1 Thessalonians 2:1-2
1 For [gar] yourselves, [autos] brethren, [adelphos] know [eido] our [hemon] entrance in [eisodos] unto [pros] you, [humas] that [hoti] it was [ginomai] not [ou] in vain: [kenos]
2 But [alla] even [kai] after that we
had suffered before, [propascho] and [kai] were shamefully
entreated, [hubrizo]
as [kathos] ye know, [eido] at [en] Philippi, [Philippoi] we were bold [parrhesiazomai] in [en] our [hemon] God [theos] to speak [laleo] unto [pros] you [humas] the gospel [euaggelion] of God [theos] with [en] much [polus] contention. [agon] KJV-Interlinear
1 For you yourselves know,
brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, 2 but after we had already suffered and
been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to
speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition. NASB
The bringing of Bible doctrine
to those who wish to hear it, is not without
difficulty, and not without results.
Since the beginning of
the human race, Adam and Eve, Satan has opposed the teaching of truth by God to
anyone.Satan s opposition to the
spiritual life for those who are positive toward God, has existed from the
beginning of his rebellion and continues until now, and will continue until the
end of human history.
Everyone who is or has
ever been interested in God, Christ, or doctrine is well aware of the
opposition of peoples, organizations, religions, countries, and so forth,
toward Christianity.From refusal to
allow Christmas images, to the opposition to the display of the Ten
Commandments, to the opposition to Christian viewpoint in universities and
schools, to opposition to any type of Christian communication, these things
have existed since long ago.
From the Garden, to the
crucifixion of Christ, to the beating of Paul and Silas in Philippi, mentioned
here and described in Acts 16, to the many barriers against Christianity in our
present day, this opposition will continue and will only get worse as time goes
on and as Satan feels the pressure of his time running out.
But, just as a savior
was promised to Adam, just as the line of Christ could not be destroyed, just
as the Cross could not be stopped, and just as every effort in our current day
to destroy Christian doctrine has failed, then so too, your positive volition
and desire for doctrine is more powerful than any opposition that the world can
muster.
Paul faced difficulties
galore, and yet his writing of most of the New Testament Books could not be
stopped.Likewise their continuance to
our current day, could not be prevented.
Daily studies may come a go, but your Bible, your access to doctrine will
never be driven away, if that is Gods will, and if
you have a genuine desire for your spiritual life.
The world has
governments, social groups, legislation, judges on the bench, trying economic
times, foreclosures, and hardships galore, all designed to destroy Gods plan, but
Christians have their confidence and promise from God. And Gods promise of doctrine,
is greater than all the worlds powers and circumstances combined.
All things work
together for good, and even evil in this world, which
opposes truth, is following Gods plan, with or without realizing it.
The world has elected
or dictator leaders, you have Christ.
The world has laws and regulations, you have doctrine. The world has celebrities and a social
following, you have prayer.The world cannot
compete with your spiritual resources.
So use them.
Remember our arms
raised high study?When you pursue, use,
and support your daily studies, then the battle will always go well with you and
Christianity in general.Now is
certainly not the time to be lax in your spiritual pursuit.
However, if you do
become lax, if you do presume that someone else will carry out your
responsibilities, then when you lose your access to God and doctrine, you will
have only yourself to blame.Don t let
your life fall to that low level.It is
very difficult to climb back out of the pit of adversity.
Previous Page
|
Table of Contents
|
Next Page |
