1 Thessalonians 2

 

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? – 1 Thessalonians 2:19

Paul asked these questions to the Thessalonians in 51AD. The questions remain the same at present. Many bible critiques are quick to disparage the Word of God as mere words of man. Are they right to say that? Yes, they have the right to say that but that does not mean it is the truth. Saying a relatively right thing and speaking the truth are two different things. The answer to the question if the Word of God is the truth from God lies in death. (We shall not discuss Christ Second coming, here.) If you say you are entitled to Heaven as a Christian and yet claim that the Word of God is not entirely the truth then when you face Jesus at the throne of Judgement you will be judged to have committed a Cosmic Treason against God.[1] J C Sproul calls it the “Sinfulness of Sin” in his book, “The Truth of the Cross.” Any sin committed against God the creator is a violent act of aggression towards the Holy nature of God.

The gospel was preached to the Thessalonians by men (Apostles) who were allowed by God to be placed in trust with the them (Apostles) so that when the Gospel was preached it was not to please men but to please God. And the Holy Spirit is a witness to the preaching of the Gospel. Thus, Paul says that God examines and see through his heart and every man’s heart. God is witness, says Paul. (1 Thess 2:5)

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. – 1 Thessalonians 2:4.

If God is a witness to all things how do we conduct ourselves, ever present in the presence of God? Pauls says, they did not seek after glory. They were affectionate towards the Thessalonians and desired oneness in Christ with them. They did not ask of any material things from them so that they remain accountable to the Gospel and to God. The Thessalonians were made witness to their conduct before God, so that they can have an excellent example how to walk worthy of God for His Kingdom.

That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. – 1 Thessalonians 2:12

The Word of God sanctifies us, moulds us, powers us, charges us through the agency of the Holy Spirt that proceeds from Christ Jesus to Glorify the True and Living God. The Word of God bring us to the throne of Judgement to face Jesus and he will judge us with the Word of God. (Revelations 20:11-12) Our works are judged according to the Word of God. This work is our walk that glorifies God. We walk worthy by holding fast to the Word of God in our Life. The Word of God is the lamp unto our feet and light unto our path. (Psalm 109:105)

Paul concludes with the question to us, what is our hope in the presence of Jesus at his coming?(He did not say second coming). We all must prepare to meet him at his coming upon our death. That is absolute reality. Even at his second coming we hope for sweet rapture holding on to the Word of God for deliverance. Therefore, knowing that God see the heart of Man, to say that the Word of God is not entirely from God makes one walk in his own glory and commits a “Sinful Sin”. Walk worthy of God and glorify God by standing firm and believing in the infallible, and inerrant word of God. That’s our glorious Hope.

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. – Matthew 22:37-40.

Word of GOD. Walk worthy and Glory Him.


[1] Cosmic Treason – R C Sproul


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