Author: newlifenarrabri

Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

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Scripture

God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives.

Observation

Paul, with Silas and Timothy, now encourages the Thessalonians to live in a way that pleases God. They already do this, but but now he is encouraging them to do more.

God wants us to be holy so we must avoid sexual sin. If we do this we are controlling our own bodies and living in holiness and honour.

We must never cheat a brother by violating his wife. The Lord avenges all such sins.

God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. If we refuse to do this, then we are not disobeying human teaching but rejecting God, who gives us the Holy Spirit.

Application

God wants His people to be holy, as He Himself is holy. That means that we do not always get to do what we want to do. Instead, we must live God’s way.

In our culture, sex is the big thing. it seems that every controversy, every government policy, and even corporate policy, is about sexual preferences and identity. I have the right to use my body in any way I choose. I have the right to indulge my fleshly passions.

God wants us to rein in the body and to use our union with Him to overcome the lusts and desires of our bodies.

Not only does God give us the commandments to obey, He also gives us the grace to obey them.

In the long run, God’s ways are more fulfilling, more fruitful, more productive of joy, than just doing my own thing.

Prayer

Lord, you call me to live a holy life. Please show me how to have victory over the sins that hold me captive. Amen.

Home Improvements. Day 2.

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Today was one of those invisible days. It was all about the Big A… asbestos. That is removing not installing.

Our house was built in the 1960’s and there is a lot of asbestos. It is not a problem in the normal course of events but when you cut or drill it, it can release fibres. Like most things in our current culture, the dangers of asbestos compared to its benefits are seriously exaggerated. Of course, if you are the person who contracts a lung disease, you will not agree.

Anyway, we had to get in a suitably licensed remover and then have it inspected by the relevant authority. The inspection is slated for mid-morning tomorrow, and further action may or may not occur after that.

Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 3:1–13

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Scripture

May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.

Observation

Unable to return to Thessalonica himself, Paul sent Timothy to them while he remained in Athens. Timothy was to strengthen and encourage them and to keep them from being shaken by the troubles that were soon to come against them.

Timothy returned with good news about their faith and love. Paul has been greatly encouraged because they remained strong in their faith.

Paul prays that the Lord will grow their love for one another and for all people.

Application

As disciples of Jesus, who is the embodiment of God’s love, we are to be people who overflow with the love of God.

God’s plan for the church is that we should be an open community of love. Relationships within the community are meant to be as close as the relationship between God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus prayed that we would be one as He and the Father are one.

Sadly, the church often falls short of this ideal. Personality clashes, political power games, and false gospels result in congregations being less than they should be.

The church is not only meant to be a close community, it is also meant to be open to newcomers – visitors, new believers, and so on. A church that is exclusive is no church at all.

This goal is only possible by the grace of God. So we need to pray to love one another and to love all people with the same extravagance that God has given us.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, please help my church to overflow in love for one another and for all people. Amen.