October 19-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-3, Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul has just encouraged the Thessalonians with the news that their believing loved ones will be resurrected and those who are alive will join them at Christ’s return. So, the obvious question would be, when will this happen? However, Paul says he does not need to teach about that because they have already heard “the day of the Lord” will come like a thief in the night. The Lord will come suddenly when many are not prepared for His arrival. In fact, the opposite will be true. There will be many messages that speak that everything is okay. Do not worry. There is plenty of peace and safety. Just as it was in the days of Israel before they were sent into exile, many fake prophets proclaimed a false message. While the true prophets were calling the people to repentance before it was too late, their message was not often received because they did not want to hear they needed to change. In their pride, they thought they were fine just the way they were as they chased after other gods and failed to treat others with love or justice. However, as calamity came upon them while they enjoyed their false sense of security so it will be at the end of time when many will be oblivious to the judgment at hand.
Relate it to your life.
What is my attitude towards living as though Jesus could return at any moment? Am I prepared?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You Lord for speaking the truth through Scripture, Spirit, and spokespeople. Give me the humility to listen, pay attention, and whole-heartedly respond to Your life-giving message. Amen.
October 20-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 5:4, But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
Observe what it is saying.
In contrast to the world who will be totally surprised at the Lord’s sudden return, we should not be. If we are no longer in the darkness of the world, then we are living in the light of truth. We may not know the day or hour, but we will be able to discern the season has come, the harvest is ripe, and the return is near. When a thief comes, there is no thought or preparation. The doors are not locked. The windows are not secure. The premises are not well-lit. However, people of the light know the power of the darkness. They understand they are in a battle with the enemy. They relentlessly train themselves to be spiritually prepared for the day that is ahead. They grow in knowledge of their faith. They pray continually. They worship regularly. They meet often with other believers in small group settings or mentoring relationships. They serve and witness daily. They feel an urgency to tell the good news. They refuse to procrastinate but passionately engage in kingdom business of being disciple-makers of Jesus Christ our Lord, each and every day.
Relate it to your life.
Does this description reflect my life? If not, what will I do to today to make it happen?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I want this to be me. I’ll be honest I’m not sure I know how to make it happen. Please lead me, show me, and give me opportunities to fully engage in kingdom business. Amen.
October 21-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 5:5-7, You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul uses creation metaphors to indicate they are part of the new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come.” Because this is true, Paul reassures the Thessalonians that they do not need to fear, because they are children of the light and of the day. People who live in the light and day have different lifestyles and behaviors. Those who are people of the night and darkness sleep and get drunk. They take the easy way. They follow the crowd of unredeemed society. They are spiritually unprepared. They are not vigilant in their faith but take their cues from this world. They are destined for wrath. However, those who are truly redeemed will act differently. Even at night in the darkness, they will live like people of the light. They will continually choose the Jesus way even though it is not the popular or easy course of life. As a result, “the day of the Lord” will not come like a thief for them—not because they know when it will come, but because they will be ready.
Relate it to your life.
As a new creation of Christ, I live in His holy loving light 24 hours a day.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep me in Your light day and night. May I always be spiritually ready for You to receive me when You come. Amen.
October 22-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 5:8, But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
Observe what it is saying.
Sober-minded believers have a principled outlook on life. They do not succumb to temptation. They are not afraid. They can hear the tragic news of the day, yet they do not lose heart. They experience the difficulties of life, but they do not give up. Paul used the language of armor as he did in his letter with the Ephesians. Here he narrows the armor down to two crucial pieces to protect us from the enemy so that we will be prepared for the coming of the Lord. We must recognize that our spiritual enemies are many, malicious, and relentless. They draw many into their trap as they become drunk with pride, passion, self-conceit, and the gratification of the senses. We must protect our hearts as Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” In order to protect them, we put on faith and love as a breastplate. This breastplate covers our relationship with the Lord as we keep holding on to our faith by trusting Him through all of life’s challenges. Regardless of what we see, hear, or face, we refuse to let go of the fact that He is the way, the truth, and the life. The flip side of this breastplate is love for the Lord and others. We demonstrate our love for Jesus as we encourage, serve, give, and forgive freely even those who are unfriendly towards us. Our helmet is the hope of salvation. This hope is for the final and full salvation found in eternal life where we will be with the Lord forever and ever. It elevates our everyday thinking above temporary pleasures reminding us of the glorious good that is yet to come.
Relate it to your life.
My spiritual wardrobe includes faith in Christ, love for others, and hope for eternity’s final celebration.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, dress me each day with faith, love, and hope that will sustain me to the very end. Amen.
October 23-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.
Observe what it is saying.
Christians have been appointed not to experience the wrath of God but to receive His eternal salvation. If you are a follower of Christ, then God’s appointment is upon you. You do not need to fear, because God has chosen you for salvation and life, not for death and wrath. The trumpet blast that will come signals judgment for those opposed to Christ but final redemption for those on Christ’s side. Paul makes it clear how we can be certain of this truth. It is through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us. In establishing the defining moment of the reason for our salvation, we are told His death was "for us" or "on our behalf." It is the sole condition whereby God has secured us as His special possession destined to live together with Him forever. He reassures us that this is for both those who are alive and those who have already passed away. There will be a day when we will all live together. We will, once again, be with each other in the glorious presence of our Lord Jesus and the Heavenly Father.
Relate it to your life.
God appointed me. Jesus died on my behalf. I am a redeemed child of God.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for what You have done to make it clear that my salvation is by Your sacrifice, not by my works or goodness. Because I belong to You, my future is secure. Amen.
October 24-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 5:11, Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Observe what it is saying.
Just as Paul did at the end of last’s week passage, he tells the Thessalonians to use this end-time information as a way to encourage and build up the church. This world can be very discouraging with the national and international headlines, as well as, our own personal headlines. We all need encouraging words and messages. Also, we can encourage others if we have the right material. Paul has given us the material in this letter. The immediate encouraging message is found from yesterday’s Scripture, “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.” Ultimate hope cannot be found in this world. When I do funerals, the best hope I can offer is that we will see our believing loved ones again, if we, too, are a believer in Christ Jesus. It is not a universal promise for all people. It is only for those who have trusted in Christ as Lord and Savior. Funeral directors have told me. I have seen it for myself. Christians grieve differently. They are sad and still shed tears. They still go through a grieving process. However, in the midst of their loss, they carry a sense of peace that others do not carry. They have the sure and certain hope that is based on Christian teaching that one day we will see our loved ones again, and we will all live together with Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
Do I have this sure and certain hope? Have I declared faith in Christ as my Lord and Savior?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You that I do not have to grieve like the rest of the world. Running through my grief is the wonderful promise that I will see my loved ones again. Praise be to Your name! Amen.
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-3, Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul has just encouraged the Thessalonians with the news that their believing loved ones will be resurrected and those who are alive will join them at Christ’s return. So, the obvious question would be, when will this happen? However, Paul says he does not need to teach about that because they have already heard “the day of the Lord” will come like a thief in the night. The Lord will come suddenly when many are not prepared for His arrival. In fact, the opposite will be true. There will be many messages that speak that everything is okay. Do not worry. There is plenty of peace and safety. Just as it was in the days of Israel before they were sent into exile, many fake prophets proclaimed a false message. While the true prophets were calling the people to repentance before it was too late, their message was not often received because they did not want to hear they needed to change. In their pride, they thought they were fine just the way they were as they chased after other gods and failed to treat others with love or justice. However, as calamity came upon them while they enjoyed their false sense of security so it will be at the end of time when many will be oblivious to the judgment at hand.
Relate it to your life.
What is my attitude towards living as though Jesus could return at any moment? Am I prepared?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You Lord for speaking the truth through Scripture, Spirit, and spokespeople. Give me the humility to listen, pay attention, and whole-heartedly respond to Your life-giving message. Amen.
October 20-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 5:4, But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
Observe what it is saying.
In contrast to the world who will be totally surprised at the Lord’s sudden return, we should not be. If we are no longer in the darkness of the world, then we are living in the light of truth. We may not know the day or hour, but we will be able to discern the season has come, the harvest is ripe, and the return is near. When a thief comes, there is no thought or preparation. The doors are not locked. The windows are not secure. The premises are not well-lit. However, people of the light know the power of the darkness. They understand they are in a battle with the enemy. They relentlessly train themselves to be spiritually prepared for the day that is ahead. They grow in knowledge of their faith. They pray continually. They worship regularly. They meet often with other believers in small group settings or mentoring relationships. They serve and witness daily. They feel an urgency to tell the good news. They refuse to procrastinate but passionately engage in kingdom business of being disciple-makers of Jesus Christ our Lord, each and every day.
Relate it to your life.
Does this description reflect my life? If not, what will I do to today to make it happen?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I want this to be me. I’ll be honest I’m not sure I know how to make it happen. Please lead me, show me, and give me opportunities to fully engage in kingdom business. Amen.
October 21-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 5:5-7, You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul uses creation metaphors to indicate they are part of the new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come.” Because this is true, Paul reassures the Thessalonians that they do not need to fear, because they are children of the light and of the day. People who live in the light and day have different lifestyles and behaviors. Those who are people of the night and darkness sleep and get drunk. They take the easy way. They follow the crowd of unredeemed society. They are spiritually unprepared. They are not vigilant in their faith but take their cues from this world. They are destined for wrath. However, those who are truly redeemed will act differently. Even at night in the darkness, they will live like people of the light. They will continually choose the Jesus way even though it is not the popular or easy course of life. As a result, “the day of the Lord” will not come like a thief for them—not because they know when it will come, but because they will be ready.
Relate it to your life.
As a new creation of Christ, I live in His holy loving light 24 hours a day.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep me in Your light day and night. May I always be spiritually ready for You to receive me when You come. Amen.
October 22-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 5:8, But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
Observe what it is saying.
Sober-minded believers have a principled outlook on life. They do not succumb to temptation. They are not afraid. They can hear the tragic news of the day, yet they do not lose heart. They experience the difficulties of life, but they do not give up. Paul used the language of armor as he did in his letter with the Ephesians. Here he narrows the armor down to two crucial pieces to protect us from the enemy so that we will be prepared for the coming of the Lord. We must recognize that our spiritual enemies are many, malicious, and relentless. They draw many into their trap as they become drunk with pride, passion, self-conceit, and the gratification of the senses. We must protect our hearts as Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” In order to protect them, we put on faith and love as a breastplate. This breastplate covers our relationship with the Lord as we keep holding on to our faith by trusting Him through all of life’s challenges. Regardless of what we see, hear, or face, we refuse to let go of the fact that He is the way, the truth, and the life. The flip side of this breastplate is love for the Lord and others. We demonstrate our love for Jesus as we encourage, serve, give, and forgive freely even those who are unfriendly towards us. Our helmet is the hope of salvation. This hope is for the final and full salvation found in eternal life where we will be with the Lord forever and ever. It elevates our everyday thinking above temporary pleasures reminding us of the glorious good that is yet to come.
Relate it to your life.
My spiritual wardrobe includes faith in Christ, love for others, and hope for eternity’s final celebration.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, dress me each day with faith, love, and hope that will sustain me to the very end. Amen.
October 23-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.
Observe what it is saying.
Christians have been appointed not to experience the wrath of God but to receive His eternal salvation. If you are a follower of Christ, then God’s appointment is upon you. You do not need to fear, because God has chosen you for salvation and life, not for death and wrath. The trumpet blast that will come signals judgment for those opposed to Christ but final redemption for those on Christ’s side. Paul makes it clear how we can be certain of this truth. It is through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us. In establishing the defining moment of the reason for our salvation, we are told His death was "for us" or "on our behalf." It is the sole condition whereby God has secured us as His special possession destined to live together with Him forever. He reassures us that this is for both those who are alive and those who have already passed away. There will be a day when we will all live together. We will, once again, be with each other in the glorious presence of our Lord Jesus and the Heavenly Father.
Relate it to your life.
God appointed me. Jesus died on my behalf. I am a redeemed child of God.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for what You have done to make it clear that my salvation is by Your sacrifice, not by my works or goodness. Because I belong to You, my future is secure. Amen.
October 24-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 5:11, Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Observe what it is saying.
Just as Paul did at the end of last’s week passage, he tells the Thessalonians to use this end-time information as a way to encourage and build up the church. This world can be very discouraging with the national and international headlines, as well as, our own personal headlines. We all need encouraging words and messages. Also, we can encourage others if we have the right material. Paul has given us the material in this letter. The immediate encouraging message is found from yesterday’s Scripture, “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.” Ultimate hope cannot be found in this world. When I do funerals, the best hope I can offer is that we will see our believing loved ones again, if we, too, are a believer in Christ Jesus. It is not a universal promise for all people. It is only for those who have trusted in Christ as Lord and Savior. Funeral directors have told me. I have seen it for myself. Christians grieve differently. They are sad and still shed tears. They still go through a grieving process. However, in the midst of their loss, they carry a sense of peace that others do not carry. They have the sure and certain hope that is based on Christian teaching that one day we will see our loved ones again, and we will all live together with Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
Do I have this sure and certain hope? Have I declared faith in Christ as my Lord and Savior?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You that I do not have to grieve like the rest of the world. Running through my grief is the wonderful promise that I will see my loved ones again. Praise be to Your name! Amen.
Posted in Daily Devotionals