- Read 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13
- Read Chapter 5 of Wiersbe’s Be Ready book, “Take a Stand”
- Answer the 10 questions at the end of the chapter.
As you prepare for study, below are a couple of challenging thoughts to consider:
Challenge 1:
From page 68, end of the 4th paragraph:
“He wanted to give of himself and his resources for them, as a parent provides for loved children. “I will very gladly spend and be spent for you” (2 Cor. 12:15).”
What percentage of my desires are for others’ walk with Christ and their maturity compared to my own desires to partake in “pleasurable” things? “Pleasurable things” can be R&R, hobbies, just vegging out, etc.
Challenge 2:
From page 68-69. Text:
“Unfortunately, some Christians are like those described in Hebrews 5:11–14. They have gone backward in their spiritual walk and have forgotten the basic truths of the Word. Instead of teaching others, they themselves need to be taught again. They are going through a second childhood spiritually.”
Is Wiersbe is being harsh here? Was Paul being harsh in the Biblical text? It would probably be more harsh to not tell us our condition.
The real question is, where do I fit into this?
Keep in mind that teaching and edifying our brothers and sisters in Christ doesn’t only happen from the pulpit. It takes the form of mature Christians investing in the lives and coming along side others, and being available and present in opportunities for fellowship and serving one another in Agape love.
Challenge 3 - follow-on to Challenge 2:
From page 75-75. Final two paragraphs of the chapter.
Both of these paragraphs are a powerful summary that speaks about there a need for commitment on my part. I need to be willing to invest in others in order to be effective. But I also need to answer that call in His power and not my own so that it doesn’t turn into strife or confusion. Even considering the hard work and persecution, when done in His power, He will give us His peace in the midst of any ministries He calls us to, with no race or competition between them.