1 Thessalonians Day 11

2:11-13

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

Fathers discipline and encourage. They are an example to us and help us along the way. God is also said to be our father. He is our heavenly Father. When we become believers, we are adopted into the family of God and are His children! God calls us to Himself and when we die (or Jesus returns,) we’ll be with Him in heaven!

13: And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

They thank God for the faith of the Thessalonians. The Thessalonians didn’t just think of God’s word as worldly, but instead saw it in truth and believed. The word is alive and working in their lives.

God’s word grows us and changes us. If we look at our lives five, ten, or more years ago, we’ll see how we have grown in Him and become more like Him (although some of us (**cough** me **cough**) still have a long way to go. This work will ultimately be completed when we are taken to heaven. Praise God for His salvation to us and that one day we will be with Him in heaven!!

1 Thessalonians Day 10

2:9-10

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

Paul reminds them of his time with them. We know from studying Paul that he was a tent maker and would do that in order to pay for travels and needs. That way he didn’t need to depend on others to sustain his mission trips, but could focus on presenting the Gospel rather than raising funds. Paul also notes in this verse that they proclaimed the Gospel to the Thessalonians as they worked.

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

Paul’s conduct while with the believers was worthy of repetition. He and Silas treated the Thessalonians well and were seen as respectable.

We should seek to live in unity with others, whenever possible. There are cases, however, where we must stand our ground and speak of what is right. Paul and Silas’ testimony among the Thessalonians was without reproach. They were in unity with the believers, but were chased out by the Jews who didn’t want the Gospel preached. We should seek to live our lives without reproach. Paul and Silas were not chased out because of bad conduct, but were chased out because the Jews didn’t want to hear the truth of the Gospel. Our reputation should be without reproach and our words should be words of truth.

1 Thessalonians Day 9

2:7-8

7: But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.

The word “but” signifies a comparison between what comes after the word to what came before it. Instead of being greedy or seeking glory from people, they were gentle. If you’ve seen a mother nurse (or have nursed your own child), the mother is quite gentle, especially when the child is young.

8: So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

They had become close friends through the sharing of the Gospel. We are called to love one another as Christ loved the church. It can be hard because, at least for myself, I tend to keep to myself and not seek to interact and become super close with others. I find that difficult. Paul, however, was open with them in sharing the Gospel and revealed more about himself than most people do with fellow believers because they had become dear to him. They became close.

We are to share the Gospel with those around us. We may not become super close with the people that we share the Gospel with, or even with everyone in our church, but we are to show love to them. Those who are closest to us can help us during out walk with Christ. They can call us out when we stumble and help us up when we fall. We are not called to walk this life alone. God has given us those people as gifts to help us along the way and we are also to help them. God is with us always, even when we can’t see Him, and has given us people to be with us that we can see (although there may be times in our lives that we don’t have anyone close to us.) Praise God for His loving-kindness!

1 Thessalonians Day 8

2:5-6

5: For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed –God is witness.

At this time, there were people who would come with flattering speech and would be paid by their listeners. Their goal was to make money by speaking things that people wanted to hear. Paul and Silas were different. They spoke words to glorify God instead of seeking to catch a profit or become popular.

6: Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.

Paul is saying that they could have asked for things, but they didn’t. Their focus was on God’s glory and not on what they could get out of it.

We are told to do everything to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31) and Paul is leading by example. He did not seek any personal gain, but instead sought to glorify God through his words and actions. That should be our viewpoint as we live our lives. I know that I am selfish sometimes and do things for myself or to be noticed rather than for God. Thankfully He gives us second chances and does not leave us to struggle on our own!

1 Thessalonians Day 4

1:8-10

8: For not only has the Word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia,but your faith in God has gone for the everywhere, so that we need not say anything.

Their witness has been noticed by not only the people in their town, but by those in the surrounding areas as well.

9: For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God

The other people knew what kind of people the Thessalonians were and noticed their change of heart. People notice when we change how we act.

10: and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

The Thessalonians are also waiting for the return of Jesus. Paul reminds us that Jesus is the Son of God who was raised from the dead. This should point our thoughts towards the cross and how Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose three days later as Savior and conqueror over sin! Jesus rescues us from the wrath of hell (which contrary to popular belief is not ruled by satan, instead it is eternal punishment for all who do not believe and the wrath of God is the burning fire.)

This is the end of chapter one! That feels fast, but chapter one was only ten verses so that makes sense. chapter two is twenty verses so we’ll stay there a little longer. Tomorrow will be a review day 1) because I feel like reviews are helpful, especially when the reading is done in small doses like this and 2) I’m already behind in translating the Greek (Greek is not my forte) so an extra day to catch up will be wonderful and helpful. Hopefully I’ll be able to start adding my Greek findings in with these posts, but I’m not that confident in my Greek at this point so we’ll see. Anyway, thanks for reading and I pray that God can use this study to help you know Him more!

And any questions/comments can be emailed to rerouted.blog@gmail.com

1 Thessalonians Day 2

1:3-5

3: remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ

Paul continues his introduction by specifying what he is praying about. In his prayers Paul remembers the Thessalonians’:

work of faith (example: obedience to God’s word)
labor of love (example: hospitality)
steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ (example: remaining faithful with focus on Christ)

4: For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you

Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they are loved by God and are brothers with Paul in the faith. He also reminds them that God has chosen them.

5: because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

The Gospel changes people. It is not just mere words that tickle your ears, but it is something that transforms the dead into life. The Holy Spirit enters a person when they believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior and the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins. Paul also mentions his, as well as Silas’s and Timothy’s, testimonies among them.

We see in these three verses what we should seek to pray for in others (as well as in ourselves). We should pray to be known, and for others to be known, as workers of faith, laborers of love, and those who are steadfast of hope in Jesus. It is good for us to remember the power of the Gospel. I’ve heard it said before that we should preach the Gospel to ourselves every day. I know that I am encouraged when I am reminded of what God has done for me. I will admit that sometimes I have a hardened heart and think to myself that I’ve heard this a million times, but it is always encouraging and convicting to hear. The Gospel reminds us of what we’ve been saved from, how we’ve been saved, and Who we’ve been saved for. Sin. Jesus’ death on the cross. God. It is humbling to know what God has done in order to bring us to Him. Praise God for His mercy and love!

1 Thessalonians Day 1

Intro and 1:1-2

As I mentioned yesterday, I am hoping to brush up on my Greek during this study. When I went through the first verse, I felt somewhat confident and then the second verse had me questioning myself. Anyway, this is going to be fun!

Author: Paul

Date Written: around 50 AD

Audience: The church at Thessalonica

Setting: Paul had to leave Thessalonica after planting a church sooner than he would’ve liked due to persecution.

1: Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.

Excellent letter introduction. Paul gives his name as well as those who are with him, who he is writing to, and a greeting. Timothy was like an adopted son to Paul and Silvanus, better known as Silas, was on one of Pauls’ traveling companions on his missionary journeys.

2: We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers

Although Paul had to leave early, he had heartily prayed for the Thessalonians. He lets them know that he thanks God for them and is praying for them.

Reading verse two always reminds me of how I should be praying for others and letting them know that I am praying for them. It is not to sound conceited, but so that they may be encouraged knowing that there are people praying for them. I know that I am always encouraged when someone tells me that they are praying for me. As a matter of fact, someone today told me that they had been praying for me during my pregnancy (this was the first time we had met, but he worked the same place as my husband) and was happy to see that I, and my daughter, are doing well. It was neat to know that someone I had never even met before had been praying for me.

God calls us to pray for those around us. We are to pray for family, friends, neighbors, strangers, and leaders. We are told to pray without ceasing. There are different kinds of prayer that range from prayers of thanksgiving to prayers of mourning. A study on different prayers would be fun to do in the future as well as quite edifying. I’m not sure about you, but I can always grow more in the area of prayer.

As for where we see Christ in this, His name is mentioned. (I try to see an application as well as point to where we see Christ, although it may be a little more difficult since I am working through two verses at a time.) The Thessalonians are in God the Father and Lord Jesus Christ meaning that they are saved by and have given their lives to Him.

{At the current rate of two verses a day, we can expect this study to last 44-45 days. I may add more verses here and there or shorten it to one if there is a lot to go over, but we will see. As mentioned yesterday, my schedule is getting busier so that is why the pace has slowed down. Thank you and God bless!}

Ruth Day 28: Chapter 4 Review

This is the last day of our study on Ruth. I’ve enjoyed going through it and I hope that you have as well! For our review questions, instead of focusing on what we’ve learned in chapter four, we’ll focus on what we’ve learned throughout the whole book.

Give a summary of events in the book of Ruth.
What did we learn about Naomi?
What did we learn about Ruth?
What did we learn about Boaz?
What did we learn about God?
How can we apply what we’ve learned?

A tidbit of information that I realized I never expanded upon was who the Moabite people were. Remember Abraham? He is the one who left his homeland because God promised to give him a land (which we find out to be Israel) There’s a whole lot about Abraham that we could talk about, but we’ll focus on the beginning of his journey. He took his nephew, Lot, along with him. We later find out that Lot had a wife and two daughters and they split from Abraham’s group due to lack of room for both groups (they both had large herds of animals and many servants and workers because God blessed them greatly). Lot and his family eventually moved to Sodom which was later destroyed by God for its evil and wicked ways. Lot and his family were saved by angels, but Lot’s wife looked back on the destruction of Sodom after they had been warned not to and was turned into the pillar of salt. Lot and his daughters ended up living in a cave and his daughters came up with a plan to have children to carry on their family line: they would get their father drunk and sleep with him. They both became pregnant and the older daughter bore a son named Moab who is the father of the Moabites. The younger daughter bore a son named Ben-Ammi who is the father of the Ammonites. That is where the Moabites originated. The story of Ruth occurs hundreds of years after this. The Bible does not condone the actions of the daughters, but gives an account for what has occurred.

Your answers don’t have to be the same, this is just a general list.

Give a summary of events in Ruth.
Naomi and her family leave Israel
Naomi’s sons get married to Moabites
Naomi’s husband and sons die
Naomi travels back to Israel with Ruth
Ruth works in Boaz’s field
Naomi tells Ruth that Boaz is a redeemer
Naomi tells Ruth what to do so that Boaz will redeem her
Boaz accepts her request
Boaz speaks with other redeemer who could redeem
Other redeemer gives up his right to redeem
Boaz redeems Ruth by marrying her
Ruth bears a son named Obed
The people praise God
Obed is the grandfather of king David
What did we learn about Naomi?
Naomi was upset with God for taking away her sons and husband
Naomi saw herself as bitter and though that God was against her
Naomi saw a glimpse of hope when Ruth found Boaz’s field
Naomi was a bit of a schemer
Naomi learns that God had never truly left her and had another plan in mind
What did we learn about Ruth?
Ruth was willing to give up everything to follow Naomi
Ruth was a foreigner
Ruth worked hard to care for Naomi and herself
Ruth was worthy
Ruth was respectful
What did we learn about Boaz?
Boaz was worthy
Boaz was a man of God
Boaz was kind and generous
Boaz was a kinsman redeemer
Boaz often praised God
Boaz didn’t let important things sit
What did we learn about God?
God is always working, even when we can’t see Him
God never left Naomi or Ruth
God provided a kinsman redeemer for Ruth
God ultimately provides a kinsman redeemer for us (Jesus!)
How can we apply what we’ve learned?
Know that our salvation is only found in Jesus
Seek to be known as worthy (by our words and actions that honor God)
Be willing to work hard
Be willing to leave everything behind (sometimes God may ask us to)
Know that even when we can’t see Him, God is with us and working out His plan

Thank you all for taking this journey with me. I am currently working out what book to study through next and will have it figured out within the next few days. I had hoped to figure it out by now, but it has been a busy past few weeks. God bless!

Ruth Day 27: Ch 4:18-22

19: Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron,

Perez is the oldest of the twin sons that Tamar bore to Judah.

Perez means “branch,” Hezron means “camping place,” Judah means “praise Yahweh,” and Tamar means “date palm.”

19: Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminidab,

Ram means “high, exalted” and Amminidab means “my people give freely.”

20: Amminidab fathered Nashon, Nashon fathered Salmon,

Nashon (also spelled Nahshon) means “serpent” and Salmon means “coat.”

21: Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed,

Boaz means “lively” and Obed means “serving.” It is interesting to note that Obed is not referred to as the son of Mahlon in this genealogy as would be the custom when redeeming a widow. Instead he is referred to as Boaz’s son.

22: Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.

Jesse means “man” or “manly” and David means “favorite” or “beloved.”

David becomes the king of Israel. He is a king whom God promised. The people revered him as a good king and God promised a king greater than David which we learn is Jesus. Anyone who knows the history of David knows that although he was a great king, he had his share of mistakes. Jesus is the perfect king who will reign forever. He lived a sinless life and gave us His righteousness for our unrighteousness which makes it possible for us to enter heaven!

Although the meanings of the names aren’t important, it is good to know that God uses everyday people to achieve His plans. We don’t know much about many of the people in David’s ancestry, but God used them. They surely taught their children the truth of God’s Word. David sang songs to God and his faith was great. He was known as “a man after God’s own heart.” Sometimes our greatest achievement in the kingdom of God will be to raise children who are after God’s own heart. I’m not sure about you, but that is pretty encouraging to me.

Ruth Day 25: Ch 4:9-12

9: Then Boaz said to the leaders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon.

Being at the city gate, Boaz probably had plenty of witnesses besides the ones that he requested to sit with him.

10: Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. You are witnesses this day.”

Boaz knew that the firstborn would not be seen as his child, but as Mahlon’s heir and he was okay with that. He explained the custom and reminded the people that they are witnesses.

11: Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem”

In case you don’t know who Rachel and Leah were, they were the wives of Jacob, also known as Israel. Through him, the twelve tribes of Israel come about. You may also know that there were two other women involved in the bearing of sons for the tribes: the maids Bilhah and Zilpah. (Let me take a second to note that this action of Jacob to have two wives and concubines was not condoned, but it is a historical account of what actually happened.) Returning to the verse, the focus seems to be that the people wish for Ruth to build up a family for Boaz.

As mentioned way back in the first week, Ephrathah was a people group located in Bethlehem. The people are wishing that Boaz would be worthy in Ephrathah and renowned in Bethlehem. This is funny because when he is first mentioned in chapter two, he is noted to be a worthy man.

12: “and may your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring that the Lord will give to you by this young woman.”

The story of Tamar and Judah is another interesting story. Again it is something that is not condoned, but is historically accurate. Tamar was the wife to one of Judah’s sons. The son was wicked in God’s eyes so he died. The second son was supposed to create an heir for the first, but refused and was struck down. Judah had one other son who was too young to marry so he asked Tamar to wait. When she saw that the boy was old enough for marriage, but Judah hadn’t brought them to marry, she hatched a plan. She pretended to be a prostitute and slept with Judah. She later became pregnant with twins. Judah repented of his actions and Tamar bore Perez and Zerah.

I’m not sure why these interesting characters were chosen, but we can definitely see God’s work through their shortcomings. Perez is the ancestor of Boaz.

This concludes our awkward dive into family history and reminds us that not everyone obeyed God perfectly. When you read their stories, you see how they failed, but how God was still able to use them. It is encouraging, especially when I look at my own shortcomings. It is also encouraging because those people aren’t really known for their shortcomings, but rather for their faith. God never quits His work in us. We are being refined until He calls us home. I’m thankful that He doesn’t give up on me!