LEAD A FAITH-FILLED CHRISTIAN LIFE!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

MONDAY JUNE 17, 2024.

SUBJECT: LEAD A FAITH-FILLED CHRISTIAN LIFE!

Memory verse: “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (Hebrews 6 vs 10.) 

READ: First Thessalonians 1 vs 2 - 8:

1:2: We give thanks to God for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,

1:3: remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father,

1:4: knowing, beloved brethren, your election of God.

1:5: For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

1:6: And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

1:7: so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.

1:8:  For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.

INTIMATION:

How would people describe your Christian life? As Christians, our calling from God is to become like Christ (Romans 8 vs 29). This is a gradual lifelong process that will be completed when we see Christ face to face (First John 3 vs 2). To be worthy of this calling means to want to do what is right and good (as Christ would). We aren’t perfect yet, but we’re moving in that direction as God works in us. 

The Thessalonian Christians, in apostle Paul’s days, excelled in three areas of discipleship that exemplified them as a truly converted group of people. They were exemplary—a role model—in their work produced by faith; they were not disciples who simply believed in God and Jesus. Their faith was carried into action with an obedient response to the grace of God. 

In their labor prompted by love in their relationship with one another moved them into action to care for one another. And their endurance was inspired by hope; hope of eternity in heaven moved them to remain committed to that which is necessary to arrive at their eternal dwelling in heaven. Because of their hope of heaven, they remained committed to Christ. Once one gives up hope, he or she loses his or her incentive to maintain a life that is governed by the principles of Christ. Their work, labor, and patience were all in Christ. 

These characteristics are the marks of Christians in any age. Even in persecution they stood firm (1 vs 6; 3 vs 1 - 4, 7, 8). They welcomed the pain and troubles with joy, and the joy with the trouble. The message of salvation, though welcomed with great joy, brought the Thessalonians severe affliction (suffering) because it led to persecution from both Jews and Gentiles (3 vs 2 - 4; Acts 17 vs 5.) 

The believers in both Macedonia and Achaia looked up to the believers in Thessalonica due to their exemplary Christian lifestyles. The news about them had spread all around the provinces. Their lives were echoing Christ’s Word, not only in the provinces but all over the places. The news of their faith in God was great that the apostles felt that their jobs were already done, as they didn’t need to preach anymore messages—the believers’ lifestyles were the message. 

How would people evaluate your work of faith? Do you melt at little challenges of life? Or can you proudly show your works produced by faith in God? Many Christians, at little shaking in life by unfavorable circumstances, will become weak in faith, and succumb to searching for alternatives that usually lead them away from following Christ. They will resort to visiting various native doctors, and prayers houses which are manned by native doctors or false prophets (wolf in sheep's clothing). 

How have you labored in love for Christ: reaching out to unsaved souls, doing the extra to ensure the spreading of the Good News of the gospel? Many Christians think that reaching out to unsaved souls is primarily the exclusive preserve of the pastors or ministers of the gospel. Christ’s command is to all believers: “And he said to them, Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16 vs 15). The “ministry of reconciliation” is given to all who are, by faith, children of God, reconciled to Him through faith in Christ (Second Corinthians 5 vs 18 - 19).  We have been equipped with the Good News—the gospel—“the word of reconciliation” to share.

Many believers today think that pain is an exception in Christian life. When suffering occurs, they say, “Why Me?” They feel as though God deserted them, or they may accuse Him of not being dependable as they thought He should be. In reality, the world is sinful, so even believers suffer. Some will start querying if God is still on His Throne. He allows some Christians to become martyrs for the faith, and He allows others to survive persecution. 

Rather than asking, “Why me?” we should ask, “Why not me?” Our faith and the values of this world are on collision course. If we expect pain and suffering to come, we will not be shocked when they occur. We can take comfort in knowing that Jesus also suffered. He understands our fears, our weaknesses, and our disappointments (Hebrews 2 vs 16 - 18; 4 vs 14 - 16). He promised never to leave us (Matthew 28 vs 18 - 20), and He intercedes on our behalf (Hebrews 7 vs 24 - 25). In times of pain, persecution, or suffering, trust confidently in Christ.

Believers are elected by God Himself (John 6 vs 44 & 65). Being chosen comes from the heart of God (not our minds). It should be an incentive to please God, rather than ignore Him, and should give birth to gratitude rather than being complacent. Human responsibility requires that we actively confess Christ as Lord, focus on living to please Him, and share the gospel with others.

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You so much for the privilege of adopting me as Your child. You demonstrated in Christ Your unalloyed love for me. Let Your love that has been poured out in my heart by the Holy Spirit engender my exemplary Christian life in my work, love, and patient hope in You, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!