2 Thessalonians 1 - Day 1056 (link to reading)
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 Observation: Paul commends the Thessalonians for enduring their persecution and share a word of encouragement so they continue in their faith. He describes the reality of what will happen to everyone who doesn’t have a relationship with Jesus. Application: Earlier in Galatians, Paul explained that people will "reap what they sow.” Meaning that our choices have consequences. Above, Paul explains that if you don’t have a relationship with God now, then in the end or when we die, we will face the consequences of our decision that we’re making now. Apprentices/disciples of Jesus are the variable or unknown factor. We have the power to share the love of Christ with people to give them a choice. Because without options, people will continue on their chosen path. Prayer: Lord, use me as Your instrument today. 1 Thessalonians 5 - Day 1055 (link to reading)
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:5-9 Observation: We have been chosen to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Application: Growing up, I was the youngest kid in our neighborhood so I was always the smallest and last picked for team games. I really wasn’t chosen to be on the team. Rather, the older boys mostly tolerated my presence because my older cousin had to watch me. Being the youngest, smallest and the afterthought “sucked.” God chose me (you, us) to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He didn’t choose us because we’re the biggest, strongest, smartest prospect available. He chose us because He loves us. Prayer: Thank You Lord... 1 Thessalonians 4 - Day 1054 (link to reading)
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Commentary: The second coming of Jesus had formed an important part of Paul’s teaching during his visit, but it had led to misunderstandings. Timothy brought two questions to Paul. The first concerned the fate of Christians who had already died when the Lord returned (4:13–18), and the second was about the danger of the living being taken unawares by the Lord and somehow not participating in the event (5:1–11). 4:13 Evidently the readers thought that people who fall asleep (i.e. those of their number who had already died and any others who might die) before the second coming would remain in their graves and not take part in the event. This would suggest that either they had not heard of the resurrection of the dead (which is not very likely, since the resurrection of Jesus was part of the primitive gospel), or they had not understood properly what they had been taught. Lacking full knowledge of the Christian hope, they were like non-Christians, ‘without hope and without God’ (Eph. 2:12). 14 The basic answer to the problem is the fundamental piece of Christian teaching that Jesus died and rose again. It follows that the God who raised Jesus will bring with him the people for whom he died, and who died believing in him. Paul says nothing as yet about the dead being raised to share in this event, but it is obvious that, if they are going to share in it, they must be resurrected in order to do so. In fact, so far from their being left out of the glorious events associated with the second coming of the Lord, they will have precedence over those still living. (Paul speaks of we who are still alive; this use of words indicates that he reckoned with the possibility that the Lord would come in his own lifetime, but did not necessarily regard this as a foregone conclusion.) Marshall, I. H. (1994). 1 Thessalonians. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., pp. 1282–1283). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press. Application: There are a lot of unanswered questions that new believers have about their relationship with Jesus. Naturally, they want (and need) answers to their questions, in order for them to grow. As their spiritual guardian, Paul patiently mentors them so that they would reach their full potential. Who am I mentoring? Prayer: Lord, I pray for another opportunity to share Your love and goodness... 1 Thessalonians 3 - Day 1053 (link to reading)
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:5 Observation: Paul explains why he sent Timothy to them (Thessalonian Church). Application: It's hard to believe that anyone would walk away from their relationship with Jesus but it happens because we have an enemy that is working against us. Satan's mission is to destroy the lives of God's children, to steal their joy, hope, and salvation. Our enemy is real, cunning, and patient. Take heed and prepare yourself for you are at war. Prayer: Lord, thank You for overcoming our enemy. Empower us to do the same... 1 Thessalonians 2 - Day 1052 (link to reading)
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 Observation: Paul reminds the Thessalonians of their faith in Christ. Application: Our faith/beliefs determine our level of commitment to any endeavor that we participate in. The greater our belief, the more committed we are to the mission at hand. The Thessalonians suffered persecution for their alligance to Christ, thus revealing what they truly believed. Prayer: Lord, help my unbelief... |
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