Living to Please God

Backstory:
On his 2nd missionary journey, Paul visited Thessalonica, where some Jews, a large number of “God fearing” Greeks (Gentiles who were not converts to Judaism but who believed in one God and respected the moral and ethical teachings of the Jews) and quite a few prominent women, opened their hearts to Jesus the Messiah. After a rather brief stay, Paul fled Thessalonica when opposition to his message became threatening. He wrote 1 Thessalonians from Corinth not long after that. One reason Paul wrote this letter was to address some confusion among the Thessalonian Christians concerning Christ’s second coming.

God’s Story:
Patience. At the time of my choosing, my Son will return to earth in glory. Only I know when that will be, so there is no use trying to guess. Human measurements of hours, days and years are of little value when it comes to my divine plan and kingdom. Rather than trying to figure out times and dates, my people ought to live in faith, hope and love in preparation and anticipation of Christ’s return.

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1 – 5:28

Your Story:
Paul’s appeal for living a holy life is timeless. What he wrote to the church long ago continues to be true for you today. Make a list of how Paul advises Christians to live. Then do a self-evaluation and ask God to strengthen you in your areas of weakness.