Articles
Christian Behavior
A few months ago we studied lessons about the importance of the way we as Christians treat ONE ANOTHER. As part of the body of Christ each of us has the responsibility, and the privilege too, of being dedicated to doing our part. That surely includes the way we behave, and especially interacting as fellow-workers for the cause of Christ.
One of the churches Paul and Silas established during their journeys was the church at Thessalonica. (Acts 17). We have the account of Paul written to this church recorded for us in two letters in the New Testament. (First and Second Thessalonians). When we observe some of the first words of Paul in the first letter, we find his commendation to the Christians there. Commending them for their WORK OF FAITH AND LABOR OF LOVE AND STEADFASTNESS OF HOPE. These characteristics of faithful Christians are what all Christians should attain to, and we should today. It's not hard to realize the way they were treating ONE ANOTHER, and others also.
Even though they had grown in their faith and love, Paul continues to exhort them to go further: "Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that, as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that YOU MAY EXCELL STILL MORE." (1 Thessalonians 4:1)
Later in the 2nd letter we see these words giving thanks for their faith and love providing a good example to others. "We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the LOVE OF EACH ONE OF YOU ALL TOWARD ONE ANTOHER GROWS EVEN GREATER; " (2 Thessalonians 1:3)
A bit later in this chapter, Paul discusses the coming of the Lord and things that will take place.
"To this end also we pray for you always that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the WORK OF FAITH WITH POWER; in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Thessalonians 1:11,12)
Even though they were confronted with evil and challenges they were promised the help of God just as we are today when put in difficult places.
They were assured of God's help and given the confidence and comfort needed to continue in their faith, just as we are today.
"But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. and may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ. " ( 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5
God understands today we need assurance and confidence in our faith and work for Him just as they did in the early church. We find that in letters such as these Paul wrote to the Thessalonians. I am sure this meant a great deal to them at the time. We usually don't face physical dangers as they often did (at least so far), but Satan works in many ways to distract and spoil our faith as he did them. Let us use the example of faith and love given us from the Thessalonians to increase our faith and love today. The are a great example of ONE ANOTHER LOVE, for sure. These kind of teachings should be in our prayers also.. Thanks for a bit of your day.
Ross
