Thessalonians – T.H.E.M.

Today’s Bible reading is 2 Thessalonians chapter 3

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Paul was not afraid to ask churches to pray for him. His prayer requests were not selfish, but always centered on advancing the Gospel. Paul wanted to see God’s Word spread and impact people’s lives. He desired this for the Thessalonians too. He wanted to see them walking in the truth. Obedience is a mark of our commitment to follow Jesus Christ. Jesus taught that obedience is a demonstration of our love for God. The Bible also teaches that blessings follow obedience. The hymn writer penned it this way, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey.” Also, Paul wanted these believers to grow in the truth. He said, “May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NLT) Paul not only wanted believers to walk in the truth, and to grow in the truth, but also he wanted them to stand in the truth. Apparently, there were believers in the church that were not being faithful. They were living idle lives, refusing to work, and were meddling in other people’s business. Paul instructed the erring believers to settle down and work to earn their own living. He instructed the faithful believers to stand in the truth by staying away from all believers living contrary to the Word of God they had been taught. Paul said, “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15 NKJV)

Prayer: “Dear Father, may the Word of God have full effect in our lives, and may we walk, grow, and stand in the truth. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Today’s Bible reading is I Thessalonians chapter 1

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

The church at Thessalonica was a model church. They were examples to all the believers in Greece, Macedonia, and Achaia. They boldly received the Gospel and were willing to suffer for it. Paul said, “So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord.” (I Thessalonians 1:6 NLT) Many were talking about the faith of the Thessalonians. They previously had been guilty of worshiping idols, but by God’s grace they turned from these idols to serve the living and true God. After turning to God these Christians began explaining the Gospel everywhere, and living their lives expecting Jesus to come again. It is wonderful when God gets hold of a church and people everywhere begin talking about all the good things that God is doing. We hear enough bad reports about the bad experiences some people have in church. It’s time that we emulate the church at Thessalonica, and become model saints so that others may hear of our faith and give their lives to the Lord.

Prayer: “Lord, help us to make known Your Gospel and to sound it forth to people everywhere. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Tag: Thessalonians

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