By George Slover    |    Visit www.smcofc.org or www.ibiblestudy.net

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13) The apostles, Peter and John, were put in custody because they had filled Jerusalem with the doctrine of Christ. The number of disciples grew rapidly during the early days of the church. (Acts 5:4). Thus, the rulers of Judaism questioned the apostles: "By what power or by what name have you done this?" (Acts 4:7) The answer of Peter and John rang loud and clear: "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead." (Acts 4:10) The courage and resolve of Peter and John has the attention of the enemy. There was something very different about these two. It was not their remarkable intellect that got their attention. It was the boldness of the apostles that was worthy of note. Peter and John were standing courageously before the Sanhedrin. There was nothing apologetic about their demeanor. They stood fast as those courageously speaking for God. Their witness for Christ demonstrates a great change had taken place in their lives. Fishermen, Jews, once filled with fear, now bold and eloquently proclaiming a doctrine the enemy hates. They were passionately devoted to proclaiming the kingdom of God that men might be saved from sin. Even the enemy was impressed with their character. If we are attaining to heights in our spiritual growth, our daily behavior will manifest the spirit of Christ. Their witness testified of the new and guiding principle in their lives. This is the principle of love- love for God and love for lost souls. Peter’s words ring loud and clear: "We ought to obey God rather than men". (Acts 5:29) Their passion for souls is recorded in Acts 5:42: And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. (Acts 5:42) We should always keep in mind that we are being watched, some times by friends, and some times by the enemy. Others will "take note" of us. If we easily fit into the world, something is wrong with our conduct. Let us be faithful at our post; speaking boldly for him. Let others observe and say: "they have been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)

By George Slover    |    Visit www.smc

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" (1 Peter 1:13)

Peter has been speaking to these suffering saints of a wonderful future; of a living hope; of an incorruptible inheritance. Such confident aspirations fill them with an inexpressible joy. However, they must not lose sight of present duties if they are to finish strong.

The phrase "gird up" occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, except perhaps in Luke 12:35. Other translations render it differently: "prepare your minds" (ESV); have a mind that is alert" (NIV).  Thus, "we must gird up the loins of our mind" and set out to fix our hearts on the business of the Lord.

A closer look at the phrase paints a picture of perhaps soldiers preparing for battle, or pilgrims preparing for travel. They were to tuck in the edges of the tunic and tighten the belt. They must pull themselves together. Peter is obviously concerned about the encumbrances and challenges along the way that may keep them from finishing the journey.

Among the distractions would be persecution. (1 Peter 4:19) Peter does not deceive them. Because they are connected to a rejected Savior, they will also be rejected. (1 Peter 2:7) The need for human acceptance is a strong emotion and can easily divert the disciple from his mission. He must get tough mentally. He needs to stay focused!

Fleshly lusts can also become a hindrance. (1 Peter 2:11,12) Former friends will expect you to engage in their fleshly activities. (1 Peter 4:3,4) Such worldly pleasures have a strong allurement, and can easily cause the soldier to stumble. He must stay mentally alert.

Finally, there is the allurement of material things that will be the downfall of some disciples. (Matthew 6:33) The cares and riches of this world will prevent these soldiers from bearing fruit for God. (Luke 8:14) Therefore, they must gird up the loins of their mind and get focused on the treasures of heaven.

The people of God are pilgrims and strangers in this world. God has made high and lofty promises to his people. However, the journey is long and treacherous. They must gather up the robes and lay aside anything that may impede the progress, and one day the Savior will say, "well done".

By George Slover

 

Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts.”  (Colossians 4:7,8)

Paul concludes his letter to the Colossians by noting the one who will deliver the letter to them. Just as was his custom, he also includes greetings to various friends and helpers.

These personal references help to authenticate the genuineness and authority of the letter. At the same time we also learn of the characteristics and the special relationships Paul sustained with those who served the Lord with him.

Tychicus first appears in Acts 20:4. He was of the province of Asia, of which Ephesus was capital. He apparently accompanied Paul on his voyage to Jerusalem in A.D. 58. He is most of all noted as a “beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord.”

A disciple’s primary strength and consolation comes through Christ. Being attached to him provides energy to persevere in our walk with God. However, an important avenue through which Christ provides such energy is through the fellowship of other disciples.

To accomplish his purpose, God calls each disciple to find their niche in ministry. Men and women from various walks of life and social rank are united by a common calling to serve each other. With this in mind, each disciple must recognize their individual talent. With loyalty and humility, they must zealously work for the mutual edification of their fellows.

Tychicus was what every disciple should be - a blessing by reason of his fidelity and servant’s heart.  The world is full of those who need the consolation of Christ. Dear reader where do you stand?     

By George Slover                           
 

“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,”  (1 Thessalonians 1:3)

Paul’s first letter was to the church of the Thessalonians. He expresses thanks to God for the fruit of the gospel in Thessalonica. He singles out three fundamental traits - faith, hope, and love. He was encouraged by their energetic operation among the saints there. 

Faith is a firm persuasion, conviction, or trust in the unseen. Though one has never seen God, having examined the evidence they believe and trust in him. When one fully trusts God they will yield to his authority and will. Thus, true faith is active. 

Love involves a high regard, goodwill, or benevolence toward others. It is manifested in deeds of kindness toward others. In this context, love is coupled with “labor” – a word which is best rendered as toil and pain. However, when coupled with love, such effort is no longer a burden, but a work of the highest motives.

Hope is a confident expectation of the future. Jesus Christ and his appearing is the object of our hope. God‘s people eagerly await the Lord’s appearing with the eternal blessings he will offer. Because of this promise, God’s people are able to patiently endure the trials of life and fix their eyes on these rewards.

These three – faith, hope, and love are inseparable graces. Faith must always work by love. (Galatians 5:6) Hope is connected to love “because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.“ (Romans 5:5) Faith is “the substance of things hoped for.” (Hebrews 11:1) Faith is the root from which hope and love spring forth and bear fruit. Later in the letter, Paul exhorts them to put “on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation”. (1 Thessalonians 5:13)

Love must be guided by faith and hope. Hope is only a dream without faith and love. And love and faith can be motivated by hope. Paul is thankful that these three graces are actively operating among the saints of Macedonia.  What about you?