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What Changes When You Live With Eternity In Mind
Imagine you were given a fully-furnished home as a wedding present. At this moment, you feel like life couldn’t get any better.
But as time passes, you’re confronted with the obligations of being a homeowner. Just as the blessing of a home means responsibility for the owner, Paul prays that the Thessalonian church will understand its responsibility as God’s people and continue growing in their relationship with Jesus (2 Thessalonians 1:11).
Salvation is not a reason to be prideful. It's a reason to live purposefully.
When we understand the debt Jesus paid for us, we want to tell everyone. We tell others about Jesus because we know what life was like before Him and what it's like with Him. Life with Jesus changes us from the inside out, filling us with hope and joy we want others to experience as well.
Not everyone is going to be receptive to the Gospel, but we can put up with a lot knowing this life is not all there is. Paul reminds the Thessalonians of their salvation, boasts of their perseverance and faith during trials, and reminds them that God will one day make things right for His people. “God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled…” (2 Thessalonians 1:6).
We will all spend eternity somewhere. This knowledge motivates us to share our faith. It allows us to live with a boldness that doesn't make sense to others. Ever met someone who isn't afraid to die? That's what it's like to live knowing the Creator of the universe is on your side.
More important than the kind of house we live in is knowing that Jesus lives in us. Salvation through Jesus is a gift available to us all. Our responsibility is to share that gift with others without apology and without fear.
Reflect:
- When you think about the fact that life on Earth is only a small part of our lives, does it affect the way you live?
- When was the last time you told someone what Jesus has done for you?
- What would it look like to be bold and share your faith with someone this week?
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Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica to clear up confusion circulating about Jesus’ return. In a previous letter, Paul had said Jesus’ return was imminent. Some in the church took that to mean Jesus was coming back immediately. Paul corrects them and instructs the church on how to live in the meantime. Reading this study, you’ll face the reality of Jesus’ return and our responsibility to live for him.
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