God’s Will for Us in Christ Jesus

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

God’s Will for Us in Christ Jesus

Date: Nov. 28, 2024

Passage

1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 (ESV)

12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

23 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. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

These verses contain Paul’s final instructions to the people of Thessalonica, to whom he had written this letter. They contain his instructions for what the people of that province should do as they wait for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. But they are also excellent instructions for us! For we too, as Christians, are patiently waiting for the second coming of the Lord. And we know that he will. It is only a matter of time.

So, what should we do as we patiently wait for our Lord? We can acknowledge (be thankful for) those who work hard in the Lord, our shepherds and Bible teachers, who encourage us and who also admonish us (when we stray from God’s word). We should all live peacefully with each other and not fall into incessant quarreling. We can encourage and help those who are disheartened or weak. We can always strive to do good—not just amongst ourselves, but for anyone we meet.

We rejoice always. We pray continually. And we give thanks, no matter if we are in plenty or in want. Paul learned that secret. And so should we, for that is the will of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Father, we know the Lord Jesus Christ will return in your time. Help us to wait patiently. In the meantime, help us to rejoice, pray, and give thanks continually.

One Word: Rejoice, pray, and give thanks

Praise the Lord Your God

1 Chronicles 29:10-30

Key Verse: 29:20

Today's Question

What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?

See answer and references