Three Power Packed Life Lessons from Thessalonians

The Bible is filled with life lessons. As we near the end of this series, we are looking at the two letters to the Thessalonian church. These letters are for every church and every follower of Jesus and they richly add to our lives and fortify our faith.

Our Responsibility

The life of a follower of Jesus is a life that follows the path he has laid for us. It is a life that puts a responsibility on each follower. We can make excuses for failure. We can justify our sin. But that is not what we are to be doing. We must diligently work to live lives of obedience. God empowers that obedience, but we are responsible for daily decisions to live in harmony with God’s will.

we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

1 Thessalonians 2:12 (ESV)

The Call to Holiness

As God’s children, we are called to live holy lives. That call is clear in Thessalonians. This is not a futile hope, it is a realistic expectation! To be holy doesn’t mean we are perfect and mature in every way, it means we are fully dedicated to God; we have consecrated our lives and surrendered our will to him; we have asked him to purify our hearts so our devotion can be wholly his.

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

1 Thessalonians 4:3, 7-8 (ESV)

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 (ESV)

The Practical Necessity of Hard Work

While we have the promise that Jesus will supply our needs as we put him, his kingdom and righteousness first in our lives (Matthew 6:33), we have no excuse to sit idly by and wait for him to bless us in this way. He expects us to work in order to provide for ourselves and our families. In a way, work is God’s gift to us. It helps our self confidence and self esteem to be productive and enjoy the rewards of our labor.

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

2 Thessalonians 3:10–12 (ESV)

There’s More!

These three lessons from Thessalonians are challenging us to live more like Jesus. But when you read these short letters you will find more lessons and more challenges that apply to your life and help you to grow even stronger as a follower of Jesus.

I pray that you will spend much time in the word and renew your joy in meditating on the very words, the very heart, of God.

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