Devotion for Oct. 17 – Oct. 23 – Energized by Encouragement
Think as you read:
What role does encouragement play in the life of individual Christians and the Church? What happens to people and churches when it is lacking?
Read 1 Thessalonians 4
Explore God’s Word
- After telling the Thessalonians how to live, to what extent does Paul encourage them to continue to do so (v. 1)? What enables him to tell them this (v. 2)?
- Paul’s instruction about sexual sin (vv. 3-6) seems abrupt, but it is a reminder that continuing to live a Christian life goes beyond what you believe, and even what you do for God. It necessitates being “sanctified (v. 3).”
- Sanctified means holy, different, and set apart by God. When you ignore the instruction to live this way, who does Paul say you are rejecting (v. 8)?
- After strong instruction to be holy, Paul encourages the Thessalonians in their ability to do what (vv. 9-10)?
- After instructing and encouraging the Thessalonians on how to live in the present, what does he say regarding those that die striving to do this (vv. 13-15)?
- What will happen at “the coming of the Lord (v. 15)” (vv. 16-17)? What is the purpose of Paul reminding them of this truth (v. 18)?
Apply God’s Word
- The encouragement Paul offers is twofold: Vv. 1-12 focus on motivating them to action. Vv. 13-18 focus on comforting them with what will happen when their actions are complete. Do you have a way of receiving both of these kinds of encouragement?
- Who do you know that has the ability to motivate and/or comfort you in regards to your Christian life? Have you told them this? Doing so may encourage them in their ability to encourage you.
- Not everyone has the gift of encouragement. Those that do may differ in the kind they are gifted at giving. Do you think you have this gift? Are you a “motivating encourager,” “comforting encourager,” or both?
Respond in Prayer
Thank God for the encouragement that comes with the assurance of Heaven. Thank him for people he has provided to encourage you in your spiritual walk. If you do not have any, ask him to provide you with some. Pray specifically those you know that have this gift in our church.
Think as you read:
What role does encouragement play in the life of individual Christians and the Church? What happens to people and churches when it is lacking?
Read 1 Thessalonians 4
Explore God’s Word
- After telling the Thessalonians how to live, to what extent does Paul encourage them to continue to do so (v. 1)? What enables him to tell them this (v. 2)?
- Paul’s instruction about sexual sin (vv. 3-6) seems abrupt, but it is a reminder that continuing to live a Christian life goes beyond what you believe, and even what you do for God. It necessitates being “sanctified (v. 3).”
- Sanctified means holy, different, and set apart by God. When you ignore the instruction to live this way, who does Paul say you are rejecting (v. 8)?
- After strong instruction to be holy, Paul encourages the Thessalonians in their ability to do what (vv. 9-10)?
- After instructing and encouraging the Thessalonians on how to live in the present, what does he say regarding those that die striving to do this (vv. 13-15)?
- What will happen at “the coming of the Lord (v. 15)” (vv. 16-17)? What is the purpose of Paul reminding them of this truth (v. 18)?
Apply God’s Word
- The encouragement Paul offers is twofold: Vv. 1-12 focus on motivating them to action. Vv. 13-18 focus on comforting them with what will happen when their actions are complete. Do you have a way of receiving both of these kinds of encouragement?
- Who do you know that has the ability to motivate and/or comfort you in regards to your Christian life? Have you told them this? Doing so may encourage them in their ability to encourage you.
- Not everyone has the gift of encouragement. Those that do may differ in the kind they are gifted at giving. Do you think you have this gift? Are you a “motivating encourager,” “comforting encourager,” or both?
Respond in Prayer
Thank God for the encouragement that comes with the assurance of Heaven. Thank him for people he has provided to encourage you in your spiritual walk. If you do not have any, ask him to provide you with some. Pray specifically those you know that have this gift in our church.
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