Love God Greatly - 1 & 2 ThessaloniansSample

Read: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-3

SOAP: 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

Paul begins this letter to the church by extending God’s grace and peace to the believers and encouraging them in the faith. He explains how he purposed to habitually pray for his brothers and sisters in Christ in Thessalonica. Paul’s heart and mind overflowed with thanksgiving as he remembered 3 specific things: their work of faith, their labor of love, and their steadfastness of hope in Christ. 

Like Paul, we can choose to intentionally cheer one another on as we continue to pursue Christ together. Instead of comparing our walk to another believer or criticizing the actions of a fellow disciple, we can turn our attention toward interceding for others to continue activating their faith. 

Lord, help me to offer prayers of thanks and always remember to petition You for the continual growth of the body of Christ. Help us to increase in faith, hope, and love and walk out our faith with hearts fully surrendered to You. Amen

**SOAP Method

S – SCRIPTURE
Physically write out the Bible verse
You’ll be amazed at what God will reveal to you when you slow down to write or meditate on what you are reading!

O – OBSERVATION
What do you see in the verses you’re reading?
Who is the audience? Is there a repetition of words? What words stand out to you? What is the main lesson or theme?

A – APPLICATION
When God’s Word becomes personal
What is God saying to me today? How can I apply what I just read to my life? Are there any changes I need to make?

P – PRAYER
Pray God’s Word back to Him
If He has revealed something to you during this time in His Word, pray about it. Confess if He has revealed some sin that is in your life. Take time to thank Him for His goodness in your life.