Learning From History

I Thessalonians 2:1-12

Arnold Toynbee, the historian once said history is bunk. Unfortunately our world seems to have adopted his outlook. History is the story of how we god to where we are, Science tells us that mechanically, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. It also teaches us that the results of the same action under the same conditions will always be the same. The results of changes in conditions and actions thus become predictable.

Occasionally we hear that history repeats itself. As one philosopher said, those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. Not recognizing what led to an event leads us to do the same things repeatedly. Primitive cultures use a lot of story telling and association with their older people to help avoid some of the mistakes others have made. Pride, or prejudice result in distortion or concealment of facts, and corresponding faulty judgment.

Knowing what others have done enables us to make more effective decisions about what our actions will produce. Paul reminds the church of his struggles in his effort to build the church, just as a parent might share some of the things they went through to help their children understand their responsibilities.

“For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.” (I Thessalonians 2:1-2)

Paul’s goal was not to get professions, so there had been no misrepresentation, no offering of gifts, and no emotional or psychological tricks to get people to come to the altar. There had been no effort to distort the gospel to please people, but to preach it in a manner that pleased God, accurately conveying his message. The gospel was not used as an excuse for getting things for themselves, nor for the purpose of making themselves a name, although the opportunity existed, because of being an apostle. Paul would be considered rather ineffective by many today.

“For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.” (I Thessalonians 2:3-6)

Paul avoided many common practices of today because he was concerned about what Jesus described as the seed which fell on stony ground in Mark 4:16-17. “And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, mmediately they are offended.” They have made professions, but they have not been saved, there is no possession.

In the great passage about the need to count the cost, in Luke 14:26-27, Jesus says, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” To use any of the things Paul stressed avoiding risks preventing people making a valid decision, resulting in what is described in Matthew 7:21-23, where many professors are condemned to hell because they are not saved.

Paul’s love caused him to be patient with people, gently leading them, rather than trying to force action. They were willing to give themselves because of their love, and physically worked to avoid appearing to take advantage of the people, as well as working in the gospel..

“But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.” (I Thessalonians 2:7-9)

Like a father who recognizes the effect of his actions on his children, Paul and his companions have been careful to set a good example in their personal lives, and in their instructing people so that their lives will be pleasing to God. We need to remember that he is the one to whom we are accountable.

“Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.” (I Thessalonians 2:10-12)

Paul wants the people to understand what he has done so they can have similar results in what they attempt.