Tag: blameless and holy
Praying for God’s people!
Scripture reading for September 15th: 1 Thessalonians 3
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 1st Thessalonians 3:10-13 “Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father Himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones.”
Paul knew that for the Thessalonian church to overcome Satan’s temptations and traps, prayer was a key ingredient! Paul prayed that he could see them again and strengthen their faith through teaching God’s word. He prayed that God and Christ would clear the way for his visit. Since all disciples would make Christ known by their love for one another, Paul prayed that their love would increase and overflow like a mighty river. Paul also knew that Jesus would soon return and he wanted the church to be prepared. Without holiness, no one would see the Lord!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers must be people of prayer and should imitate the prayers recorded in Scripture for their instruction. “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)
Blameless and holy when Jesus comes!
Scripture reading for September 16th: 1st Thessalonians 3
Paul was concerned about the new believers he had abruptly left because of persecution in Thessalonian. That persecution had continued against the newly founded church. Paul was afraid that their enemy, Satan, would tempt the new believers to leave the faith and that his work would be in vain. (1st Thessalonians 3:5) He sent his young helper Timothy to find out about the church and to strengthen and encourage them in the faith.
Timothy had brought back to Paul a glowing report about the believers there. “But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.. . . For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.” (1st Thessalonians 3:6-8) God had been faithful and the believers were growing in faith and showing love in the midst of severe persecution. Paul, also in persecution, was encouraged and rejoiced at this good news!
” Now may our God and Father, Himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” (1st Thessalonians 3:11-13) Paul knew the value of prayer and was always aware that Jesus was coming back for those who were eagerly awaiting Him. He encouraged the believers there by his prayers for them and for us today! Jesus is coming soon!
Active Waiting!
Scripture reading for December 5th: 1st Thessalonians 1-5
Dear Friends,
Another day of rest is here! We are all waiting for Jesus Christ to return and celebrate His resurrection with each Sunday! In order to finish our journey on the last day of December, we must again read on Sunday. Please join with a body of believers today and worship! Don’t forsake the assembling of yourselves, as you see the end approaching! (No pun intended!)
The letter to Thessalonians is unique in that each chapter contains a reference to the second coming of Christ! The believers in Thessalonica were really excited about this event. Paul had to write to them to help them out of some wrong thinking concerning how to prepare and wait for Christ’s return. As we read this, let’s check our thinking to be sure we are on the right track!
Paul greeted this church, thanking God for their work produced by their faith in Jesus Christ. This church worked to help others know the Lord. They had great hope in Jesus Christ’s return which inspired endurance. (1st Thessalonians 1:2-3) Paul knew their background of idolatry and how they responded to the Gospel by truly turning to the living and to God and to wait for Jesus Christ from heaven. (1st Thessalonians 1:9-10)
Paul recounted how he and the other brothers had worked among them sharing the gospel. They had been very gentle and shared their lives as well as the message because of the love they had for these dear people. They also set a holy and pure example of what being a Christian looked like and worked hard so as not to be a burden on these new believers. The Thessalonians had received the word and had become imitators of God’s churches. (1st Thessalonians 2:7-12, 19-20) These believers would be the apostles joy, hope and crown when Christ appeared!
Paul encouraged these believers to wait for Christ actively. They must live holy lives by avoiding sexual immorality. They must love each other and respect each person. They must also work and mind their own business. Christ is coming back suddenly for those who are waiting actively. (1st Thessalonians 4:1-12) Jesus will come Himself, with a trumpet call and loud command. The dead in Christ will rise first, followed by those who are alive and ready to meet Jesus in the clouds! Take care of any unfinished business today!
In His Love, Pastor John