1 We are saved , 2 we are being saved , 3 we will be saved and have a new body when Jesus returns.

Every Christian becomes holy when they first put their faith in Christ, it’s at this time that the Holy Spirit takes up residence in their human spirit. Being made holy is a process (sanctification) of living the Christian life, it is the work of the Holy Spirit step by step to conform us to the image of Christ 4:3

Every new Christian should be warned about what to avoid. and how to resist the devil. Being called into the Christian ministry though does not mean we are called to avoid and resist work!

Paul was an effective witness for Jesus Christ, this did not mean that he had no time for manual work. Paul was a tent maker respected by believers and unbelievers alike. I feel sure that his “trade” gave him many opportunities to preach the gospel 4:11-12.

memory verse

This should be you ambition : to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. I Thessalonians 4:11 N.L.T.

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Why was Paul right to be anxious about the Church in Thessalonica? Do you think anxiety is ever a sin? in view of Paul’s instruction in Philippians 4:6 what would Paul of done before sending Timothy back to Thessalonica? 3:10.

Paul had gone to Athens ahead of Timothy and Silas who remained in Berea for a while before they both rejoined Paul in Athens Acts 17: 13-15. After a while Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to seek news of the fledgling church. Timothy brought very good news that their faith was as strong as ever, good news that lifted Paul’s spirit! 3:6-8.

Paul was a Father to the Thessalonians and as such the Holy Spirit placed upon Paul a longing to see that the church was thriving and continuing to grow in spite of the trials they were going through 3:3-4.

If you are a Christian never be surprised by troubles and don’t think that troubles are always the result of sin or because of a lack of faith. Some trials are a part of God’s plan to build our character, or sometimes because we are being a thorn in the devils side! As Paul said don’t let the tempter get the better of you! 3:3-5

Does the report of your life bring other Christian’s great joy? 3:9

Memory verse

It gives us new Life, knowing you remain strong in the Lord 1 Thessalonians 3:8 N.L.T.

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Paul’s experience at Philippi did not make him less bold in preaching the gospel at Thessalonica. When God wants us to do something He will always give us the courage to overcome any obstacles that seem to lie in our path 2:2

Accept anointed preaching as the Word of God and it will continue to work in you as you believe. This is also true as we read the Bible, believe that God is speaking to you, come with expectancy and do what God is telling you 2:13

Their faith in Jesus Christ had also brought the Thessalonians trouble and persecution. Paul’s encouragement was to remind them that what was true of Jewish believers including himself and his team will be true for everyone who follows Christ 2:14

His fellow Thessalonian believers were to Paul his joy and crown he was expecting to stand before the Lord Jesus Christ together with those who had become followers of Jesus themselves through Paul’s ministry. What a glorious thought that those who led us to Jesus, we ourselves, and those who we have been able to help because of Jesus love shown through us will all stand together and receive the victors crown 2:19-20

memory verse

You accepted what we said as the very word of God which of course. it was. And this Word continues to work in you who believe. 1Thessalonians 2:13 N.L.T. emphasis mine.

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Paul wrote both his letters to the Thessalonians about A.D.50. Previously He had brought the gospel to the city as recorded in Acts 17 it is thought this was about A.D. 49. He writes to a young vibrant church that is boldly and fearlessly proclaiming the same truths they themselves had heard and believed in when Paul visited their city.

Whenever the Word of God is heard and obeyed the Holy Spirit changes lives. Paul relied not on his oratory or his power of persuasion to open the hearts of those who were coming to Christ but upon God the Holy Spirit. 1:4-6.

What motivates our work for Christ is faith in Christ. Never from a sense of duty or hope for gain or even fear. Anything that is not from faith is a dead work, that is a work that is devoid of the life of the Spirit 1:3.

For the Thessalonians any loving deed done for others was an overflow of the same love they had received themselves when they received forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus Christ 1:3.

Like Christians throughout the ages the anticipation of Jesus soon return is our great Hope we know He is coming and this joy helps us bear trials with patience. Remember not a single Christian will miss the return of Jesus 1:3,10.4:16-17

Memory verse

Jesus, whom God raised from the dead.He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 N.L.T.

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Ill gotten riches become a curse to those whose god they become. It is not money but the love of money that leads to evil and can lead some people to oppress others 5:1-6.

Like Job we need patience in suffering for Gods plan will always result in good towards those who continue to trust in Him 5:7-8.

If you are sick its up to you to send for the elders of the church to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Lord. A it takes a step of faith to send for the elders. B oil is a reminder of the person and presence of the Holy Spirit. C We are to ask everything in the name of Jesus He is the Lord.

Could the prayer of faith 5:15 be referring to the gift of faith? 1 Corinthians 12:9 Before praying for physical healing we need to search our hearts and if necessary confess our sins for the sure promise of Gods forgiveness, so that our prayers may be answered 5:16

Memory verse

My dear brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back again, you can be sure that the one who brings that person back will save that sinner from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. James 5:19-20 N.L.T.

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Pause for thought

Perhaps you think that todays heading is a bit strong! However it strikes me how easily we forget to honour God as God in the everyday things of life.

Christians should not be judgemental of those who God has saved, or we could find we are criticising the extent of Gods grace in others. God is Judge we are not 4:12

When we make our own plans without consulting God. its as if we don’t believe God has a plan for our lives and we know what’s best anyway 4:16

When we pray ”Thy will be done” this does not mean because God is sovereign, His will will automatically be done. We should pray not my will Lord but yours be done. God has a plan and a purpose for our lives but He expects us to ask Him for advise and then do it 4:17 Luke 11:

memory Verse

Remember, it is a sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. James 4:17 N.L.T.

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Pause for thought

Quarrels and fights are the norm in the world, and sadly its often much the same with believers in the church! the reason is worldliness, this takes root when a christian shares the same values and desires for pleasure, possession’s or status, even unloving quarrels about doctrine can reveal a worldly spirit at work 4:1-2.

A worldly christian acts first and prays later, or prays a “bless me” prayer that stems from worldly motives pleasing oneself rather than Holy God 2:3.

James wrote to remind us that our actions speak louder than our words if we want to please God who jealously longs for us to be faithful 4:5 . We will stop any behaviour that is inconsistent with the gospel of Christ that saves us 2:12. Our aim must always be to maintain our fellowship with God. We each have Gods promise that God is always ready to draw near to those who truly desire Him 4:8.

I found the following by Dr David Jeremiah very helpful its very much in the same context.

Jesus said. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15. The forgiveness that Jesus spoke of is not eternal forgiveness for salvation. That forgiveness only comes through faith in Christ, not through anything we do to earn it. Rather, the forgiveness Jesus spoke of is that which maintains fellowship with God. David Jeremiah.

Memory verse

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 N.L.T.

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Our Tongue has the power to direct, destroy, or delight not only our own lives but the lives of others also. To quote from the margin of the N.L.T. Before you speak, ask, Is what I want to say true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? 3:6

James compares the damage done by an uncontrolled tongue to a wild fire that can ruin and turn the course of our lives. Where we read that it is set on fire by hell this suggests to me the influence of demonic spirits 3:6-8

Men can tame animals and steer ships but not tame the tongue, but that is without Christ’s help! James is not suggesting that tongue control is a lost battle, indeed he writes the perfect man or “mature” who are able to control their tongues can also control themselves in every way 3:2.

A Verse to remember

We all make mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way. James 3:2 N.L.B.

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“There must be an outflow for there to be an inflow”

Good deeds spring from true salvation, not to be confused with the false idea that salvation can be obtained by doing good works. Nor do good works combined with an intellectual belief in God produce salvation. While Salvation is through faith in Christ alone, true faith will always result in a changed life and in good deeds 2:18

“Where the River flows there is abundance for it floweth from the sanctuary. Jesus is the Life and He’s the River and He’s the One who by His Spirit flows through me” When The Holy Spirit comes and takes up residence in our hearts. He does not wish to remain passive in us but to cause us to flow with loving works of service bringing glory to Jesus.

memory verse

Just as the body is dead without a spirit, so also faith is dead without good deeds. James 2:26 N.L.T.

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