Alert & Ready - Live Today with the Hope of Tomorrow
Love the Bride!
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13
In his letter to the new believers in Thessalonica, Paul refers to their fellow countrymen who were inflicting much suffering on the young church, and he describes them as people who “displease God and are hostile to everyone.” This couldn’t be more polar opposite to how Jesus said His followers were to be identified in John 13:34-35. Being united with Christ and living today with the hope of tomorrow requires each of us to commit to loving the ‘bride’ – while we wait for the Bridegroom.
Express your love for the ‘bride:’
1. Embrace her (2:17-20)
- As family – “in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith” (Gal. 3:26) (cf. Rom. 8:14-16; Eph. 2:19)
- As the ‘bride of Christ’ (cf. Eph. 5:25-27; Rev. 19:6-9)
- As our future reward – “indeed you are our glory and joy” (vs. 19-20; 2 Cor. 1:13b-14)
Are you embracing the ‘bride’ of Christ as family? Is it easy for others to identify you as a disciple of Christ based on how you love others in the family of God?
2. Sacrifice for her (3:1-5)
- Willing to give things up for the greater good and spiritual health of the ‘bride’ (cf. 1 Cor. 10:24; Phil. 2:1-7)
- Living with the ‘big picture’ in mind – living out our Calvary mission (cf. Col. 1:28-29)
How much of your time, talents and resources are you willingly giving up to enable others in the Calvary family to become fully devoted disciples of Christ?
3. Rejoice with her (3:6-9)
- When you see your brothers and sisters growing in their faith and love (cf. Rom. 12:15)
- To encourage and strengthen our faith, and deepen our love for one another (3 Jn. 1:3-4)
When was the last time you rejoiced with someone because of the spiritual growth you saw in their life as a follower of Christ (cf. Heb. 10:24-25)? Paul shared his joy through a letter; how have you let that person know?
4. Pray for her (3:10-13)
- It is our responsibility and privilege (cf. 1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1; James 5:16)
- With passion, persistence, and purpose (Eph. 1:15-19a; Col. 1:7-14)
Imagine what might happen in our church family if we committed to praying for one another passionately, persistently, and with purpose?
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