The ultimate source of many of our struggles is the conflict we are having with God. If we trusted God, we would ask Him for what we need and we would be happy to trust Him for what He provides.
God doesn't play favorites and neither should we. He calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves, regardless of their social status, wealth, or appearance. We're all equal in His eyes.
God expects us to act on and obey what we learn. Let's spend a little time this morning learning from God's word how to be more obedient to His advice.
It's about approaching the Bible with a heart that is open and sincere. It's about seeking to understand what God is saying, not twisting His words to fit our own ideas or desires.
Paul's reliance on the power of God acknowledges that it is not by his own strength or abilities that he is able to stand strong in the storm, but by the power of God.
Understanding our role in God’s kingdom will bring a filling of satisfaction. Let’s all make it our aim to worship the one who is worthy—Jesus is his name.
First Timothy 6:12 says, “Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
I Peter 1:13, “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
The Thessalonians were not just waiting for Jesus to return but were actively serving the living and true God. This hope was not just a future destination, but a present journey.
Paul knew that hope in Christ would encourage perseverance in godly living. And hope is exactly what we lack today, one of the great roots of this gradual slip into increased self-centeredness.
