I Thessalonians 2:1-20
2:1-3 Paul explains that the motivations propelling him to travel and preach are strictly for the betterment of others. It is with this exact selfless aplomb that we must endeavor in our own lives. Paul was uninfluenced by any selfish motivations for fame or martyrdom, undeterred by trial and tribulation, and unmarked by clever deceit.
The translation? When we hope and work to do something with eventual success, we must do begin and remain compassionate, courageous and honest. Without those fundamental elements as a foundation, what was meant to be a journeyed path becomes a meandered labyrinth.
2:4 To be on earth is to be appointed by God for the fulfillment of a specific purpose. Although proffered to, we are not forced to accept the opportunity. When we do claim ownership of our own purpose, we are entrusted with it. We are entrusted to make a positive impact on the life around us not for our own benefit but for the benefit of all life. The apostles had not enlisted as fellow-workers of God for personal benefit or fame among humans but because they knew it was a blessed, crucial opportunity given by God in the effort to edify them. In other words, they did not accept the spiritual work because of how good they were but because of how good they wanted to be... not for themselves but for others and God.
2:5-6 Paul highlights the reason why the New Testament constantly impresses upon us the importance of vigilance. The apostles never had ulterior motives, but much of the world does. For one selfish reason or another it matters to the world how you vote, what you purchase, what you believe... and therefore from many angles you are advertised to, influenced, conditioned, prodded toward things you might not necessarily agree with if only you were fully aware. It is important that we are observant, objective, and perceptive because otherwise we blinded to truth.
2:7-8 Paul lets his and the apostle's actions speak the truth. They were gentle in presenting this philosophy of life to them. God's intention is for His word to be received by people without force or shame or guilt. Paul interacted with the Thessalonians and all of his students as kin. What mattered to Paul was not that everyone be awed or inspired by him but that they be comforted and shielded by the message he was entrusted to deliver. Look for sincerity and authenticity in people by observing and analyzing their actions and beliefs rather than their outward appearance or eloquence or painted-on charisma.
2:9 Notice, Paul says, that all of the work done by himself and the apostles was tireless, unpaid, patient, and gentle. Discern that there were no selfish motivations behind their passionate work. We each have aspirations in life, tie those passions to compassion for others and you will have created a recipe for achievement.
2:10 Paul is comfortable and confident in the fact that his work, under the examination of God and human, will identify themselves as honest, humble and selfless. Instead of praising his own work, Paul calls to them (and us) to observe and analyze his work for ourselves.
Three mentioned characteristics of fellow-workers of God: devout, just, blameless.
- Devotion to this philosophy of life in thought, speech and behavior,
- Impartial and all-inclusive justice for all
- Blamelessness induced by a lifelong commitment to honesty and good-intention.
2:11 The intention of Paul and the apostles was to give: exhortation, comfort and purpose. In life we should have the same intentions. To encourage those around us, to encourage justice and compassion and sincerity, patience, hope and faith. To comfort those around us; to provide all life with safety and shelter and health. And perhaps the most inspiring element of our mission here: to be catalysts. To be catalysts of joy, happiness, refreshment, rejuvenation, opportunity... we are placed here to promote and improve, defend and sustain a certain quality of life. It's an amazing purpose and yet we were entrusted with it!
Find wonder in how much you were entrusted with and use it propel you forward in the fulfillment of it.
2:12 Our life and love from God is given freely. God believes in our vast potential but expects very little of us (that we behave at least as civilly as we hope to be treated is not much of an expectation). In the midst of so much blessing, the miracle of the earth and breathe in our lungs, it is not unsurprising that Paul calls us to live worthy of this infinite, intricate phenomenon.
We were created (and are sustained and supported by) the manifestation of life, compassion and love and it seems only fitting that we mirror its image, that we honor its selflessness with respect and emulation.
2:13 Receive this philosophy of life authentically, humbly. The Thessalonians did not subscribe to this philosophy because they wanted fame or power or fortune. They followed and adopted this philosophy because it felt good, and natural and logical.
So many pretend (or even convince themselves) that they truly believe in this message when all they actually do is use it to promote themselves, their institution or to demean, judge or even punish others. This philosophy is a tool for us but how we wield it, either for good or malice, is entirely the decision of our own hands.
2:14-15 The Thessalonians adopted this philosophy wholeheartedly and then remained with it while under duress. It's precisely important that we not abandon our faith in tribulation for our faith is the force against tribulation. The force through which to endure tribulation... and by faith, defeat it.
2:16 The selfless and compassionate foundation of this faith is obscured in many ways and by many people with corrupt motivations. Unfortunately, people who have no armed themselves with perception, observation and objectivity often become the blinded, bounded base of such motivations. Many things block us from interpreting the truth within these pages of scripture but all it takes to break the seal is to simply open the book and read for ourselves. And now figuratively, that advice applies to all aspects of life: open the book and read for yourself.
Save yourself not from some fear of eternal condemnation but from the chaotic, selfish and corrupt motivations of the world. From your own discontented, disheartened mind. From your own belief that you have no purpose, no redemption, no chance. Save yourself from the toxic slumber that so many live in, unable to perceive beyond this superficial and temporary life on earth.
2:17-18 Although is it Paul's hope to be rejoined with the Thessalonians, he cannot do so due to entanglements with adversaries. Oh, such can be life, right? But Paul does not lose faith, focus or determination. He retains his compassionate, grateful, humble heart; our mode of spiritual transportation through adversity, unable to be derailed if we insist on gripping onto the tracks.
"Satan" the representation of adversity in all of its forms: greed, injustice, deceit, corruption, selfishness... the corrupted motivations of others often do hinder us from our greatest happiness. But they only do so until we give that power to God, for Him to utilize against the corrupted forces which formerly worked against us. Remember that Paul, even though embroiled in tribulation, was perfectly content because of his faith, Philippians 4:11.
2:19-20 Paul is not proud of himself for his lifelong commitment to, and work in, faith. Paul is proud of, looks forward to, the moment when God, gleaning from whichever divine precipice He exists, can take in the view of an endless host of faithful, compassionate children.
You are our glory and our joy: your goodness, your faithful works are God's joy.
