237 First Letter to Work of the Holy Spirit the ThessaloniansPaul started a church in Thessalonica, but wasn’t able to spend much time there. Persecution became severe and the Christians insisted on taking him out of the area. So he left Silas and Timothy to help these young Christians. He waited for them in Corinth.He was concerned for this young church because of the persecution they were experiencing. Finally, Silas and Timothy brought wonderful news of how the people were remaining true to Christ even with all the suffering. Paul immediately wrote this letter to encourage them. He said:see you. Praise God! You’re standing firm in your faith. Oh how I long to be with you and teach you more about walking with the Lord.Now listen. Continue to live a life that pleases God. Stay away from immorality. Don’t be like those who are enslaved to uncontrolled passions That is a lifestyle that hurts everyone involved.It also offends the Spirit of God who lives inside you. Don’t forget, God severely judges people who live with such filth.Instead, let your love be godly. But why am I telling you this? God has taught you how to love one another. I just ask that you do iteven more.Timothy told me that you’re concerned about those who have died recently. Don’t worry about them. Remember, Jesus also died, but God raised him from the dead! He’ll do the same with those who have put their trust in him.When Jesus comes back to earth, he willfirst raise those who have died in him. Thenthe rest of us will meet him in the air. Don’t be discouraged like those without our hope. Instead, comfort each other with these words.Of course we don’t have a schedule as to when this is going to happen. Still, we are to prepare ourselves as if it will happen today.When it does, those who live in sin will be caught off guard. They’re like people who lock their doors at night and think they’re safe. Suddenly a thief breaks into their home!The coming of our Lord Jesus will be like the labor pains of a woman about to give birth. People will suddenly find themselves standing before God to be judged. But Jesus Christ died so we can live with him forever. Encourage one another with this truth.Here is how you are to function as a church until the Lord comes:• Honor those who meet your spiritual needs. • Get along with one another.• Don’t put up with laziness.• Be patient with those who are discouraged. • Help the weak.• Don’t seek revenge when people wrong you.• Always do that which is good.Here are the three parts of living a spiritual life: • First, rejoice, pray, and give thanks. This isGod’s will for you.• Next, listen to God’s Spirit when he speaksto you through others, but make sure it’sfrom God.• And finally, hold on to that which is good andstay away from evil.My dear friends, we’re a family, so pray for meand keep your fellowship sweet. Share this letter with everyone in the church. The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Posted on: Tue, 05 Nov 2013 14:14:47 +0000
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