When Christians react in kind to hostility, whether from government, society, or individuals, Satan triumphs – Matthew 5:12.
The reality of persecution in the Christian life raises numerous questions. For example, how should we react to our persecutors, especially when we are persecuted by governing authorities? Should we respond with indignation, civil disobedience, and public protests? Or should the disciples of Jesus follow his example and that of the early church?
Continue readingMercy and love are the defining characteristics of his disciple and reflect the true nature of his Father – Matthew 5:43-48.
Christians can be confused, even overwhelmed, by the exhortation found in the middle of Christ’s ‘Sermon on the Mount’ – “Therefore be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” We assume that “perfection” means conforming to a standard of righteousness that is impossible for any human. How can anyone ever hope to emulate the perfect righteousness of God?
Continue readingConsidering the future arrival of Jesus, Paul summoned believers to become sanctified completely by that day – 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
Paul concluded his first letter to the Thessalonians with a series of exhortations summoning believers to righteous living in the interim between their conversion and the “arrival” of Jesus “from heaven,” and ended with a call for their complete sanctification by that day. His final exhortation included verbal links to the preceding sections of the letter.
Continue readingIf the Thessalonians emulate the apostolic example, they will receive the “crown of glory” at Christ’s return – 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20.
Opposition from the local synagogue had compelled Paul to leave Thessalonica prematurely. Though initially, some members of that group had welcomed his message, they turned against him once large numbers of Gentiles began to embrace the gospel. And even after he left the city, some of the synagogue leaders pursued him as he preached elsewhere in Macedonia.
Continue readingThe Thessalonians received the gospel in tribulation but remained faithful in anticipation of the arrival of Jesus – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10.
Opposition to the new faith forced Paul to leave Thessalonica before his work was completed. When he attempted to return to the city, he was thwarted “by Satan.” Because of anxieties about the congregation, he sent Timothy to investigate. His first letter is his thankful response after receiving good news about the congregation’s faithfulness.
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