Tag Archives: 1 Thessalonians

19 Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; 20 do not treat prophecies with contempt. Don’t throw a bucket of water on what God is doing. If God is really in it, no amount of water can quench the fire. You will just be making steam. And if you try to contain the steam, itContinue reading “22Jul2008 1Thess 5:19-20”

14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Sometimes we get stuck in the growth as believers in Jesus. We get comfortable and then we start to prioritize our lives in a way that leads to stagnation and eventually death. Paul givesContinue reading “21Jul2008 1Thess 5:14”

6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. In order to live a productive life as a Jesus-follower, Paul says we must be alert and self-controlled. These are contrasted with being asleep. Remember, these words are in the context of Jesus’ return and theContinue reading “20Jul2008 1Thess 5:6”

4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. The clear message of the New Testament is that the second coming of Jesus will not be a surprise to Christians. It will not be a surprise to us because we are anticipating and looking for it.Continue reading “19Jul2008 1Thess 5:4”

18 Therefore encourage each other with these words. Everyone needs to be encouraged at times in their lives. Everyone! The Thessalonian believers were being told that they had missed the greatest event in history. They were being told that Jesus had returned, but that they had missed it and therefore would be left out ofContinue reading “18Jul2008 1Thess 4:18”

20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy. When I think about those people into whom Jesus has given me the privilege of pouring my life, that is when I experience my greatest joys. That is when I get to see the hand of God. It certainly was not me that made the changes inContinue reading “17Jul2008 1Thess 2:20”

18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan stopped us. Sometimes our heart pulls us in one direction and the circumstances of life dictate that we go in a different direction. My family is getting ready for such a split. Our children are six hours south of usContinue reading “16Jul2008 1Thess 2:18”

17 But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. I have learned firsthand the meaning of this verse. When I was deployed to Iraq my physical presence was not with my wife, butContinue reading “15Jul2008 1Thess 2:17”

13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. What is our view of Scripture? Do we reallyContinue reading “14Jul2008 1Thess 2:13”

5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. I am always very wary of someone who is using too much flattery. If it sounds sticky sweet, I am always looking for the bee sting right around the corner. We can be honestContinue reading “13Jul2008 1Thess 2:5”