BUT SATAN STOPPED US / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:18

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Thessalonians 2:18

 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

BUT SATAN STOPPED US / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:18

Satan had at times put obstacles in the way of Paul’s missionary endeavors. Biblical truths concerning Satan’s opposition to faithful followers and ministers of Christ include the following:

  1. God allows Satan to war against believers and attempt to stop them or turn them away from doing what God has put in their hearts to do for His kingdom (Ephesians 6:11-12; Daniel 10:13, 20-21; Zechariah 3:1; Matthew 4:1-11).
  2. Satan’s power is, however, subject to God’s sovereignty (God’s final and absolute authority, power and control to do as He chooses; Job 1:9-12; 1:12; 2:6). God can overrule Satan’s activities and turn them into good for His kingdom (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Yet, God chooses to involve His people in this process as He responds to their faithful obedience and prayers (Colossians 4:3; Daniel 9-10; 10:13).
  3. God’s faithful people can overcome Satan’s opposition by their prayers, by “the blood of the Lamb” (the sin-covering, death-defeating sacrifice of Jesus; Revelation 12:11), by their bold testimony for Christ and their obedient love for God. This means that Satan’s opposition does not have to succeed and keep us from fulfilling God’s plans for us (1 Thessalonians 3:11). For this reason, we must pray daily for the power to recognize and overcome the devil’s schemes (1 Thessalonians 3:5; 6:13; Matthew 4:10; Ephesians 6:12).

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. THE WRATH OF GOD HAS COME UPON THEM / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:16
  2. LIVE LIVES WORTHY OF GOD / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:12
  3. HOW HOLY RIGHTEOUS AND BLAMELESS WE WERE / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:10
  4. LIKE A MOTHER CARING FOR HER LITTLE CHILDREN / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:7
  5. WE SPEAK NOT TRYING TO PLEASE MEN / 1 THESALONIANS 2:4
  6. OUR VISIT TO YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-2
  7. TO WAIT FOR HIS SON FROM HEAVEN / 1 Thessalonians 1:10
  8. WITH POWER AND IN THE HOLY SPIRIT / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:5
  9. HE HAS CHOSEN YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:4
  10. DO NOT PUT OUT THE SPIRIT’S FIRE / 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19-20
  11. Guided By Grace About

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

THE WRATH OF GOD HAS COME UPON THEM / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:16

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Thessalonians 2:16

Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

THE WRATH OF GOD HAS COME UPON THEM / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:16

Though Paul himself was a Jew and had great love and concern for the spiritual salvation of Jews (Romans 9:1-3; 10:1), he does not hesitate to reject the behavior of those who opposed Christ’s message and persecuted the church (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16). In fact, he speaks of God’s wrath (His justified anger, punishment and judgment) already being upon them. This wrath includes (a) God allowing the already spiritually hardened Jews of Israel to go their own way and continue to walk blindly in their own thinking (Romans 1:21) and (b) the future outpouring of His judgment as foretold by Christ (Matthew 21:43; 23:38; 24:15-28; Luke 21:5-24; 23:27-31). 

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. LIVE LIVES WORTHY OF GOD / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:12
  2. HOW HOLY RIGHTEOUS AND BLAMELESS WE WERE / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:10
  3. LIKE A MOTHER CARING FOR HER LITTLE CHILDREN / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:7
  4. WE SPEAK NOT TRYING TO PLEASE MEN / 1 THESALONIANS 2:4
  5. OUR VISIT TO YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-2
  6. TO WAIT FOR HIS SON FROM HEAVEN / 1 Thessalonians 1:10
  7. WITH POWER AND IN THE HOLY SPIRIT / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:5
  8. HE HAS CHOSEN YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:4
  9. DO NOT PUT OUT THE SPIRIT’S FIRE / 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19-20
  10. Guided By Grace About

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

LIVE LIVES WORTHY OF GOD / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:12

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Thessalonians 2:12

That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

LIVE LIVES WORTHY OF GOD / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:12

We are to live in such a way that we bring positive attention and honor to God. We must always examine ourselves to make sure that our lives are worthy of being identified with Christ, representing His character and delivering His message to others. We can only do this by relying on God’s grace and power.

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. HOW HOLY RIGHTEOUS AND BLAMELESS WE WERE / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:10
  2. LIKE A MOTHER CARING FOR HER LITTLE CHILDREN / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:7
  3. WE SPEAK NOT TRYING TO PLEASE MEN / 1 THESALONIANS 2:4
  4. OUR VISIT TO YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-2
  5. TO WAIT FOR HIS SON FROM HEAVEN / 1 Thessalonians 1:10
  6. WITH POWER AND IN THE HOLY SPIRIT / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:5
  7. HE HAS CHOSEN YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:4
  8. DO NOT PUT OUT THE SPIRIT’S FIRE / 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19-20
  9. Guided By Grace About

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

HOW HOLY RIGHTEOUS AND BLAMELESS WE WERE / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:10

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Thessalonians 2:10

Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

HOW HOLY RIGHTEOUS AND BLAMELESS WE WERE / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:10

Paul does not accept the misguided view of some Christians who believe that the sin-covering sacrifice of Christ is sufficient for us to receive forgiveness but not sufficient enough to totally free us from the continued control of sin. This unbiblical teaching encouraged believers to accept sin as a natural part and an acceptable influence in the Christian life. Paul pleaded for them to look at his own life as an example that this is not true. 

  1. He begs them to remember his own conduct among the Thessalonians; he was “holy, righteous and blameless.” In other words, he showed complete moral purity and spiritual integrity. He did what was right and behaved in such a way that no one could justly accuse him of wrongdoing. 
  2. Paul called both the church and God Himself as witnesses that God’s grace (His unearned favor, love and spiritual enablement) provided enough motivation and power to purify himself “from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (2 Corinthians 1:12; 2:17; 6:3-10; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 2 Timothy 1:3). This does not mean that Christians will never sin, but they do not have to sin; God’s power is always sufficient for us to overcome and remain free from sin if we rely on Him and follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. LIKE A MOTHER CARING FOR HER LITTLE CHILDREN / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:7
  2. WE SPEAK NOT TRYING TO PLEASE MEN / 1 THESALONIANS 2:4
  3. OUR VISIT TO YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-2
  4. TO WAIT FOR HIS SON FROM HEAVEN / 1 Thessalonians 1:10
  5. WITH POWER AND IN THE HOLY SPIRIT / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:5
  6. HE HAS CHOSEN YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:4
  7. DO NOT PUT OUT THE SPIRIT’S FIRE / 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19-20
  8. Guided By Grace About

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

LIKE A MOTHER CARING FOR HER LITTLE CHILDREN / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:7

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Thessalonians 2:7

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

LIKE A MOTHER CARING FOR HER LITTLE CHILDREN / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:7

Paul and his associates offer an example of the spiritual attitude that all missionaries, evangelists and pastors should have as they preach Christ’s message. 

  1. As missionaries (ones taking Christ’s message to people of other cultures, communities and lands), they had a mother’s gentle and caring attitude. They were willing to make great sacrifices, doing whatever was necessary to nurture, protect and meet the spiritual needs of God’s people and those whom they had led to faith in Christ. 
  2. Their gentleness implies that they did not act like important or superior people. They were patient rather than harsh with people as they grew in their faith. 
  3. The missionaries possessed such a deep love for the Thessalonians that they were willing to share their very lives with the people (1 Thessalonians 2:8).
  4. They devoted long hours, even to the point of extreme fatigue, in order to bring them Christ’s message, help them grow spiritually and establish effective ministry in their church (1 Thessalonians 2:9).
  5. They lived hold and blameless lives (lives of moral purity, spiritual integrity and devotion to God) so that sincere people could not accuse them of wrongdoing. They guided and encouraged the people as any good father would (1 Thessalonians 1:10-12).

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. WE SPEAK NOT TRYING TO PLEASE MEN / 1 THESALONIANS 2:4
  2. OUR VISIT TO YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-2
  3. TO WAIT FOR HIS SON FROM HEAVEN / 1 Thessalonians 1:10
  4. WITH POWER AND IN THE HOLY SPIRIT / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:5
  5. HE HAS CHOSEN YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:4
  6. DO NOT PUT OUT THE SPIRIT’S FIRE / 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19-20
  7. Guided By Grace About

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

WE SPEAK NOT TRYING TO PLEASE MEN / 1 THESALONIANS 2:4

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Thessalonians 2:4

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

WE SPEAK NOT TRYING TO PLEASE MEN / 1 THESALONIANS 2:4

Every preacher of the gospel faces the temptation to please other people – trying to gain their acceptance, approval and honor (1 Thessalonians 2:6) – by preaching only what people want to hear and what will not offend them. 

  1. Giving in to this temptation may take the form of tolerating sin, spiritual compromise and complacency in the congregation (Revelation 2:20: Revelation 3:15-16). It may also involve the use of flattering speech or entertainment-oriented ministry in order to increase attendance, promote financial giving, gain higher positions or receive honor from others (1 Thessalonians 2:4-6).
  2. If this occurs, a church may suffer irreparable damage to its integrity and ability to represent Christ to its community. For this reason, it is essential that one’s motive in preaching – or any kind of ministry or Christian service – should always be to please God and not to gain approval from other people (1 Corinthians 4:5; Galatians 1:9; Galatians 1:10; Luke 1:17; 2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. OUR VISIT TO YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-2
  2. TO WAIT FOR HIS SON FROM HEAVEN / 1 Thessalonians 1:10
  3. WITH POWER AND IN THE HOLY SPIRIT / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:5
  4. HE HAS CHOSEN YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:4
  5. DO NOT PUT OUT THE SPIRIT’S FIRE / 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19-20
  6. Guided By Grace About

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

OUR VISIT TO YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-2

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2

 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

OUR VISIT TO YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-2

In 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul reminds the Thessalonians of the integrity of his conduct while he was serving with them. Paul’s opponents had slandered his character and questioned his motives in preaching the message of Christ.

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. TO WAIT FOR HIS SON FROM HEAVEN / 1 Thessalonians 1:10
  2. WITH POWER AND IN THE HOLY SPIRIT / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:5
  3. HE HAS CHOSEN YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:4
  4. DO NOT PUT OUT THE SPIRIT’S FIRE / 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19-20
  5. Guided By Grace About

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

TO WAIT FOR HIS SON FROM HEAVEN / 1 Thessalonians 1:10

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

TO WAIT FOR HIS SON FROM HEAVEN / 1 Thessalonians 1:10

The great hope of the Thessalonian Christians was Jesus’ return to rescue them from “the wrath to come” – God’s judgment on the earth and punishment on those who do not accept Him.

  1. A true spiritual conversion to a life of faith in Christ involves (a) turning from sin, which is our own God-defying ways, and (b) turning to God in complete surrender, with the anticipation of Christ’s return for those who remain faithful to Him (1 Thessalonians 1:9). Waiting for Christ implies an ongoing expectation of His coming and a readiness for that time. 
  2. “The wrath to com” refers to the future judgment on the earth that occurs during the tribulation period. However, followers of Christ need not fear, for God is sending Jesus back to spare us from that time of wrath (God’s justified anger and punishment for defying Him). Clearly, Christ’s return for His faithful people preceded this coming wrath (Revelation 3:10).
  3. This is the first reference in 1 Thessalonians to Christ’s return, when He comes to take His faithful followers from the earth to be with Him in heaven (John 14:3; the other passages are 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 3:13; 4:17; 5:1-11, 23).

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. WITH POWER AND IN THE HOLY SPIRIT / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:5
  2. HE HAS CHOSEN YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:4
  3. DO NOT PUT OUT THE SPIRIT’S FIRE / 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19-20
  4. Guided By Grace About

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

WITH POWER AND IN THE HOLY SPIRIT / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:5

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Thessalonians 1:15

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

WITH POWER AND IN THE HOLY SPIRIT / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:5

The preaching of the apostles – those whom Christ commissioned to deliver His original message and establish His church – consisted of four essential elements:

  1. They proclaimed the gospel of God (1 Thessalonians 2:8) and Christ (1 Thessalonians 3:2) to others (Mark 14:9).
  2. They preached God’s Word in the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:5-8; Acts 2:4). This power exposed people’s sin and convinced them of their need for God’s forgiveness and new life. Those who accepted the message of Christ were rescued and liberated from the power of sin and Satan. The power of Christ’s message also resulted in the performing of miracles and healings (Acts 4:30; 1 Corinthians 2:4).
  3. The message was proclaimed “with full conviction.” This means that because of their faith in Christ and through the work of the Spirit in them, Jesus’ messengers were soberly aware and fully confident of the truth, purity and power of the message (Romans 1:16).
  4. Those who believed the message demonstrated their faith by obeying God’s Word and putting it into practice in their daily lives. They became examples of holiness (moral purity, spiritual integrity and wholeness, separation from evil and devotion to God) and righteousness (a right relationship with God and the power of God’s Spirit to live right by God’s standard).

These four elements must accompany the preaching and teaching of the message of Christ in order for people in our churches to experience complete spiritual salvation and freedom from the control of sin. 

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. HE HAS CHOSEN YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:4
  2. DO NOT PUT OUT THE SPIRIT’S FIRE / 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19-20
  3. Guided By Grace About

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

HE HAS CHOSEN YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:4

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Thessalonians 1:4
Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

HE HAS CHOSEN YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:4

God has already taken the first step in renewing our personal relationship with Him (Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:10) by sending Jesus Christ, who died to pay the price for our offenses against God. By doing so, Jesus bridged the gap between God and all humankind that was caused by sin (the tendency to go our own ungodly way). Paul’s description of God’s chosen people – those who have accepted His invitation of forgiveness and new life made available through the personal sacrifice of His Son, Jesus – is found in 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10. They imitate Christ, endure suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit and set a worthy example of faith and a right relationship with God. They now follow Christ and serve God’s purposes for their lives. In the process, they eagerly await Jesus’ return from heaven.

The misguided teaching that all people who claim that Christ is their Savior will be saved though they live unrighteous lives is not found anywhere in God’s Word. This misguided idea is a serious distortion of spiritual salvation preached by Christ and those He personally commissioned to establish His church. In order to be true followers of Christ, people must sincerely admit their sin, turn from their own way and surrender their lives to Christ (Matthew 3:2). This means that they must accept Jesus not only as Savior (the Forgiver of their sins) but also as Lord – the Leader and absolute authority over their lives (Romans 10:9). They must then continue to develop Christ’s character and live by faith and in submission to His plans and purposes (Galatians 5:22-26).

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. DO NOT PUT OUT THE SPIRIT’S FIRE / 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19-20
  2. Guided By Grace About

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace