The end of 1 Thessalonians is the practical boots on the ground portion of this brilliant letter. It gives the church both its marching orders and the plan to construct a community that lives into its given righteousness.
In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holidays we can forget the
supernaturally wondrousness of the birth of King Jesus. Re-read the Bible’s presentation and allow God to rekindle wonder.
The church at Thessalonica was freaked out about the end of days. They were uninformed about both the return of Jesus and what happens at death. In this short section Paul brilliantly clarifies these questions to encourage the church.
The church at Thessalonica is told to not do sex like the people who don’t know God. Paul had previously instructed them to control their bodies in holiness and honor. We attempt to unearth the weapons that they would have used to exercise body control.
Paul has to leave the new church quickly and has concerns about tough things he had said to them. Did they accept them? Reject? Were they mad at him? He sends Timothy and gets a refreshing answer to his relational doubt.
The church at Thessalonica is a model of church success. This leads to the big question: why? At the end of Chapter 2 we get the answer. It is God’s Word, Suffering, War, and the Win.
Everyone needs examples. The Thessalonian believers were able to look at Paul, Silas and Timothy and then through difficulty, repentance, patience and God’s word they became the models for the entire region.
The final chapter of Colossians is personal and practical. Paul names his own Kingdom Team. It begins with Jesus as captain and then includes Jews, Gentiles, males, females, superstars, doctors, felons, and one quitter. The big idea is there’s room for anyone on Team Jesus.
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