Author: Karen deBlieck

April 7, 2021

Alms, Prayer, & Fasting 6:1-18
Fasting vv. 16-18

There is only one fast declared in the Old Testament. On the Day of Atonement the Israelites were to fast (Le. 16:29, 31; 23:27-32; Nu. 29:7), meaning abstinence from food and drink for the twenty-four hour period from sunset to sunset. Later in Jewish history other fasts were added, mainly marking significant passages or disasters. This is why fasting expresses either/or grief and penitence.

Sometimes fasting was personal — a time of “afflicting the soul”, and often it indicated pious self-discipline (Pharisees fasted every Monday and Thursday). Fasting’s achilles heel, however, was public display.

This is what Jesus warns his disciples against. Just as was the case with almsgiving and prayer, Jesus saw both the value and the danger. Self-satisfaction, showing off, and phone contrition very easily trumped the essential spiritual quality of genuine fasting. Too easily we humans can yield to the “pride that apes humility”.

So, says Jesus, turn human display and look solely to heaven. Let God see your good work. Don’t give anyone else even a hint of what you’re up to. The Lord will “give back” (“reward”) to those who give to him. But don’t think for a minute that fasting guarantees a heavenly hearing. The Old Testament prophets made it very clear (See Is. 58:5-12) that fasting provided no smoke screen for unjust/unrighteous behavior.

Read 1 Thessalonians 4

Key Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4: 16, 17 “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be cut up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”

In the introduction, we saw the the Thessalonian believers were concerned about their Christian brothers and sisters who had died. Would they, by dying before the return of Jesus, be disqualified from the benefits and glories of that Day of the Lord? Paul writes to dispel their fears and the “ignorance” (v. 13) that has caused this concern (vv. 13-18).

On the basis of the historical act of Jesus’ resurrection, Paul says we have cause to believe that all who put their trust in Him will be resurrected too. Those who have died “in Him” will rise with Him and “God will bring with Jesus” all of these resurrected ones on that Day (vv.13, 14). Those who are physically alive on that Day will also participate, but only after the “dead in Christ” have risen first. That Day will be announced with a heavenly command all who believe in Christ (both “deceased” and “alive”) will “be caught up together…in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (vv. 15-17). From that point, the Church will forever be “with the Lord.”

This marvellous truth should bring “hope” (v.13) and “comfort” (v. 18) to all who have loved ones dead in Christ, says Paul. For they’re not really dead at all. No, this is not denial of death; this is triumph over death. Our Saviour has risen — and will we. And He will make sure that when He returns we are all there for the celebration.

Read 1 Thessalonians 3

Key Verse: 1 Thessalonians 3:9, 10 “For what thanks can we render to God or you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith?”

Paul is speaking like a loving parent here. He obviously gets a lot of pleasure out of seeing a congregation develop, just like all parents do as their baby becomes a walking, talking wonder. Paul had a very high view of churches generally, and especially of his own. Look at 29:19, 20 — “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” He speaks of his “intense longing” to see them (2:17 NIV) and says ‘when he could stand it no longer’ (3:1, 4 NIV) he sent Timothy to Thessalonica to see how the congregation was doing. We often say today, of someone who is committed and caring about a project, that he or she has “as sense of ownership”; that is, they feel responsible and accountable. That’s how Paul felt; although he was a travelling missionary, he had a pastor’s heart.

The local church is still the basic material God uses to communicate His anger at sin and His love in Christ. No church, of course, is perfect — that is why it’s easy to find fault. And let’s face it, for some church members, finding fault is a specialty. I wish these fault-finders could hear themselves. In most cases, they are pointing their finger at themselves — after all, if you want to see a hypocrite, try looking in the mirror.

Constructive criticism, on the other hand, is to be welcomed. Why? because the critic offers him or herself as an answer to the problem. Seeing what is wrong, the responsibly say, “What can I do about it? How can I help?” In this way, the pastor is assisted in perfecting “what is lacking” in the faith of his congregation.

Read 1 Thessalonians 2

Key Verse: 1 Thessalonians 2:13 “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you receive the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.”

When it comes to religion, we live in a skeptical age, and rightly so. There are more religious systems and philosophies in our world than ever before, all demanding a hearing. There is need for skepticism — a skeptic is someone who says, “I’m not convinced, I’m not sure but I’m open. Convince me.” The main reason for skepticism, of course, is that religious philosophies are, in the final analysis, “the word of men.” And why should we commit ourselves to something that ultimately is nothing other than the machination and construction of some mortal mind? Does that sound arrogant? It is not so in the context of eternal truth. When it comes to the destiny of my eternal soul, I want to be smart. I want to make the right choice.

That is why we need to hear “the word of God.” But how will we know it when we hear it? We’ll know it if I speaks of God made flesh and dwelling among us, “full of grace and truth.” God not only gave us the written word, He gave us the living Word — Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who lived among us, died and was buried, was resurrected the third day, appeared to many eyewitnesses, and ascended to Heaven before witnesses with the promise of His return. And, most God, presented Himself as God’s Son (making Him equal with God), and died for our sin (thereby satisfying God’s wrath). Then He rose again to show us the way to, and the nature of, resurrected life.

We believe in Him. We trust Him. That is why His word “is at work” in us: all because of the Word — Jesus Christ, the Son of God.