1 THESSALONIANS 2:11–12
11For you know how, like a father with his children, 12we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Acts 17 gives us the account of how the church in Thessalonica was birthed. The gospel was preached, people responded, and persecution quickly followed, which led to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy being separated from the new believers. This letter to the Thessalonians is their attempt to encourage the church to remain true to their faith in Christ. One specific way they did this was reminding them of their love for and relationship with each other. While waiting for the fulfillment of the coming kingdom of Christ, the church at that time encountered persecution and affliction. Yet, they were called to live, serve, and persevere in community. Today, we will look at what it means to be in church community while we wait for Christ’s glorious return together.
APPLICATION
• How do you see the three points lived out in your church community? Prayerfully consider how you can emulate this example and what you can do to influence your community’s culture in order to serve God and the church.
• Name three people in your church community that you treat like family. How can you be a blessing to them this week?
• Do you know of new believers or those who just started being part of your church? How can you encourage them to remain true to their faith in Christ?