1 Thessalonians 4:1-2
Therefore, finally, brothers and sisters, we ask and
encourage you all in the Lord Jesus in order that just as you all received from
us the thing about how it is necessary to live and to please God – just as you
all are also behaving, in order that you all should surpass the expectation
even more. For you all have known what
instructions we gave to you all through the Lord Jesus.
Thoughts for Today
First Thought:
Twice in this section Paul reminds the Thessalonians that
they were instructed in the Lord Jesus.
In this instruction, Paul encourages them. Jesus Christ should be the core. Jesus Christ should be the central goal and
model to which we ascribe ourselves.
When we teach, it is out of His authority. When we exhort others, He is the one that we
lift up for imitation. Jesus Christ is
the primary figure.
Is Jesus the center of your life? When you teach, are you teaching out of Jesus’
authority?
Second Thought:
As Paul speaks of instruction, we
should note the language that he uses.
Paul does not speak in terms of suggestions and possibility. Paul speaks in terms of necessity. We are not advised to live a certain way, we
ought to live a certain way. It is
necessary for us to live a certain way.
That doesn’t mean that we can’t experience forgiveness when we make a
mistake. But we should certainly realize
that there is a standard to which God expects us to live. When we meet it, we celebrate with God. When we fall should, we come to God
repentantly and ask for forgiveness.
Do you acknowledge that God has
expectations? If you were to list those
things that are necessary, what would that list look like?
Third Thought:
Why does Paul teach in the authority of
the Lord Jesus? Why does Paul remind the
Thessalonians about the expectations of God?
Why does Paul encourage and exhort the Thessalonians? The answer is surprisingly simple. Paul wants them to exceed the standard. Paul wants them to surpass the necessary
things and live into the full potential of God.
Do you live in the full potential of
God? When are you able to surpass the
expectation and live in the fullness of the Lord?
Passage for Tomorrow: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
No comments:
Post a Comment