The Crown

Introduction

Ask anyone who has had a child or a grandchild and they will be quick to show you pictures. Rightfully so. They are proud and excited and want you to share in that with them. But there is also a great sadness when separation occurs. Parents often find themselves looking forward to a break from their kids and then when they get by themselves they end up talking about the kids anyway. Or they express that they are missing their child. Or one of them calls the babysitter just to make sure everything is okay.

Throughout 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul has used the image of family to reveal his heart. In 2:7 he describes himself as a young innocent child in relationship to them. In 2:7, he compares his emotions toward them as a nursing mother with her child. In 2:11, he describes himself as the nurturing father who cares deeply for his children. And in our text today, he uses a word to describe the depth of his sadness in being separated from the Thessalonians. Some have falsely accused Paul of being detached. Since he has not been back to see the new believers, the opposition has accused Paul of not caring. Once more we look at a text where Paul pours out his heart to reveal the depth of his love for these new believers.

As we study today, we are going to be reminded that we engage in the work of God wherever we are. We are going to be reminded that God has put us where he has for a reason and we can take great joy in following him.

Thwarted Plans

Paul had to leave Thessalonica earlier than he intended. While we are uncertain about the length of time he was there, we do know that he wanted to stay longer. Opposition pushed him out of the city. But his absence did not mean that he quit thinking about these new converts. From Acts 17, we can see that numerous people responded to the gospel. So how would he convince his readers that his love was real? Notice verse 17. Paul says that he was “torn away” from them. This phrase is the word “orphaned.” Paul says his being away is comparable to a child who is orphaned. Interestingly, it is not the Thessalonians who are being orphaned, although some may have accused Paul of doing that, but Paul is orphaned. The depth of his love is evident.

Paul goes on to write that he never meant to be away from them this long. They may have been out of sight but they were never far from his mind. His intent has been to return to them over and over again. But Satan blocked their path. Paul uses a military term to describe his problem. He wanted to be with them, but Satan kept tearing up the road to prohibit his return. Military strategy has often focused on slowing down the opposing army by making travel more dangerous and difficult. This is the image that Paul conveys to his readers. His plans to return to them were thwarted by Satan who delayed his plans.

Verses 19 & 20 reveals Paul’s love and affection. When Jesus comes in all his glory, the Thessalonian believers will be proof that Paul did his ministry well. In other words, Paul sees them as his newborn babies. He is so proud of them. There is no arrogance but spiritual pride that he was allowed to see fruit from his work. They are his pride and joy. They were his crown. They were the victor’s wreath given for winning a race. Paul is heaping words that reflect the depth of his love, appreciation, and admiration for them.

So What?

Two lessons. The first has to do with God’s will. We must be careful not to say too much from the text, but there is opposition to God’s will. Paul was doing God’s will. He was preaching; he was establishing believers; he had good intentions to return to places where he had been run off. But there was one thing that Paul had no control over—the work of Satan. Sometimes when we are trying to do the right thing and sometimes when we feel thwarted in our plans to follow God, it is Satan who is opposing us. But Satan can come in various ways.

We get discouraged when things do not go as we had planned. We may even blame God for not allowing something to happen as we expected. But recognize that in this world there is opposition. The discouragement may come from a friend, a school mate, a co-worker, even a family member. This opposition results in us losing sight of what is important.

Paul admits that Satan is at work in this world and at times Satan’s work keeps us from carrying out what we intend. Such opposition and the resulting discouragement is an opportunity to remember that our battle isn’t against flesh and blood (Eph. 6:12). Instead of getting angry at a person, be angry with Satan. God hasn’t failed you. Paul doesn’t blame God and neither should we.

Instead recognize that inhibiting our progress is a sign that we are doing God’s will. Recognize that the strategy of making us discouraged is a sign that we are doing something right. Be frustrated but don’t blame God. Stay close to him and continue to seek his direction.

The second lesson. God’s will includes investing in people. Paul understood that the real proof of his work was in the people who came to know God. Let’s put it this way—what is your pride and joy? Is your pride and joy money in the bank; a successful career; a house ; what others think of you? People matter. Helping people come to know God through you. Raising a child to love God. Helping people who have no mattresses to sleep on. Engaging a fellow student who no one wants to be around. Talking to a co-worker who just doesn’t fit. Encouraging your spouse or a family member in their walk with God.

Paul’s pride and joy were the Thessalonians. Not because he was their teacher but because they knew God. Have you thought about where you are right now in life? Have you considered that God has you exactly where he wants you?

That isn’t to say that we shouldn’t move or make changes or seek another direction. It is to say that when discouraged, you still do God’s will where you are. You continue to invest in people because God uses you where you are. It means you give God time to work and as you patiently wait, then you understand that you have a powerful work to do where you are with the people who surround you.

Your reward is knowing that you have made a difference in the lives of others. From the Bible school teacher who helps children know who God is to the co-worker who helps another who struggles to understand to the listening ear when someone needs to talk. You make a difference in the lives of others.

Give your life away. Give your life for the gospel and for the benefit of others. Reject the American Dream and dream bigger for God. Invitation.

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