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Pastor Rick’s Study Notes on Isaiah 40:1-11 and Small Group Questions

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Isaiah 40:1-11 Jesus Present Comforting Lives

Summary Notes on Isaiah. This passage begins the larger section of Isaiah that looks outward toward the future, toward the end times, toward the Parousia of King Jesus. It is said that Isaiah’s style and writing is at the height of literature and at the same time so planted in the events we know as history and he knew as done in God’s timing in the future that, when he spoke of Jesus’ suffering, “it’s as if he is standing beneath the Cross”, breathing the same air and hearing the same cries. In this passage, he hears the distance cry of the Baptizer “make way for the King.”

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

Isaiah 40:1-11

v. 1 “Comfort, comfort my people,” God says.

v. 2 “Speak comfort over Jerusalem and declare to her that her battle is finished and that her sin and guilt are pardoned; for she has received double-payment for all her sins from the Lord’s hand.”

v. 3 His cries thunder in the desert places, “Make clear the way for the Lord! Ready the highway in the wilderness, straight and even, for our God.”

v. 4 “Every wadi and gorge will be filled in; every slope and summit will be leveled. The zigzags and detours will be straightened; the hazards and hurdles will be knocked down.”

v. 5 “The Lord’s glory will be revealed! Everyone, together, will see!” The voice of the Lord has declared it.

v. 6 The voice of the Lord commanded: “Cry out!” And he said: “What shall I cry out?” Cry this: “Everyone is quick to perish like the grass in the fields; all their fairness is gone like the wildflowers of the field.”

v. 7 “The grass shrivels and the wildflower withers and fades when the winds of the Lord blow through. Just like the grass in the field, so are people.”

v. 8 “Though the grass shrivels and the wildflower withers and fades, the word of our God shall stand firm for eternity.”

v. 9 “Get up on the high mountain, messenger of the Good News!  Lift up your voice with power, O Zion; lift up the Good News, O Jerusalem. Say to the cities of Judah, leave fear behind. See, your God is near!”

v. 10 “See, the Lord God will show up, mighty to reign in strength and his rewards and his deeds come with him.”

v. 11 “ Like a shepherd, he shall care for his flock, gather the lambs in his arm and support them in his lap, and for those who still nurse their young, he will lead gently to places safe and refreshing.”

v. 1 “Comfort, comfort my people,” God says.

This verse, and the following are the theme of the next 27 chapters. God is creator; therefore He comforts. The word for comfort means “cause to breathe again.” This is the declaration of the prophet to all prophets that come after. “God comforts because He created us and knows us.” Isaiah uses the present and continuous. Comfort now and keep comforting. Speak words to bring comfort from here onward.

v. 2 “Speak comfort over Jerusalem and declare to her that her battle is finished and that her sin and guilt are pardoned; for she has received double-payment for all her sins from the Lord’s hand.”

Speak could be declare or cry, or even sing. Because of the parallelism tendencies in Isaiah, probably speak/declare is proper. The warfare, the battle, the fighting against God is finished because they have surrendered and stand before the King. In His grace, he pardons and lifts life-long debt after double payment in sorrow. Illustration: the momentary pleasure of sin leads to multiplied sorrow. A seed sown in rebellion brings multiplied consequences in the form of a crop. And, yes, the Lord, in His position as Father, reprimands and disciplines His children. Otherwise, what kind of Father would he be? James 2

The anchor point in history for this passage and the remaining chapters of Isaiah is the captivity. God’s people are pilgrims, passer’s through, on the way to full identity with King Jesus. Bondage to no bondage, homeless to belonging, darkness to light. Danger and destruction to safety and care.

Double-payment means that their debt was so great that He saw its excess.

V. 3 His cries thunder in the desert places, “Make clear the way for the Lord! Ready the highway in the wilderness, straight and even, for our God.”

The voice of the one – now as we know, John the Baptizer – thunders and calls on the earth to make ready for its Creator-God. Another might be the call of the master to those who work to ready the paths for the Parousia of the Lord. Get the earth-movers and shovels out and make way for the King.

“His cries” is best translated “Voice.” No name; no identity here.

v. 4 “Every wadi and gorge will be filled in; every slope and summit will be leveled. The zigzags and detours will be straightened; the hazards and hurdles will be knocked down.”

Valleys are easier to travel; gorges, not so much. The hills and peaks will be flattened for the path. The curves and false detours (this word has a meaning of deception behind it) will be revealed and readied for the King. The rough places, like road hazards and boulders will be knocked down and leveled like they were a plain.

This is in command voice speaking to the wadi and slope, or to the ones responsible for making the way straight.

The parallel is for those very needs the Messiah-King comes to heal: the pride are brought down to humility, the humble are lifted up, the deceitful and crooked forgiven and given integrity, those who face extreme obstacles will be brought near.

v. 5 “The Lord’s glory will be revealed! Everyone, together, will see!” The voice of the Lord has declared it.

All the hard work of making the way for the King is for one purpose. To see the glory and honor of the King. The Lord is worthy of the worship that comes when He is revealed. Again, this is the Parousia at the end of times; and the Parousia as His Presence comes into the room. (Jesus steps into the room.)

In the “way-making” the glory of the King-Messiah is seen. What made the view difficult has been removed. This can be a map for prayer for our world. Make the way clear. Open eyes. Remove the obstacles. Straighten life to see His glory. Because His glory will be undeniable. Notice it doesn’t say all will bow to this glory; but all will, together, see.

The voice declares this entire prophecy, from comfort to glory.

v. 6 The voice of the Lord commanded: “Cry out!” And he said: “What shall I cry out?” Cry this: “Everyone is quick to perish like the grass in the fields; all their fairness is gone like the wildflowers of the field.”

This prophecy becomes a conversation; one prophetic dialog in answers and questions. The declaration is this: the life we so easily trust in, even glory in because of the gracious appearance we strive for, last but briefly, but God’s Word is rock solid in enduring.

v. 7 “The grass shrivels and the wildflower withers and fades when the winds of the Lord blow through. Just like the grass in the field, so are people.”

Like the grass that covers the fields or the wildflowers that, in bright color runs the folds of the hillside, it is beautiful today. But a dry wind blows and the beauty fades. So is it with me and with you.

v. 8 “Though the grass shrivels and the wildflower withers and fades, the word of our God shall stand firm for eternity.”

Our dilemma may be shared and universal, that we live briefly; but the provision of the Messiah-King is this, He comes in His glory to heal, to make a way. And he comes to  us for eternity.

v. 9 “Get up on the high mountain, messenger of the Good News!  Lift up your voice with power, O Zion; lift up the Good News, O Jerusalem. Say to the cities of Judah, leave fear behind. See, your God is near!”

Ascend to the mountain (Jerusalem is the city on a mountain) so the proclamation can be clear. God is here. Fear not. Good News has come. Say it with power. Declare it all around. Preach it. Publish it. Shout it from the mountains. The city of the King-Messiah becomes the evangelist.  

Illustration: Like the first person who sees the monarch on his horse or the pope rounding the curve in his pope-mobile, the news moves fast. In this case, the city on the hill is commanded to look from her heights and lift up the news. He’s here. The Parousia we’ve waited for.

This verse parallels the Great Commission. First, the city of Jerusalem is weighted with grief and guilt; but the God of eternity forgives and comforts and brings eternity; now the city that has been healed shouts it to the cities and villages. (Illustration: the hill towns of Italy and their towers.)

The appeal to leave fear in the dust is important. The disappointments of life can cause people to halfway believe Good News. The call is to discard what prevents us from knowing He is near.

v. 10 “See, the Lord God will show up, mighty to reign in strength and his rewards and his deeds come with him.”

Behold. Watch. The Lord comes in. His arm and shoulder are strong to reign. His wages and work go before him.

An interesting phrase: The Lord will come with his arm ruling for Him. The words emphasize his rule and his strength.

He will come to bring healing but He will act on the strength of His character. If one has rejected and will not acknowledge His glory, the deed will be punitive.

v. 11 “ Like a shepherd, he shall care for his flock, gather the lambs in his arm and support them in his lap, and for those who still nurse their young, he will lead gently to places safe and refreshing.”

The Lord is King and Shepherd at the same time. He never quits ruling. He never quits caring. Hold those two thoughts in mind when we feel abandoned or judged.

As if to emphasize “leave behind fear,” the prophecy expands the image of his rewards with him as Shepherd.

His sheep are scattered around the globe, sometimes in nations that seek to keep the roads crooked or the obstacles in place. He knows their names and he calls them to himself.

Small Group Study Questions:

  1. Who is the most famous person you’ve ever “run into” somewhere? Who was the first person you told?

Read Isaiah 40:1-11

  • These verses are all about communicating Good News. In vv. 1-2, the Good News is “comfort.” What, in your understanding, is another word for “comfort?” Why do we need “comfort?”
  • Who is the “voice” that cries in the desert? Hint: Read  vv. 3-5 along with Mark 1:1-4 Who does he prepare the way for?
  • One universal truth is described in vv. 6-8 that life is brief: we are here one day and gone the next. Read these verses. Where is the Good News of comfort found in these verses?
  • We get to “prepare the way” by declaring the Good News. What are some ways that our lives “shout” from the mountaintop the King is here? Who can to invite to experience the Good News this Christmas season?
  • Our series during Christmas is “Jesus Present.” Since Jesus is Present right now, what would you ask him for? Where do you need Him and His Good News of comfort?

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes: When Faith and Culture Collide. Part Three

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Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 (PRT)

2:17-18 Still, brothers and sisters, we were saddened to be apart from you for a brief season (apart in person, but not in heart); out of our great desire to see your faces, we made every effort and then some because we wanted to come to you. In fact, I, Paul made attempt after attempt, but Satan held us up.

vv. 19-20  For surely what do we look forward to or find joy in or wear as a token of pride and rejoicing when I stand before the Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? For you are our honor and our joy.

3:1-2 So then, since we could no longer endure this separation, we determined it would be best to stay behind in Athens on our own and send Timothy, our brother and partner in God’s work for the sake of the Good News of Christ in order to strengthen you and encourage you in your faith.

v. 3 all this is so that no one will be shaken by the pressures and persecution; for you know that we are destined for these kinds of  things.

v. 4 And in fact, when we were with you, we told you ahead of time that we would suffer troubles, and you well know it happened.

v. 5 . For this very reason I could no longer endure this pressure, I sent Timothy so we could be assured of your faith and that in no way the Tempter could have somehow trapped you and our work among you would be useless.

v. 6 Just now, however, Timothy has arrived here with good news after being with you. He has told us of your faith and love and that you hold good memories of us, greatly desiring to see us just like we desire to see you.

v. 7 Brothers and sisters, we were encouraged by this report, because of your faith through the hardships and persecutions.

v. 8 For the present, if you stand firm in your faith , we continue to breathe easier.

v. 9 For how thankful we are to God concerning you. We rejoice with all possible joy before our God because of you!

v. 10 Around the clock, we pray increasingly that we might see your face and restore what is needed in your faith.

vv. 17-18 Still, brothers and sisters, we were saddened to be apart from you for a brief season (apart in person, but not in heart); out of our great desire to see your faces, we made every effort and then some because we wanted to come to you. In fact, I, Paul made attempt after attempt, but Satan held us up.

When the culture wars come, we need each other. We miss one another. Things happen that keep us from seeing each other’s faces.

Read this as a continuing of the thoughts of v. 12.

Paul didn’t want his absence to be seen as uncaring. He is unified with them and love this church. He was resolved to visit them.

“Saddened” has at its root grief, or being ripped away from them. It’s the only time he uses this word and it could mean to be “orphaned” in their relationship (though this doesn’t seem to fit the meaning so much as forced into a grief.} They have great memories in their hearts; but it’s not the same as seeing face to face.

Paul uses family as the metaphor of church life. Fathers, mothers, orphaned, baby. Here, the separation felt like being orphaned. The separation made them love and long to be with them even more.

Their plans were trashed as they planned to return after a short season. God’s plans and ours aren’t always the same.

The Enemy cut in on, or “hijacked” his plans to return to this community of small groups. He upped his efforts and still could not make it happen. He was “stuck” in Athens, so he preached in Athens and Corinth.

vv. 19-20  For surely what do we look forward to or find joy in or wear as a token of pride and rejoicing when I stand before the Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? For you are our honor and our joy.

For Paul, it was because he saw so many of them come to Christ. He invested in them.

The “crown of glory” or token of pride is an idiom for the victor’s wreath after running the race successfully. This is not Paul stealing God’s glory and honor; it is Paul lavishing value on the church for their faith and steadfastness in the face of persecution. He finds joy inside and respect from without because of their success and faith.

The wreath circle the winner’s crown when the race is done and we stand before the Father in the Kingdom. It’s the Parousia.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-10 (PRT)

3:1-2 So then, since we could no longer endure this separation, we determined it would be best to stay behind in Athens on our own and send Timothy, our brother and partner in God’s work for the sake of the Good News of Christ in order to strengthen you and encourage you in your faith.

He, and the team, could no longer stand “not knowing” and “not seeing their faces” that they determined a Plan B. He longed for new, so much so, that he pulled out all stops after being blocked by the Enemy. And he sent a stand in: Timothy, who was integral along with Silas in the planting of this church. Paul and his team stayed back and sent Timothy.

This coincides with Acts: Paul and his team left Thessalonica under cover of dark to escape the vicious beatings that they experienced in Philippi. They traveled to Berea and then Athens; but Paul needed to hear news to know he was on course in the work and sent Timothy (and probably Silas) to reconnoiter. They returned to him at Corinth with the good news about their faith.

The ”partner in God’s Work” is fellow-laborer in the ministry of the Good News of the Kingdom.

v. 3 all this is so that no one will be shaken by the pressures and persecution; for you know that we are destined for these kinds of  things.

The pressures are real, the persecution, the tribulation, the stress points affect us. Paul understands the persecution and pressures when one lives for the Kingdom. He can genuinely say, I know what you go through.

v. 4 And in fact, when we were with you, we told you ahead of time that we would suffer troubles, and you well know it happened.

No surprise. In fact, when we don’t have a sense of pressure, a longing, an urgency, we may not be in a great place. Illust. One who would catch a vision for a nation or people group.

These troubles are not personal but a result of their passion for Jesus and for their community. We may feel pressures because of our own mistakes or life issues; these troubles or pressures are different, though all very real. Persecution or pressures like Paul reminds us is from the choice we make to live the Good News, share the truth, and adopt what is on the Father’s heart as our own.

v. 5 For the very reason I could no longer endure this pressure, I sent Timothy in order to be assured of your faith so that in no way the Tempter had somehow trapped you and our work among you would be useless.

This was early, early in his mission work. One of the first in Europe. And his first letter to one o his church plants. He was concerned. He knew the tempter was working to destroy the works of the Kingdom. His pressure is for the faith of the Jesus-followers he left in and fell in love with in Thessalonica. Their pressure is to see him again and to represent Jesus well in a culture at odds with the Good News of the Kingdom.

The Tempter, Satan, the Adversary, works through his minions to seek to stifle God’s work and discourage the faith of believers. He is real, but he is not omni.

v. 6 Just now, however, Timothy has arrived here with good news after being with you. He has told us of your faith and love and that you hold good memories of us, greatly desiring to see us just like we desire to see you.

Don’t you like how Paul time-jumped here? He sent Timothy and, oh  wait, he’s back. The relief he felt when he heard of their faith from the report Timothy brought back must have reassured him to keep on with the mission. By now, he is in Corinth, and the ministry there was both longer and fruitful; and with opposition.

This passage shows what surrounds a move from God. 1) The Good News is shared with success and evidence of the work of God. 2) An expectation, a movement of prayer and worship, and a unity grow. 3) The culture opposes. 4) The faith of the Christ-followers is strengthened. 5) Churches send others to the work of the Kingdom.

v. 7 Brothers and sisters, we were encouraged by this report, because of your faith through the hardships and persecutions.

The surprise – in the hardship, we stand. Again, there is the inner hardships we bear and the opposition we face when we stand for the Good News of the Kingdom. Note here that opposition comes, not because Paul or the Christ-followers in Thessalonica sought it but because the repented, they discarded idols, they chose to live by a new code, one of love for other and peace and joy inside. The opposition is because the Enemy wants the status quo, wants a culture that makes it easy to ignore God.

v. 8 For the present, if you stand firm in your faith , we continue to breathe easier.

Keep in mind that, for Paul, this Good News of the Kingdom was for all; and here, he is concerned that how they share it is validated. This is Europe’s first exposure to the Good News. The word for “breathe easy” is “to live” – as in, they can really live again and get back to real life. It’s like Paul has been holding his breath as he waited for the report.

Illust. I catch my breath when I get a call or visit from a church family member.

v. 9 For how thankful we are to God concerning you. We rejoice with all possible joy before our God because of you!

Thankfulness is the response when we hear of someone’s faith strengthening, not thankfulness for the persecution, but thankfulness in the persecution. We don’t rejoice that someone faces pressure; we rejoice that God is strong and faith continues in the pressures.

Joy-joy. It’s not just joy, but joy upon joy that he experiences in the report.

v. 10 Around the clock, we pray increasingly that we might see your face and restore what is needed in your faith.

Prayer both night and day and in increasing measure are the results of the news of the continued revival in Thessalonica, along with a longing to see them face-to-face and continue their discipling.

The “restore” is a word that comes from “mending the nets.” The Thessalonians had a solid net, but with more attention and training, it would be stronger.

Small Group Study Questions:

  1. When have  your plans been “hijacked” by the Enemy? What was on the other side when your plans changed? (vv. 17-18)
  2. In this passage, Paul writes about Satan “hindering” his return and the Tempter trying to destroy their faith (2:17-18, 3:5). How real do you think Satan is? What evidence do you see of his being real?
  3. Paul writes that he missed the “faces” of the Thessalonian Christ-followers. How important is being “present” in others’ lives to the Christian? What “substitutes” does our culture offer that fall short of this?
  4. What pressures from within or trials from without concern you personally?
  5. What is your biggest need today regarding your faith? How can we pray for you and strengthen you as you choose to live the Good News and share truth in love (v. 10)?

When Faith and Culture Collide: Part Three

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Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

Background: Thessalonica formerly known as Therme in Macedonia found at the top point of the gulf that juts into Greece and Macedonia on the Aegean Sea. Still there. Capital of Macedonia region and declared a “free city” a century before the church was founded. The half-way point on the great highway from Rome to Constantinople. This is a city for the nations.

It’s an international city, a free city with its own constitution and laws, a wealthy and diverse city, and a beach town.

This would be the key city from which to take the Good News throughout Macedonia.

Paul and Silas along with Timothy visited and planted the church in Thessalonica in Act 17:1ff. This is where Aristarchus was from and probably became a believer during the 2nd missionary journey. He was with Paul all the way to Rome through several cities as his companion.

The likelihood is that Paul and his team would be in Thessalonica for several months – at least six – perhaps as a home base from which to travel.

When the Jewish jealousy led to a mob riot, Paul and much of his team left for Berea a small near-by town. They were productive in planting churches there as well as in Thessalonica, but the Jewish authorities from Thessalonica traveled to Berea to stir up riots there, too.

The church in Thessalonica is more one from all the nations than Jewish (hence the “turn from idols” reference) even though he started at the Synagogue (Acts 17).

These two letters to the believers in Thessalonica are Paul’s earliest and, though he couldn’t attend to their growth because of the danger of harm to their leaders because of his presence, he wrote, prayed, and sent Timothy. Paul was able to return there at least three times; probably more often since it was on the main highway from West to East.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-13  (PRT)

v. 1 For our arrival to you, as you know, brothers has not been a hollow exercise.  

v. 2 You know that we suffered and were treated with outrageous hostility and abuse in Philippi. Still, we spoke the Good News to you in a boldness from our God even in the middle of the conflict.

v. 3 For our appeal to you was not an illusion, nor was it sneaky or sullied by impure motivations.  

v. 4 With God’s stamp of approval, we have been entrusted with the message of the Good News; because of this, we speak from hearts scrutinized for approval by God and not for the accolades of people.

v. 5 God can back us up that at no time did we come to you with an empty and fawning word of flattery nor use that word as an excuse to manipulate you for personal gain; of course, you know this, too.

v. 6 We didn’t come seeking praises from people; neither did we weigh you down by exerting our authority as apostles on you or others.

 v. 7 Instead, when we were in the middle of your lives, we were gentle with you just like a nursing mother would care for her own children.

 v. 8 That’s why in our affectionate longing for you we not only shared the message of God’s Good News but also our very own lives; that’s how much we love you.

v. 9 For you remember our hard work and laboring round the clock that we engaged in so we wouldn’t be a burden to any of you as we proclaimed God’s Good News to you.

 v. 10 You as well as God can testify how we lived toward you who believe; we were devoted, upright, and blameless.

 vv. 11-12 You know, it’s just as you would be like a father who would draw his children alongside, we do the same to encourage and comfort and urge you to live in a manner that is worthy of God who invites you into His Kingdom and glory.

Teaching Notes:

v. 1 For our arrival to you, as you know, brothers has not been a hollow exercise.  

The trip and time spent with this church has been fruitful and not just a hollow or empty exercise. These first 12 verses describe the fruitfulness of the Apostle’s work in this city. The Gospel’s impact left them totally changed in relation to their culture.

Illustration: God knows my name and my bent, how I act, respond, deal with difficulties and difficult people. He doesn’t compare me to anyone else but Jesus and that’s why grace and mercy are needed each day. I don’t meet the ideal. I am his child. Some people just seem to be made for a life of “extra” – they are extra kind, extra patient, extra loving, extra faithful, etc. – God’s Spirit poured out shows kindness beyond their “extra.” And He pours out kindness through you, through who you are. I’ve know some quite crusty people and kindness from the Spirit is in their context (crustiness.) We each wear the Holy Spirit’s evidences uniquely and at the same time marked by His character. Don’t try to be someone else. Be you in His fruitfulness.

Not empty, but filled with fruit. Like a fruit bowl. Culture conflict when all around are self-centered, unfaithful, devalue life. The work, the labor, the energy invested in chapter one is securely effective in chapter two.

“Our arrival” is important – Paul and his companion not long before were pushing on toward the north and into Asia. And they were blocked “by the Holy Spirit.” That’s when a dream came pleading for Paul to come to Macedonia: Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea. His arrival was providential.

v. 2 You know that we suffered and were treated with outrageous hostility and abuse in Philippi. Still, we spoke the Good News to you in a boldness from our God even in the middle of the conflict.

The word for “treated with insults and abuses” is one word that indicated they crossed the line morally, legally, ethically. They treated them with outrage, indignity, and violence. Acts 16-17. In Philippi they were beaten and imprisoned; in Thess. they were facing the same, except they weren’t where the mob looked and escaped to a neighboring city. They faced pain, rejection, legal action, persecution. They preached the truth with boldness even though it followed them to harm them.

v. 3 For our appeal to you was not an illusion, nor was it sneaky or sullied by impure motivations.

Sneaky, deceptive or manipulative. Sullied by impurity, uncleanness. This word is used for sexual impurity, too. The idea is this: what we preached or appealed to you was neither over-the-top nor deceptive. We didn’t manipulate you or give false expectations.

This is the key verse: the appeal was not a vaporous illusion or mirage, it was not motivated by sneaky or suspicious intent, neither was this pure truth tainted by a manipulative desire. This is the integrity. They knew this to be true and the lives of those who now represent the Good News to their culture know it too. Something changed them!

v. 4 With God’s stamp of approval, we have been entrusted with the message of the Good News; because of this, we speak from hearts scrutinized for approval by God and not for the accolades of people.

God gives his approval even as he careful searches our hearts and word. We don’t do this so people will be pleased and happy with us. He is testing our words and the heart from whence they come.  God is testing us.  His stamp of approval is on us because He has examined our hearts and our treatment of the message. The “approval” as at its base a sense of being tested, like an evaluation process. That shows up later in the verse.

v. 5 God can back us up that at no time did we come to you with an empty and fawning word of flattery nor use that word as an excuse to manipulate you for personal gain; of course, you know this, too.

The flattery that might seeks to make someone like us or, even worse, the words that might manipulate someone to give their resources to us – these are both false examples of what it means to be faithful with the truth. The word extort is used here: that is the manipulative word that seeks gain. This verse applies to the outward – flattering lips, and the inward, manipulative heart.

There’s was a culture of  manipulation, empty word (throwing flowers), plans to extort and deflect from truth. The Gospel, and their lives, are the opposite. The collision is coming – their culture could not stand up to such a powerful truth.

v. 6 We didn’t come seeking praises from people; neither did we weigh you down by exerting our authority as apostles on you or others.

We didn’t claim the authority over you because we are apostles.  We didn’t play the apostle card to get praise or power. Not driven by ambition but by the selfless lifting up of others. When one life is changed by the Good News, the whole culture is lifted up.

v. 7 Instead, when we were in the middle of your lives, we were gentle with you just like a nursing mother would care for her own children.

We weren’t heavy-handed; we were gentle in our ministry and preaching to you. Instead of distancing from and discarding the values of one’s life, we became gentle, like a nursemaid. Cultural conflict here is that weak equals discarded.

v. 8 That’s why in our affectionate longing for you we not only shared the message of God’s Good News but also our very own lives; that’s how much we love you.

This verse mainly says you are loved; we have come to call you beloved. This word for love is the deep affection of a mother toward a child.

They gladly gave away the Good News and their very souls. For souls here, probably represents the total life.

v. 9 For you remember our hard work and laboring round the clock that we engaged in so we wouldn’t be a burden to any of you as we proclaimed God’s Good News to you.

Burden as in causing extra toil or weight on their part. Night and Day, or around the clock. Paul didn’t want to exact additional toll from them as they considered the redemptive message. This verse could be our work and hard work that we worked.

They worked to provide for their needs. They did so in order to keep them from resenting their presence. They knew the Apostle wasn’t there for private gain; his rough hands calloused from the goat’s hair cloth that served as tent material proved. While people needed to see and hear the Good News, he preached; when they slept, he completed his tent orders.

v. 10 You as well as God can testify how we lived toward you who believe; we were devoted, upright, and blameless.

These three words are relational. We lived holily or devoted to God and to you. We lived righteously and upright around you. We lived blameless and without fault in our intents toward you. God witnessed this; they testify to this, too.

vv. 11-12 You know, it’s just as you would be like a father who would draw his children alongside, we do the same to encourage and comfort and urge you to live in a manner that is worthy of God who invites you into His Kingdom and glory.

Paul is drawing a parallel: you know how a daddy come alongside his kids so they will live honorably, we are doing the same to bring you toward a life that honors your Daddy in heaven, too. Invites as in he calls us to life in the value of His nature and His Kingdom. Interesting that they were gentle and loving with the  heart of a mother; they were models and encouragers like a father. There is the sense of both encouraging and warning as a dad would his son leaving for college or his first job.

v. 13 And through all this, we also constantly give thanks to God since you have heard from us and taken as your own this message, and not from man but from God since it is truly from Him; and this message is at work inside of you who believe.

They believe it and God is at work demonstrating the fruit of this belief. And it is at work in those who keep on believing.

Small Group Study Questions:

  1. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12. As you read, choose a verse from this passage that means the most to you. Why does this verse stand out for you personally?
  2. We are discussing what happens When Faith and Culture Collide. When culture seems to feed on deceptions, what can Christ-followers do to counter this?
  3. This passage talks about how the Good News is shared. What words stand out as you look at these verses that show the integrity of the Good News?
  4. V. 7 talks about mothers and v. 12 talks about fathers. How do these two images reflect our choice to live the Good News and share the Good News in the face of a culture that is broken and deceptive?
  5. When have you felt like a relationship was harmed because integrity was broken? How can we pray for you today for healing the relationship?

When Faith Collides with Culture Part 1 & 2

1 Thessalonians, Pastor Rick's Study Notes, , , , , ,

A Study in 1 Thessalonians

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

Background: Thessalonica formerly known as Therme in Macedonia found at the top point of the gulf that juts into Greece and Macedonia on the Aegean Sea. Still there. Capital of Macedonia region and declared a “free city” a century before the church was founded. The half-way point on the great highway from Rome to Constantinople. This is a city for the nations.

It’s an international city, a free city with its own constitution and laws, a wealthy and diverse city, and a beach town.

This would be the key city from which to take the Good News throughout Macedonia.

Paul and Silas along with Timothy visited and planted the church in Thessalonica in Act 17:1ff. This is where Aristarchus was from and probably became a believer during the 2nd missionary journey. He was with Paul all the way to Rome through several cities as his companion.

The likelihood is that Paul and his team would be in Thessalonica for several months – at least six – perhaps as a home base from which to travel.

When the Jewish jealousy led to a mob riot, Paul and much of his team left for Berea a small near-by town. They were productive in planting churches there as well as in Thessalonica, but the Jewish authorities from Thessalonica traveled to Berea to stir up riots there, too.

The church in Thessalonica is more one from all the nations than Jewish (hence the “turn from idols” reference) even though he started at the Synagogue (Acts 17).

These two letters to the believers in Thessalonica are Paul’s earliest and, though he couldn’t attend to their growth because of the danger of harm to their leaders because of his presence, he wrote, prayed, and sent Timothy. Paul was able to return there at least three times; probably more often since it was on the main highway from West to East.

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 (PRT)

v. 1 Paul, Silas, and Timothy to the gathering of Christians of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace.

They would know Timothy and Silas from previous visits. This is a letter from friends to friends. Silas, or Silvanus, means wood. So Timmy and Woody traveled with Paul. Silas was one of those firm links between Paul and Peter as he shows up in both apostles’ writings. The leadership in this church planting movement represents the Jewish, Greek, and international mix of the culture. This is especially important to Thessalonica since it is a free state and an international commerce center.

This “gathering” or assembly is qualified as those called together by God.

The “authorized” text includes …from God… But the oldest leave this off this epistle even though it was common in most of Paul’s letters.

Col 1:20 Peace through his blood.

v. 2 We are always grateful to God because of you, remembering each of you purposely in our prayers.

Paul begins with words of thanks and words of encouragement. He prays for each with intentionality because of his love and relationship with them. Gratitude and supplication were a part of the Apostle’s regular discipline according to 5:17-18.

v. 3 We continually recall before our God and Father your faith’s work, your love’s labor, and your hope’s tenacity in the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Faith’s work” is that lifestyle, that intentionality of moments dedicated to God’s glory because we believe the promises and action of God through Jesus. “Love’s labor” is the willingness toward inconvenience, suffering, and even martyrdom because of the work of faith.  Faith’s work is the evidence of what they have already done through their belief in Jesus; it’s the work completed thus far, while love’s labor is the willing troubles faces because of the work.

Milton says the hope’s patience or tenacity is that which “bears up and steers straight onward.” Hope’s tenacity doesn’t flip-flop or veer from the mission because of what life throws at us.

This verse finds context in how the church in Thessalonica was planted; in the midst of persecution in its earliest days.

vv. 4-5 And we know, fellow believers who are beloved by God, that He chose you because our Good News came to you not only in word but even more in miraculous power and in the Holy Spirit in thorough and abundant assurance; even as you saw how we chose to your advantage to live among you.

Paul is not making a gender statement with “brothers;” he is establishing that they are family, in it together – not just the guys, but the fellowship, the family whom God has loved as he, Paul, has been, too.

Beloved is the state of relationship they are in, not for past works or what God can get out of them; but they are beloved, simply and unabashedly, loved.

Chosen, elected, means God’s will to choose precedes my will to say yes; but it does not prevent my will and force me to say yes. This is an important distinction, and one we can only philosophize on; that God will “take over” my will to make me His would violate faith’s purpose. His grace and truth paves the way for my “yes” as his chosen. This is the evangelical’s position or else we no longer need to evangelize if God “takes over” and saves whom He must because of election. I will be gladly corrected in eternity in order to keep the zeal to reach the nations intact.

When Paul and Silas and Timothy preached, taught, answered questions, and discipled, the Spirit came in power accompanying the words of the Good News of the Kingdom. This was Jesus’ experience; it is the early church’s, too.

“our Good News” comes out of John 20:21. Jesus came to accomplish the mission; he then delivers the mission to take the Good News as the go. It’s our Good News. We have become an investor in the Gospel story.

Assurance means there is a fulness to confidence because of the inner understanding and the outward expression to support it. Fully assured.

vv. 6-7 And you became imitators, both of us and of the Lord, as you have embraced the word of God with many trials and with the Holy Spirit’s joy. Because of this, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

This first generation of Jesus-followers outside of Judah and Galilee were modeling their lives after Paul and the rest. They in turn model their lives after Jesus. We are not followers of Paul or a preacher here or there; we are followers of the Lord Jesus.

So, not only followers, but imitators. Follow the truth; imitate the life. We do both.

The word of God, the Good News of the Kingdom.

No less power from the Holy Spirit is needed to do miracles and signs and wonders as is for standing under the pressures of life and trials with joy and a life pointing to Jesus’ grace.

They became the “type,” the imprint of the Lord that others read and followed. Once again, God writes on our lives the message of redemption for others to read and be  drawn to; and we get to share what changed us, that is, Jesus redeems us by His sacrifice and death-conquering life.

v. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has resonated not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place. Your faith toward God has spread to the degree that we don’t need to say a thing to anyone.

The truth is heard, it is broadcast from where God’s truth first came alive in Thessalonica. And now people all around hear about Jesus. Paul is writing this letter from Corinth from the center of Achaia. And he heard the impact the people of Thessalonica had on the provinces.

The word for resonated takes the image of the heavens being a “sounding board” that echoes out to all what happened in Thessalonica.

vv. 9-10 In fact, those around us report what kind of reception we got from you and how you turned to God and away from idols and false deities to serve the living and true God, and how you wait with expectation for His Son Jesus out of the heavens whom he raised up from the dead to rescue us from the approaching wrath.

The evidence? No more false gods or worthless hunks of metal or stone. Now they live for the living God. And they look toward the day when Jesus makes all things right again. Their lives and their values showed their faith.

The word for idol is “appearance” as if the rock depicting has superimposed over it an ancestor or a god from old. Empty and vaporous. Instead of being chained to empty gods, they were willingly servants (in bond-servant status) to the living and true God.

They lived and served to the person and purposes of Jesus. And they looked for the “Parousia” the return of the Kingdom and the King.

Rescue here is the timely deliverance of God’s people from the evil around them.

Small Group Questions – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

  1. Read this chapter in two different versions. What is the big picture in this chapter? What is Paul saying to the church in Thessalonica?
  2. Words of encouragement are important. What different words does Paul give to the church? How would that encourage you in difficult times?
  3. How do the followers of Jesus show Him to their culture? What is the culture’s response?
  4. Where, in your own community/culture, do you feel you should make an impact? What might change in your own life based on this chapter and study?
  5. How can we pray for you as you seek to imitate Jesus?

John 14:12-14 – Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

John's Gospel - Study Notes, Pastor Rick's Study Notes, , , , , ,

(PRT) John 14:12-14

v. 14:12 In all certainty, I say this to you: those who put their trust in me will do the works that I do, and even greater works than what you see me do, because I am going to the Father. v. 13 Then, whatever you might need and ask in my name this I will do so that the Father might be glorified in the Son. v. 14 If you ask me anything you need in my name, I will do it.

v. 14:12 In all certainty, I say this to you: those who put their trust in me will do the works that I do, and even greater works than what you see me do, because I am going to the Father.

Truly, truly – amen, amen. It’s the way Jesus said something firmly and with resolve. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, doubtlessly. He is speaking to his disciples and extended followers. He is looking beyond those in the room to whomever.

“The works” is those deeds or activities that occupy Jesus that reflect His Kingdom. He is continuing the conversation that began with Philip’s question: “Show us the Father.” He and the Father are one. If you haven’t gotten that yet, believe the works that demonstrate the Father’s love, that show the Father to the world.

The works we do are done like He did them, with the compassionate heart of the Father.

Works is what occupies Jesus in showing the Father to those who will believe: compassion, feeding the poor, caring for the grieving, opening your life to hospitality, giving your gifts and self, going out of the way for someone else’s good, and yes, inviting the Kingdom to come in power and glory for Signs and Wonders.

Greater is the word “megas:” A general word for greater or bigger.

When? Time – related to Kairos, for the moment as in greater works as in the miraculous at points that call for a greater evidence of God’s kingdom.

Where? Spatial or where. Instead of on the paths of Judea and Galilee, greater and around the globe.

Who? Not just Jesus, not just the twelve, not just the surrounding followers listening. Whomever.

What? The very works that show the Father in ways that point to Jesus and demonstrate the Kingdom. John 16:7 – “If I don’t go away, the Father can’t send His promised Spirit.”

Going to the Father indicates a leaving and a going, it’s a journey.

v. 13 Then, whatever you might need and ask in my name this I will do so that the Father might be glorified in the Son.

Whatever we need and ask is a continuation of “The works he does” in the previous verse. Whatever works you need.

The word here for ask is directly related to a need or required desire. The defining work here is not “whatever” or “anything” – it is you might ask because  you need or require.

Again, remember the context: what will show the Father to the world. You are asking on behalf of a required answer that will show the Father, demonstrate the Kingdom and point to Jesus.

In my name means that what you need and ask for is rightly fit to who Jesus is. It’s not a formula to get whatever you require; it is a promise that God will meet you at the point of need that will glorify the Father. We ask out of our need or required desire for what will show the Father to the world, demonstrate the Kingdom values, and point to Jesus.

This is the first “in my Name” command and promise. Defining what this means is crucial. It isn’t a magical formula. It doesn’t invoke God’s blessings on what won’t point to the Father’s love. It is what is needed and requested that shows the Father to the world, brings the values of the Kingdom, and points to Jesus.

v. 14 If you ask me anything you need in my name, I will do it.

This is Jesus making it clear by saying it again in another form. The “if” is the conditional. The condition is anything you or I need that will demonstrate the Kingdom, show the Father to the world and point to Jesus.

I will do it. Because the Father is in Jesus and He is in us by the Holy Spirit, He will do it. He will make it happen or manage it.