December 3, 2015
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
9For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Questions for Reflection:
In this short passage, Paul reveals his primary takeaway from the discussion around Christ’s return. What does he want them to do? How can they be encouraged in the midst of unsettling events that were surrounding them? What hope does he point them to?
The Gospel is the source of our hope. Tim Keller, who we quote liberally around One Life, wrote in his book about marriage, “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” We are broken and flawed individuals, but thanks to the work of Christ, we get to live eternally with him. One of the earliest church leaders was a man named Irenaeus. He said, “Christ became what we are, in order that we might become what he is.” How can understanding the power of the gospel fill you with hope?
Paul commands the church at Thessalonica to encourage and build each other up. How can you encourage other believers with the gospel today? How can you use the truth of Scripture to build up others? Spend time reflecting on how you can encourage and build up others within your Christian community today thanks to the hope found in Jesus.