1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

Because, God did not set us up into wrath but rather into a state of acquiring salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sake, in order that whether we should stay awake or we should sleep we should live together with Him.  Therefore encourage and build each other up into one – just as you are also doing.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

God did not set us up into His wrath.  He didn’t!  We might deserve it.  We might be guilty of sin and deserving of condemnation.  But God does not want that for us.  He did not create us to be sinful.  He also gives us an opportunity to be saved through His Son.  In no way does He desire us to be condemned.

Do you ever forget that although God is responsible for justice that He does not desire for us to stand condemned?  Why is this important to remember?

Second Thought:

As I said above, God desires us to be saved.  He desires that we would live forever with Him.  I find this to be a great thought.  We don’t deserve it.  He is so much better than any of us.  But He still wants relationship with us.  That’s awesome.  That’s awe inspiring.

Are you inspired by God’s grace?  What does God’s grace lead you to do in your life?

Third Thought:

Finally, we are reminded to be encouraged and to encourage one another in these words.  It is so easy to beat ourselves us with our sinfulness.  It is so easy to get down on ourselves because of our failings.  But that is not what we are to do.  We are to encourage one another in God’s grace.

Is it easy to forget about God’s grace?  Whom do you inspire in God’s grace?

Passage for Tomorrow: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13