Submitted by Christine Chang, Gracepoint Hsinchu What can I learn from the fact that Apostle Paul uses different words—“warn,” “encourage,” and “help”–in advising the Thessalonians on how to minister to those who are “idle,” ‘timid,” or “weak”? I learn that in order for there to be a change in those who are idle, timid, and [...]
1 Thessalonians 4 Devotion Sharing
Submitted by Andy Tung, Gracepoint Hsinchu What about Christian life can be learned from Apostle Paul’s exhortation to the Thessalonians to do “more and more” of what they were already doing? So much of growth in life comes through repetition and continued faithfulness to something. If I want to get good at an instrument, I [...]
1 Thessalonians 5 Commentary
vv.1-2 “Times and Dates” As to when the Day will occur, Paul writes that there is nothing more he can say on the point (“we do not need to write you”), since the Thessalonians already “know very well” the only thing one needs to know about “when” it will occur: It “will come like a [...]
1 Thessalonians 3 Devotion Sharing
Submitted By Grace Kim, Gracepoint Berkeley What is the heart of Apostle Paul towards the Thessalonians? Apostle Paul’s heart is that of intense concern with the Thessalonians in what they have been going through. Even though Paul is not physically present with them, as he hears about their trials & persecutions, he is deeply concerned [...]
1 Thessalonians 4 Commentary
v.3 “Being sanctified or made holy is the process of living the Christian life. The Holy Spirit works in us, conforming us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).”[1] vv.9-10 “As exemplary as the Thessalonians had been (1:3; 3:6), however, further progress remained a goal for them (3:12). […] More love is always possible for [...]
1 Thessalonians 3 Commentary
vv.1-5 Almost from the time Paul arrived in Thessalonica, the believers had experienced “trials” as a result of their conversion to Christianity. Indeed, Paul took it for granted (to the extent that he prophesied ahead of time, 3:4) that they would experience affliction to one degree or another, simply as a result of declaring their [...]
Devotion Time: July 19 – July 25, 2010
Here is the recommended personal devotions schedule. Monday to Thursday For each weekday, from Monday to Thursday, – Read the assigned text several times – Do Inductive Bible Study using the questions and prompts provided in the downloadable packet – Personal Reflection based on the questions in the packet. Friday to Sunday Read the assigned Old [...]
1 Thessalonians 2 Devotion Sharing
Submitted by Kenny Choi, Gracepoint Berkeley What was Apostle Paul’s view of himself? Apostle Paul’s view of himself was that of a parent to the Thessalonians. This passage oozes of his love for the church at Thessalonica, as parents would naturally and instinctively do for their own children. He risked so much, enduring suffering and [...]
1 Thessalonians 2 Commentary
v.2 “In Philippi, Paul and Silas had been beaten and severely flogged; they had been put in prison with their feet in stocks (Ac 16:22-24) and cruelly mistreated because they had rescued a slave girl in the name of Jesus Christ. They had also been insulted by being arrested unjustly, stripped of their clothes, and [...]
1 Thessalonians 1 Devotion Sharing
Submitted by Esther Kang, Gracepoint Berkeley What are the reasons that Apostle Paul states that the Thessalonians are loved by God? God chose them and made the GOSPEL come to them not simply with words BUT also with POWER, with the Holy Spirit and with DEEP CONVICTION. This view of love changes our perspective on what [...]