Exhortation to Godliness

Background Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2-3
Lesson Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:11-20; 3:1-5

Introduction

The lessons in this quarter are taken from the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and Hebrews. Lesson 7, which is the Easter lesson, is taken from the Gospels and 1 Corinthians 15.

The holy Scriptures are an appeal to the senses. Through the five physical senses—taste, feel, smell, sound, and sight—we are able to experience life and the world in which we live. In much the same way, the spiritual senses are how we experience Christian living and a relationship with God. The Bible expresses itself in a way that we can relate to by using the human element to explain spiritual things.

“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Ps. 119:103).

“Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing” (Eccles. 8:5).

“And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints” (Rev. 5:8).

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death” (Rev. 2:11).

“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55).

In this quarter we learn about spiritual growth and how to exercise these senses. We will study about hearing exhortation, feeling the power of the resurrection, seeing our responsibility in the church, tasting of the freedom and liberty of the gospel, and savoring the sweetness of the wonderful grace of God.

Exhortation to Godliness

Lesson 1

March 6, 2022

Background Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2-3

Lesson Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:11-20; 3:1-5

Introduction

Today’s world is one of instant communication, incessant messaging, and lots of distractions. We have need to be still and listen for the clear and unadorned message of the gospel. That which communicates truth to our hearts is not often found in the commotion and noise of daily life. Most generally, it is found when we quietly give our wholehearted attention to God in worship, meditation, and devotion.

Worldliness promotes independence, assertiveness, and individuality. Because of this, it is not popular to soberly contemplate the instructions that God sends from time to time through his servants, his Spirit, or other methods. May we be willing to open our hearts and honestly consider the message that God is desiring to give us in these last and perilous times.

Key Verse

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (Rom. 12:1).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The first epistle to the Thessalonians was written by Paul. Though the Bible states that this letter was written from Athens, Bible scholars today believe it could have been written in Corinth. Paul had established the church in Thessalonica on his second missionary journey—with a few Jews believing and also quite a number of Greeks—despite extreme opposition. Now Paul found himself yearning to return and see how the fledgling congregation was faring in their Christian experience. He says, however, that Satan had hindered him in being able to go. Finally, in his yearning over their souls, he sent Timothy to pay them a visit. Upon Timothy’s return, he brought good news of their faithfulness to Christ, and Paul was moved to write this beautiful, personal epistle to them.

Paul recounted his time with the Thessalonian church, remembering the opposition that they had faced in becoming believers of the gospel. Out of a sincere desire, he ministered to them for the saving of their souls. He did not bring a gospel that only made them feel good, nor was it to put stars in his own crown, but with a true heart he longed that the power of God would be known in them by transformed lives. As the gospel was preached, it had been done in tenderness and gentleness, as a nurse lovingly cares for young children. These people became dear and beloved to Paul and his fellow laborers, and they were willing to pour out their own souls for them. What a beautiful, heart-stirring picture of godly friendship and care!

Understandably, Paul’s joy overflowed as he learned that they had continued steadfast in the faith. He commended them that they had received the Word, not only as a message from men, but as the truth sent from God. With this belief, it had the power to not only change their lives but also continue to accomplish the work of God in them as they went forward.

Paul’s life had been dedicated to the work of the gospel. He freely acknowledged that his hope, his joy, and crown of rejoicing was fulfilled in the salvation of those to whom he had ministered. His reward would be complete when he saw them stand before Christ as blood-bought saints.

Paul was also concerned that his current state of affliction might have an adverse effect on these young Christians. He reminded them that they had been told beforehand about persecution and suffering. Now he wanted to be sure that they were not discouraged by contemplating what may lie ahead for them or the opposition they might personally encounter. His fervent desire was that they would continue to grow in the faith and that their love to each other and to all men would continue to grow and bear fruit.

Practical Truths for Today

An exhortation is an address that is brought with strong feeling, meant to provoke the listener into action. A living example provided by the one giving the exhortation, illustrating the counsel and admonition, must follow if it is to be embraced by those receiving it. The lesson text readily displays the evidence of Paul’s complete sell-out to the gospel as he exhorted the Thessalonians to faithfulness.

Exhortations are special messages that are beyond the everyday routine. That which is heard frequently tends to be disregarded. Godly exhortation resounds with truth and is given from time to time as God sees the need to stir men’s hearts from complacency to a state of alertness and vibrancy. We continue to need these cautions and encouragements today as the darkness deepens. The world around us openly indulges in the lust of the flesh and the pride of life, promoting sin as never before. That which we are exposed to every day subconsciously affects our spiritual being. Those things that are detrimental to godly living can gradually lead us astray and lull us asleep if we are not keen to the voice of the Holy Spirit living within.

History has proven that times of difficulty, suffering, and persecution produced a fervency in God’s children. Their cry ascended heavenward in those times of distress. In these circumstances, it is more compelling to turn to God and draw near to Him. However, in our day we make every effort possible, sometimes going to great lengths, to avoid discomfort or suffering. However, we need to remember that life is ultimately in God’s hands, and at times we cannot avoid the difficulties of life.

Times of affluence, prosperity, and peace tend to induce leanness of soul, and presently we are allowed to live in relative quietness and abundance. God’s people, particularly in North America, live in an unprecedented period of peace and prosperity. Seldom has the season of abundance that we experience today given such opportunity for material wealth. Most of us have never faced a draft board where we were called on to answer for our faith. Being tied to a stake and burned because of our Christian testimony seems impossibly remote in our day. Many of us do not even need to face the authorities in person to give an answer as to why we cannot serve jury duty.

Too many times we find ourselves grappling for answers when we are approached with questions about our faith. Jesus, in Mark 13:20, gives a sobering message that could identify the day we live in: “And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.”

Considering how we respond when sobering exhortations are brought will help prove our heart’s intent. Can I, as the Thessalonians, accept an exhortation as the truth sent from God, or do I look at it as the word of men? Do I critique the message bearer, excusing myself if I find inconsistencies in his life? Am I tempted to listen for my by-sitter, thinking the message was tailor-made for him? We can make an allowance by thinking that this is just the minister’s favorite topic. Perhaps a brother with limited public speaking abilities brings an admonition through an introduction that we feel is hard to follow.

Remember that a gospel exhortation is powerful in and of itself because it is founded in the living Word of God. Regardless of who the message bearer is or the inconsistencies on which we may choose to capitalize, God uses earthly messengers to proclaim the truth of his Word. It may even come from the lips of an unrighteous sinner. Let us never disregard God’s message in whatever way it is brought. With loving care and the power of his Word, God speaks to the needs of the soul.

Illustration

The story of Jonah portrays an example of an exhortation to godliness that was very effective. Nineveh was a large and evil city. The Bible does not describe the nature of their wickedness, but it is safe to assume that it was great, for God said that it had come up before Him. We well know the story how at first Jonah was unwilling and disobedient to take the message of judgment that God asked him to preach to the inhabitants of that city. However, after his will was submitted to God and he became willing to preach what God had bidden, the results were miraculous. The fear of God came upon all, from the least to the greatest, and God’s wrath was turned away. The pronounced judgment was abated as He beheld their repentance.

The apostle Paul brought a very eloquent and convincing exhortation to the people of Athens, whom the Bible says were wholly given to idolatry. The inhabitants of this city seemed given to intellectualism, as they spent their time in nothing else than to tell or to hear some new thing. In this environment it is sad to note that Paul’s message, though brought in the power of the Holy Ghost, was not well accepted. Although a few believed, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear thee again of this matter” (Acts 17:32).

Considering both of these examples, the outcome was notably different. The condition of the heart plays a large part in what is heard out of an exhortation. This is an important factor and can determine if a godly exhortation will be effective.

Questions

1. Is something wrong if it is easier to accept instruction and exhortation from some brothers or sisters than it is from others?
2. Are exhortations always brought through spoken message or written words, or what could be other forms of exhortation?
3. What is necessary for young people to feel that the encouragements being given from the older generation are not just old-fashioned ideas?
4. Are fewer exhortations given today than in times past? If so, what could contribute to this?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).