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Other Matters | Living in the In-Between Time
In the final section of his second letter, Paul writes to the Thessalonians regarding some “other matters” which he wants them to remember during the “in-between time” while the believers wait to be physically reunited with Jesus Christ, as recorded in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Based on Paul’s letter, what should we learn to prioritize while we live in the same “in-between time”?
What matters:
1. Participating in the spread of the Gospel (vs. 1-5)
- This is God’s expectation of everyone who has been saved by His grace (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17-21)
- We participate by proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ verbally (cf. Mk. 16:15; Rom. 10:13-15; 1 Pt. 3:15)
- We participate daily through prayer, asking God for His empowerment and intervention (cf. Eph. 6:18-20; Col. 4:2-6)
Do you share the same vision as Paul? Are you taking it seriously like Paul? Is it urgent to you? Are you actively participating in the spread of the Gospel through proclamation and through prayer?
2. Maintaining the purity and gospel witness of Christ’s church (vs. 6-15)
- Like spreading the good news of Jesus Christ, this is every believer’s responsibility
- It starts with each person individually, and extends to include the whole church family (cf. Ps. 139:23-24; Rom. 12:1; Gal. 6:1-5; Heb. 3:13; 10:23-25)
- Do not be lazy; do not be a burden; do not grow weary in doing good; do not be negligent
Are you living in a way that is contributing to the Gospel witness of Christ’s church? If not, are you aware of how serious God takes the church’s role in upholding the purity, witness, and glory of His name? At Calvary, how are you investing in connecting with others so that you are held accountable to living in obedience to God’s Word, as well as helping others to do the same?
3. Resting in the peace and grace of the Lord (vs. 16-18)
- To be in relationship with God allows us to rest in His peace – at all times and in every way (cf. Rom. 5:1; Php. 4:7)
- There is great peace that comes from knowing the Lord is always with us (cf. Ps. 139:7-12; Jn. 14:16-17; Heb. 13:5)
- There is peace in knowing that the grace/undeserved favour of our Lord Jesus Christ is present with us because we are in union with Him (cf. Col. 3:1-4)
Do you have peace with God? If so, are you resting in the peace and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ while we live in the “in-between time”?
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