Guided by the Gospel

Devotion for Oct. 10 – Oct. 16 – Guided by the Gospel

Think as you read:

Can you be a Christian, and not live for Christ?  If not, what does a life look like that is guided by his Gospel?  How should this influence what we do as individuals and as a church?

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:9-16

Explore God’s Word

- While their love for the Thessalonians motivated Paul and company to preach and minister to them, what was it that they were ultimately concerned with (v. 9)?

- Holy, righteous, blameless, fatherly, encouraging, and comforting all describe how Paul and his workers acted towards the Thessalonians (vv. 10-12).  What was this intended to motivate the Thessalonians to do (v. 12)?

- Once the Gospel was accepted by the Thessalonians, what did it begin to do in them (v. 13)?

- Is it a mere coincidence that the Thessalonians started imitating other Christians after they accepted the Gospel (v. 14)?  

- Did the Thessalonians’ acceptance of the Gospel and life change guide them into an easier life (vv. 14-15)?

Apply God’s Word

- What do you work “day and night (v. 9)” for?  Is it centered on yourself, others, or the Gospel?

- If the Gospel is at the center of your life, how is that reflected in your relationships with others?

- What areas of your life seem to be uninfluenced by the Gospel?  Is that because God is not at work “in you who believe (v. 13)? ”  What examples do you have to imitate to help you in centering all of your life on the Gospel?

- How has living for the Gospel made your life harder?  Have you struggled with accepting this as a consequence of your faithfulness to God?  

Respond in Prayer

Thank God that the Good News of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, has the power to change lives.  Ask God to make your faith in the Gospel more than something you believe in your head, or practice out of habit.  Ask him to help you remember that the truth of God’s Word is at work in you, helping you to live a life worthy of the Gospel.  Ask for forgiveness where you have lost sight of the Gospel in your life and church involvement, and blessings upon us as a church as we strive to make it the center of everything we do.