Bible Reading Plan

Blog

  • Jeremiah 3

    Jeremiah 3

    Read Jeremiah 3

    3 “If a man divorces his wife
        and she leaves him and marries another man,
    should he return to her again?
        Would not the land be completely defiled?
    But you have lived as a prostitute with many lovers—
        would you now return to me?”
    declares the Lord.
    2 “Look up to the barren heights and see.
        Is there any place where you have not been ravished?
    By the roadside you sat waiting for lovers,
        sat like a nomad in the desert.
    You have defiled the land
        with your prostitution and wickedness.
    3 Therefore the showers have been withheld,
        and no spring rains have fallen.
    Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute;
        you refuse to blush with shame.
    4 Have you not just called to me:
        ‘My Father, my friend from my youth,
    5 will you always be angry?
        Will your wrath continue forever?’
    This is how you talk,
        but you do all the evil you can.”

    Unfaithful Israel

    6 During the reign of King Josiah, the Lord said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every spreading tree and has committed adultery there. 7 I thought that after she had done all this she would return to me but she did not, and her unfaithful sister Judah saw it. 8 I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery. 9 Because Israel’s immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood. 10 In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense,” declares the Lord.

    11 The Lord said to me, “Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithfulJudah. 12 Go, proclaim this message toward the north:

    “‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the Lord,
        ‘I will frown on you no longer,
    for I am faithful,’ declares the Lord,
        ‘I will not be angry forever.
    13 Only acknowledge your guilt—
        you have rebelled against the Lord your God,
    you have scattered your favors to foreign gods
        under every spreading tree,
        and have not obeyed me,’”
    declares the Lord.

    14 “Return, faithless people,” declares the Lord, “for I am your husband. I will choose you—one from a town and two from a clan—and bring you to Zion.15 Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. 16 In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land,” declares the Lord, “people will no longer say, ‘The ark of the covenant of the Lord.’ It will never enter their minds or be remembered; it will not be missed, nor will another one be made. 17 At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the Lord, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the Lord. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts. 18 In those days the people of Judah will join the people of Israel, and together they will come from a northern land to the land I gave your ancestors as an inheritance.

    19 “I myself said,

    “‘How gladly would I treat you like my children
        and give you a pleasant land,
        the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.’
    I thought you would call me ‘Father’
        and not turn away from following me.
    20 But like a woman unfaithful to her husband,
        so you, Israel, have been unfaithful to me,”
    declares the Lord.

    21 A cry is heard on the barren heights,
        the weeping and pleading of the people of Israel,
    because they have perverted their ways
        and have forgotten the Lord their God.

    22 “Return, faithless people;

        I will cure you of backsliding.”

    “Yes, we will come to you,
        for you are the Lord our God.
    23 Surely the idolatrous commotion on the hills
        and mountains is a deception;
    surely in the Lord our God
        is the salvation of Israel.
    24 From our youth shameful gods have consumed
        the fruits of our ancestors’ labor—
    their flocks and herds,
        their sons and daughters.
    25 Let us lie down in our shame,
        and let our disgrace cover us.
    We have sinned against the Lord our God,
        both we and our ancestors;
    from our youth till this day
        we have not obeyed the Lord our God.”

    Go Deeper

    Jeremiah continues to speak on the topic of Israel as an errant bride. The people of God have been challenged by Jeremiah through an analogy that they understood intimately, the expectations surrounding the marriage relationship. Israel, in plain terms, is compared to a harlot who has sought numerous other men besides her one true husband. God asks plainly why a husband would even consider taking back a wife who has behaved as Israel has time and time again, from before bondage in Egypt through their behavior after entering the Promised Land.

    In summary, the chapter flows like this: 

    • Exhortations to repentance (v. 1-5)
    • Judah is more guilty than Israel (v. 6-11) 
    • But pardon is promised (v. 12-20) 
    • The children of Israel express their sorrow and repentance (v. 21-25)

    While this seems like a very brief overview, the central theme is found in the word “yet”. Even though Israel continues to wrap itself around other gods and false idols, not to mention continuing sins that are willful and completely without repentance, God still longs to bring Israel back into covenant with Him. Once again, we see God place value in Israel as His chosen people.

    God declares Himself once again ready to pardon sin, and give the blessings that will be seen with the coming of Jesus. He directs them to return by confessing their sins, and He promises to be faithful and just in forgiving them. These promises are fully to come to pass in bringing back the Jews in after-ages. God will graciously receive those that return to him; and by his grace, he takes them out from among the rest.

    Simply said, if those who have forgotten Him will repent and return to walk with God, He has grace upon grace for them. This becomes even more evident with the life and sacrifice of Jesus in the New Testament, where grace is made complete, if we have the trust to abide in His truth and love.

    Questions

    1. Where are the places you find yourself willfully engaging in sin and are you willing to repent to return to Christ?
    2. What can you do to ensure that you are in constant connection with God to ensure you do not backslide, or fall away?
    3. Who can help you stay accountable to a renewed commitment to Jesus?

    Pray This

    Father God,

    I know that I have fallen away in the area of ________________. I repent from this and am trusting in You to restore me to a right relationship with you.  Help me find ways to stay truly accountable to this renewed covenant between us. Thank you for your continued saving grace.

    In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

    Leave a Comment Below

    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.

    Join the Team

    Interested in writing for the Bible Reading Plan? Email [email protected].

  • Jeremiah 2

    Jeremiah 2

    Read Jeremiah 2

    Israel Forsakes God

    2 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem:

    “This is what the Lord says:

    “‘I remember the devotion of your youth,
        how as a bride you loved me
    and followed me through the wilderness,
        through a land not sown.
    3 Israel was holy to the Lord,
        the firstfruits of his harvest;
    all who devoured her were held guilty,
        and disaster overtook them,’”
    declares the Lord.

    4 Hear the word of the Lord, you descendants of Jacob,
        all you clans of Israel.

    5 This is what the Lord says:

    “What fault did your ancestors find in me,
        that they strayed so far from me?
    They followed worthless idols
        and became worthless themselves.
    6 They did not ask, ‘Where is the Lord,
        who brought us up out of Egypt
    and led us through the barren wilderness,
        through a land of deserts and ravines,
    a land of drought and utter darkness,
        a land where no one travels and no one lives?’
    7 I brought you into a fertile land
        to eat its fruit and rich produce.
    But you came and defiled my land
        and made my inheritance detestable.
    8 The priests did not ask,
        ‘Where is the Lord?’
    Those who deal with the law did not know me;
        the leaders rebelled against me.
    The prophets prophesied by Baal,
        following worthless idols.

    9 “Therefore I bring charges against you again,”
    declares the Lord.
        “And I will bring charges against your children’s children.
    10 Cross over to the coasts of Cyprus and look,
        send to Kedar and observe closely;
        see if there has ever been anything like this:
    11 Has a nation ever changed its gods?
        (Yet they are not gods at all.)
    But my people have exchanged their glorious God
        for worthless idols.
    12 Be appalled at this, you heavens,
        and shudder with great horror,”
    declares the Lord.
    13 “My people have committed two sins:
    They have forsaken me,
        the spring of living water,
    and have dug their own cisterns,
        broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
    14 Is Israel a servant, a slave by birth?
        Why then has he become plunder?
    15 Lions have roared;
        they have growled at him.
    They have laid waste his land;
        his towns are burned and deserted.
    16 Also, the men of Memphis and Tahpanhes
        have cracked your skull.
    17 Have you not brought this on yourselves
        by forsaking the Lord your God
        when he led you in the way?
    18 Now why go to Egypt
        to drink water from the Nile?
    And why go to Assyria
        to drink water from the Euphrates?
    19 Your wickedness will punish you;
        your backsliding will rebuke you.
    Consider then and realize
        how evil and bitter it is for you
    when you forsake the Lord your God
        and have no awe of me,”
    declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty.

    20 “Long ago you broke off your yoke
        and tore off your bonds;
        you said, ‘I will not serve you!’
    Indeed, on every high hill
        and under every spreading tree
        you lay down as a prostitute.
    21 I had planted you like a choice vine
        of sound and reliable stock.
    How then did you turn against me
        into a corrupt, wild vine?
    22 Although you wash yourself with soap
        and use an abundance of cleansing powder,
        the stain of your guilt is still before me,”
    declares the Sovereign Lord.
    23 “How can you say, ‘I am not defiled;
        I have not run after the Baals’?
    See how you behaved in the valley;
        consider what you have done.
    You are a swift she-camel
        running here and there,
    24 a wild donkey accustomed to the desert,
        sniffing the wind in her craving—
        in her heat who can restrain her?
    Any males that pursue her need not tire themselves;
        at mating time they will find her.
    25 Do not run until your feet are bare
        and your throat is dry.
    But you said, ‘It’s no use!
        I love foreign gods,
        and I must go after them.’

    26 “As a thief is disgraced when he is caught,
        so the people of Israel are disgraced—
    they, their kings and their officials,
        their priests and their prophets.
    27 They say to wood, ‘You are my father,’
        and to stone, ‘You gave me birth.’
    They have turned their backs to me
        and not their faces;
    yet when they are in trouble, they say,
        ‘Come and save us!’
    28 Where then are the gods you made for yourselves?
        Let them come if they can save you
        when you are in trouble!
    For you, Judah, have as many gods
        as you have towns.

    29 “Why do you bring charges against me?
        You have all rebelled against me,”
    declares the Lord.
    30 “In vain I punished your people;
        they did not respond to correction.
    Your sword has devoured your prophets
        like a ravenous lion.

    31 “You of this generation, consider the word of the Lord:

    “Have I been a desert to Israel
        or a land of great darkness?
    Why do my people say, ‘We are free to roam;
        we will come to you no more’?
    32 Does a young woman forget her jewelry,
        a bride her wedding ornaments?
    Yet my people have forgotten me,
        days without number.
    33 How skilled you are at pursuing love!
        Even the worst of women can learn from your ways.
    34 On your clothes is found
        the lifeblood of the innocent poor,
        though you did not catch them breaking in.
    Yet in spite of all this
    35     you say, ‘I am innocent;
        he is not angry with me.’
    But I will pass judgment on you
        because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’
    36 Why do you go about so much,
        changing your ways?
    You will be disappointed by Egypt
        as you were by Assyria.
    37 You will also leave that place
        with your hands on your head,
    for the Lord has rejected those you trust;
        you will not be helped by them.

    Go Deeper

    We see God, in the very beginning of this chapter, ask a deep and convicting question through His prophet Jeremiah that seems to be relevant for many of us today: “What fault did your ancestors find in me, that they strayed so far from me? (Jer. 2:5).” Amidst the all-powerful, almighty justice of God towards sin and rebellion, we see a gentle gaze and an overwhelming tenderness. His love. It’s like God pulled back the divine curtain of His emotions and reveals His innermost yearning; “Why did you leave me?” “Where did you go?”

    Do you know how much God cares for you? That every single aspect of His nature is laced with a word we so often forget in our mess ups and our sins: compassion. And in His compassion, He will do whatever it takes to draw us back to holiness and a place of union and intimacy with Him. He goes on to say that the Israelites have committed two evils that have caused this reaction of justice from Him. It says in verse 13, “My people have committed two sins:
    They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” 

    The Israelites have forsaken their first love. The Deity that holds every ounce of satisfaction and life and have tried to find it elsewhere in other idols and pleasures of their own creation. At some point, God became not enough for them. Not only have they walked away from the Spring of living water, but they have also tried to recreate it with their own cisterns. 

    Have you ever walked away from the well of living water to try and build your own? Only to find out it’s broken and cannot hold anything of real value or joy or satisfaction. That it can never quench what we are truly thirsting for in God? There is a moment in John 4 where Jesus appears to a woman of Samaria by a well who is thirsty and searching for meaning in all of the wrong places. Jesus offers, in His compassion and love, living water. Himself. And He promises that this living water will never leave her thirsty again. That living water is found in Him alone! Today the world will try and convince you that other cisterns have life in them. They don’t! They never will. Let’s learn from the Israelites and this passage that nothing but God will leave you quenched and satisfied. 

    Questions

    1. We all stray from God in certain areas of our life. How would you answer this question that the Israelites were asked thousands of years ago: “Why have you left me?”
    2. When you sin, do you see God as a God of compassion or a God of anger and vengeance? Read Exodus 34 and see how God describes Himself and what He says about His character right after the Israelites have sinned and rebelled against Him.
    3. What cistern are you trying to drink water from and find purpose and value and life in apart from God? Has it satisfied you?

    Keep Digging

    Did you know that Jeremiah is referred to as “the weeping prophet”? Check out this article from GotQuestions.org to learn why! 

    Leave a Comment Below

    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.

    Join the Team

    Interested in writing for the Bible Reading Plan? Email [email protected].

  • Jeremiah Introduction + 1

    Jeremiah Introduction + 1

    Jeremiah Preview

    Jeremiah means “Jehovah throws” or “Jehovah establishes, appoints, or sends.” Jeremiah was the author of this book (and likely the author of Lamentations). Baruch (a scribe) was tasked with compiling and copying Jeremiah’s dictations and writings. In compiling this book, it was grouped more by theme than chronologically. Thematically, we see first the preparation of Jeremiah, followed by the proclamations to Judah, then proclamations to the nations and ending with the fall of Jerusalem. 

    Jeremiah was both a prophet and priest whose time was spent giving prophecies mainly to Judah in the last days of the divided kingdom prior to Babylon’s invasion(ca. 627-586 B.C. and beyond). During this time, Judah was in spiritual rebellion including practicing idol worship. Known as the “weeping prophet,” Jeremiah had to endure many challenges such as being threatened, tried for his life, put in stocks, forced to flee a king, publically humiliated by a false prophet, and thrown into a pit due to his predictions of judgment by the invading Babylonians. 

    As noted by John MacArthur, this book gives us a unique glimpse into the life of a prophet in that he recounts more of his own life than any other prophet, telling of his ministry, the reactions of his audiences, testings and his personal feelings. This book is really long–52 chapters in all! As you read, take great notes. Highlight repeated words and phrases. Try to make connections to other passages throughout the Bible. Above all else, ask God to speak to you through His Word each and every day that we read these words.

    Read Jeremiah 1

    1 The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. 2 The word of the Lord came to him in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah, 3 and through the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, down to the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile.

    The Call of Jeremiah

    4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,

    5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
        before you were born I set you apart;
        I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

    6 “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”

    7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraidof them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

    9 Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

    11 The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?”

    “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied.

    12 The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.”

    13 The word of the Lord came to me again: “What do you see?”

    “I see a pot that is boiling,” I answered. “It is tilting toward us from the north.”

    14 The Lord said to me, “From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land. 15 I am about to summon all the peoples of the northern kingdoms,” declares the Lord.

    “Their kings will come and set up their thrones
        in the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem;
    they will come against all her surrounding walls
        and against all the towns of Judah.
    16 I will pronounce my judgments on my people
        because of their wickedness in forsaking me,
    in burning incense to other gods
        and in worshiping what their hands have made.    17 “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. 18 Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. 19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

    Go Deeper

    In this chapter, the Lord is preparing Jeremiah for his calling as a prophet. His journey as a prophet is going to be an arduous 40 year period of giving prophecies to people that don’t want to hear it and retaliate against Jeremiah. This was going to take an extreme endurance that can’t come from man alone, but from God’s strength! For this reason, part of this preparation will be building Jeremiah up and more importantly setting the foundation of leaning on God’s strength and not his own. Fortunately, what God speaks into Jeremiah in many ways extends to us as well. Let us take time to focus on some of these truths!

    We are cared for intimately and on God’s mind even when He is not on ours. This is very evident (v. 4), but this is found in other areas of scripture as well. Luke 12 states, “ Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.   Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” What a blessing it is to know that He cares for us that deeply!

    His power triumphs over our perceived shortcomings. In verse 6, Jeremiah states that he is too young to deliver God’s message. In a similar way Moses claimed He couldn’t speak for the Lord in Exodus 4:10 for speech issues. In each situation, God still uses them despite this! What wonderful news that God will provide what we need to take action on God’s commands.

    God will protect us and be with us! In verses 18-19, this doesn’t mean that Jeremiah did not suffer, because he did suffer. However, God helped Jeremiah complete his task and supported him and cared for him. Likewise, we won’t be protected from suffering, but He will be our comfort and He has secured for us our eternity with Him. How much more true is it that He is with us always since we have been gifted the Holy Spirit!

    May we each day remind ourselves of God’s truths so that we can likewise benefit from walking and abiding with God!

    Questions

    1. What perceived shortcomings do you use as excuses to not do the will of God?
    2. In what areas of your life do you need to depend upon God’s strength more and not your own?
    3. What promises in the Bible sustain you daily? Consider making a list of God’s promises to look at and memorize.

    Watch This

    Check out this video overview of Jeremiah from The Bible Project! 

    Leave a Comment Below

    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.

    Join the Team

    Interested in writing for the Bible Reading Plan? Email [email protected].

  • 2 Thessalonians 3

    2 Thessalonians 3

    Read 2 Thessalonians 3

    Request for Prayer

    3 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

    Warning Against Idleness

    6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

    11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

    14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed.15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.

    Final Greetings

    16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

    17 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.

    18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

    Go Deeper

    As Paul brings the second letter to the Thessalonians to an end, he includes a request, a reminder, and a closing. He asks that the church pray for his protection and for the Gospel’s reach to grow. He closes with his own prayer that the church would have peace and grace. And he issues a reminder that we need, as well: we are created for work.

    Work was at the center of the city of Thessalonica. It was a major industrial and cultural hub connecting Europe and Asia. The bustling city boasted a large harbor to accommodate the trade ships and an acropolis to protect it from attacks. Prominence in trade and strategic military position led to it becoming the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia. So work, whether it be trade, military, or politics, was a major element of every Thessalonian’s life. 

    So it makes sense that Paul and his team made work a component of their ministry in this city. During their three-week stay in Thessalonica, the team worked (most likely as tentmakers) to fund their own needs. Paul reminds the church of this work in his first letter, as well. First Thessalonians 2:9 says, “Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.” He further explains in 2 Thessalonians 3:9 that they took this approach “in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.” 

    Paul reminded his readers that we were created for work, and the city of Thessonilica was the perfect place to demonstrate this principle taught in the scriptures.

    • Genesis 2:15: The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 
    • Proverbs 12:11: Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.

    The world has perverted work to be a goal idolized itself or a burden to escape, but God created work to be one of the ways we glorify His creation and we worship Him. It is His plan for us to use the knowledge, skills, and abilities that He gave us. 

    In Thessalonica, those who didn’t work were “idle and disruptive. . .  they are busybodies.” These terms describe a lack of purpose, causing trouble, and wasting time fixating on what others are doing, instead of doing what the person himself is supposed to do. When we don’t work for our good and His glory, we miss out on His design for us and open ourselves to the enemy’s attack. Paul reminds the Thessalonians, and us, that we are created for work and to “never tire of doing what is good,” because it is our way to glorify God and to worship Him.

    Questions

    1. How do you perceive the role of work in your life? Do you see it primarily as a means of sustenance, a burden to endure, or as an opportunity to glorify God? 
    2. Have you fallen into the trap of idolizing success or viewing work solely as a means of personal achievement or to focus on ways to escape it and dream of rest? Why? 
    3. What is a practical step you can take this week to cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in your work, aligning it more closely with God’s intended design for you?

    Listen Here

    The Bible Project explores the Theology of Work in this two-episode podcast series.

    Leave a Comment Below

    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.

    Join the Team

    Interested in writing for the Bible Reading Plan? Email [email protected].

  • 2 Thessalonians 2

    2 Thessalonians 2

    Read 2 Thessalonians 2

    The Man of Lawlessness

    2 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

    5 Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? 6 And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 10 and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends thema powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

    Stand Firm

    13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called youto this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

    16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourageyour hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

    Go Deeper

    In the second chapter of this letter, we get to read about how Paul addresses the people of Thessalonica believing the misinformation being spread about Jesus’ second coming. It seems like he had to do this because people were teaching them that Paul said Christ had already come. Second Thessalonians 2:2 says“…by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come.” 

    This is a big deal because if Jesus came back and the Thessalonians weren’t justified, then their faith wasn’t what they thought it was. They were facing persecution each and every day for what they believed and were counting on Jesus to come back and save them. Paul gently reassures them that they will know when Jesus comes and reminds them of two things that will have to happen before he does: the rebellion will occur and the man of lawlessness will be revealed.  

    But isn’t it interesting that they so easily forgot what Paul had already said in his first letter about the second coming? Let examine Paul and the Thessalonians and see what we can learn from them. First, Paul has to be so patient with the people he is discipling from afar. He already told them in his first letter (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11) about what it will be like when Jesus comes back. What a good reminder as we disciple younger Christians (or our own children) that things we say (or what the Bible says) can be so easily forgotten or watered down as time goes on. Always be ready to gently and confidently correct a misunderstanding.  

    Second, the Thessalonians were quick to forget what Paul said and believe false teaching. This could be because as they heard the false teaching, they didn’t go back to his letter to check what was said. We would never be that silly…right? Wrong. How easily do we give into anxious thoughts about what will happen in the future and if we’ll be alright and look at God’s word to remind ourselves what He says about the future (Matthew 6:34, James 4:13-15, Proverbs 16: 9, etc).  

    Whatever we struggle with or whatever lie we are believing, we can be reassured by God’s Word. There is truth to combat every lie from the enemy that can so easily trap us. If you are drowning in the enemy’s lies and don’t know what is true about you or the Lord’s character, call a trusted Christian friend and ask them to remind you!

    Questions

    1. What lies from Satan, the prince of this world, are sending you into a tizzy lately? 
    2. Take some time to search the scriptures and look for the truth to counter those lies. What does His word say? (Pro tip: you can always Google “What does God’s word say about anxious thoughts, insecurity, finances, lust, who I should marry, what His will is, etc.”)
    3. What emotions are stirred up in you when you think about Christ’s return? Do you get nervous? Excited? Confused? Write down how you feel about it. If you’re excited, write down what you’re excited about!

    Keep Digging

    Check out this GotQuestions article titled “Is it possible to know when Jesus is coming back?” 

    Leave a Comment Below

    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.

    Join the Team

    Interested in writing for the Bible Reading Plan? Email [email protected].

  • 2 Thessalonians Introduction + 1

    2 Thessalonians Introduction + 1

    2 Thessalonians Preview

    This letter is as follow up from Paul to a church that was near and dear to his heart. This letter, written just a few months after 1 Thessalonians in 51 AD, was written in Corinth as Paul grew concerned with his friends and fellow Christ followers who had fallen prey to some false teachers (and their messages). Paul’s own views on the end times had been distorted, so this letter was intended to correct those misconceptions and remind the church what he really believed. It’s even believed that certain teachers were presenting fake letters as if they were written by Paul! 

    As we read this brief (and powerful) letter, it serves as an important reminder to us to have sound doctrine and test all that we hear and learn with what God’s Word says. It’s easy to get lost in the culture, news, trends, and mantras of the day, but the ways of the world always pull us away from God’s heart. Pastor and author Dr. Chuck Swindoll says this about 2 Thessalonians: 

    “Discipline and self-control are two qualities that quickly slip away in a society so focused on the material that its people forget the spiritual realities that should dictate their lives. Fat with financial and material success, many people today have descended into an unruly and lazy existence that possesses little care for others, especially of the kind that might conflict with our personal, fleshly desires.”

    As we read this letter, take great notes and look for ways to apply it to your own life! 

    Read 2 Thessalonians 1

    1 Paul, Silas and Timothy,

    To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

    2 Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

    Thanksgiving and Prayer

    3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.

    5 All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. 6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might 10 on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.

    11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

    Go Deeper

    In reading this chapter, we notice Paul’s thankfulness that this church is remaining faithful to the Gospel message and is growing in their faith both (personally and corporately). However, similar to our world today, the culture of Thessalonica and other teachings led to a misunderstanding of Paul’s words over the end times and Christ’s prophesied return. Paul writes again to correct these in this letter.

    Paul compliments this church by saying, “We ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in midst of persecutions and afflictions you endure” (v. 4). He continues on in his encouragement to them that Christ, in His glorious return, will deal with the wicked, the oppressors, and all who willfully reject the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

    There are two messages for us in this short chapter. First, verse nine sums up the result of unbelief, both then and today. The Message translation of scripture says, “Those who refuse to obey the message will pay for what they have done. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and His splendid power is their sentence.” The thought of eternal separation from Christ and heaven is sobering and must motivate our hearts to share the gospel willingly and often with others. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” These words of Jesus give never ending purpose and fullness of life now to all who accept Him along with the promise of eternity in heaven. What good news to be shared with our world!

    The second message comes in verse 10 and reminds us of our hope as believers: “When He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day and to be marveled at among all who believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.” Paul emphasizes here that all who believe can live expectantly in the truth and promise of Christ’s return. To live expectantly means to live with excitement that something good is about to happen. Scripture reminds us here that it will be a glorious day filled with awe and joy watching Jesus establish His kingdom of righteousness over earth and heaven. Let us all allow His love, goodness, and power to move purposefully within every aspect of our lives in readiness to rejoice with Him face to face in His victory for all of creation, and may we invite as many people as possible to join us.

    Questions

    1. What stands out to you about Paul’s opening greeting to the church? What does he say they’re marked by?
    2. How would you describe the “good news” of John 3:16 in your own words? Why is it important to share? Think of someone you can share your thoughts with about the promises we have in Jesus.
    3. What does it mean to live expectantly in the return of Christ? Discuss this with your Life Group.

    Watch This

    Check out this video overview of 2 Thessalonians from The Bible Project! 

    Leave a Comment Below

    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.

    Join the Team

    Interested in writing for the Bible Reading Plan? Email [email protected].

  • 1 Thessalonians 5

    1 Thessalonians 5

    Read 1 Thessalonians 5

    The Day of the Lord

    5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

    4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

    Final Instructions

    12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

    16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

    19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.

    23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

    25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.

    28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

    Go Deeper

    The Good News of the Gospel assures us that through the death and resurrection of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, our sins have been forgiven; we have been reconciled with God and receive the promise of eternal life in Jesus. This promise of living forever with Christ allows Christ-followers to live with hope. When our time on earth comes to an end, heaven and eternity with Christ await. Paul taught this truth to the Thessalonians, and this chapter reminds them that the date on which Jesus will return is unknown. It could be tomorrow; it could be next year; it could be in 1,000 years. We do not know. We do know, however, His return will be unexpected like a “thief in the night.”

    So, as we await Christ’s return, Paul instructs the church to be awake and sober. When we are awake, we are alert and ready. Wakefulness aligns with daytime and light. God is light. Jesus-followers have the light of life (John 8:12). We are called to let our light shine before others (Matt 5:16). Having this light and being “awake” requires that we live each day aware of God’s presence with the readiness to welcome Christ’s return. “Be on guard, keep awake.” These are Jesus’ words (Matt 13:33). 

    To be sober means “free from intoxicating influences.” Any influences that drive us away from God inhibit our ability to be sober. Instead, we are to think and act on whatever is honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). Just as the sun brings us light each morning, we must be vigilant and unwavering in our effort to be sober-minded. Let us fix our thoughts on truth and not be lulled into earthly ways of living and thinking.

    Paul’s final instructions to the Thessalonians address how to treat various groups of people, ranging from hard-working leaders to disruptive and difficult individuals. He encourages believers to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. These verses should be written on our hearts, reminding ourselves with each sunrise. And while we do not know the day of Jesus’ return, we know with confidence that He will return. May we be faith-filled and put our trust in God until that day comes. 

    Questions

    1. If Christ returned tomorrow, would you have any regrets?
    2. Are you awake, in the spiritual sense? Romans 13:11 provides additional insight. It may be helpful to read different translations of the Bible.
    3. Is there anything drawing you away from God today?

    Listen Here

    Listen to Hillsong Worship’s song “King of Kings.” The link is the lyric video, which is helpful as we pay close attention to the words of this powerful worship song. 

    Leave a Comment Below

    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.

    Join the Team

    Interested in writing for the Bible Reading Plan? Email [email protected].

  • 1 Thessalonians 4

    1 Thessalonians 4

    Read 1 Thessalonians 4

    Living to Please God

    4 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

    3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

    9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

    Believers Who Have Died

    13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

    Go Deeper

    As Paul is addressing the church in Thessalonica, he uses this section of his letter to give practical instructions on how God wants them to live as Christians. He specifically addresses in this chapter for them “to abstain from sexual immorality” (v. 3). It’s important for us to know that at this time in the Roman Empire, fornication and sexual impurity were very prevalent and acceptable in the culture. Paul is reminding these believers that the purpose of the way they live their lives is to please God, not man.  As a result, they are to take their standards from God and not from the culture surrounding them. 

    Verse 3 reads, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” Sanctification can sometimes feel like a big and confusing word, but at its core it simply means set apart. So in this scripture, Paul is waving a red flag to the Thessalonians and reminding them that they are to be set apart from the godless culture surrounding them and its sexual immorality. These words have been preserved through scripture so that we can heed Paul’s same warning today and we can learn from this chapter as Paul continues to give four reasons why believers should pursue sexual purity.

    The first reason is “because the Lord is an avenger in all these things” (v. 6b). We can trust that God will punish sexual immorality because scripture repeatedly tells us so. Hebrews 13:4 plainly tells us that “…God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” In addition, Paul reminds the Thessalonians in verse 7 that “God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.” Believers in Jesus have been called to live a life that looks like his. All forms of sexual impurity are simply inconsistent with who Jesus is. 

    Paul continues in verse 8 to say that “whoever disregards this, disregards not man, but God…” Paul knew the dangers of seduction and the low standards of the society at large, so he’s reminding them that it doesn’t matter how you rationalize it, you reject God when you sin sexually.  

    The last reason that Paul gives for pursuing sexual purity is at the end of verse 8 when he reminds us that God is “..who gives his Holy Spirit to you.” God knows that temptation is strong and that holiness requires hard work so he provided us with a resource for victory. John 14:26 tells us “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

    The Holy Spirit will help you not only remember the things of God, but he will help you to be victorious over the things of this world. May we heed the advice and reminders that Paul gives the Thessalonians in this chapter and strive to be a people set apart from the world in our pursuit of purity.

    Questions

    1. The start of this chapter says “how you ought to walk and to please God.” Spend some time reflecting on how you are walking and if it is pleasing to God.
    2. How well are you doing in the process of sanctification? Is your life set apart from those who do not know God?
    3. Is the command to abstain from sexual immorality difficult for you? If it is, spend some time confessing to God why and then confess that to a member of your Life Group to help bring accountability to this area.

    Watch This

    Watch this video on sanctification to gain a deeper understanding of what it is.

    Leave a Comment Below

    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.

    Join the Team

    Interested in writing for the Bible Reading Plan? Email [email protected].

  • 1 Thessalonians 3

    1 Thessalonians 3

    Read 1 Thessalonians 3

    3 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

    Timothy’s Encouraging Report

    6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

    11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

    Go Deeper

    Paul longs to see the Thessalonians again but there is someone stopping him: Satan (1 Thessalonians 2:18). The church was dealing with continuous persecution, and he is afraid that Satan’s tactics have taken root and distracted the church. In suffering, Christ followers are to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7) knowing that God has something better in front of us (Romans 8:18). In other words, we have to be anchored and rooted in God’s eternal promise. In order to assess their spiritual health, despite his direct inability to go, Paul trains, equips, and sends Timothy. Timothy is to go establish and exhort them in their faith so that no one is “tempted and labors in vain”. If the enemy cannot keep us from eternal life with Jesus, he will distract us from experiencing that eternal life here and now (John 10:10, 14:6).

    Paul was not simply content with them coming to salvation. He wanted them to grow in their faith, too. He knew well that no one stays stagnant in their faith. The writer of Hebrews wrote, “You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:12-14). 

    Timothy returns with good news: the church is marked by faith and love. Their faith had indeed taken root and Paul simply rejoiced at God’s work in their lives. He desires to see them again and begins to pray for them. Of all the things Paul could have prayed for them, he prays for increasing love and confidence. “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” Love for one another is not something that can be fabricated by will power–it is drawn from the deep well of God’s love. The deeper we grasp God’s love for us, the more we love from the overflow. God’s love revealed in Christ victory is what anchors believers amidst suffering.

    Questions

    1. Are you aware of Satan’s current schemes against you personally?
    2. Who in your life is going through a difficult season that you could encourage today?
    3. Are you actively praying for growth and perseverance for brothers and sisters in the faith? Why or why not?

    A Quote

    “Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us, we have to see it as something done by us.” – John Stott

    Leave a Comment Below

    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.

    Join the Team

    Interested in writing for the Bible Reading Plan? Email [email protected].

  • 1 Thessalonians 2

    1 Thessalonians 2

    Read 1 Thessalonians 2

    Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica

    2 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 7 Instead, we were like young children among you.

    Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

    13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews 15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentilesso that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.

    Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians

    17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our gloryand joy.

    Go Deeper

    Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is one of encouragement. It’s easy to see how deeply he cares about this body of believers and how eagerly he longs to see them again. In this chapter, Paul reminds his friends of his motive and method for preaching the Gospel in an effort to defend against criticism. He also reminds them of their eager reception of the Gospel to encourage them to stand firm in their faith. Let’s take a closer look at the method and reception of the Gospel in the following verses. 

    The Method

    • Not without results (v. 1)
    • In the midst of suffering and opposition, toil and hardship (v. 2, 9)
    • Not from error or impure motives or trickery (v. 3) but approved by God and entrusted with the gospel (v. 4)
    • Not seeking to please people, but God (v. 4, 6) 
    • Not with flattery or greed (v. 5)
    • With gentleness & care (v. 7-8) 
    • With integrity (v. 10)
    • With encouragement (v. 11-12)

    The Reception

    • Accepted not as human word, but God’s word (v. 13)
    • The word is at work in the lives of believers (v. 13)
    • Became imitators of God’s churches (v. 14)
    • Through suffering (v. 14)

    Both Paul and the Thessalonian church can be examples for us today. When we receive the good news of the Gospel, do we accept it as God’s Word? Is it at work in our lives? Have we become imitators of God’s church? And as we share the Gospel with others, are we doing it with integrity, gentleness, and encouragement? Are we sharing with others absent of pride, people pleasing, flattery, and greed? These are questions for us to ponder as we seek to not only be hearers of the word, but doers of the word also (James 1:22). 

    Verse 8 is a beautiful picture of the integration of evangelism and discipleship: “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” He shares the good news and he shows them the good news through his life. They get invited in to see first-hand what it looks like to live a life worthy of God.

    Questions

    1. How did you respond to the Gospel when you first heard it? Compare your experience to the reception of the Gospel by the Thessalonians described in this chapter.
    2. Is there someone you could share the Gospel with today using the example, motive, and method of Paul seen here?
    3. Who has a window into your life? Think of someone you share not only the Gospel with, but your own life as well? If no one comes to mind, spend some time praying and asking God who He might want you to extend this invitation to.

    By the Way

    Acts 17:1-9 provides some background on the start of the church at Thessalonica:

    “1 When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.

    5 But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, 7 and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” 8 When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. 9 Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.”

    Leave a Comment Below

    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.

    Join the Team

    Interested in writing for the Bible Reading Plan? Email [email protected].