Paul closes out the letter by reminding/teaching the Thessalonian Church what are essential are for a healthy, thriving Church family:
- Family Leadership;
- Family Partnership;
- Family Worship;
I can't help noticing the "family" theme of this section, and how we interact as one Body, with no race between us, but all while growing in Him, being set apart (sanctified), from the world, unto the work that God has called us to, which He is faithful to perform, because of what Christ is doing in us.
The fact that "He will do it", came with the warning (Chapter 8, 1 Thes. 5:4-6) about remaining awake, sober, alert, diligent in what He has called us to. I was challenged by all of this as I considered that the Lord has provided His armor for me (1 Thes. 5:8), and appointed me to His salvation, and even freed me from the wrath of God, yet there will be an accounting for every aspect of my life one day! Have I buried the talent (calling) that He gave me in a napkin, or am I ever growing in His knowledge and in my Church family, being continually prepared for our Lord's coming? This is why keep going, and keep bearing one another’s burdens, and keep exhorting each other to finish the race set before us!
So our assignment for July 31st:
1. Read the entire fist letter to the Thessalonians.
2. Read Chapter 9 of the Be Ready book, “It’s All In The Family”.
3. Answer the 10 questions for Chapter 9.
Consider one other thing, not so much an added question, but a challenging comment made by Wiersbe on page 123, paragraph 3:
- “Family partnership is vital to the health and growth of the church. Are you bearing your share of the burdens, or are you merely a spectator who watches the others do the job?”
A challenging thought. But it ought not make us experience undo pressure, because the wonderful truth is that God will start where ever we are willing! So if you search yourself and realize you’ve been coasting, the answer is simple: Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you! (James 4:8).