SEPTEMBER 16 READING…1 THESSALONIANS 4
Paul was concerned that the believers in the church continue to grow in the Lord. He tells them to stay, learn, and grow in the commandments of the Lord. For it is God’s will that we are sanctified, that is continuing to become more and more holy in our walk in the Lord. We are to refrain from lustful living in both mind and action. We are to treat one another fairly, and especially to make sure that we do not defraud a fellow believer. We are to continue in brotherly love…for there is a special love, the love of God, that we believers are to walk in together. That being said, we are also to walk properly toward those who are outside the faith…it is our testimony to them. Paul closes this portion of his letter with encouragement to the church concerning those who have died in the faith. Paul uses “asleep” rather than death. This word picture reminds us that death is not the end for the believer. These believers will return with Jesus when He comes back. Jesus will come, and the bodies of the dead believers will rise, be changed…and then we who are alive will be caught up (raptured) to meet the Lord in the sky. These are great promises, and great words of comfort.
Please share your thoughts.
TOMORROW’S READING…1 THESSALONIANS 5
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