Scripture Sunday: First Thessalonians

Paul's first letter to the Thessalonian church is intensely positive. Paul is proud of the Thessalonians for being bold about sharing their faith: ^"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." (1:8). These people don't just believe in Jesus; they live out their faith in public and share the love of God with others.

Paul takes time to discuss his previous trip to Thessalonica and mention how he and his fellow ministers acted during their visit. He takes care to mention that they preached the gospel in order to please God, not to please people, and that they never flattered anyone or looked for personal glory. This is an example that could benefit modern Christians, especially those who get to preach from a pulpit--they need to focus on what God wants them to say rather than carefully picking out their words in order to please and flatter their listeners. And yet, Paul doesn't say it's necessary to be harsh or abrasive while ministering to others: "But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children" (2:7). So a person speaking God's word must not hold back the truth, but they're also supposed to be loving and gentle toward those they're dealing with.

This personal tenderness toward the Thessalonians had a very strong pull on Paul and his co-ministers. He says "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" (2:8). That's true brotherly love at work, when one person can care so unreservedly for another person and give expecting nothing back. But the Thessalonians did in fact give something back to Paul in the spiritual sense, because he receives great joy and comfort from knowing that they steadfastly follow after the Lord. Paul is longing to see the Thessalonians again, and since he couldn't take a second trip to see them, he had actually sent his right-hand man/protege Timothy to them.

1st Thessalonians contains some important facts about the second coming of Christ, also known as the rapture in Christian circles. Paul makes sure that the Thessalonians know that there is no set calendar date for the Lord's return: ^"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night." (5:2) In other words, it's going to happen suddenly and when no one expects it. Many different denominations (and cults) have tried to predict when Jesus' second coming will be, but dozens of end-of-the-world dates have already come and gone. God's own word tells us that we can't predict when the end will be, nor should we try to--it's our job to be prepared to face the Lord whenever that day does come.

Chapter five ends with a list of short but important things for Christians to remember:

^"16Rejoice evermore.
¹⁷Pray without ceasing.
¹⁸In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
¹⁹Quench not the Spirit.
²⁰Despise not prophesyings.
²¹Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
²²Abstain from all appearance of evil. "

All easy-to-remember proverbs that we would do well to actually commit to memory.

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Scripture Sunday: The Book of Colossians

The book of Colossians is another of Paul's letters to the many churches of his day, and this one focuses a lot of its attention on Christ and on how he must be central to a believer's life.

Chapter 1 dives right into some serious doctrine related to God's son: ^"Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist" (1:15-17).  This passage kind of goes over my head the first time I read it. I'm not used to thinking of Jesus in this way, as someone powerful and preeminent, though scripture clearly shows that he is these things...it's just easier for me to think of the Lord in his humble and sacrificial mode.

The next couple of verses show that Jesus' power, both in heaven and in earth, has been approved and set up by God the Father: ^"For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven" (1:19-20). It is because Jesus has this God-given power and authority that he is able to provide forgiveness of sins.

Paul talks to the Colossians one-on-one a little more in chapter 2. It seems that, unlike several other  churches, Paul has never physically visited the Colossians or their neighbors the Laodiceans, so he's all the more invested in communicating with them and providing them with some helpful doctrine. In chapters 3 and 4, Paul's counsel is mainly of a practical nature, telling the Colossians the sort of attitudes and actions they should avoid, then telling them the sort of behaviors they should embrace: "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." (3:14-15). Charity means "love", so Paul is saying that loving others is the very essence of a righteous attitude. I also like the phrase "let the peace of God rule in your hearts", because it's so easy to let your heart be taken over by worries instead of letting the peace that the Lord provides sink in.

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Scripture Sunday: The Book of Philippians

Philippians is always an uplifting book to read because, unlike other churches Paul wrote to, the church at Philippi does not need a lot of chiding or correcting. Despite having a few small issues related to church unity, they are a well-adjusted church who love God and love other people.

Paul's introduction shows just how much he cares for these people: "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you" (1:3) he says, and just a short while later, "I have you in my heart" (1:7). My own heart is touched when I read things like this. It really does seem like Paul views himself as their brother/father/friend, and he prays for the people at Philippi and longs to see them again. And he goes on to list his prayers for them, in a highly specific way which shows that he really does have their best interests at heart--he wants them to grow closer to Jesus and to "approve things that are excellent" and to "be sincere and without offence".

This particular letter is written while Paul is in jail, but he tells the Philippians that his imprisonment has actually worked out to help further the cause of the gospel because some people have now grown more bold about sharing their faith. Being in prison does not bother Paul very much. He isn't even afraid of losing his own life as a martyr for Jesus--in fact, he describes himself as being caught between actively wanting to leave this world and be with the Lord and wanting to stay and help care for the churches.

In chapter 2, Paul reminds the Philippians to remain united and to stand together in Christ. "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others" (2:3-4). To me, this verse describes the very core of the Christian attitude towards others; I am not better than you, and I am going to think of your needs before my own. Humility and selflessness are traits to be prized and aspired to.

The closing part of chapter 4 is my favorite part of this book, and I've tried to memorize the helpful list of things on which godly people should focus their thoughts: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (4:8).

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Scripture Sunday: The Book of Ephesians

Ephesians is a generally positive letter, since it doesn't have any specific church-related problems to address. More than anything, it seems like Paul just wants to remind the Ephesians of all the good things that they as Christians have going for them.

One of the extended metaphors Paul uses is the idea that before accepting Christ, we human beings (and Gentiles in particular) are like strangers/aliens/foreigners, but when we are redeemed by Jesus, we become the adopted children of God. As a member of an adoptive family, I have always been touched by this adoption metaphor. What better way is there to understand how a person can be a complete stranger and then suddenly be a fully accepted and 100% "real" member of the family? And we aren't just adopted--we get a family inheritance (heaven), too. The sentences in Ephesians can be a little difficult to decipher at times just because there are so many clauses strung together in the King James Version, but triumphant tone here is clear.

The power of Christ is also emphasized in this book. Chapter one mentions how God "raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" (1:20-21). To me, this is emphasizing that "Lion of Judah" aspect of Jesus' identity. I usually think of Jesus' sacrificial aspect first, of the way he gave himself for the world, but beyond his status as the "Lamb of God", he is also ordained to rule over everything one day.

The stranger/adoptee metaphor switches to a death/life metaphor in chapter two, where Paul says that we are all like dead people until God changes us: "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ" (2:4-5). Chapter 2 moves on to describe the peace and unity available through Jesus.

Ephesians has a lot of good, practical advice as well. In 4:1-2, Paul says "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love". That's a beautiful yet heavy request. How often do we think of our faith in Christ as our calling or our vocation? And yet, the importance of whatever we do in life pales in comparison to the importance of loving God and loving others through him. That's a pretty lofty vocation, but it's also one where there's no room for self-importance or pride--it's only through God's mercy that we are able to live out this high calling.

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Scripture Sunday: The Book of Galatians

This letter from the apostle Paul to the church at Galatia is an attempt to set them straight on a few important facts about faith vs. obedience to rigid religious laws. Paul has just barely dispensed with his greeting paragraph when he says to the Galatians, "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel". These people were happy to accept salvation through repentance and belief in Jesus Christ, but now they're following another philosophy entirely by trusting in their own good works to save them. Specifically, they're clinging to the old ways of Judaism and following all the intricacies of Moses' laws (ones that extend far, far, far beyond the basic guidelines of the Ten Commandments).

Paul isn't known for mincing words, and he certainly doesn't hold back when he's telling the Galatians that no one should add on to Jesus' gospel of salvation--"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed" (1:8). Paul is even making provision for his own human failings, here; Paul might one day fall away from the faith, but Jesus' words will still be true and should still be followed no matter what a human leader or a potential divine messenger might say.

One of the big issues in the church at this time in history seems to be the division between Jewish Christians and Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians.  The Jews are trying to make the Gentiles follow all the laws of Moses, when these laws having nothing to do with the new abundant life that Christians are supposed to have. Paul points out that continuing to hold to the religious laws is not the way to be justified (put into a right relationship) with God. ^"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ" (2:16). Even if a person were to perfectly adhere to the hundreds of detailed instructions in the Mosaic law, they would still be justified only through faith.

I think this Faith vs. Works debate is still a big deal in modern Christianity. Non-believers often see Christians as "People Who Don't Do Certain Stuff", and before you know it, we can start to see ourselves that way. We have a long list of bad things that we don't do, and that--combined with the long list of right things we try to accomplish--makes us feel very special. But we are not put into a right relationship with God by sticking close to an admirable list of stuff to do and not do. Justification comes through turning from your sins and trusting in Jesus' sacrifice. All the special religious rules matter very little if you don't have this part settled.

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Scripture Sunday: 2nd Corinthians

Paul's first letter to the Christians at Corinth was pretty harsh, and rightly so--the Corinthian church was plagued by division, lawsuits, and open sinfulness and they needed to be called out for some of their major issues. But now in his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul is offering some comfort. Paul also addresses some rumors and accusations against himself from people who say that he is lacking as an apostle and is unqualified to preach.

After the initial greetings in chapter one, Paul presents a contrast between consolation and suffering, mentioning that God "comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ" (1:4-5). There's no denying that there's an element of suffering involved in being a follower of Christ. Jesus himself endured the ultimate suffering, so people who love him can't expect to avoid hardship entirely. However, Paul is discussing the immense spiritual comfort that God provides whenever we are experiencing trouble. Paul goes on to discuss his own tribulations and to thank the Corinthian church for praying for him and for his fellow ministers.

Paul also explains the reasons for the severity of his last letter: ^"For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you." In other words, he wasn't trying to berate them or emotionally destroy them, but he was speaking in a stern manner because of how much he loved them and was worried about their behavior. One particular case of sinfulness that Paul pointed out in 1st Corinthians is addressed again, and Paul says that now that the man has repented of his wrongdoings, the Corinthians should comfort him and express their love for him.

Chapter 4 shows some more of the suffering/consolation paradox, when Paul speaks of himself and of other ministers of the gospel: "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed" (4:8-9). They never give up because they are working toward an eternal goal, and the rewards are far greater than the price they pay: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory"(4:17).

2nd Corinthians also has some very personal discussions from Paul, where he talks about things in his own life that he doesn't mention (or rarely mentions) elsewhere in the letters he writes. For one thing, chapter 12 mentions some kind of physical malady that Paul has, which the Lord has decided not to heal. Some people guess that Paul had a problem with his eyes, but the exact nature of his "thorn in the flesh" is never described. Paul ends his letter by saying that he's about to come and visit the Corinthians for a third time, and I like how this shows that he had an ongoing relationship with their church. He concludes with some encouraging words: "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you" (13:11).

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Scripture Sunday: 1st Corinthians

1st Corinthians is the first of two letters Paul wrote to the Christians at Corinth. Corinth had a lot of problems, and sometimes the believers in Christ got very far away from the truth of the gospel.

To start with, the Corinthians were dividing themselves into factions based on which spiritual leader they preferred, Paul, Peter, or Apollos. Paul points out the foolishness of this distinction in chapter 1, verse 13, "Was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" He's saying that Jesus Christ is the one we follow; Christians are not supposed to be divided into groups that follow after an idolized preacher or spiritual leader. Divisions in the church are not a good thing.

Chapter 5 deals with an even more serious situation in the church. Fornication (that's sex outside of marriage) is a problem for the Corinthians, and one person in their congregation is especially noteworthy because he's sleeping with his father's wife. And the Christians at Corinth are conducting business as usual instead of confronting this guy for his sins. Paul makes an important distinction between the way Christians are supposed to treat other Christians who are living in open sin and the way we're supposed to treat non-Christians. We are to love non-Christians and spend time with them, but when someone says they belong to Jesus and yet they live their lives in open sin, Paul says we are not to fellowship (keep company) with these people. 5:11--"But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat."

But after addressing these very difficult moral matters, Paul says some beautiful things about Christian love in Chapter 13, "The Love Chapter", which is one of the most well-known passages in the New Testament. Paul is in the midst of discussing spiritual gifts like prophesying and speaking in tongues when he says in 13:1--"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." The word "charity" in this case means "love" instead of the modern sense of "giving to the poor". Paul is saying that even if he has the flashiest and most impressive spiritual gifts, his words will be like the sound of a clanging instrument if he speaks without being motivated by love. God does not place a lot of value on people showing off their spiritual side--he cares about our hearts and whether we love him and love others. Here's the rest of chapter 13, for reference:

^"2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
³And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
⁴Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
⁵Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
⁶Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
⁷Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
⁸Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
⁹For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
¹⁰But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
¹¹When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
¹²For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
¹³And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."


1st Corinthians addresses many painful issues in the early church, but it also shows believers the importance of truly allowing God's love to work in our hearts.

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