Read 1 Thessalonians 1
Highlights:
Manner of Paul's preaching; his appeal for purity; the coming of the Lord.
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints (1 Thes. 3:12,13).
The two letters to the Thessalonians contain twenty different references to the return of our Lord and have one supreme purpose for the believer to be prepared for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. We should live our lives as though it were going to happen today. We should be diligently seeking to bring the lost to Christ. The desire of the believer should be for as many as possible to be ready to meet Jesus. That is why during this, the season of the Church, we must win souls. I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work (John 9:4). The problem is that many do not feel the urgency to work towards winning the lost. We are more occupied with other things. Then saith He unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest (Matt. 9:37-38). Let us, therefore, commit ourselves to the task of winning souls for Christ. The task can seem overwhelming at times. The world can be a harsh place. However, for the believer, we have the knowledge it will come to a close one day. Yes, the world will revile us, but we must persevere. And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved (Mark 13:13).
Among the words of comfort to His disciples was the Saviour's promise that He would come again and receive them unto Himself (John 14:1-3). This is the hope of the Church; the greatest event to take place since His ascension nearly 2,000 years ago. Christ will return for His own. Those who have chosen to follow Him will be united with Him forever and ever.
Will He come? Are the hopes of the Church doomed to be forever unsatisfied? Will the wrongs of the universe never be judged? Dear friends, the believer who is in fellowship with Christ never loses confidence in His promise. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13). Long waiting has only sharpened his conviction, brightened his hope and clarified the Scriptures. He is watching and waiting for the triumphant shout of the Redeemer.
For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout . . . And so shall we ever be with the Lord (1 Thes. 4:16-17).
Thought for the Day: The Lord is returning for those who have made themselves ready (see Rev. 19:7).
Cross References:
For I Thess. 5:4: See Is. 35:4.
Word Studies:
2:2 shamefully entreated, mistreated, suffering outrageously; 2:9 chargeable, a burden; 3:8 fast, firm; 4:4 possess his vessel, control his body; 4:8 despiseth, rejects; 5:14 unruly, disorderly.
Prayer Suggestion: Commit your fears to the Lord; He will give you peace and strength (Dan. 10:19).
Memory Verse for the Week: Isaiah 7:14