Hi Brian!


The word for this week is "contention". There are a few different words translated "contention" in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. The verses we're looking at today are 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2:


1 For ourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it is not in vain. 2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as you know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God with much contention.


The Greek word translated "contention" here is "agon". Strong's Concordance says: a place of assembly (as if led), i.e. (by implication) a contest (held there), an effort or anxiety. (translated in the KJV as conflict, contention, fight, race). Vine's Expository Dictionary says (concerning 1 Thessalonians 2:2) implying a contest against spiritual foes, as well as human adversaries. The Amplified Bible says:


1 FOR YOU yourselves know, brethren, that our coming among you was not useless and fruitless. 2 But though we had already suffered and been outrageously treated at Philippi, as you know, yet in [the strength of] our God we summoned courage to proclaim to you unfalteringly the good news (the Gospel) with earnest contention and much conflict and great opposition.


Whenever we share the Gospel there will be some who are so open and ready to receive that it will take no effort at all! But there WILL be those who are just not ready yet! Even Paul ran into those! In my experience it has been close friends and family members who seemed the least open to the Word of God, while complete strangers were so excited to hear the Truth! The key word here is "seemed"! The Word of God will NOT return to Him void and unproductive (Isaiah 55:11)! He is working on their hearts with the Word that has been shared. Your life is a "living epistle" (2 Corinthians 3:2) that shows forth God's glory, love, provision, protection to those who  know you! So as you continue to be who you are, and who you are becoming, share the Word where and when you can with great confidence that you WILL see the results you so desire! Here is "Salvation Is Here" with Hillsong United (Chapel):

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!