Read 1 Thessalonians 2:17-4:12
From the sounds of it, Paul is writing this letter to the church in Thessalonica from Athens. It seems he wanted to bring the whole traveling party back to see how they were faring on their faith journey, but Satan always interfered. Satan remains crafty today, and we often think of spiritual warfare, those battles we face when evil tries to manipulate us by keeping us busy and distracted. For Paul, it sounds even more intimidating.
Thankfully, Timothy was able to get back to these believers and put Paul’s mind at ease. Paul thought very highly of these people in Thessalonica and how they had embraced the truth about Jesus. As a ministry leader myself, I can identify with feeling “pride and joy” toward certain groups who’ve stayed faithful and even grown closer to God after I departed. It’s hard to describe how good it feels to open the doors for a spiritual journey to begin and see it swinging open wide.
I’m not sure what Paul was encountering at the time he wrote this letter, but it sounds like he was amid “troubles and suffering.” He was clinging to the positive way he heard God was working in Thessalonica. He writes, “It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.” I know from experience how I can be encouraged by the faith of others when I’m struggling and feeling down.
Paul models for us how we should support each other in ministry—with prayer. He even includes a short prayer here. What a great blessing of empowerment. We can all long to stand holy before Jesus when he returns one day. Take a moment to just be energized by that image of standing before Jesus. Breathe in that sense of freedom and joy.
Our relationship with Jesus can be our true pride and joy. He is the one we live our lives for, isn’t he? Just the very thought of Jesus can bring peace or strength, whatever it is that we need most. When we treasure our relationship with Jesus like this, as our pride and joy, it’s so much easier to live a life that pleases him.
Paul gives this good advice to his readers, including us, on how to please God. “God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.” God wants us to be holy. Sexual sin would have been prevalent in those days, too. But it’s not the only thing that distracts us from God or his holiness. By living in this way, focusing on the holiness of God, we honor our own bodies, and we honor God, who created us.
Paul tells us to show love for “all believers.” What does that mean for those who don’t yet follow Jesus? I think the difference is in how we “show” our love. When we show someone love, we support them and help them. To me, this says we can love someone without loving or showing support for actions that are not holy.
How do we maintain this pure lifestyle? There are so many messages in the world that scream for our attention. Paul suggests, “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.” What does that say to you? Perhaps it means we should avoid drama, work hard, stop gossiping, and be self-sufficient. Our focus can then be on the main thing, Jesus.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, you are the main thing, and my relationship with you is my pride and joy. Thank you for always being there for me. I do long for the day when I will stand before you in all your holiness. Help prepare me for that moment and use me to help others. Forgive me for how I fall and lose sight of my purpose. Make me holy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
