STAND FAST

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Thessalonians

Read 2 Thessalonians 1-3

     Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.  2 Thessalonians 2:15 NKJV

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     Paul writes this letter to correct false teaching about the Lord’s return. “Now, brethren,” he writes, “concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2)

     Paul goes on to explain the events that will happen prior to the Lord’s return to earth. He tells them of the coming evil world leader who will oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”   (2 Thessalonians 2:4)

     Even though this man of sin will not be revealed until after the “gathering together” of believers, (2:7-8) the spirit of antichrist was and is already working in the world. Paul reminds them and us that “the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” (3:3)

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     Lord, it is so evident in our day that the spirit of antichrist is at work. Help us to keep our eyes on You and not be discouraged as Your coming draws closer. Above all, help us not to grow weary in serving you and others in Christian love.

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     "...But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. " 2 Thessalonians 3:13 NKJV

IN VIEW OF HIS COMING

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Read 1 Thessalonians 4-5

     God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.  1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 NIV

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     Paul includes some very practical instructions in this letter on how to live the Christian life. Very clearly he says, "it is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality." (4:3) He says that when someone wrongs his brother in this way, he is really sinning against God and God will hold him accountable.
     In regard to those who would tend to be lazy or obnoxious toward outsiders he says, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands,...so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (4:11-12)
     Paul reminds them and us that we are in a spiritual battle and will be until the Lord returns. The time of Christ’s return is not as important as being ever ready and expectant. He writes, “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him." (5:9-10)

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     Lord, I pray that I will live my life in a way to win the respect of my friends and neighbors. I know we are surrounded by principalities and powers that would like to see us fail. But Lord, Your Holy Spirit within me is enough and today I am asking for Your guidance and strength.

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     "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it."   1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NIV

OUR GLORY AND JOY

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Thessalonians

Read 1 Thessalonians 1 - 3

     And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.    1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV

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     Paul began his letter to the church at Thessalonica by saying, “You became imitators of us and of the Lord. In spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.” (1:6-7)

     Paul was a model for them and they became a model for other churches. He commended the testimony of these faithful believers by saying, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.   (2:19-20)

     The Bible tells us that we will receive rewards when we get to Heaven and stand in the presence of our Lord. What will those rewards be? I do not know for sure, but I know that it will include the joy of seeing people there – those we have influenced for eternity.

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     Lord, I pray that my life will be a light to those around me. Give me a joyful, thankful heart for all of the blessings you have given me and my family. Let us be a model to other believers in faith and obedience, so that they will be our glory and joy in Heaven.

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     May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.    1 Thessalonians 3:12 NIV

THE NEW SELF

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - COLOSSIANS

Read Colossians 3

     Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience Colossians 3:12 NIV

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     After writing that the Colossians should avoid meaningless religious activities and rules, Paul goes on to show how the life hidden in Christ will look. The spiritual changes that take place in a believer’s behavior will be real and practical. 

     He writes, “You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips."
     "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." (3:7-10)

     It is human nature to either err in the making of endless rules or to continue to live in a worldly life with no change in behavior. Abiding in the Spirit of Christ will inevitably bring forth fruit, especially in our relationships with other people.

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     Lord, whenever I begin to move away toward worldly or legalistic attitudes, renew my heart to reflect my new self which is hidden in You.

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     And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NIV