Thought to Find
Acts 18:11-12
And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Listen closely; a test is coming. The respite is only temporary. Yet for now, the little church needs some home obedience training. This is for when the test and the trial come, you will not snap off under them. You will not go crazy nor be forced to live at the mental hospital. Nor will you lose everything as have some that trusted not the Lord. Some of you need to know the Word for yourselves. Nor is this only a head knowledge as some would have. For this Word is living and alive like the Samaritan woman at the well found. It trickled right on down inside of her and changed everything in John 4:7-26. When you are talking with Jesus, no man need tell you how to live rightly. But for those of you who missed it, must know, or want to be taught, I will tell you. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-10 expands on the commands of brotherly love given by Christ. I know some of you wonder where he taught those. No, this is not the golden rule of doing unto others as yourself of Matthew 7:12. Rather it is found in the example of a life well-lived in him. So also has Paul taught by word and by life with the little church. Take heed to this Word now so can you find rest in the trial. So, you can rest knowing you need nothing. You need not run up and down or to and fro. You do not have to worry about tomorrow. Nor yet must you fornicate with everything that moves, seeking comfort always. Neither will you want everything insatiably as did the Corinthian church. For so do the Gentiles who know not God our Father. Here the apostles are urging the brethren with all exhortations received from Christ. Just as these examples were, so should the believers also be. Indeed, the little church ought to walk in the Lord. Thereby will they please him. Such a process in Christian terminology is known as sanctification. Note God's will for you to follow him. Trust him to take care of the rest. Then will he make you to abound unto every good thing. Nor will you lack for so is he a providing God. It may seem as though discussing such things with Jesus is unnecessary at first. Yet will each one by so doing possess both themselves, their witness, and their vessel with honor.
And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
Look now at this Justice the Lord raised up. Whether this man Justus or the one which came after, there is some righteousness to be found in them. The text announced him as Gallio, the deputy of Achaia. Now how many remember from the prior walks with Jesus that this is a completely different region. Scripture does not say how he got there nor yet whence he was going. But if I had to guess, God is in the promoting business. Notice how the Word will bring you before great men, little church. Now I know Gallio is not the same as Galileo of history and legend. But how many know that when God changes a man, he will never be the same again. Whether here or in another place, God's footsteps litter the pages of history. Soon all our stories will echo his name. Here we see there is a connection between judging and living rightly. You will soon see what happens when they meet. Here Paul is speaking on the matter of defrauding not your brother. As you well know, such happens when someone is not living rightly. This can be as simple as not giving credit where it is due. It can even be as complicated as withholding yourself from your spouse. No matter if it be, for the Lord avenges all.
Some of you want to talk about the angels guarding you. But how many know that the Lord does a far better job than them all. See, he both protects, defends, and goes after damages. Here Paul both warns before and testifies after the fact. How many know that God is faithful. If you do, say amen. So then if you have a problem with someone over something disagreeable, I suggest taking it up with God. Now look at Paul's tone. The unthinkable has happened yet he is neither mad nor upset. Herein is found a temptation of despising the Lord for the situation he allowed. See, even the Lord defrauds not his people. You might be stressed out and going through a trial now. But will not the faithful Judge of all repay you for damages done. Paul might be arrested now, but even this has its' expiration date. As shown before, the love between brethren, the Lord, and the all people really should be evident. Our apostle recognizes their Thessalonian works; indeed, he commends them for it. Yet because of the trial and the process, these love deeds must needs increase the more in response. Nor do these do so alone but with the power of Christ upon them. For what has come really knows nothing of him or even of them.