and stood before the LORD.
(6)  And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commanded that ye should do: and the glory of the LORD shall appear unto you.
(7)  And Moses said unto Aaron, Go unto the altar, and offer thy sin offering, and thy burnt offering, and make an atonement for thyself, and for the people: and offer the offering of the people, and make an atonement for them; as the LORD commanded.
(8)  Aaron therefore went unto the altar, and slew the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself.
(9)  And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him: and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar:
(10)  But the fat, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver of the sin offering, he burnt upon the altar; as the LORD commanded Moses.
(11)  And the flesh and the hide he burnt with fire without the camp.
(12)  And he slew the burnt offering; and Aaron's sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled round about upon the altar.
(13)  And they presented the burnt offering unto him, with the pieces thereof, and the head: and he burnt them upon the altar.
(14)  And he did wash the inwards and the legs, and burnt them upon the burnt offering on the altar.
(15)  And he brought the people's offering, and took the goat, which was the sin offering for the people, and slew it, and offered it for sin, as the first.
(16)  And he brought the burnt offering, and offered it according to the manner.
(17)  And he brought the meat offering, and took an handful thereof, and burnt it upon the altar, beside the burnt sacrifice of the morning.
(18)  He slew also the bullock and the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings, which was for the people: and Aaron's sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled upon the altar round about,
(19)  And the fat of the bullock and of the ram, the rump, and that which covereth the inwards, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver:
(20)  And they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar:
(21)  And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved for a wave offering before the LORD; as Moses commanded.
(22)  And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings.
(23)  And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.
(24)  And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.

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