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1 Thessalonians – 4 Truths We Can Know
4 Truths We Can Know
Do we “know” or do we “believe”? I have said, “I believe” and been criticized because we should “know”. Then others affirm, “No one can know, so we believe”. While 1 John is often and rightfully known for showing we can know our salvation status, I’m fascinated with 1 Thessalonians. Here are four things we can know:
1. We can know what God has done, and have confidence.
• “knowing, brethren beloved by God, [His] choice of you;” (1 Thessalonians 1:4)
2. We can know what each other has done, and have confidence:
• “for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
• “For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain,” (1 Thessalonians 2:1)
• “but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.” (1 Thessalonians 2:2)
• “For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed – God is witness –” (1 Thessalonians 2:5)
• “just as you know how we [were] exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father [would] his own children,” (1 Thessalonians 2:11)
• “so that no man may be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this.” (1 Thessalonians 3:3)
• “For indeed when we were with you, we [kept] telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know.” (1 Thessalonians 3:4)
• “But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate [lit., know] those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,” (1 Thessalonians 5:12)
3. We can know what we need need to know, and have confidence:
• “For you know what commandments we gave you by [the authority of] the Lord Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 4:2)
• “that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,” (1 Thessalonians 4:4)
• “For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2)
4. We can know who doesn’t know God, and have confidence:
• “not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God;” (1 Thessalonians 4:5)
Now you know we can know. I know what I believe; and I believe what I know. Do you believe it?
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