1 THESSALONIANS 2:17-19 – But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?”
THEME OF THE DAY: A TACTIC OF SATAN: HINDERING FELLOWSHIP. The Christian life is a community life. God never intended for Christians to be “lone rangers” and attempt to live the Christian life on their own and in private. Sadly, not a few Christians think this is possible. And only a small portion of the book of Acts dismisses the notion one may be a healthy Christian living in isolation.
The early church met together for prayer – Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers (Acts 1:12-14). We also take note that the early believers gathered together to practice body life together – And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers (Acts 2:42).
Fellowship with other believers in the things of the Lord is not only a great blessing, but a necessity. We need it for mutual spiritual growth, accountability, encouragement, and for giving the world the testimony that Jesus is real. Our Lord told His disciples, and us, the world would know we are His by our love for one another (John 13:34-35). And this love is what fuels fellowship. Yes, fellowship is a great blessing and necessity, and every healthy Christian yearns for it as did the Apostle Paul in today’s scripture. Something else is happening in today’s scripture as well. It is the activity of Satan.
Satan seeks to prevent Christians from fellowshipping. The Apostle Paul states Satan hindered him from coming to the Thessalonian believers. Why? The devil knows fellowship among Christians strengthens and emboldens them with the Gospel. We are stronger together than apart. When we gather together to seek the Lord, to encourage each other, promote holiness, and labor in the Gospel, we give the world a clear witness of the reality of the Lord Jesus and the power of His Gospel. Let me encourage each of us to spend time reading the book of Acts and see how believers, in community, changed the world. It could happen again, and it may well rely upon our commitment to our togetherness!
PRAYER: “Father, protect me from attempting to privatize my walk with You.”
QUOTE: “Private Christianity is not Biblical Christianity. True faith is lived out in community.”
In the affection of Christ Jesus,
Pastor Jim