1 Thessalonians 1:6 - So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord.
How can a convicting message, a message that calls us to turn our lives around (1 Thessalonians 1:8-10), bring joy in the middle of suffering?
First, that message is true.
Second, that message points us to a better way, a way that leads to glory that is far greater than any suffering now could possibly be (Romans 8:17-18).
Third, that message comes accompanied by the ultimate Message-Giver, the Holy Spirit. Joy is inspired, produced, and sustained by the Holy Spirit.
Bible Promises
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.
All Times
Zeal-At all Times
Galatians 4:18
It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.
Matthew 9:12
“On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."
Why did Jesus associate with sinners? Because we need him to associate with us! What's the most crucial part of that truth: Jesus' desire to save or our recognition of our sinfulness? Of course the most crucial part is Jesus' desire to save because without him, recognizing our sinfulness would only lead to despair.
But without recognizing our need for his grace, his sacrifice for us is lost. So let's praise Jesus as our loving and sacrificial Savior, but let's also acknowledge our need for his merciful and mighty grace!
How can a convicting message, a message that calls us to turn our lives around (1 Thessalonians 1:8-10), bring joy in the middle of suffering?
First, that message is true.
Second, that message points us to a better way, a way that leads to glory that is far greater than any suffering now could possibly be (Romans 8:17-18).
Third, that message comes accompanied by the ultimate Message-Giver, the Holy Spirit. Joy is inspired, produced, and sustained by the Holy Spirit.
Bible Promises
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.
All Times
Zeal-At all Times
Galatians 4:18
It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.
Matthew 9:12
“On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."
Why did Jesus associate with sinners? Because we need him to associate with us! What's the most crucial part of that truth: Jesus' desire to save or our recognition of our sinfulness? Of course the most crucial part is Jesus' desire to save because without him, recognizing our sinfulness would only lead to despair.
But without recognizing our need for his grace, his sacrifice for us is lost. So let's praise Jesus as our loving and sacrificial Savior, but let's also acknowledge our need for his merciful and mighty grace!
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