Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
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SUNDAY SCHOOL
JUNE
6Conquering Temptations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
13Good Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
20Controlling the Tongue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
27Submissive to Separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
JULY
4Prevailing Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Reputation of the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Review of the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Characteristics of a Model Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
39
46
53
AUGUST
1Rapture of the Saints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
8Responsibilities of the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
15The Day of Vengeance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
22The Day of the Lord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
29Patiently Awaiting the Return of Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
ADULT QUARTERLY, Sunday School, Vol. 91, No. 3, issued June 1, 2004, is published quarterly at $1.05
per quarter. Prepared by David Robinson; cover design by Jeff Allen; Larry E. Clements, Editor in Chief,
<larryclements@abaptist.org>; Wayne Sewell, Business Manager, <wsewell@abaptist.org>.
Copyright 2004, BAPTIST SUNDAY SCHOOL COMMITTEE of the American Baptist Association,
4605 N. State Line Ave., Texarkana, TX 75503-2928.
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall
2004
Mark
2 Samuel 524
1 Chronicles 1129
1 Kings 1, 2
James
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
Psalms
2005
Galatians
1 Kings 322
2 Chronicles 124
2 Kings 113
Joel, Obadiah
1 Corinthians
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
2006
Luke 113:21
Luke 13:2224
Hosea, Amos,
Micah, Jonah,
2 Kings 1416,
2 Chronicles 2528
2 Corinthians
2007
Isaiah 139
2 Chronicles 2932
2 Kings 1720
Nahum
Isaiah 4066
Philemon
Philippians
Colossians
2 Kings 2123
2 Chronicles 3335
Zephaniah
Lamentations
Habakkuk
2008
Ephesians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Jeremiah
2 Kings 24, 25
2 Chronicles 36
John 112
2009
John 1321
Daniel
Ezekiel
1 Peter
2 Peter
Jude
Zechariah
Ezra
Haggai, Esther
2010
1, 2, 3 John
Nehemiah
Malachi
Revelation 17
Revelation 822
2011
Genesis 111
Job
Genesis 1250
Matthew 113
Matthew 1428
2012
Exodus
Romans
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Hebrews
2013
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
Acts 114
Acts 1528
1 Samuel
2 Samuel 14
1 Chronicles 110
June 6, 2004
Conquering Temptations
Text: James 1:1-27
Sunday Devotional: A
Warning Example, 1 Corinthians
10:1-13.
Key Verse:
Blessed is the man that endureth
temptation: for when he is tried,
he shall receive the crown of life,
which the Lord hath promised to
them that love him.
James 1:12
A FIRST LOOK
Today we begin a five-part study of the book of James.
Obviously, we will not be examining this book in depth, but
we will be examining some of the practical doctrines taught
in this book.
The book of James deals with the practical problems of
behavior that confront Christians. The book was addressed
to the twelve tribes scattered abroad. It had a personal and
immediate application to them and it has one for us today.
During the last years of the first century AD and the beginning of the second, a time of great persecution came on the
people of God. These years saw the death of all the apostles
of Jesus and a formal
Daily Devotionals
attempt by the Roman gov- M. Temptations of Israel, Deuteronomy 4:31-40.
ernment to outlaw and elimT. Temptations of Jesus, Matthew
inate Christianity. James
4:1-11.
offers divine advice for such W. Manifold Temptations, 1 Peter
1:1-9.
troubled times.
T. Kept from Temptation, Luke 11:1-4.
The direction that God
F. Delivered from Temptations,
2 Peter 2:4-9.
gives through James is for
S. Watch and Pray, Mark 14:32-38.
believers to return to the
3
Conquering Temptations
A CLOSER LOOK
I. The Source of Temptation
James 1:12-14
12. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he
is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath
promised to them that love him.
13. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of
God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he
any man:
14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his
own lust, and enticed.
Conquering Temptations
ishly and satisfy fleshly desires. Then, suddenly, we are confronted by temptation on every side.
II. The Course of Temptation
James 1:15, 16
15. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and
sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16. Do not err, my beloved brethren.
Verse 15 is vital to understanding the process of temptation and the results that yielding to temptation produces.
Remember that this is not human philosophy; this is the
Word of God. This is one of the spiritual laws that governs
our universe. As with any such law, when we try to break it,
we will only succeed in proving it.
Lust, left to its conclusion, will bring forth sin. Sin is the
product of unchecked and unresolved lust. The enticement
that brought us into temptation, if not stopped, will lead us
to commit sin. When faced with temptation, only two things
can happen. We can conquer the temptation through the
power of the Holy Spirit, or we can yield to the temptation
and commit sin.
Now we need to know that it is not a sin to be tempted.
Jesus was tempted, but He did not sin (Heb. 4:15). The sin
occurs when we give in to the lust and follow where the lust
leads. Note that, when we do give in, a process begins that
has an inevitable outcome. Sin is the child of lust. If we cannot control our lust, we will never be able to control our sin.
But thanks to God we have that divinely given ability. Any
person who is in Christ is a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17). A child
of God has the Spirit of God in his heart to help him think
and reason differently (Rom. 8:9, 10). The Spirit of God does
not lead any man to sin. Instead, He teaches us to control our
lusts and to redirect our thinking into heavenly paths.
If lust is unchecked, and sin is brought forth, then the
inevitable result is death. This process is concluded with the
stern warning given in verse 16. Many have erred over the
Conquering Temptations
A FINAL WORD
In contrast to these wonderful principles, we can observe
the lives of those who constantly give in to their lusts. There
are people who yield to any and every temptation. They use
their time on earth to attempt to satisfy every lust and craving that is born in their hearts, and the sad truth is that
these are not happy people.
We can get everything that we ever wanted only to find
that we truly are not satisfied with any of it. Or worse yet,
we can learn too late that the real issues of life are spiritual,
not physical. There is no profit in gaining the whole world
and losing your own soul (Matt. 16:26).
God will give us wisdom if we ask Him for it (James 1:5, 6).
We have to ask in faith, and we have to be absolutely sincere
in our desire to learn and to resist temptation. Everyone will
face temptation. No one is exempt, but we have a wonderful
example to follow in Jesus. We can learn about His life and
read about how He dealt with temptation, and we have a
great resource in the Word of God. We can read it, hear it and
apply it to our lives.
If we will do what the Bible teaches us to do, we can face
temptation, knowing that we can do the will of God in the
most difficult of circumstances and that we can win a crown
of life in the process.
Good Works
Text: James 2:1-26
Key Verse:
For as the body without the
spirit is dead, so faith without
works is dead also.
James 2:26
A FIRST LOOK
In understanding the truth of these verses, we must first
understand the difference between a result and a cause.
Good works are the result of faith; they are never the cause
of faith. This is a one-way street, and we err in our reasoning if we believe that we can somehow produce faith by doing
good works.
Our faith, which must come first, justifies us before God,
for as we read in Hebrews 11:6, Without faith it is impossible to please him [God]. It is not difficult; it is impossible.
The justification spoken of
Daily Devotionals
in Romans 3 and 4 is justifiM. Abrahams Good Works, Genesis
cation before God.
22:1-19.
But the justification menT. Created To Do Good Works,
tioned in James is the result
Ephesians 2:1-10.
of faith. We are speaking of W. Good Works Displayed, Matthew
5:13-16.
justification before men.
T. Adorned with Good Works, 1
The only way others can see
Timothy 2:8-15.
our faith is by observing
F. Pattern of Good Works, Titus 2:110.
what we do, and, as we shall
S. Provoked to Good Works,
learn, there is a vital and
Hebrews 10:19-25.
direct connection between
10
11
A CLOSER LOOK
I. The Folly of False Faith
James 2:14-17
14. What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he
hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15. If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16. And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye
warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those
things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
12
Good Works
13
14
Good Works
15
25. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works,
when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out
another way?
26. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
16
Good Works
conquered the city because she hung a scarlet cord from her
window. This woman believed God, and she believed what
the spies told her. She acted on that belief, and her life was
saved as a result. Had she only heard about Israel and had
she only listened to the spies without acting, she would have
died in the battle for Jericho.
A FINAL WORD
A lifeless body cannot move, act, feel or work. It is there,
but without the spirit that makes it alive, it is dead. So it is
with the kind of faith that produces nothing in the life of the
individual who claims it.
A living, vital body has both a whole physical component
as well as a whole and well spirit inside it. That is life. Real
spiritual life consists of true faith and the consequent physical works that will naturally follow.
No matter how plausible or desirable a profession of faith
is to us, we must listen to what the Word of God tells us.
False faith, the kind that produces no works, will not save
us. Neither will the works that are not born of true faith.
But we do not need to make this a difficult matter. Real
faith is not difficult to come by, and good works will quite
naturally flow from it. As seed produce fruit, real faith will
grow and blossom into a life of service for our Master. This is
not a difficult or burdensome thing. It is the natural result of
salvation. As Jesus so wonderfully put it in Matthew 11:30,
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. No true believer has to strain to do good works. They flow readily from a
heart that knows Jesus Christ as Savior.
Key Verse:
But the tongue can no man
tame; it is an unruly evil, full
of deadly poison.
James 3:8
A FIRST LOOK
Words are extremely powerful. Most of us have been
harmed by words, and most of us have been encouraged and
strengthened by words. The gospel comes to us in words.
Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God
(Rom. 10:17). Like any powerful thing, words can be used for
evil purposes.
Our lesson today concerns how to control our gift of language. As it is with many powerful things, we can use it or
abuse it. We must keep in mind that this letter was written to
people who were going through a difficult time. They were
scattered over the face of the earth and perhaps were understandably discouraged and disheartened. They needed the
real physical ministry of good works that we learned about last
week, but they also needed the
Daily Devotionals
encouragement of genuine M. Wholesome Tongue, Proverbs
15:1-7.
friendship.
T.
Glad Tongue, Acts 2:25-31.
As we learn about the
W. Flattering Tongue, Psalm 5:1-10.
power and pitfalls of lanT. Lying Tongue, Psalm 78:32-39.
guage, we can also learn how
F. Word of Hatred, Psalm 109:1-8.
S.
Deceitful Tongue, Romans 3:9to say the right things and
18.
use our abilities to speak to
17
18
edify. Edify is a biblical word and it has a wonderful meaning. Its root meaning is to build. When applied to our character, it means to promote the spiritual growth and development of believers by teaching or by example. Such growth
is the result of patient and consistent labor, and that
includes teaching with words as well as with the example of
things that we do.
As words can never be substituted for deeds, deeds can
never substitute for words. Both should work together to
allow us to do Gods will.
A CLOSER LOOK
I. Speech Can Control
James 3:1-4
1. My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall
receive the greater condemnation.
2. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in
word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the
whole body.
3. Behold, we put bits in the horses mouths, that they may
obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and
are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very
small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
Perhaps the greatest instrument ever developed for controlling others is the simple ability to communicate and use
our language. As our text verses point out, this control is
shown in at least two ways. First, it is evident in the control
that we have over ourselves, and second, it is evident in the
control that we exercise over other people.
The first admonition is that everyone should not try to be
a master. It is true that we need leaders, but we also need followers. When one becomes his own master, there is greater
19
20
21
22
23
A FINAL WORD
Be careful about what you say. Long after we have forgotten words of encouragement, we will still cling to the criticism that has been sent our way. Perhaps criticism is needed and just, but we should be careful about what we say and
how we say it. When you speak, you are dealing with dynamite. It can do great good or it can do great harm, and the
difference is in the way you use it. Be careful!
But even more, we should be aware that there is a connection between what we say and who we are. Nothing
reveals our character more completely than the words we
choose. The place to start in improving your language is in
your own heart. When your heart is completely right with
God and when your life is led and controlled by the Holy
Spirit, good communication will naturally flow from your
mouth. As a good tree produces good fruit, so a good man will
produce good works.
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth
forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the
abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh (Luke 6:45).
Submissive to Separation
Text: James 4:1-17
Key Verse:
A FIRST LOOK
We live in a crazy world. Few who really observe the
things going on around them would deny this statement, but
those who know Jesus Christ as Savior and follow Him as
their Lord have a way to keep from becoming a part of the
craziness of this present age.
To avoid being condemned with the world, we have to
learn to live separated from the world. Now this can be confusing, because we are surely in this world, but we are not of
this world. In this as in all
Daily Devotionals
things, Jesus is our great
M. Kept from Wickedness, Psalm
example.
17:6-15.
Jesus was in this world. He
T. Treasurers in Heaven, Matthew
6:19-24.
lived here, and every day of
W.
Deceitfulness
of Riches,
His life He walked as a man
Matthew 13:18-23.
in the world, but Jesus was
T. Lovers of Pleasure, 2 Timothy
never of this world. He was
3:1-9.
F. Love of the World, 2 Timothy
here to do the will of His
4:9-18.
Father in Heaven, and He
S. Love not the World, 1 John
acknowledged from the first
2:12-17.
that He would be about His
24
25
A CLOSER LOOK
I. The Source of Trouble
James 4:1-4
1. From whence come wars and fightings among you? come
they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
2. Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot
obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
3. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may
consume it upon your lusts.
4. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the
friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
26
Submissive to Separation
27
28
Submissive to Separation
29
30
Submissive to Separation
A FINAL WORD
Each of the spiritual steps that are taught in these verses
is initiated in the heart of an individual and then completed
by the Holy Spirit. When we submit to God, He adds to us far
more than we could ever give up. When we resist the devil,
the Holy Spirit gives us victory over him. You see the pattern? We give up some things and make positive spiritual
decisions, and God takes over and reinforces what we have
done and gives us strength that we can get from no other
source.
This is not a pattern we follow so that we will be saved
when we get through. This is spiritual development that can
only take place after we have been saved. A lost person cannot follow these steps, but a saved person can and should if
he desires to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
July 4, 2004
Prevailing Prayer
Text: James 5:1-20
Key Verse:
A FIRST LOOK
Most of the things men spend their lives trying to accumulate will not satisfy their spiritual needs. Many seek
earnestly after wealth and pleasure. As we learn in James
5:1-6, there are literally no limits to human behavior in the
accumulation of wealth and power.
But even if we were to gain all the material things that
we seek, we would still not be satisfied, and even worse, we
could not keep the material goods we have accumulated. In
Luke 12:15-21 Jesus taught us about the foolishness of covetousness; yet, many have never learned this lesson.
Our lesson verses offer us a better way. These are some of
the basic elements of
Daily Devotionals
Christian behavior. As we
Prayer, 1 Kings 18:30-39.
Elijahs
M.
can never learn to read
T. Hezekiahs Prayer, 2 Kings 20:1unless we know words and
11.
letters and, as we cannot W. Solomons Prayer, 2 Chronicles
6:12-21.
learn arithmetic unless we
T. How To Pray, Matthew 6:5-15.
know our numbers, we will
F. A Church Praying, Acts 12:5-17.
never grow in the grace and
S. Effectual Prayer, Luke 18:9-14.
knowledge of the Lord un31
32
Prevailing Prayer
A CLOSER LOOK
I. Good Examples
James 5:10, 11, 17, 18
10. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the
name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of
patience.
11. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have
heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord;
that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
17. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he
prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the
earth by the space of three years and six months.
18. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the
earth brought forth her fruit.
33
34
Prevailing Prayer
age him. This is much like the things that happen to us. We
move from mountaintop to valley, but God is always there.
Elijah was a man of prayer. He prayed, and it did not rain
in Israel for three years and six months, and he prayed again
and the Lord sent the rains back. This is showing us the
wonderful power of prayer to change us and to change the
situations of our lives.
We should study these and other great examples in the
Bible and see the pattern of faith and faithfulness given to
us in the lives of these great biblical characters.
II. Bad Words
James 5:12
12. But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by
heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let
your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
35
36
Prevailing Prayer
37
A FINAL WORD
Every spiritual decision is ultimately in the hands of the
individual. God never forces us to trust Him. He will love us;
He will teach us the truth, draw us to Him and convict us of
38
Prevailing Prayer
our sins, but He will never put His finger on us and mash
until we agree to believe in Him.
The faith that can change our lives must be voluntary.
This is how it begins, and this is how it helps us throughout
our lives. A life of faith and a walk of faith each begin with
one step. That is the step when we place our hearts and lives
in the hands of Jesus. Will you take that step right now?
Key Verse:
1 Thessalonians 1:7
A FIRST LOOK
Most great projects require two things. They require a
blueprint or a plan to follow, and they require a pattern or a
model. The model is used to show visually what the project
should look like when it is completed. God has given us both
things for the work of His churches.
We have the plans given in the teachings of Jesus in such
passages as Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8. There are many
other Scriptures that show us the plan of God for those who
serve Him, but we are also given the pattern for our works.
The church in Thessalonica was such a pattern church. This
does not mean that there were
Daily Devotionals
no errors there. All men are
sinners, and there is not a per- M. Gods Vessels, 2 Timothy 2:1926.
fect church this side of eterniT. Submissive Servants, 1 Peter
ty, but God does use these
2:11-20.
believers as living examples of W. Effective Servants, Acts 17:1-9.
proper behavior.
T. Phebe: A Servant, Romans
16:1-8.
We can look at the things
F. Becoming a Servant, Matthew
that this church believed and
23:1-12.
practiced and see things that
S. Yielded Servants, Romans
we should do in our own
6:13-20.
churches. Notice as we study
39
40
A CLOSER LOOK
I. Precious Memories
1 Thessalonians 1:2-4
2. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3. Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and
labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ,
in the sight of God and our Father;
4. Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
Paul carefully chose how he used his memory. He discarded the memories of the bad treatment that he and Silas had
received from the envious Jews. Instead, he chose to remember the wonderful work that God had done among the believers in this city.
This was possible in part because Paul exercised his right
and privilege of thanksgiving. Instead of being resentful and
angry, Paul was thankful and prayerful. Great personal
blessings flow to the heart that is truly thankful. In most situations we have some things for which we can be thankful if
we will honestly search for them. Here we learn to use our
41
42
43
and Silas and most importantly the Lord. There was no division here. When these people followed Paul, they were following Jesus as well because Paul himself was following
Jesus. It is not wrong to ask someone to follow you if you are
walking in the right path.
Paul and Silas were following Jesus, and they could also
properly lead these new Christians to follow Jesus. To their
credit, the people in this church chose to follow their earthly
leader. God had called Paul to preach and to work among the
Gentiles. It was not wrong for Paul to expect those with
whom he worked to follow his leadership. Paul was not a dictator, but he was a leader, and these people were commended for following him.
The third part of this divine method was that these believers became examples to other believers throughout
Macedonia and Achaia. We may shy away from being an
example to others, but God expects us to do so. When we
believe, we should be certain that we have believed the
truth. Then we should share that truth with others. We
should live our lives so that others can imitate us. Go back to
verse 3 of this chapter; see how faith had produced changes,
how love had produced fruit and how hope had produced
patience, and you can see how these people could be examples to others.
When the gospel is preached in the power of the Holy
Spirit, when believers will follow those whom the Lord has
chosen to lead them, and when we live our lives so that we
are examples to others, a strong, spiritual church is sure to
be the result.
III. A Serving Church
1 Thessalonians 1:8-10
8. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only
in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith
to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak
any thing.
44
9. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols
to serve the living and true God;
10. And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised
from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath
to come.
These verses tell us of the positive things that these
Christians did in exercising their faith, love and hope. These
were active believers, not word only Christians.
First, they sounded out the Word. Literally, they became a
great noise, preaching the gospel everywhere they went.
They preached in Macedonia and Achaia and every place
where there were people who would listen. They were so
thorough in this activity that every place where people heard
of Thessalonica, they heard of Jesus.
There is no substitute for witnessing. There is no other
way to spread the gospel as effectively as telling others what
you believe wherever you go. Others should never have to
guess about our faith. We should openly declare it to them so
that they can see it and share it. It is true that not all men
who hear the gospel will believe it, but, if they never hear it,
they do not have a chance to accept it. This church was an
example of witnessing in a positive and powerful way so that
the whole region all around knew about their faith.
Notice the high praise that Paul gave in the last part of
verse 8. The witness of this church was so thorough and powerful that he and Silas did not need to add to it.
What was this witness? It was in word of course. These
people had sounded out the Word of the Lord, but it was also
in deed. The things that the people of Thessalonica did gave
strength and credence to the things that the people of
Thessalonica said.
These people had turned away from idols. They had put
away, perhaps at great expense, the idols of silver and gold
that were powerless to save them or change their lives. They
had given themselves over to the service of the true and living God. A part of that service was in witnessing, but a part
of it was also in living. Paul stated that in verse 5. His man-
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A FINAL WORD
God gave us a plan because He expects us to follow it. The
plan is useless unless we take it to heart and until we begin
to put it into practice in our everyday living. God has given
us models so that we can shape our behavior in the pattern
He has provided.
This lesson is not academic. It is not to be studied and
understood and then discarded to the dusty shadows of our
memories. It is a dynamic lesson that should be put into
practice in the way we think and the way we behave.
When our faith produces the fruit of the spirit, and when
our love makes us want to serve the One we love, and our
hope produces patience in our lives, we can then follow this
divine pattern of a Spirit-led church. This does not mean that
we will be perfect. This does not mean that we will never
make mistakes, but it does mean that we will be doing our
best in whatever circumstances may arise to follow the Lord
and to do His will until He comes for us.
Key Verse:
For ye remember, brethren, our
labour and travail: for labouring night
and day, because we would not be
chargeable unto you, we preached
unto you the gospel of God.
1 Thessalonians 2:9
Commission To
Luke 24:45-53.
Evangelize,
A FIRST LOOK
The church at Thessalonica was going through some difficult times in the last part of the first century. Most all the
Lords churches were. This was a time of increasing persecutions and misunderstandings, and the faith of these believers
was being tried. To set these brethren on solid ground, God
inspired Paul to recount for them some of the circumstances
of the beginning of the work of God among them.
This is the same kind of activity that we see in the lives of
Old Testament saints as God reminded them over and over of
the beginnings of their faith. We can never outgrow or outrun our beginnings. We often need to take a mental and spiritual trip back to the time and
Daily Devotionals
place of our salvation and of M. Proclamation of Gospel, Mark
our entrance into covenant
16:14-20.
T. Mission of Church, John 20:19relationship with God.
23.
This church was strong
W. Witnesses to World, Acts 1:1-9.
because it had strong leaderT. A Chosen Vessel, Acts 9:11-19.
ship and a solid foundation.
F. Mission Vision, Acts 13:1-8.
S. Ambassadors for Christ, 2
Paul and the other preachers
Corinthians 5:14-20.
had faithfully discharged their
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A CLOSER LOOK
I. A Right Message
1 Thessalonians 2:2-5
2. But even after that we had suffered before, and were
shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in
our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
3. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness,
nor in guile:
4. But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the
gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which
trieth our hearts.
5. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye
know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness.
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A FINAL WORD
The overall goal of Pauls ministry in Thessalonica was
that the people would walk worthy of God and of their calling into His kingdom work. The word walk is both interesting and informative. When we walk, we take two steps. Each
step is simple in itself, but we must repeat them over and
over to move forward. Walking always involves direction and
control.
When we run we are not completely in control because we
sometimes run into things. This is a good metaphor for our
Christian experience. We need to take two steps and repeat.
We need to put off the old man, and we need to put on Jesus
Christ. When we do this over and over, we are walking worthy of God and of the calling He has given every one of us to
serve Him.
The rewards are truly wonderful. God has not called us to
wrath or doubt. Instead, He has called us into His kingdom.
This means that we are a part of what the King controls, and
it means that we have a part in the Kings reward. We are
called into the glory of God. Our words cannot adequately
describe the glory of God; our minds cannot comprehend it,
but we know that we will be like Jesus, and we know that it
will be truly wonderful. This is the promise and hope of faith
in Jesus Christ.
Characteristics of a
Model Church
Text: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13
Key Verse:
A FIRST LOOK
One of the most essential characteristics of any church is
to stay encouraged and stable in the face of persecutions and
tribulations. Churches are made up of people, and people are
beset by all kinds of troubles. These troubles and trials of living are often used by Satan as opportunities to try our faith.
We see problems in the lives of our leaders, and we can
easily be tempted to overreact. We can discard the ministry
of a great man of God simply because that man has suffered
trials in his life, but we should always remember that God
has not promised any of us a trouble free life, and this
includes pastors and missionaries. There are burdens that
have to be carried. There
Daily Devotionals
is a yoke of service that
M. Preach the Gospel, Romans 1:11-17.
must be shouldered.
T. Justification by Faith, Romans 5:1-7.
To help us deal with the W. Salvation by Grace, Ephesians 2:419.
problems that we enT. Security of Believer, John 10:22-30.
counter when we serve
F. Heirs of God, Titus 3:1-8.
the Lord, God inspired
S. Good Soldier of Christ, 2 Timothy
Paul to be frank and open
2:1-5.
about the trials that he
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A CLOSER LOOK
I. Timothys Mission
1 Thessalonians 3:1, 2
1. Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought
it good to be left at Athens alone;
2. And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and
our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and
to comfort you concerning your faith:
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One of the best ways to handle trouble is simply to understand it. Paul pointed out to these brethren that believers
have an appointment with trouble. We should not be surprised when the trouble actually comes to pass. Paul had
done his best to warn these people that this would come their
way while he was there with them.
Paul was reminding these brethren of the things that he
had preached while he was there with them. We can easily
forget the things that we have been taught. Often we are
taught by the ton but we learn by the ounce. So it is necessary to be reminded of the things that we have heard before.
When we can call to mind a lesson of the past, we are armed
for the troubles of the present.
Paul wanted to know what was going on with the
Thessalonians. He made a direct attempt to learn of their sit-
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uation. His fear was twofold. He feared that the tempter may
have tempted them and that they may have labored in vain.
We are often tempted. It is not the temptation itself that is
wrong. Even Jesus was tempted. The trouble is that the outcome of temptation is often spiritual failure. Almost every
church is familiar with the revolving door of discipleship. A
person is saved, baptized and then begins to serve the Lord
in a local church, but after a while that person drops out of
service. The reasons this happens vary greatly, but surely
temptation of one kind or another is high on the list of the
causes for this phenomenon. We should take temptation seriously, whether the temptation is small or great. We cannot
deal with temptation in our own strength. We need the Holy
Spirit and the Word to help us. We need to study the example of Jesus. We need to develop the spiritual resources to
deal with any temptation that would remove us from the service of the Lord.
We must remember that Satan is behind all situations
that tempt us to forsake Christ. Vital matters are at stake
when we are tempted, and we should never take temptation
lightly.
The eventual outcome of failing to deal adequately with
temptation is that our work or labor will be in vain. This
word vain means empty. If we forsake our Lord, then all
the work that went into making us a disciple has been empty
or vain. This does not mean that we will die and go to hell,
but it does mean that we will suffer loss. When a day goes by
and we do not serve the Lord, that day is gone forever. We
can never do what we did not do yesterday. The clock is ticking, and we should all be soberly aware of the opportunities
that God gives us to serve Him, and we should use every one
of them to His honor and glory.
III. Timothys Report
1 Thessalonians 3:6-8
6. But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and
brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye
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When Timothy returned to report to Paul about the condition of the church in Thessalonica, he brought a good
report. In spite of the troubles that the people endured, they
were strong in two areas. They had a strong faith, and they
had a strong love.
Good faith is that property that keeps us constant and
consistent in our service for the Lord. These believers were
not giving in to the temptation to forsake their public worship. They were not trying to slide back into anonymity.
They were not turning back to the worship of idols. The
things that they believed made a difference in their lives,
and they were demonstrating this in their daily lives. No
doubt they were sharing the gospel with all who would listen to them.
Timothy also brought a good report of their love. Jesus
had given His disciples a new commandment, and it was
that they should love each other (John 13:34, 35). Love is
not an option in serving the Lord. We have to love the Lord,
and we have to love our brethren. We have to love the lost.
We have to love our church. Love is the only permanent
motive we have for our actions.
We may act out of self-interest. We may act out of lust and
desire. We may act because we are overcome by some
greater force, but only when we act out of love will our
actions be faithful and consistent.
Even in their troubles, the people of Thessalonica had not
forgotten Paul. They desired to see him as much as he wanted to see them. This good report of mutual faith was encouraging and comforting to Paul. It let him know that his labor
had not been in vain and that this church could withstand
the attacks of Satan.
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A FINAL WORD
From time to time we all need encouraging. The church in
Thessalonica needed the encouraging and supporting visit of
Timothy. Paul needed the encouragement of the good report
that Timothy brought back to him.
One of the great lessons from these verses is that as
Christian brethren, we need each other. Paul needed Timothy
to go to Thessalonica while he stayed in Athens. The church
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August 1, 2004
Key Verse:
A FIRST LOOK
Whatever a child of God does, he is to do it in hope. Hope,
like faith and love, is a gift from God (1 Cor. 13:13). When
we receive and understand this gift, church members can
be the most cheerful, optimistic people on earth.
But not all children of God feel this way. Gods people are
subject to the trials and tribulations of life, and often we
can simply forget the wonderful promises that have been
given to us. The church members in Thessalonica were suffering persecutions. Paul had thought it wise to send
Timothy to them to see if they were able to endure this time
of trials. Timothys good report assured the apostle Paul
that the church was still
Daily Devotionals
sound and serving.
M. Lords Return, Matthew 24:27-31.
But even those who are
T. Days of Noah, Matthew 24:36-44.
faithful still need words of W. God of All Comfort, 2 Corinthians
encouragement. So God 1:3-11.
T. Comforted by Brethren, 2 Corinthigave Paul these wonderful
ans 7:5-10.
F. Comforted by Shepherd, Psalm
words to offer us comfort in
23:1-6.
the darkest moments of
S. The Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12.
our lives.
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A CLOSER LOOK
I. The Fruits of Love
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
9. But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto
you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
10. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in
all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase
more and more;
11. And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
12. That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
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But surely the man who worked hard and loved deep
would need some promise to reassure him when times were
difficult. Perhaps the most difficult trial we face is to see the
death of someone we love. No matter how deep our faith may
be, our hearts can be broken when we have to say good-bye
to our dear loved ones.
God does not want us to be ignorant, and He does not want
us to be without hope. The way to counteract hopelessness is
with knowledge. We often hear someone say when a loved
one dies, Well, I have lost this loved one. This is only true if
you really do not know where that loved one is. If you know
that those you love are in Heaven with the Lord, and if you
know that you will soon join them, then you have not lost
them at all. This is knowledge, and, when we learn it, we will
not sorrow as those who have no hope.
Now we will sorrow to be sure, but our sorrow will not lead
us to the kind of paralyzing despair that causes us to stop
serving the Lord. We must base our hope on what we believe.
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Faith, hope and love are all related, so much so that when we
have any one of them in adequate supply, the others will be
there also.
If we believe in Jesus, then we must also believe in the
promises that Jesus made. If Jesus died and was resurrected, then those who sleep in Jesus will also be resurrected.
This is an interesting term. The word sleep as a metaphor for
death is only used in the Bible of believers. As a sleeping person can be awakened, so will the dead in Christ be awakened
to new life.
This is a fantastic promise, and it is the core truth of
Christianity. When we die, our living is not over. We may die,
but we will live again. As Jesus died and rose again, so all
those who die having trusted Him as their Savior will rise
again.
This is such a wonderful truth that Paul emphasized that
he was stating this by direct revelation from God. This was
not the philosophy or conclusion of men. This was not the
result of observation and experiment. This is the Word of
God. Heaven and earth will pass away, but the Word of God
will not pass away. This is the most secure and sure truth in
our whole universe. There is nothing in our experience more
dependable than the Word of God.
The Word of God teaches us that those who are alive until
Jesus comes will not have any precedence over those who
have died beforehand. To God it makes little difference
whether we are alive or dead when Jesus returns. The ultimate result will be exactly the same. We will all be together
with the Lord.
III. The Presence of Jesus
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a
shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of
God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
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These verses give us a brief glimpse and a concise summary of what will happen when the Lord returns. Remember
that we have the direct promise of Jesus that He is coming
again (John 14:3). Jesus is coming back for those who died
having trusted in Him. He will not send an angel to get us.
He will do this Himself.
When He comes, He will be accompanied with the voice of
the archangel and the trump of God. This will not be done in
a corner or in private. It will be like lightning in the heavens;
it will be known throughout the earth (Matt. 24:27).
The first thing that will happen when Jesus comes is that
those who have died in Christ will be given new bodies. God
gave us the body that we presently occupy, and, when this
one is worn out, it must be discarded (1 Cor. 15:53). God will
then give us a glorified or heavenly body that will never need
replacement. This is what happened to Jesus when He was
resurrected, and it is also what will happen to those who
trust in Him.
The next thing that will happen is that those who are alive
when Jesus comes will be changed. They, too, will be given
glorified bodies, but without the normal process of death.
Then together with those who have been resurrected, those
who have been changed will all be caught up to meet the
Lord in the air. This is the end of the beginning for the saints
of God, and it is the beginning of the end for the rest of the
universe. What will follow is the Tribulation that John
prophesied about in the book of Revelation.
But none of that will bring sorrow to those who are taken
out. Those who are resurrected and those who are changed
will be with the Lord forever. What a wonderful and comforting thought this is. Whether we live or die, we have nothing to fear. Jesus is coming for us soon, and then all will be
well forever more.
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A FINAL WORD
The path that leads to comfort is clearly marked for us in
these wonderful verses. First, we must continue in love one
for another, and our love must increase to include those
whom God will send into our lives as we live for Him. We
must never stop adding to our circle of friends and brethren.
Then, we should be carefully engaged in taking care of our
own business. Before we attempt to set right the affairs of
others, we should make certain of our own calling and election. When we are sure of our own spiritual condition, we
can then be of assistance to others, but we should always
consider ourselves lest we also be tempted (Gal. 6:1).
We should all be engaged in fruitful and meaningful work.
The Jewish families of Pauls day insisted that every child
learn a trade. Paul learned to make tents, even though he
was schooled as a lawyer. Honest, physical hard work is a
cure for many of the anxieties of modern life.
Finally, we should do our best to understand and believe
the Word of God. We should not look at the Word of God as
another theory to add to our list of possibilities. We should
look at it as our only real certainty. These things will happen, and they will happen to you, to me and to those we love.
There is the true source of comfort and encouragement. We
must hope, we must love and we must believe all that Jesus
teaches us in His Word.
August 8, 2004
10
Responsibilities of
the Church
Key Verse:
In every thing give thanks: for
this is the will of God in Christ
Jesus concerning you.
lesson the students will list the responsibilities for which Gods
people are accountable.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
A FIRST LOOK
We live in an impersonal world, and it is easy to get lost in
it. Many people live isolated lives even though they are almost
constantly in a crowd. Our neighbors are strangers to many of
us, and this spirit can easily carry over into our worship. This
is sad indeed, for a church can only be what it is designed to be
when the people know each other and have fellowship with
each other.
Satan uses the tool of isolation to accomplish many of his
goals, but, when we are together and when we are sharing both
our burdens and our blessings, we can better resist temptation.
The twin goals of comfort
Daily Devotionals
and edification can only be
accomplished as each person M. Parable of Fig Tree, Matthew
24:32-36.
in a local church takes his
T. Ten Virgins, Matthew 25:1-13.
responsibility to receive as W. Watch and Pray, Matthew 26:36well as supply spiritual
46.
T. Rejoice in the Lord, Philippians
things. All of us need com4:1-7.
fort. We receive comfort from
F. Live for God, 1 Peter 4:1-11.
Gods Word and from the
S. Watch for Enemy, 1 Peter 5:1care and love of our brothers
11.
and sisters in Christ.
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A CLOSER LOOK
I. Know Those Who Serve the Lord
1 Thessalonians 5:11-13
11. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one
another, even as also ye do.
12. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour
among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13. And to esteem them very highly in love for their works
sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
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A FINAL WORD
When we reach the goals of spiritual comfort and edification, we come to know God as the God of peace. Then we can
understand sanctification. To be sanctified does not mean to
become sour and without joy. Something is sanctified when it
is used for its proper purpose. The purpose of God in creating humanity is that we can choose Him and praise Him.
According to the book of Revelation, this is what is happening in Heaven right now. The whole creation is praising God.
When we are wholly sanctified, we are wholly useful to
God. Then our whole, or entire, soul can be preserved blameless until we die or until Jesus comes for us. When we begin
to see things as they relate to the soon coming of Jesus
Christ, we see them from an honest and biblical perspective.
This great event looms on the horizon of history and will
change every one who is in Christ for the better.
11
Key Verse:
2 Thessalonians 1:6
A FIRST LOOK
The philosophies developed by human reasoning cannot
explain or satisfy the obvious demands of decency and truth.
Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to
bad people. As we read in Ecclesiastes 9:11, the race is not
always to the swift, the battle to the strong, or favor to men
of skill. In fact, we see injustice and inequity every day.
Bluntly put, life is not fair.
But there is hope. There is a day coming when truth and
justice will be done. Judgment is not something to dread, just
the opposite. Judgment is a
Daily Devotionals
time for the saints of God to
M.
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A CLOSER LOOK
I. The Basis of Thanksgiving
2 Thessalonians 1:3-5
3. We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it
is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the
charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
4. So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God
for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
5. Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of
God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for
which ye also suffer:
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cific. Paul and those with him knew what was going on in
Thessalonica, and they were thankful for what they knew.
The two things mentioned prominently are the growing
faith and the abundant charity or love of the Thessalonians.
It might seem to us that trouble and persecution would
lessen faith and make love grow cold, but we often find that
the opposite happens. When we face trials, our faith is tested and it grows. Our love for each other abounds. Trouble
has a way of drawing the children of God closer together.
Although no one would deliberately wish for trials and persecutions, such things can have a positive result.
Paul and those with him were rejoicing in the way that
the brethren in Thessalonica endured the trials and persecutions that had come on them. The key term here is
patience. These people endured this with patience.
Patience is a learned thing. As we read in Romans 5:3,
patience is the fruit of tribulation. When we endure trouble, we learn that trouble will not crush us, and we become
stronger in the process. James 1:3 teaches us that the trial
of our faith brings about patience. If our faith is never tested, then we do not know whether or not we can trust what
we believe. When we face trials and come through with our
faith intact, we then realize how strong our faith really is.
This had happened to these people.
The way the Thessalonians handled persecution was an
obvious or manifest token of the righteous judgment of
God. This was clearly a case that would come up again in
judgment, and God would vindicate those who believed in
Him. This season of trouble was also an indication that God
had counted these people worthy. God had determined that
they were able to bear this trial and still increase their
faith and love. It was all a part of the work of the kingdom
of God.
At this time these people were suffering; that suffering
was intense, but it was all working out the purposes of God,
and it was all a part of the work of His kingdom here on
earth.
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11. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God
would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good
pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
12. That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified
in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the
Lord Jesus Christ.
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A FINAL WORD
Over the years many Christians have been called on to
endure trials and persecutions. Often they have done so with
great fidelity and heroism. One of the reasons that they have
been able to do so is belief in the things that are taught in
these verses. The people in Thessalonica needed what Paul
wrote to them, but the people in the twenty-first century also
need these words.
As we near the return of our Lord, we will once again face
tribulations and persecutions. Indeed, even in our day, we
see Christians and Christian values once again put on trial.
The outcome is that those who believe in Jesus are ridiculed.
It is a short step from where we are right now to outright
persecution for belief in Jesus Christ.
Can our present generation endure difficult times? Yes, we
can, but we have to have the same knowledge that God
imparted to these saints. We have to know in our hearts that
there is a day of truth, justice and judgment coming. We
have to know that there is a reward for those who believe
right and do right, and we have to firmly believe that there
is also a consequence for those who do not know God and do
not obey that gospel.
The history of this earth will not be over until Jesus
returns to finish it. Then, and only then, will the final chapter in human history be written.
12
Sunday Devotional:
Key Verse:
That ye be not soon shaken in mind,
or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor
by word, nor by letter as from us, as
that the day of Christ is at hand.
2 Thessalonians 2:2
A FIRST LOOK
Our lesson verses contain some of the previous information we have had about the second coming of our Lord. As we
study them, we should realize two things. First, there are
things that we cannot know about this event. Jesus plainly
stated this in Matthew 24:6. Even the angels in Heaven do
not know all about the second coming!
But we should also realize that although our knowledge is
limited, there are some things that are absolutely certain.
We know that Jesus will
Daily Devotionals
come again to this earth.
M. The Second Coming of Christ,
This fact should not alarm
Hebrews 9:23-28.
us; instead, it should com- T. Promise of His Coming, 2 Peter 3:1fort us.
9.
An often repeated phrase W. Rapture of the Saints, Revelation
4:1-5.
used in connection with
T. The Great Tribulation, Revelation 7:9these events is the day of
17.
the Lord. This does not F. Thousand Year Reign of Christ, Revelation 20:1-6.
refer to a single twentyfour-hour period. Instead, it S. New Heaven and Earth, Revelation
21:1-8.
refers to a series of events
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that will take place around the return of the Lord to earth.
When Jesus first appeared as a baby in Bethlehem, a series of
events, foretold in prophecy, proceeded and followed the
moment of His actual birth. So it will be when He comes again.
This time will be a time of great rejoicing for those who
know the Lord, but it will be a time of terror and dread for
those who do not. A born-again child of God who has been
scripturally baptized and is actively serving the Lord in a
New Testament church has absolutely nothing to dread or
fear concerning the second coming of Jesus.
As we study these verses, we will not find the answers to
every question we might have, but we will find encouragement and hope.
A CLOSER LOOK
I. Do Not Be Shaken
2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2
1. Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2. That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the
day of Christ is at hand.
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A FINAL WORD
Every human being faces two inevitable deadlines. We are
mortal, and we will soon pass from time into eternity. If we
are not prepared for death, then death will be a disaster for
us.
We must also realize that the world itself will only exist for
a limited amount of time. Jesus is coming again, and the day
of the Lord and the events prophesied about it are sure and
certain to happen. Someone will be alive when these things
happen, and it may be this generation.
These facts should be sobering to us, but they should not
cause us despair. If you are lost, then realize that you are
mortal and that you must die and trust Jesus right now.
Tomorrow may be too late. Then follow Him today. Then submit yourself for baptism and take your place in Christian
service in a New Testament church. Use the time you have
left to serve and honor your heavenly Father.
As we see the day of the Lord approaching, let us renew
our faith and dedication to serve Jesus. Let us honor Him
and love Him as long as God leaves us here.
Always remember that a born-again child of God who is
scripturally baptized and who is actively serving the Lord in
a New Testament church has absolutely nothing to dread or
fear when Jesus comes again.
13
Sunday Devotional: A
Key Verse:
2 Thessalonians 3:5
A FIRST LOOK
The Bible is a practical and personal book. In these verses
we see the personal concerns of Paul, both for his own welfare and for the welfare of the church in Thessalonica. We
also get a glimpse of some of the hardships of the ministry of
Paul.
We also see some practical things about our behavior as we
wait for the coming of the Lord. One great lesson we glean
here is that we are not ever to be idle. Although we should
live in constant expectation of the return of Jesus, we should
never withdraw from our service to God and simply wait
with our arms folded for Jesus to come back.
Many times this idea has been set forth, but those who do
so should carefully study the
Daily Devotionals
plain admonitions of these
wonderful verses. When our M. False Christs, Mark 13:14-23.
T. Hour Unknown, Mark 13:28Lord returns, He expects to
33.
find us busy about His busi- W. Be Watchful, Mark 13:34-37.
T. Warnings of Return, Luke
ness. Those who suggest that
21:34-38.
we should wait in idleness are
F. As a Thief, 2 Peter 3:10-18.
saying that they have special
S. Be Ready, Luke 12:35-40.
knowledge about the time of
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Christs return. The truth is that no one has any special revelation in these matters.
So it behooves all of us to continue to work as diligently as
we can at all the kingdom work taught in the Bible for as
long as we can. No matter how much time we have in our
personal lives or how much time will elapse before Jesus
comes again, we have no time to waste. Precious souls are at
stake, and we should put our full forces into the service of
God every day that God gives us.
A CLOSER LOOK
I. A Prayer Request
2 Thessalonians 3:1-3
1. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord
may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
2. And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and
wicked men: for all men have not faith.
3. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep
you from evil.
The brethren in Thessalonica were suffering severe persecutions when God inspired Paul to write these words to
them, but Paul was also in great difficulty himself. Paul
needed encouragement and prayer as much as the church in
Thessalonica needed these things. So Paul asked the
brethren to pray for him.
Note that he did not ask them to pray for his physical wellbeing or for the supply of any personal comfort. There is no
doubt that Paul could have used these things, but here he
asked for the things that could further his ministry. Mainly
he asked for two things.
First, he asked that the Word of the Lord have free course.
The reasons are simple. The Word is often hindered, and the
Holy Spirit can be grieved by the actions of men. Opposition
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A FINAL WORD
Jesus is coming, and He is coming soon. Those who know
Jesus as their personal Savior and who have followed Him in
scriptural baptism and who are actively serving the Lord in
a New Testament church have nothing to fear or worry about
when Jesus comes.
We can have peace, patience and fellowship with each
other. These wonderful things can keep us through any trial
and make us anticipate the return of our Lord.
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