“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” (Eph 5:1-2)
Paul wrote to the Ephesians saints to walk in love as Christ also loved us. Those are big shoes to fill!
In the first letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote about the superiority of love (1Cor 13:13). John wrote that love was more than lip service, but that true love requires action, in particularly toward the brethren (1John 3:6-17). He also wrote by inspiration; “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7). Lest we forget, the Lord commands us to Love one another, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34-35; 15:12, 17; Romans 13:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11-12). Love is an essential quality of Saints. But what is it?
The love of the Bible is Christlike, agape love; a deliberate, sacrificial, unconditional commitment to seek the highest good of others — even at great personal cost — patterned after Jesus’ self-giving on the cross. Agape love willingly sacrifices time, comfort, resources, rights, or even life itself for the benefit of others, and is not based on loveliness, worthiness, or a precondition of the recipient. “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27). “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1Peter 4:8)
“Let ALL that ye do be done in LOVE.”
(1Cor 16:14)
LOVE is Active and Practical. Biblical agape proves itself through deeds, not just words. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” (1John 3:18). It does good, serves, shares, forgives, and builds others up. It shows up in service toward the brethren. “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13).
True love does speak just in affirmations, but speaks the truth for a purpose, “but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head–Christ– from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Eph 4:15-16). The chapter of love, 1Corinthians 13, tells us that speaking the truth without love is ineffective and meaningless. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.”
Love is active, it can be proved (1Cor 8:8), and it has a purpose for truth.
In my nearly 58 years of life, I’ve learned there are two ways to live: one that most people follow, and another that very few find.
When I was young, as you are today, I had the expectation that life would be nothing but FOOD, FUN, and FROLIC. I found those things, but in between came FEAR, FRUSTRATION, and FAILURE. My expectations about life, myself, and others were unrealistic. While this life offers love, laughter, and lucre, it also brings lovelessness, lows, and loss. It surprised me, disappointed me, and often depressed me. I learned this was the wide way.
Then I discovered an ancient book that taught me a better way—a way to find true joy and meaning even in the midst of pain. It showed me that focusing primarily on me, myself, and I (Jeremiah 17:9) led only to dissatisfaction, disappointment, and depression. It revealed there is more to life than what we see under the sun. It pointed me to SOMEONE who is the source of true meaning, purpose, and value—things I could never find on my own. This book taught me about LIGHT, LOVE, and LIFE. It introduced me to Jesus, “the new and living way” (Hebrews 10:20).
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:1-4, 14).
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). When we learn of Him, and take His yoke upon us (Matt 11:29-30; see Romans 10:17), we find rest. For those who obey His gospel, Jesus becomes their life, their purpose, their meaning, their joy, and their peace. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4; see Colossians 2:11-12; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4).
After putting on Christ (Gal 3:27), my expectations shifted from this temporary life to true hope and eternal life. This instantly gave meaning to my daily efforts, because now I do all things for Him. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:17, 23).
Welcome to life. Two ways lie before you: the wide and normal way that many follow, which ends in destruction (Matthew 7:13; 2 Thess. 1:8-9), or the narrow, new and living way that leads to eternal joy, eternal life, and inexpressible love. Choose wisely.
What is a cult? A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. The followers of such a religion or sect. A system or community of religious worship and ritual
Is the church of Christ a cult? If following CHRIST as He commands is a cult… then we are part of it. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
If trying to UNDERSTAND the will of the Lord is a cult… then we are part of it. “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:17)
If LOVING Christ is a cult… then we are part of it. “If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15) “In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3)
If TEACHING what Jesus taught is a cult… then we are part of it. “Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” (2 John 1:9) Jesus commanded us to teach others to observe all that He commanded (Matthew 28:20).
We are not following the traditions of men, extra-biblical creeds, or the latest cultural trends. We are simply striving to be the church we read about in the New Testament—Christians who love Christ enough to obey Him, who respect the authority of Scripture, and who teach what the apostles taught.
If that makes us a “cult” in the eyes of some, so be it.
We would rather stand with Jesus and His word than compromise to gain the approval of the world. As for us and our house, we will serve the Lord by following Christ as He has revealed Himself in Scripture.
What about you? Are you following the commands of Christ, or the changing opinions of men?
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Eph 4:1-3)
The Holy Spirit wants us to keep the unity of His Spirit in the bond of peace. In this passage He gives 3 avenues through which we are to “walk worthy of the vocation you are called.” To understand this passage, we need to understand the words.
Walk: To conduct one’s life, behave, or live in a habitual manner; the ongoing pattern of daily conduct and lifestyle as a believer (Colossians 1:10; Ephesians 5:2)
Worthy: Suitably, appropriately, or in a manner that matches or balances the value of something; living in congruence with the dignity and nature of what has been received. Philippians 1:27 — “Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” (worthy manner);
Vocation: The divine calling, invitation, or summons to salvation and service in Christ; the position or role to which God has invited believers. 1Corinthians 7:20 — “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called”;
Called: To be summoned, invited, or effectually drawn by God into relationship with Him through the gospel. 2Thessalonians 2:14 — “Whereunto he called you by our gospel.”
Lowliness: Humility of mind, lowliness of thought about oneself; thinking soberly of self in light of God’s grace, without pride or self-exaltation. Colossians 3:12 — “Put on… humbleness of mind.”
Meekness: Gentleness, mildness, or controlled strength; a disposition that is patient and considerate, not harsh or self-assertive, even under provocation. It’s Restrained power, not weakness. Matthew 11:29 — “For I am meek and lowly in heart.”
Longsuffering: Patience, forbearance, or endurance in bearing wrongs; slow to anger and long to endure provocation or hardship. Colossians 3:12 — “Putting on… longsuffering.”
Unity: Oneness, harmony, or unanimity; the state of being one in spirit and purpose, produced by the Holy Spirit among believers. The term appears only here and in Ephesians 4:13.
Peace: Harmony, tranquility, and reconciliation; the state of concord and absence of strife, especially the bond that holds believers together. Ephesians 2:14 — “For he is our peace, who hath made both one.”
These words reveal that walking worthy involves humble, gentle, patient conduct that preserves the Spirit-given oneness among believers.
Last week, people took polar-opposite positions on an artist’s performance in a language neither of them understood. What stood out to this author wasn’t so much the controversy, but that folks were arguing over facts neither side had.
One fellow made a divisive Facebook post, then an hour later retracted it after hearing “the rest of the story.”
It reminded me of a warning written in the ancient wisdom literature about taking such impetuous and rash actions based on half (or less) of the facts. “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” (Proverbs 18:13)
The scriptures reveal many such rash judgments people have made based on little to no facts.
A clear biblical example appears in the confusion surrounding Jesus’ birthplace. Many in His day assumed He was merely from Nazareth in Galilee, prompting Nathanael to ask skeptically, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). This prejudice against the insignificant village blinded him to Jesus’ true identity.
Similarly, in John 7, crowds and religious leaders debated whether Jesus could be the Messiah, arguing, “Will the Christ come out of Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from Bethlehem?” (John 7:41-42). They rejected Him because they believed He originated in Galilee, unaware He was born in Bethlehem fulfilling prophecy (Micah 5:2; Luke 2). Their hasty dismissal ignored the full story. Premature conclusions often stem from prejudice, incomplete information, or arrogance, leading people to dismiss truth.
Even Nicodemus faced mockery when defending fair process: “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing?” (John 7:51), only to be scorned as possibly Galilean himself (v. 52). These instances show how answering, or rejecting a person before hearing the complete matter fosters error, division, and overlooked details. It’s folly to answer a matter before hearing it.
It’s a broken record… Jumping to conclusions about people close to us (spouses, children, friends, or family) can lead to contempt and have lasting effects. When we assume (impugn) motives, judge character, or assign blame without hearing “the rest of the story,” we violate the wisdom of Proverbs 18:13. These snap judgments or assumptions usually stay internal at first: unvoiced suspicions, lingering doubts, or private resentments, but they seldom remain hidden. They leak out in changes in tone, avoidance, passive-aggressive actions, overreactions, and gossip. The affected person senses something’s wrong but doesn’t know what.
Humble recognition that we may not have all the facts is the first step. Giving folks the benefit of the doubt can do wonders. Gratitude and Prayer also helps.
The Bible presents a God of boundless love, genuine invitation, and impartial justice. Yet Calvinism (through its doctrines of unconditional election, limited atonement, and irresistible grace) paints a different portrait: a God who sovereignly chooses some for heaven and others for hell, apart from their response. This article examines nine biblical truths that directly contradict core Calvinist claims. God is not a Calvinist because…
1. He Teaches Man Is Free to CHOOSE
“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness… And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:14–15, ESV)
God does not mock His creatures with illusory commands. Joshua’s charge assumes real moral ability to choose between serving God or idols. Calvinism’s unconditional election denies this freedom, claiming the unelect cannot choose God. But Scripture places responsibility squarely on human shoulders.
2. He Desires ALL to Be Saved
“This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3–4)
Paul roots evangelism in God’s universal salvific will. Calvinism redefines “all” as “all kinds of people” (i.e., the elect from every nation). But the Greek pantas anthrōpous means every human without exception. God’s desire conflicts with their decree that guarantees most will perish.
3. He LOVES the Whole World
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Calvinism limits Christ’s death to the elect. Yet “world” (kosmos) here is all-encompassing (every sinner, not a pre-selected subset). Salvation hinges on whoever believes, not whoever was chosen before time.
4. Jesus Is the Propitiation for the Whole World
“He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1–2)
John destroys limited atonement in one sentence. Christ’s blood satisfies God’s wrath for every sin of every person. The offer of forgiveness is universal and sufficient—though not universally applied (due to unbelief, not divine decree; see Romans 1:20-32).
5. Jesus Was Willing, but ISRAEL Was Not
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… How often would I have gathered your children… and you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37)
Jesus’ lament exposes the myth of irresistible grace. Divine will (“I would”) clashes with human refusal (“you were not willing”). Grace woos, but does not compel. The same crowd that rejected Christ could have repented; if they had been willing.
6. He Is NOT Willing That Any Should Perish
“The Lord is… not willing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
Peter ties God’s patience to a universal hope for repentance. Calvinism inserts “any of the elect” and “all of the elect,” but the text says any and all—period. God delays judgment to give every sinner opportunity (2Peter 3:15).
7. He Warns Believers of the Possibility of Falling
“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)
Calvinism’s perseverance of the saints teaches true believers cannot fall away. Yet Paul warns the Corinthian church—regenerate Christians—of real spiritual danger. Apostasy is possible; perseverance is commanded, not guaranteed. The Bible is full of warnings against apostasy.
8. He Says Baptism Saves
“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience…” (1 Peter 3:21)
Calvinism often treats baptism as a mere symbol with no saving efficacy. Peter disagrees: baptism saves—not magically, but as the God-ordained moment of calling on the name of the Lord (cf. Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 10:13; Mark 16:16). It is the normative entry into Christ’s death and resurrection (Rom 6:3–4; Colossians 2:11-12).
9. He Teaches Babies Are Safe—We Do Not Inherit Adam’s Guilt
“The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father…” (Ezekiel 18:20) “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)
Calvinism’s total depravity includes inherited guilt—infants are “vipers in diapers,” born condemned. But:
David said of his dead infant, “I shall go to him, but he will not return to me” (2 Sam 12:23)—implying the child was saved.
Jesus held up children as models of the kingdom, not objects of wrath.
Ezekiel rejects transgenerational punishment.
Sin’s consequence is death (Rom 5:12), but guilt is personal. Babies are safe until the age of accountability.
Conclusion: A God Worth Proclaiming
The God of Scripture loves every sinner, died for every sin, and pleads with every heart. He does not play favorites (Acts 10:34–35). He does not mock with insincere offers. He does not damn the innocent.
Calvinism’s God decrees reprobation before birth of certain individuals and spares selected individuals.
The Bible’s God says, “Choose this day… Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth!” (Isa 45:22)
In a world where choices often weigh heavy with consequence, there are actions so pure, so aligned with the human spirit, that they stand beyond regret or the need for repentance. These are the timeless acts that enrich lives, and those around us, and echo with eternal resonance.
These 4 principles are easy with people we like, it’s much more challenging to hold these qualities with folks who don’t like you.
Speaking EDIFYING Words Words have power to build or break. Choosing to speak words that uplift, encourage, and inspire is a gift that lingers in hearts. Imagine a weary soul, burdened by doubt, lifted by your gentle affirmation. We’ll never regret offering hope through our speech. When we choose words that breathe life, we reflect divine creativity. Ephesians 4:29 urges, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up.” Our words can be a beacon, guiding others through darkness, and we’ll never wish we’d held them back.
Showing KINDNESS and Forgiveness Kindness is a currency of the soul, and forgiveness its greatest transaction. Extending a hand to someone in need or releasing a grudge can transform lives. Picture the moment you forgave someone who hurt you; their eyes softening, your heart lightening. We’ll never regret choosing compassion over bitterness. Colossians 3:12-13 reminds us to “put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility… forgiving one another.” These acts free us from resentment’s chains, leaving peace in their wake.
Acting with INTEGRITY Integrity is the compass of a life well-lived. Standing firm in truth, even when it’s costly, brings a quiet confidence that never fades. Consider the employee who refuses to cut corners, earning trust that outlasts fleeting gain. We’ll never regret honoring what’s right. Proverbs 11:3 declares, “The integrity of the upright guides them.” Living with integrity aligns us with our deepest values, ensuring we rest easy, untroubled by guilt. (See 2Peter 1:5-10)
LOVING Others as Yourself To love others as we love ourselves is to mirror the divine (Matt 22:37-39). Loving those who don’t love you is the real challenge. There’s no credit in Loving only those who love you (Luke 6:32). This love, selfless and bold, leaves no room for regret. Imagine the joy of seeing someone flourish because you chose to care. Mark 12:31 commands, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This love weaves a legacy that endures.
These choices carry no shadow of regret. They are the qualities of living with purpose and peace.
The way we speak reveals the condition of our hearts and serves as a powerful expression of love. Scripture, particularly Ephesians, provides a blueprint for how our words can reflect Christ’s love, fostering unity, encouragement, and grace. By aligning our speech with biblical principles, we demonstrate love that honors God and uplifts others.
Seasoned with Salt; Colossians 4:6 urges believers to let their speech be “always full of grace, seasoned with salt,” so that they know how to answer everyone (“seasoned with salt” suggesting speech that is gracious, wise, and impactful, enhancing conversations like salt enhances food). Similarly, James 3:17 describes wisdom from above as pure, peace-loving, and gentle. Words seasoned with salt are purposeful, preserving truth and adding value to conversations. They avoid blandness or harshness, striking a balance that reflects thoughtfulness and care. When our speech is seasoned with grace, it becomes a tool to point others to Christ, making our interactions meaningful and impactful.
Pleasant, Not Profane; Ephesians 5:4 warns against “filthiness, foolish talk, or crude joking,” which are out of place for those who follow Christ. Instead, our words should be pleasant, reflecting gratitude and reverence. Filthy or foolish speech tears down, while pleasant words build up and create an atmosphere of love. Avoiding foul language doesn’t mean stifling humor or joy but choosing words that align with God’s holiness. Pleasant speech invites others into a space of dignity and respect, mirroring the love Christ shows us.
Edifying, Empathetic, & Encouraging; Ephesians 4:29 instructs, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Edifying means Building up or strengthening others spiritually). Romans 14:19 tells us to pursue peace and mutual edification, while Colossians 3:16 encourages teaching and admonishing one another with wisdom. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes spurring one another toward love and good works. Empathetic and encouraging speech listens deeply, validates feelings, and inspires growth. It puts others’ needs above our own, fostering community and reflecting Christ’s sacrificial love.
Speaking Truth in Love; Ephesians 4:15 and 4:25 highlight the importance of speaking truth in love, rooted in agape type (love selfless, unconditional love). Truth without love can wound, while love without truth can enable. Speaking truth in love requires humility and courage, ensuring our words are honest yet delivered with kindness. This balance builds trust and strengthens relationships, as we lovingly correct or guide others toward God’s truth. Loving speech prioritizes the other person’s spiritual growth, even when it’s uncomfortable, because it seeks their ultimate good.
Kindness in Speech; Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be kind and compassionate, forgiving one another as God forgave us. James 1:26 warns that those who fail to bridle their tongues deceive themselves, and Colossians 3:12-13 emphasizes clothing ourselves with kindness and patience. Kind words diffuse conflict, heal wounds, and demonstrate grace. They reflect a heart transformed by Christ, choosing gentleness over harshness and forgiveness over bitterness. Kindness in speech is a daily practice of love, creating a ripple effect of grace in our interactions.
As I walk this journey of faith, I’m learning that selfless love is the heartbeat of what it means to follow Christ. The New Testament tells me to pursue love (agape, the kind of love that puts others first) as Paul urges in 1 Corinthians 14:1, “Pursue love,” and 1 Corinthians 10:24, “Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.” I see this love woven into the virtues of 1 Timothy 6:11 and 2 Timothy 2:22, where love stands alongside righteousness, faith, and peace. Yet, I confess, loving selflessly doesn’t come naturally to me. It’s a daily choice to set aside my own desires and seek the good of those around me.
This pursuit matters deeply because love is the foundation of God’s kingdom. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:13 that love is greater than faith or hope, and I’m beginning to understand why. When I choose to love others (whether through a kind word, a listening ear, or an act of hospitality like Romans 12:13 encourages) I reflect Christ’s heart. Every effort to encourage others flows from this love. But I stumble often. My selfishness creeps in, and I need God’s grace to soften my heart, to help me embody the gentleness of 1 Timothy 6:11 or the peace of 2 Timothy 2:22 in my relationships.
Striving for selfless love is transforming me. It pushes me to forgive when I’d rather hold a grudge, to serve when I’m tired, and to prioritize others’ needs over my own comfort. It’s humbling to realize how far I fall short, yet I find joy in small steps, like a kind word to a neighbor or praying for a struggling friend. This pursuit brightens the light of Christ in my heart, showing the world a glimpse of Jesus’ love through my imperfect efforts. As a saint, I am to keep chasing this treasure, trusting God to make my love more like His.
Life can throw some heavy punches, can’t it? For the believers in Thessalonica, those punches came in the form of persecutions, false teachings, and even some within their own community slacking off and stirring up trouble. Yet, in his second letter to them, Paul points to three timeless virtues (faith, hope, and love) as the keys to standing firm, no matter what others say or do. Rooted in knowing God’s word, these qualities enabled the Thessalonians to rise above their troubles and the “lowness” of their troublers.
Chapter 1: Enduring Through Faith, Hope, and Love
The Thessalonian church was under fire, literally and figuratively. They faced “persecutions and tribulations” (2 Thessalonians 1:4, KJV), likely from hostile neighbors or authorities who opposed their faith. Yet Paul couldn’t stop bragging about them: “We ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure” (1:4). Their faith wasn’t just a Sunday morning nod to God; it was a steadfast trust in His promises, even when the world seemed against them. That faith, Paul says, was “growing exceedingly” (1:3), and their love for one another was increasing right alongside it.
But what kept them going? HOPE. Paul paints a vivid picture of hope tied to God’s justice and Christ’s return: “Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels” (1:6-7). The promise that God would deal with their troublers and grant them relief gave them a reason to hold on. This hope wasn’t wishful thinking, it was grounded in God’s word, which assured them that their suffering was “a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God” (1:5). Knowing God’s word fueled their faith to endure, their hope to look forward, and their love to care for one another, even under pressure. Paul prayed for this to continue, asking God to “fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power” (1:11).
So, what’s the lesson? When trouble comes (whether it’s people attacking your faith or life’s hardships piling up) lean into faith, hope, and love. Trust God’s word, hold fast to the promise of Christ’s return, and keep loving those around you. That’s how you stay faithful, no matter what others do.
Chapter 2: Standing Firm Against Deception
The troubles didn’t stop with persecution. Someone was spreading lies, maybe even claiming Paul’s authority, saying the day of the Lord had already come. This shook the Thessalonians, leaving them “troubled” and “shaken in mind” (2 Thessalonians 2:2). Imagine the confusion, thinking you missed the biggest event in history! But Paul steps in with clarity, urging them not to be “soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us” (2:2). He reminds them of God’s word, which he’d already taught: the day of the Lord won’t come until the “man of lawlessness” is revealed (2:3-4) and destroyed by Christ’s return (2:8).
Here’s where faith, hope, and love shine again. Their faith in the truth (God’s word) kept them from falling for deception. Paul calls them “brethren beloved of the Lord” (2:13), chosen for salvation “through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth” (2:13; see John 17:17). That belief anchored them. Hope came from knowing Christ would return to set things right: “The Lord Jesus Christ… shall destroy with the brightness of his coming” (2:8). This hope steadied them against false alarms. And love? Paul prays for their hearts to be comforted and established “in every good word and work” (2:16-17), a call to keep loving and serving each other despite the chaos.
The troublers spreading lies were low, trying to unsettle God’s people. But Paul’s answer is clear: “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle” (2:15). Stay rooted in God’s word. Let faith keep you grounded, hope keep you looking up, and love keep you moving forward. That’s how you abound, no matter what others say.
Chapter 3: Overcoming Internal Troubles
If external persecution and false teachings weren’t enough, the Thessalonians had trouble within their own ranks. Some believers were “walking disorderly,” refusing to work and meddling as busybodies (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 11). This idleness wasn’t just laziness, it disrupted the work of the church. Paul doesn’t mince words: “If any would not work, neither should he eat” (3:10). Yet even this discipline is rooted in love, as he urges the church to correct the idle “as a brother” (3:15), not an enemy.
Faith shows up in Paul’s confidence that the Thessalonians would stay faithful: “We have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you” (3:4). Their hope was tied to God’s word, which provided clear instructions for living, and to the promise of God’s peace: “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means” (3:16). Love guided their response to the troublers within, balancing discipline with care, and Paul prayed that “the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ” (3:5).
The idle were acting low, causing trouble by neglecting their responsibilities. But Paul calls the church to a higher standard: “Be not weary in well doing” (3:13). By staying faithful to God’s word (working diligently, loving one another, and holding fast to His commands) they could overcome even internal challenges.
Tying It All Together
What do we learn from the Thessalonians? Troubles and troublers come in many forms: persecutors who mock your faith, deceivers who twist the truth, or even fellow believers who let you down. But faith, hope, and love, rooted in knowing God’s word, are your strength. Faith keeps you trusting God’s truth, like the Thessalonians’ belief in the gospel (2:13) and obedience to Paul’s teaching (3:4). Hope lifts your eyes to God’s vengeance (1:6-9, 2:8) and Christ’s return (1:7, 2:8), assuring you that troubles won’t have the last word. Love binds you to your brothers and sisters, growing even in tough times (1:3) and guiding how you correct the wayward (3:15).
Knowing God’s word is the thread that ties it all together. It’s the foundation for faith, the source of hope, and the guide for love. The Thessalonians’ troubles didn’t define them, their faithfulness did. They stayed abounding, growing in faith and love (1:3), standing firm against lies (2:15), and doing good despite setbacks (3:13). So, when others try to drag you down with their words or actions, don’t stoop to their level. Hold fast to God’s word. Let faith, hope, and love keep you faithful and abounding, just as they did for the Thessalonians.
Borger church of Christ @ Franklin & Juniper 