Love God Greatly: 1 & 2 ThessaloniansSample

Read: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

SOAP: 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3

Paul had sent Timothy to encourage the church in Thessalonica. His hope was that Timothy’s wise counsel would help the people to establish their faith as they faced continued persecution. Paul wanted to ensure that the enemy’s plan to discourage these young believers would not lead to a falling away from their new-found faith in Christ.

If you are waiting for life to “get back to normal” for you to get serious about your pursuit of Christ, you are allowing the enemy of your soul to distract you from true discipleship and devotion to your Savior. Affliction is the norm in this fallen world, and we should not let persecution and problems lead us to live with a passive faith. Our calling is to rise up in response to Christ right now in the midst of the turmoil, and we are to encourage each other to persist in an active faith and hold one another accountable. Are you regularly praying for your sisters in Christ to be encouraged in the faith? Purpose this week to intentionally reach out and build up one person you know to stay strong in their faith.

Lord, I want to grow closer to You. Rather than let my problems consume me, help me to passionately pursue You. Show me how I can take steps to cheer on my friends to continue as Christ followers. Amen.