Paul wrote two letters to Timothy to instruct him on how to pastor the church at Ephesus. In chapter three of his first letter, he gave qualifications for the selection of church “overseers” (ἐπίσκοπος, episkopos). The qualifications included several concerning a man’s family life. Why was family life so important one might ask? Paul explained that the same competency used to lead a family well was necessary in leading the church well. Why? Because the church is God’s family (Eph. 2:19).
Jesus Christ is unique. He is God incarnate, fully human and fully divine. He is the only One able to reconcile us to the Father through His sacrificial death and resurrection. He is both our Advocate and Lamb, standing before the Father in our place of judgment. He took our sin, separation and death. And offers His righteousness, sonship and eternal life in exchange. Without Christ, a great chasm of spiritual separation continues to exist between God and humanity. With Christ this chasm is bridged. Christ is our only Mediator!
Jeremiah told those who had been exiled to Babylon to “seek the peace” of that city. They were to seek “peace” (Hebrew: “shalom” – wholeness, peace, prosperity, happiness, blessing). They were to plant, build, marry, and increase, not decrease there. They were to be a blessing to the city, for in “its peace” they would have peace too. Are we a blessing to the city to which we’ve been sent? If our church ceased to exist in our city, would anyone notice? In our zeal to separate ourselves from the world, we tend to gather in a holy huddle around the Light while leaving those around us in darkness. Instead, let us be a light in our city, seeking its shalom in Jesus’ name.
Paul’s prayer: May the Word spread quickly and be held in honor by all. Paul asked the Thessalonians to join him in praying that the gospel would go out unhindered and be accepted, just as they had accepted it. Would you join me in praying Paul’s prayer? That the Word of God would “run swiftly” in our city, our region, our country and in our world. And that it would be “glorified,” in human hearts as they receive it as the gospel of God.
Apparently, the first century church suffered from false prognosticators just as today’s church does. Paul warned believers not to be deceived and therefore so “troubled in mind” (v.2) as to be shaken in their faith. Instead, they should “stand fast” (v.15) and continue remembering the calling of the gospel. We await Christ’s return best by proclaiming the gospel to all.
In the midst of announcing woes and judgment, Jeremiah proclaimed a future when the Christ would come. There are two distinct threads of messianic prophecies in the Old Testament. One of a Suffering Servant (See Isa. 53) and another of a Righteous King. Jesus has already come as Savior and sacrifice, but this prophecy of His righteous reign is yet to be fulfilled. We still await the coming of the King of Righteousness that Jeremiah proclaimed. And as we work proclaiming the gospel we join the saints of old saying, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20).
Paul must have written this letter in October to encourage Pastor Appreciation Month. 🙂 For he urged the Thessalonians to give recognition, high esteem and love to those who labored and served as their shepherds. There is a sinful human tendency to rebel against authority. Yet, believers are to be submissive to God and to those whom He has placed “over” them to “admonish” them. This makes the hard work of shepherding more beneficial for both the pastor and the people.
The apostle Paul described believers who had died as having “fallen asleep” in Jesus. For them death is like sleep, a transitional state where one closes their eyes in this world and opens them in the next. Having given the Thessalonians this description, Paul encouraged them not to “sorrow as others who have no hope.” Let the tears fall down your face, but not without believing in your heart that the same Jesus who died and rose again will return with those who sleep in Him. This faith gives us hope that overcomes the sorrow of death.
The Bible is food to those who bear His Name. His Word is real spiritual nourishment. It’s promises encourage and bring joy, filling our heart’s with delight. It’s admonitions convict us and move us to yield to the Spirit’s correction and empowering. Jeremiah didn’t just hear God’s Word, he internalized it. In spite of those who persecuted him for believing and proclaiming the Word, his heart rejoiced in knowing it. Those who carry the Name, rejoice in the Book.
The apostle Paul told the Thessalonians that when they shared the gospel with them, they also shared their lives. This was the practice of Jesus, who was accused of eating and drinking with sinners. As Christ-followers we are called not only to share the gospel, but to share our very lives, loving others with the love of Christ. Gospel-sharing and life-sharing go hand in hand.