Who wrote the books of 1 and 2 Timothy and who did they write it for?
1 and 2 Timothy are letters written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy whom he had left in Ephesus to help the Ephesian church.
When did the events of the books of 1 and 2 Timothy happen?
Paul likely wrote 1 Timothy around 62 AD after he was released from his first Roman imprisonment while he was in Macedonia, and 2 Timothy around 67 AD while under his second Roman imprisonment.
What was the setting of the books of 1 and 2 Timothy?
Paul wrote these letters while Timothy was in Ephesus dealing with false teachings that had seeped into the church there.
What is the purpose of the books of 1 and 2 Timothy?
1 Timothy was likely written after Paul was released from his first Roman imprisonment, met up with Timothy to travel together to Ephesus and left Timothy there to tend to the church while Paul himself went on to Macedonia. 2 Timothy is said to have been written after Paul was again imprisoned in Rome about 5 years later before he was later executed for standing firm in his faith and mission of sharing the gospel.
Timothy, who was described by Paul as being like a son to him, was entrusted with the teaching of the church in Ephesus and instructed by Paul in how to establish godly leaders in ministry. Paul also instructed Timothy on how Christians should conduct themselves as part of the church of God and how to use their spiritual gifts to share the gospel with others.
False teachings had infiltrated the Ephesian church and Paul was counseling Timothy on how to identify and combat this. Paul stresses the importance of being able to identify false doctrine and how to go about dealing with it within the church and encouraging others to be aware as well.
In 2 Timothy, Paul was writing to Timothy also to ask him to come to Paul. It is said that Paul was executed shortly after the letter of 2 Timothy, making this letter very likely his very last. Paul wanted to leave Timothy with vital wisdom and guidance in church ministry, Christian conduct, and encouragement for the persecution that he was sure to face. Paul likely also wanted to see Timothy again before he was executed.
The wisdom and encouragement that Paul wrote to Timothy in these letters are important for Christians of all generations to take to heart, study and apply to themselves. There is much exhortation, edification, and raw love found within these pages and can serve to embolden believers of Jesus in their faith and life.
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Who wrote the book of Titus and who did they write it for?
The book of Titus was a letter written by the Apostle Paul to instruct Titus about caring for the churches in Crete.
When did the events of the book of Titus happen?
Paul wrote the letter that is the book of Titus around 63-65 AD.
What was the setting of the book of Titus?
Paul had left Titus in Crete in order to establish leadership within the churches of Crete, which was an island known for being lazy, gluttonous, and evil.
Crete, an island south of Greece, was known for being evil, gluttonous, and deceitful. The people there had a bad reputation but great agriculture and a prosperous trading economy. It is said that when Paul was released from Roman imprisonment he establish a church in Crete. He left Titus, one of his most trusted assistants, behind to help the church establish leadership and get on its feet. Titus helped Paul in many other ways, delivering letters and traveling with him to other churches, but returned to Crete and is said to have spent the rest of his life there.
Titus is an incredibly short letter but is packed with vital information for Christians to be edified and encouraged by. Through this brief letter, we can learn about organizational structures and qualifications for church leadership, roles for men and women in the church, practical wisdom for the Christian lifestyle, the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives as well as in salvation, and so much more. This letter focuses heavily on Christians doing good works as a Christian duty and how this duty is impacted by redemption and righteousness through Christ.
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Who wrote the Book of Philippians and who did they write it for?
The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Philippians to the church in Philippi.
When did the events in the Book of Philippians happen?
This letter was written between 60-63 AD while Paul was imprisoned in Rome, approximately a decade after he was called to the region via a night vision sent from the Lord (Acts 16:6-10).
What is the setting of the Book of Philippians?
This letter’s destination was the church in Philippi, a major city in Macedonia which was a Roman colony and the first church established in Europe. Philippi had a very progressive culture where women of the time had a lot of independence.
The letter of Philippians was one of the four letters the Apostle Paul wrote while under house arrest in Rome. He had visited Philippi several times in the years before writing this letter, the church in Philippi being the first city Paul preached in Europe.
Philippi was a progressive place of the time. In particular, the women were very independent, vastly different from the culture in much of the rest of the world. Part of the reason for this letter was because the women were causing some strife in church.
This letter is fairly short, but it packs a vital punch for all believers of Jesus and exhorts with crucial reminders of who we are called to be and how we are called to live as Christians. Followers of Jesus will find encouragement in their faith walk, and reminders to hold tight to their relationship with and commitment to Jesus.
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more aboutsalvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
What can the Apostle Paul teach me about persecution?
The Apostle Paul is such an interesting historical figure. He became one of the primary people led by the Holy Spirit to write so much of the New Testament. Before this, he was a deadly prosecutor of followers of Jesus. In Acts 9 we read about Jesus blinding Paul and told him to stop persecuting Him. Jesus then sent him on a mission. He had an extremely dramatic conversion to following Jesus and his life certainly never ceased being dramatic.
17 Now from Miletus, he sent to Ephesus and summoned the elders of the church. 18 When they came to him, he said to them, “You know, from the first day I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with tears, and during the trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews. 20 You know that I did not avoid proclaiming to you anything that was profitable or from teaching you publicly and from house to house. 21 I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.
22 “And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, compelled by the Spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there, 23 except that in every town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me. 24 But I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.
22 I remained personally unknown to the Judean churches that are in Christ. 23 They simply kept hearing, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith he once tried to destroy.”
Paul is one of my favorite people in scripture. He went boldly wherever the Lord called. The Apostle said what he needed to say, and did the work God led him to do. He was a bit harsh when it was necessary, and gentle in the right moments as well. He learned, by the Holy Spirit, to minister to different people groups in different circumstances. There is so much to learn about how to live as Christ and minister to the world around us. We should never have shame about our faith or the mission we have been given.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.
One of my favorite things is that he led such a life of turmoil but understood that there was a purpose for all of it. Paul understood that his reward was not here, but was awaiting him in Heaven. He understood what it meant to be truly persecuted for the sake of Jesus. Even still, he kept sharing the Gospel and didn’t run from it. He embraced discomfort, pain, imprisonment. Paul kept on in his God-given mission. He kept trusting in the Lord to use his painful circumstances for His glory.
How did Paul respond when life was difficult?
Paul is an incredible example of growing through discomfort. He teaches us so much about placing Jesus as our reason, priority, and mission. He shows us the depths we should be willing to go through, the lengths we should be willing to travel. He exemplifies the pain we should be willing to endure to further the mission and truth of the Gospel. We are called to get uncomfortable so we can grow. That can’t be done if we stay in our little bubble of protection. We cannot grow in faith if we never act in faith, or only leap when it is convenient.
19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.
Paul says in Acts 20:24“I consider my life as no value to myself;” – he understands his life belongs to the Lord. He goes on to say “my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.” Friends, fam in Christ, we all share this exact mission. God has given you a mission to testify to the gospel. Our shared mission is to share His Word. We should plant seeds of faith into as many hearts as He gives you the opportunity to. Our lives are not our own.
How can I grow spiritually when life is hard?
My life is the Lord’s. I give myself over to Him every day, moment by moment. It’s a choice to seek His guidance in whatever pains and joys He brings me through. I strive to serve, honor, glorify and testify every chance I get. I don’t always get it right, I never will, but I surrender again and again to His plan. He reminds me that His plans are bigger than me and I am blessed to be a part of them.
14 Do everything without grumbling and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world, 16 by holding firm to the word of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing.
Next time you read Paul’s letters take a look at how he gives his life over to be used for the Lord. Don’t let pain, persecution, difficulty, or discomfort stop you. Don’t put His plans on pause, or make excuses to avoid what God has called him to do.
7 Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap, 8 because the one who sows to his flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.
Check out our reading plan that walks you through all of the Epistles of Paul. Be encouraged by the lessons we can derive from this collection of letters.
Who wrote the Book of Ephesians and who did they write it for?
The book of Ephesians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the churches in Ephesus.
When did the events in the Book of Ephesians happen?
This letter was written around 61 AD during Paul’s house arrest in Rome.
What is the setting of the Book of Ephesians?
Ephesus was one of the major cities within the Roman province of Asia. It was located at the intersection of many trade routes as well as the most direct route to the eastern Roman provinces, by both land and sea. Because of this, it was the most famous and populous city in Asia at the time. On one of Paul’s visits to Ephesus prior to this letter, his preaching led to so many converts that the silver trade, which supported the worship of Diana (Artemis), suffered. This caused riots that led Paul to flee to Macedonia.
Believer’s past, present, and future (Ephesians 2-3)
Responsibilities of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4-6)
Believer’s call to responsibility and purity (Ephesians 4)
Believer’s call to Spirit-filled living and spiritual warfare (Ephesians 5-6)
How does the Book of Ephesians apply to my life?
Paul wrote this letter to the many churches that had been planted along the routes of his missionary journeys to encourage them in faith and explain their position and responsibilities as the body of Christ.
This letter from Paul is filled with valuable foundational truths that help believers understand our total position in our Savior. It also includes many practical life applications for these truths and our faith. Paul, being guided by the Holy Spirit, stresses the importance and goal of unity within the body of Christ, and also teaches vital tools at our disposal for combatting the very real spiritual warfare we’re all facing. The main theme of Ephesians is that the Body of Christ makes up the Glorious Church, in which all believers are called to live united, and to live as though we are saved.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Who wrote the Book of Colossians and who did they write it for?
The book of Colossians is a letter from the Apostle Paul to the Colossian church.
When did the events in the Book of Colossians happen?
This letter was written while Paul was under house arrest in Rome around 60-63 AD, likely around the same time as the letter to Philemon.
What is the setting of the Book of Colossians?
Colossae was about 100 miles from Ephesus and was a predominantly Gentile church with some Jewish people. There were some false teachings infiltrating the church, one of which was heretical teachings about Jesus not being fully man and fully God, as well as legalism.
Explains that Christ is the only way of salvation. There are no special qualifications or requirements for experiencing God’s favor – we are all equal in Christ.
Christ is fully man and fully God.
Shows how Christ’s Lordship is revealed in a personal relationship to Him, local church, family, work, and society.
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Summary
This letter from the Apostle Paul to the Colossian church was likely written in the same year as Philemon and Ephesians while he was under house arrest in Rome. He never visited Colossae’s predominantly Gentile church, but he wrote this letter to the new converts there to encourage them to persevere in the truth of the gospel and the supremacy of Jesus Christ.
There had been some heretical teachings that denied the supremacy and humanity of Christ, as well as other dangerous deviations from the true doctrine. This letter tackles these deviations and provides practical theology for Christian living and faith development.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
This is a personal letter but was intended to be shared with the Colossian church as well to encourage Christian charity in all of their relationships.
A picture of what Christ did for us in paying our debt of sin, and Paul’s intercession is analogous to Christ’s ongoing intercession for us.
Emphasizes that in Christ there is neither slave nor free, and displays the practical application of how the Holy Spirit is the One who baptizes all believers.
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Summary
Philemon is a tiny little letter from Paul to Philemon. Philemon was a slave owner who had recently converted to Christianity. He held church in his home in Colossae, although it is unclear if he housed the entire church or was a single location for the church in Colossae. Philemon had a slave that had run away and this is Paul’s letter to Philemon urging him to forgive his slave.
This is a valuable letter with themes that are incredibly relevant even today. Throughout this letter, we see a wonderful example of what Christ did for us in paying for our sins. We can be encouraged by the transforming love of Jesus that leads us in His ways to become more like Him and closer to God. There are also valuable lessons about Christian charity that all should take to heart.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Romans was written to a mixed audience of Jews and gentiles. It challenges secular and pagan beliefs, as well as instills spiritual confidence in believers. This letter from Paul to the Romans is packed with his systemic defense for the gospel as well as encouragement and instruction in Christian living, Christian freedom, and ways in which we are called to present ourselves as followers of Jesus Christ.
Throughout the book of Romans, Paul provides vital wisdom, guidance, and testimony that is important for all Christians to take to heart. This is commonly known as an incredibly convicting book.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more aboutsalvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Who wrote the book of Galatians and who did they write it to?
The book of Galatians is a letter written to the churches within the region of Galatia.
When did the events of the book of Galatians happen?
If written to South Galatia on Paul’s first missionary journey it was written around 48-50 AD. If it was written to North Galatia in the second missionary journey it was written around 55-57 AD.
What is the setting for the book of Galatians?
It is clear that there were a lot of cultural and ethnic influences causing confusion and leading new believers into false teaching throughout the churches in Galatia.
Reaffirms the true gospel of Jesus and emphasizes the authenticity of Paul’s message.
Justification is by faith in Jesus rather than keeping the Law.
Declares Christian freedom from the Law and for service to God.
Provides guidelines for Christian living.
Explains the fruit of the Spirit, which are the attributes of God that Christians display as evidence of true faith in Christ as a result of walking in the Spirit.
Encourages Christians to fellowship, share burdens, walk in Christ together, and to not give up hope.
Summary
It is uncertain whether Paul wrote Galatians to North or South Galatia, making it unclear when he wrote it and at what point in his missionary journey. Regardless, it is clear that it was meant for all generations of God’s people.
There had been confusing teachings by Judiazers to new Christian converts about their legalistic teachings. As a result of this, Paul writes to the Galatians to encourage them in the truth of the gospel, the differences between the Law and the Gospel, justification by faith, explanation of faith and works, Christian liberty, walking in the Spirit, and so much more.
This letter is short yet packed with crucial guidance and wisdom for every follower of Jesus to learn and apply to their lives.
How does the Book of 2 Corinthians apply to my life?
After writing the letter of 1 Corinthians, a strong appeal for the Corinthians to correct their immoral conduct, the Corinthians were swayed by false apostles to reject Paul, who later wrote to rebuke them. This letter of 2 Corinthians is in response to their repentance after having rejected him.
Reaffirms Paul’s authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ.
Teaches correct intentions and motives for serving Jesus Christ.
Teaches that obedience to Christ includes respecting and submitting to His messengers;
Instructs how to discern between true and false messengers of the Lord.
2 Corinthians is an incredibly autobiographical, personal, and harsh letter from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church. He wrote this letter as he was traveling in Macedonia revisiting the churches he had established. After Paul wrote the letter of 1 Corinthians to the Corinthian church, Paul made a second trip to Corinth.
Some of the Corinthians rebelled against and rejected Paul, who then left Corinth discouraged, humiliated, and sorrowful. Paul mentions another letter sent to the Corinthians between the letters of 1 and 2 Corinthians that was disciplinary in nature. It was also regarding the rebellion and misconduct of the Corinthian church. After sending this letter with Titus to the church at Corinth, Paul later met back up with Titus who confirmed that most of the Corinthians were repentant but that some still opposed Paul.
His third letter, 2 Corinthians, was sent in response to Titus’ update and to prepare the Corinthians for Paul’s third visit to the church. He begins his letter in love and abruptly changes tone to an uncomfortable and harsh rebuke stressing the intention was to win their affection and devotion for Christ. He spends much of the letter defending his conduct, teaching correct motives for following Christ, stressing his example as a faithfulservant, reminding aboutobedience to Christ, and driving home the importance of selfless giving and generosity.
Who wrote 1 Corinthians and who did they write it to?
1 Corinthians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth.
When did the events of 1 Corinthians happen?
Paul wrote this letter in approximately 55-56 AD.
Where was the setting of 1 Corinthians?
Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthian church while in Ephesus. The Corinth church had been established by Paul in about 52 AD. Corinth was an important trade and commerce hub located in ancient Greece, and had a diverse population well-known for idolatry and sexual immorality.
Paul had left the Corinthian church under the leadership of Priscilla and Aquila in 53 AD, and later received reports of the Corinthians’ immoral and idolatrous behavior.
Paul responds to two letters to address disturbing reports from the household of Chloe, and to answer questions from the Corinthians about marriage and singleness, as well as to provide additional instructions for the Corinthian Christians and future generations of Christians.
Teaches the importance of using all that God provides for the edification and building up of the Body of Christ.
Stresses that we should not focus on self-interest or competition, but should be united within the Body of Christ in order to bring God glory in all we do.
Teaches the necessity of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and also about the resurrection of Christians.
Addresses the need for balance within our freedom in Christ while not using that freedom to cause others to stumble.
Summary
First Corinthians is a letter from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church. Corinth was a commerce hub between Italy and Asia and had many diverse travelers. Corinth had been ransacked in 146 B.C. by the Romans, rebuilt by Julius Caesar in 46 B.C. The city had been host to the renowned Isthmian Games which were second only to the Olympic Games.
The Corinthians worshiped Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. They even created plays that highlighted drunkenness and immorality. Their immorality was so well known that Aristophanes made popular the Greek term korinthiazomai which was a synonym for sexual immorality and means “to act like a Corinthian”.
Paul had left the Corinthian church under the leadership of Priscilla and Aquila in A.D. 53 and likely wrote this letter around A.D. 56. Paul had heard of some disturbing conduct by the Corinth Church, as well as some questions that he sought to answer and provide instruction for. Because of the drastic immorality within the church, Paul’s letter is extremely confrontational, yet filled with vital instructions and hope for all believers.
Written as a response to the Corinthian immorality seeping into the Church of Corinth, Paul addressed many heavy topics of concern that are still rampant in today’s culture. Christians in this century can benefit from relevant wisdom and warnings throughout 1 Corinthians.
Additionally, Paul encourages the Corinthians constantly in how they, as well as future generations of Christians, are to come alongside fellow believers. We can also learn how to be in relationship with nonbelievers and find a wealth of guidance in how to rightly fellowship throughout 1 Corinthians. This wisdom is just as relevant and vital now as it was when Paul wrote it.
Paul doesn’t mince words, and this letter can be either incredibly offensive or incredibly humbling. Either way, it should certainly be taken to heart by all and each warning should be seen as incredibly relevant to each and every one of us alive yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Who wrote the Books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians and who did they write it for?
The Apostle Paul wrote the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, which were letters to the church of Thessalonica.
When did the events of the Books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians happen?
Paul likely wrote First Thessalonians around 51 AD and Second Thessalonians around 51-52 AD. This would have been a couple of months after his first letter to the Thessalonians.
What is the setting of the Books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians?
Paul wrote these letters to the new church in Thessalonica. He likely wrote these letters while in Corinth after fleeing from Thessalonica due to persecution after establishing this new church.
What is the purpose of the Books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians?
Exhortation to remain faithful in pure Christian living (2 Thessalonians 3)
How does the Book of 1 and 2 Thessalonians apply to my life?
These are mentorship letters to new Christians and encouragement to mature Christians.
Written to a new church, and designed to edify new believers and encourage them in times of persecution.
Provides guidance to new believers on pure Christian living that is also relevant to mature Christians.
Helping new believers and reminding mature believers of core Christianconduct and hope of what is to come.
Encouragement for Christians to persevere even in times of immense and dangerous persecution.
Edification to Christians about the Second Coming of Christ and the Day of the Lord.
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Summary
1 and 2 Thessalonians are letters from the Apostle Paul to the church of Thessalonica. Thessalonica was a capital of the Roman province of Macedonia with a population of over 100,000. It had a harbor and was located on busy trade routes as well as the busy Egnatian Way. It was a free city, flourishing in trade and philosophy, that was governed by politarchs (Acts 17:6-8). The city was religiously committed to Greco-Roman pantheons, Egyptian cults, and imperial cults. There was also a large Jewish population.
Paul, Timothy, and Silas had previously preached in the Thessalonian synagogue and converted many of the Jews and pagans to Christianity. This led to Paul being charged with sedition against Caesar and being forced out of the city. He sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to check on the new believers because he was concerned about having left them so prematurely.
Timothy returned to Paul from Thessalonica with questions from the Thessalonian church. 1 Thessalonians is the first letter Paul wrote to the church of Thessalonica to patiently answer their many questions as a new church. Paul’s goal was to encourage them to continue being faithful and obedient to Christ, even in times of trouble and persecution.
Breakdown
Paul opens his letter addressing the church of Thessalonica as a body of believers, versus as individuals. He begins by expressing the main concepts of faith in Christ. Throughout the letter, Paul focuses on reinforcing the basic gospel message and gives them, and future generations of believers, intimate instructions for their faith and practical applications for spiritual truth as new believers.
Paul also affirms that while new believers can obtain lots of practical guidance in their faith, mature believers can also learn how to mentor newer believers. He encourages all Christians to constantly be growing in relationship with God and to continue to become more like Christ.
Paul opens his second letter to the Thessalonians similarly to his first. He acknowledges himself as its author and identifies his companions. Some confusion had arisen from Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians and he wrote this second letter to correct misunderstandings and combat some false teachings that had come up in the church.
1 Thessalonians teaches the imminent return of Christ, while 2 Thessalonians explains events that will happen before Christ returns. A common theme in both letters is to educate and encourage believers of the hope found in the Second Coming of Christ. This message continues to encourage Christians today that the Second Coming of Christ and the Day of the Lord draw nearer every day.
The reputation of the Thessalonians as faithful in times of persecution had been spreading, and Paul expressed his pleasure and gratitude for their growing faith. Paul closes his second letter to Thessalonica with encouragement in how these and future new believers can honor and glorify God in daily living in order to continue to become more like Christ.
How 1 and 2 Thessalonians encourage new believers
New believers are encouraged to be constantly praying for others, that they may be used by God to spread His love, mercy, truth, and goodness far and wide, and that we likewise are used in this way. We should be unified in faith, encouraging one another, edifying each other in the Word of God, and setting a Christ-like example to those around us, both believers and nonbelievers. We should pray for those who persecute us, that even they be used in the will and purpose of God’s great plan, to be used for His honor and glory.
The Apostle Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians are packed full of wisdom for new believers, but also great encouragement and reminders for mature believers in coming alongside newer Christians, and bold guidance in how a Christian should conduct their life with Jesus. He reminds the people to stand together and be unafraid and unashamed of the persecution Christians face. We should be encouraged in the same manner today.
We are living through a very chaotic time right now. The world around us feels tense, people are experiencing heightened anxiety, anger, and frustrations, and society does not feel like a joyful place at all. How could we possibly find joy in a time like this? How could Christ possibly be glorified in all this pain, sickness, and division? How can we rejoice in the middle of all this suffering?
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ‘
Lately I have been on a roller coaster. Life seems to be going up and down, and I know most if not all of us are experiencing the same in our own ways. This week has been tough, but as I struggled in moments of anxiety I realized that I have begun to understand Paul’s words in these verses. He tells us that in every situation when we seek God out, bringing every joy, pain, and all the in-betweens to Him He does not sit idly by. When we’ve emptied ourselves out to Him and made space for Him to fill us, fill us is precisely what He does.
‘Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ‘
A vital way to make space in our hearts for more of Him is to remember what we have to be thankful for. These days it seems a bit harder to see those things, but even Paul, while he is imprisoned for his faith, points out that there are always things to be thankful for. Paul says at the end of verse 8 “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
What is praiseworthy in your life right now?
Think about that. Don’t focus on what is going wrong; focus on those bits of light, patch them together, and see that there is so much more light than you realize. There is so much more to rejoice over than it seems. Let that light fill you and overflow from you, strengthening you.
‘I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
No matter what phase of life you find yourself in, whether you have much or little, whether you are in peace or suffering, whether you have more questions than answers, you can get through all of it with Christ. Christ is in you, strengthening you, building you up from the inside out. Paul is calling on you to change, to empty yourself, to be transformed by the power of Christ.
‘Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. ‘
No matter what tests you face or waters you wade through you will always have His glory and promises to look forward to, and His love and provisions to be thankful for. You can rejoice in your responsibility to imitate Christ and bring others to Him. You have a mission while you are here, and an incredible inheritance to look forward to. Never forget how worthy of praise this is. Rejoice always, because there truly is so much to rejoice over.
‘The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”’
Last week we discussed what it means to be emptied. When we are emptied of ourselves, we clear out our old selves and sinful nature, and with this clearing out we are making room to be filled up. This process of being emptied and filled is a constant process we need to repeat over and over throughout our lives. When we empty ourselves to God, we need to leave ourselves open to Him so He can fill us up with Himself; with all that He knows we need.
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
When Christ came to earth, He humbled Himself in becoming a man like us. He set aside His privileges in order to prioritize the needs of others; of us. He didn’t hold His status of being one with God over anyone. He emptied Himself of His privileges and allowed Himself to be filled with the spirit of a humble servant, obedient to God’s will and glory.
‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. ‘
Jesus remained steadfast, humble, and obedient in all He did. He served people all around the world, loved them, did not complain or slander, and in this servitude, He was then placed in the highest place above all others. If we are called to be like Christ, we, too, are called to empty ourselves of our perceived and assumed privileges, our selfishness, our complaining and slandering, and our old, sinful selves and allow God to make us new in Christ, filling us up as well with the spirit of servitude for His Kingdom and obedience to Him.
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
He calls us to love others, to display patience, kindness, humility, mercy and grace. This is what He wants to fill us up in, but we must be emptied of what our culture expects of us, what our society demands of us, the norms and stigmas we face, and instead become a beacon for Christ.
‘Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ‘
Philippians 2:15 says we “… will shine among them like stars in the sky”. We can choose to be a beautiful light spreading love, joy, truth, and healing or we can choose to be a broken light that spreads darkness, hurt, and harm. You have an identity in Christ and a responsibility to spread His light rather than the broken lights and darkness of this world. Empty yourself to God, let Him change your broken bulb, and be filled with His light so that you can spill over into the lives of others.
And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
The other day I found myself asking “what sin do I struggle with most?” This isn’t something people are likely to ask themselves often if at all, but it reminded me of a similar question I have been asking myself; “What have I been saved from?” It led me to explore the additional questions “what has God emptied me of?”
‘In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Each question is unlikely to come up in everyday conversation, but all are questions I wholeheartedly believe God wants us to be asking ourselves often. These aren’t questions to condemn, or make you feel guilty or ashamed, but are rather questions to steer you in the direction of emptying yourself.
In the book of Philippians, we see a theme of three key principles to answer these questions. We are going to break these principles down and look at why we should be asking ourselves these questions, as well as the importance of being emptied, filled, and rejoicing always.
What does it mean to be emptied?
To be “emptied of yourself” means to cast off your old self, or your sinful nature. When we make the decision to follow Christ we undergo a transformation. We go from “believing” to applying that belief. We are made new in Christ and must empty ourselves of how we once lived before we knew Christ, of who we were before we gained our new identity as a child of God. The answer to these questions we are asking can be found within this transformation and will continue to shift and change as you continue to be transformed by God.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
In order to be emptied, it can be helpful to know what we need to be emptied of. Christ died to save us each from our own specific sins. We all face our own struggles. Some of us battle with pride and esteem ourselves higher or better than others. Some of us fight with sloth or gluttony, some with idolatry, wrath or violent behavior, lust, and even envy or jealousy. The sins we face come in different forms, depths, and names, but we all fight sin.
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
I determined that sloth is my weakness. I am not intentionally lazy, but man do I lack motivation sometimes. Sometimes I just purely have a hard time correctly prioritizing tasks and then more important things can sometimes fall through the cracks or become delayed. Knowing this about myself makes it easier to give my laziness to God, empty myself of it, and strive to let that nature go.
We will always be faced with temptation for our weaknesses, but in allowing God to empty that out time and again I’m better able to resist, avoid, and become stronger against it. It’s not a one and done or quick fix, but each time we lift it up our yoke is lightened.
For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
Look at where He is transforming your life as you give yourself over in faith. Lift your hands up and give it to God. Allow yourself to be emptied, so that you may be filled again, and rejoice always.
‘For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ‘
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
I am a wife, mom, writer, crafter, and above all, a Child of God. I love to study the Bible, fellowship with other Christians, and serve God. I am thrilled to invite you to join me in seeking to satisfy our thirsty souls with the Living Water of Christ, which is what Water On Thirsty Land is here to do.
