Effie Darlene Barba

        Paul exhorts the Christians in Thessalonica to “establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” I Thessalonians 3:13 (ESV).  Although, if you look closely, Paul lays out the steps that God uses to establish your heart blameless.  This may be through overwhelming hardship and suffering.  However, it is God who does the work of finalizing the perfecting of each Christian’s heart.  What is our part in this work?  Well, for all who know Christ as Savior and Lord, we may yield to His working, or we may like a rebellious child struggle to do it our own way.  Then like the prodigal son, we will one day come to the very end of our self.  Most often, we are transformed step by step as outlined in II Corinthians 3:18.

 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord (albeit at times through a glass dimly),^[e] are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another (from glory to glory).^[f] For this comes from the (working of the)  Lord who is the Spirit.

Regardless of the amount of work that it takes, we will be fully transformed one day. 

²⁸ And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,^[h] for those who are called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰ And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.  Romans 8

Establish Your Heart Blameless at the Coming of Our Lord Jesus

Jesus is coming again.  Of this we can be certain as we have discussed over many weeks through the study of Daniel.  Paul also lays this out.  The entirety of the Bible proclaims this truth, just as it proclaimed His first coming to die on the cross and take the penalty of our sin upon His shoulder.  He will return to rapture all those who accepted His gift of salvation with repentant humbled hearts, who acknowledge Him as the way the truth and the life.

We are declared righteous from the moment we are saved.  “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1.  

This is true.  Yet, the work of perfecting us in love, so that our outward actions reflect our inward change is a work that is continuously being performed “so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” 

So, do not think your salvation secures your place in heaven and you can live as you want down here.  Won’t happen.  If you truly accepted Jesus Christ in your heart as Savior, He will establish and transform you, whatever it takes. 

#1 Accepting the Word of God as from Him

I Thessalonians 2¹³ And we also thank God constantly^[d] for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men^[e] but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. 

So, step one is recognizing that the Bible, the Gospel Message is God’s words and not the words of men.  God may use men to help to reveal His word to you; however, it is His words.  The Holy Spirit is He who can make the blind see and gives the wisdom to understand.  This one must recognize to grow spiritually.  That also means the word cannot be compromised by one’s “feeling” or desire to change any part of it.  It is eternally true and has the power to transform. 

⁷ The law of the Lord is perfect,^[c]
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
⁸ the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
⁹ the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules^[d] of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether.  Psalm 19

As these verses point out, the Word of God has the power to revive the soul, make the simple minded wise, bring joy to the heart, enlighten one to purity, cleanse the soul, because they are absolute in truth and righteousness.

#2:  The Role of Suffering To Establish Your Heart Blameless

Throughout scripture, suffering has been a part of cleansing.  Not only does it awaken us to the depths of evil and sin; but it turns our eyes to focus on He who is righteous.  It cleanses our heart. 

I Thessalonians 2: For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews,^[f] 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind ¹⁶ by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!^[g]

God has patiently waited.  One day, all the cups of sin will have been filled.  Never can He be accused of not giving everyone a chance to turn to Him.  God permits sin to run its full course, so that neither Satan nor humans may say, He gave them no chance.  As we see the depth of evil capable of the human heart, we realize we are in desperate need of a Savior.  We cannot do it on our own.  I could not see fully His righteousness until I saw the truth of what evil is in my own heart when I choose me first.  As much evil as we see surrounding us, imagine if He took away His steadying hand of Grace for even a moment. 

#3 The Reward of Witnessing

There was nothing sweeter nor more strengthening to Paul than to see the fruit of his labor.  It made the suffering worthwhile just to see their faith.  He put it this way.

I Thessalonians 2: ¹⁹ For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? ²⁰ For you are our glory and joy.

He had learned, there is no suffering too great for the salvation of one soul.  Had this not been what Jesus demonstrated for all of us to see?  Therein, God allows you to see the fruit of your labor at times to help establish your heart blameless

I Thessalonians 3: ⁷ for this reason, brothers,^[b] in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. ⁸ For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. ⁹ For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God

God will Perfect You in Love and establish your Heart Blameless

I Thessalonians 3: ¹² may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, ¹³ so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Whatever suffering, pains and sorrows you may be facing; look up your Savior draws nigh.  This world is rapidly groaning with labor pains just as Jesus said it would in the end.  Never forget, through it all He is working all things together for your God.  Yet, a little while and He will return.  All this life is but a moment in time compared to an eternity with Him.  Imagine that! Me blameless.  It is truly hard to imagine, but He has promised it so. 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

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How to Really Speak the Joyous Gospel Boldly in a Hostile World

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com

New English Translation (NET)

NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Sometimes we look around us and think, “Surely God can not use me?”  I am not so eloquent of speech.  My knowledge is too little.  I could never make a difference.  Besides the world is so hostile.  Sadness, pain, and suffering overwhelms us.  So how does one really speak the Joyous Gospel Boldly in a hostile world.  Ah but you see, even if we are surrounded by sorrow, God is the only truth we can rely on.  It is a joyous gospel boldly proclaimed; because it is the only true hope we have.  Particularly in a broken and hostile world, we need something that we can cling to, trust in when everything else is failing around us.  As we watch the world spinning headlong into relativism with “truth” being farmed out to whomever spins the best tale, more than ever we need a rock foundation of truth to cling to.

Paul knew this.  He also knew that if the newly found church in Thessalonica could stand strong against the tumultuous winds of the right and the left, they would need to be reminded of the truth.  Reminding them of how it came to them, was a starting point.  After all, the people trying to discredit the gospel began with discrediting Paul, himself as well as Jesus Christ.  So, over the course of the first 12 verses of 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul reminds them of the time he was with them. 

John Piper explains this very well when he wrote:

  So what Paul is really doing is defending them and the reality of their faith. That’s the second reason why he talks so much about his ministry. He says in verse 1, “You know that our coming to you was not in vain,” and then for ten verses he talks about the authenticity of his own ministry. So what he is saying is, “Our ministry to you was not without effect. You were changed. … turned from idols. You were willing to suffer for Christ with joy. So don’t throw away your confidence when your opponents slander my ministry and my life, remember the way it really was when I was there. I was not flattering and covetous. (Also) was bold in God and risked my life to preach the gospel to you. I worked night and day. (And) I loved you like a nurse and like a father.

It was Paul’s boldness in evangelizing that kept his life from being in vain. And it will be our boldness that keeps our lives from being bland and tasteless and empty and weak and insignificant in the end.[1]

Additionally, Paul clearly outlines 5 characteristics to guide each of us.  Therefore, we can also really speak the joyous gospel boldly in a hostile world.  Even if at times, we are speaking it with tears pouring down our faces.  Hoping that the suffering may end soon; but knowing that it will one day because of the joyous Gospel of Christ.  He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again victorious that we might one day stand before Him in glorified bodies.  Tht day we long for; yet, for today we must continue speaking the joyous gospel boldly to a broken hostile world in need of Him.

Steps to speaking the joyous gospel boldly

 I Thessalonians 2: ¹For you yourselves know, brothers,^[a] that our coming to you was not in vain. 

You yourself know.   This is a phrase used repeatedly through these verses.  Remember, You know this yourself.  You witnessed it.  See the transformation within your own heart and spirit. That is proof itself the joyous gospel is true.  Because it changed you.

² But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 

What had happened in Philippi? 

Paul had suffered in Philippi. He had been publicly dragged into the market of the city and charged with sedition because he cast the demon out of a girl. And then he spent the night in jail. Now in Thessalonica the mob was even more enraged and Paul barely escaped by night to Berea. That was the setting for his ministry. And in that setting he spoke the gospel courageously because he had boldness in his God.[2]

Not only had he been mistreated in Philippi, but from day one he was mistreated in Thessalonica and spoken ill of.

1 Thessalonians 2:

³ For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 

We do not have any impure motives.  No desire to deceive.  Nor are we speaking from erroneous belief systems.  There is nothing they wish to gain for themselves by preaching the joyous gospel boldly.  Indeed it may be at a great cost; but one they were will to pay so others might know Christ. 

Speaking the joyous Gospel Boldly as servants to God.

⁴ but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 

⁵ For we never came with words of flattery,^[b] as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. ⁶ Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 

They did not try to coax with flattering words.  They did this for God alone.

⁷ But we were gentle^[c] among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. ⁸ So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

They spoke with gentleness of heart due to their love for lost and their excitement over these babes in Christ—so they talk and fed them with kindness and gentleness

⁹ For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 

Paul worked making tents, supplying for his own needs.  He did not want to ever be accused that he took advantage of anyone.  And certainly he did not want anyone to say he preached the joyous gospel boldly to make money from it. 

Speaking the Joyous Gospel Boldly by Action and Deed

¹⁰ You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. 

¹¹ For you know how, like a father with his children, ¹² we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

How Did Paul Speak the Joyous Gospel Boldly to a Hostile world.

His life was given up to God

Ephesians 1: ⁴ But^[c] God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ

He counted his life as being hidden God

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is your^[a] life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4

Because he totally trusted God

we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. ⁹ Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. ¹⁰ He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 2 Corinthians 1:8-10

He hoped in God

¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15

The Glory of God was infinitely more attractive to Paul than any earthly comfort: 

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8: 18

God was so real, powerful, wise and so utterly committed to doing all for Paul’s good.  Knowing this truth, Paul knew nothing could separate him from the love of God—not death or life or angels or principalities or things present or things to come or powers or height or depth or anything else in all creation.

And so, all his boldness was in God, and not in himself

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

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How to Really Continue with Endurance of Hope in Christ Jesus

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com

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[1] https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/we-had-boldness-in-our-god

[2] https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/we-had-boldness-in-our-god