Living in Light

Devotion for Oct. 24 – Oct. 30 – Living in Light

Think as you read:

Why does the Bible use light as a metaphor to describe Jesus and his followers? 

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Explore God’s Word

- After stating that Jesus’ final coming should serve to encourage Christians, what does Paul say to balance out the Thessalonians’ view on this subject (v. 1)?  What can we know for sure regarding when Jesus will come back (v. 2-3)?

- Why should this event not surprise Christians (v. 4-5)?  

- As children of light, we anticipate Jesus’ coming, understanding that we do not know when it will happen.  How does Paul contrast Christians and “others, who are asleep? (v. 6)”  

- When do these people engage in acts that are contrary to how we should live (v. 7)?  Why do you think this is so?  What enables Christians to avoid this lifestyle (v. 8)?

- The term “asleep” is a synonym for death used in this passage two describe to kinds of people: 1) Christians who have died physically.  2) Non-Christians who are physically alive.  In a sense, both are dead.  What is the difference between the two (vv. 9-10)?

Apply God’s Word

- Does “the end of the world” make you scared?  If so, what are you afraid of specifically?  Have the words in this passage (particularly vv. 4-5; 9-10) alleviated some of your fears?  

- What might you say to be a “light” to an unbeliever the next time this subject comes up in mixed company?

- Your words will not go very far if your actions appear the same as those you are speaking to.  What things are “done at night (v. 7)” in Gatesville, TX that you do not need to belong to?  

- Do you struggle “not [being] like others who are asleep (v. 6)?”  If so, how does the reminder of the “hope of salvation (v.8)” you have in Jesus motivate you to keep trying?  Imagine how you would live apart from the “faith and love (v.8)” you have in Jesus.

Respond in Prayer

Thank God for the “light” he has provided us to live in as Christians, and the assurance we have that goes with it.  Pray specifically for people you know that are “asleep (v. 6).”  Ask God to forgive you when you act more like them instead of his child.  Pray that he would use you to be a light to them that exposes their need for Jesus, and the different kind of life they can have in him.

Little Dog

Little Dog, why must you act so tough?  You bark, snarl, and nip at the sight of me.  Little dog, what have I done?

Little Dog, why must you stand at my fence and tease?  It drives me crazy, knowing I can't get to you.  Would you be so brave in the absence of this tall, wooden barrier?

Little Dog, why must you chase after me when I walk on my leash?  Where are your owners?  How might they react if I was in your shoes, galloping free all over the neighborhood?

Little Dog, I have no malice towards you.  Your goofy, rat-like appearance does not offend me.  Nothing in my book says that we cannot play and get along.

Little Dog, I am a big dog.  I'm strong, brave, and fast.  But I don't wear these attributes on my sleeve.  I'm simply what God made me to be.  You should be happy doing the same.

Little Dog, if there's one thing I've learned, it's that being big is not about your size or your bark.  I'm not big because I'm 75 lbs and have legs that are longer than your body.

No, Little Dog, I'm big because my purpose is big.  Wrestling with my dad, snuggling with my mom, protecting our new baby, these are the things that make me big.

Little Dog, you might hear me bark from time to time.  Occasionally, you will hear me howl, growl, and pant with delight.  These things do not define big; they are the result of already being that way.

So, Little Dog, the next time you see me out and about, there's no need to make a scene.  I see and respect you based not on your physical size, but on the size of your purpose.  Won't you do the same for me?

Sincerely,

Big Dog

Energized by Encouragement

Devotion for Oct. 17 – Oct. 23 – Energized by Encouragement

Think as you read:

What role does encouragement play in the life of individual Christians and the Church?  What happens to people and churches when it is lacking?

Read 1 Thessalonians 4

Explore God’s Word

- After telling the Thessalonians how to live, to what extent does Paul encourage them to continue to do so (v. 1)?  What enables him to tell them this (v. 2)?

- Paul’s instruction about sexual sin (vv. 3-6) seems abrupt, but it is a reminder that continuing to live a Christian life goes beyond what you believe, and even what you do for God.  It necessitates being “sanctified (v. 3).”

- Sanctified means holy, different, and set apart by God.  When you ignore the instruction to live this way, who does Paul say you are rejecting (v. 8)?

- After strong instruction to be holy, Paul encourages the Thessalonians in their ability to do what (vv. 9-10)?

- After instructing and encouraging the Thessalonians on how to live in the present, what does he say regarding those that die striving to do this (vv. 13-15)?

- What will happen at “the coming of the Lord (v. 15)” (vv. 16-17)?  What is the purpose of Paul reminding them of this truth (v. 18)?

Apply God’s Word

- The encouragement Paul offers is twofold: Vv. 1-12 focus on motivating them to action.  Vv. 13-18 focus on comforting them with what will happen when their actions are complete.  Do you have a way of receiving both of these kinds of encouragement?

- Who do you know that has the ability to motivate and/or comfort you in regards to your Christian life?  Have you told them this?  Doing so may encourage them in their ability to encourage you.

- Not everyone has the gift of encouragement.  Those that do may differ in the kind they are gifted at giving.  Do you think you have this gift?  Are you a “motivating encourager,” “comforting encourager,” or both?

Respond in Prayer

Thank God for the encouragement that comes with the assurance of Heaven.  Thank him for people he has provided to encourage you in your spiritual walk.  If you do not have any, ask him to provide you with some.  Pray specifically those you know that have this gift in our church.

Guided by the Gospel

Devotion for Oct. 10 – Oct. 16 – Guided by the Gospel

Think as you read:

Can you be a Christian, and not live for Christ?  If not, what does a life look like that is guided by his Gospel?  How should this influence what we do as individuals and as a church?

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:9-16

Explore God’s Word

- While their love for the Thessalonians motivated Paul and company to preach and minister to them, what was it that they were ultimately concerned with (v. 9)?

- Holy, righteous, blameless, fatherly, encouraging, and comforting all describe how Paul and his workers acted towards the Thessalonians (vv. 10-12).  What was this intended to motivate the Thessalonians to do (v. 12)?

- Once the Gospel was accepted by the Thessalonians, what did it begin to do in them (v. 13)?

- Is it a mere coincidence that the Thessalonians started imitating other Christians after they accepted the Gospel (v. 14)?  

- Did the Thessalonians’ acceptance of the Gospel and life change guide them into an easier life (vv. 14-15)?

Apply God’s Word

- What do you work “day and night (v. 9)” for?  Is it centered on yourself, others, or the Gospel?

- If the Gospel is at the center of your life, how is that reflected in your relationships with others?

- What areas of your life seem to be uninfluenced by the Gospel?  Is that because God is not at work “in you who believe (v. 13)? ”  What examples do you have to imitate to help you in centering all of your life on the Gospel?

- How has living for the Gospel made your life harder?  Have you struggled with accepting this as a consequence of your faithfulness to God?  

Respond in Prayer

Thank God that the Good News of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, has the power to change lives.  Ask God to make your faith in the Gospel more than something you believe in your head, or practice out of habit.  Ask him to help you remember that the truth of God’s Word is at work in you, helping you to live a life worthy of the Gospel.  Ask for forgiveness where you have lost sight of the Gospel in your life and church involvement, and blessings upon us as a church as we strive to make it the center of everything we do.

Remaining Real

Devotion for Oct. 3 – Oct. 9 – Remaining Real

Think as you read:

What benefits result when Christians are “real” with one another and others that they interact with?

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Explore God’s Word

- Paul instructs the Thessalonians with confidence based on what they know about him and his visit with them (v. 1). What was it that made this visit a success (v. 2)?

- Paul assures the Thessalonians of his honest and pure motives among them (v. 3). What is it that enables and assures these correct and right motives for Paul and his co-workers (v. 4)?

- It’s tempting to use flattery to build good rapport with another person, or to use them to get what we want (v. 5). This temptation does not disappear within the context of church or Christian ministry. We see the proper disposition demonstrated by Paul (v. 6).

- Why do you think Paul is honest about these tendencies and how he and his workers could treat the Thessalonians if they wanted to (v. 6b)? In light of this, how should their actions towards the Thessalonians be viewed (v. 7)?

- What singular thing enabled Paul and company to share the reality of the Gospel and their lives with the Thessalonians (v. 8)?

Apply God’s Word

- Has your honesty about your faith or the Gospel ever brought you opposition like it did Paul (v. 2)? If not, what has it brought you?

- What type of impure motives have influenced your decision to participate in church activities or ministry?

- Have you been turned off by “fake” Christians in the past? What kind of “praise from men (v.6)” might have caused you to act in a similar manner?

- The last thing church or ministry should be is a burden. Paul points a special love he and his co-workers held for the Thessalonians that kept this from happening. What/who do you need help loving in order for this not to happen in your life?

Respond in Prayer

Thank God for the example of “real” Christians given to us in Scripture. Ask him to help you to demonstrate this same attitude in your dealings with believers and unbelievers alike. Pray for those who you know that need help doing this as well, and ask God to help you lead by example.