November 24, 2015
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2
1As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
Paul shifts the focus of the letter from matters of doctrine to teaching the Thessalonians around the concept of living the Christian life. Before delving into that discussion though, Paul reminds them of their familial connection. How does he do that? Why do you think Paul reminds them of their relationship before shifting the discussion? Leadership expert and pastor John Maxwell has said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Critical teaching and comments and encouragement are more meaningful and better received if they happen in the context of relationship. Paul provides an example that reminds us that if we truly want the right to speak into someone’s life, we need to be in relationship with them.
Paul begins by reminding the church at Thessalonica about what he has already taught them previously. What did he instruct them in previously according to verse 1? According to verse 2, under whose authority did he teach? Often we think we need to learn something new but what we really need to do is apply what we already know. Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to live out what they knew “more and more.” Today, our prayer for you is that you will “live in order to please God” and that you will “do this more and more.” Spend time in prayer asking God to make that a reality in your life.