Reading Time: 4 minutes
Paul made two prayer requests. He asked the Thessalonians to pray that the gospel would spread rapidly and be honored. Paul also asked God to deliver him and his team from wicked and evil people who have no faith.
+The Lookout
July 31 | Application (‘Something Is Out of Whack in My Church’)
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Let’s be honest. A lot of local churches don’t operate well. It’s beautiful when they do—when the body of Christ functions with harmony and efficiency. But it’s rare to find a congregation where everyone is “speaking the truth in love” and aligned around a common mission.
July 31 | Discovery
Reading Time: 2 minutes
In 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9, Paul talked about being “a model for you to imitate.” What is one thing in your own life that is worth imitating?
July 24 | Be Strong Through Trials
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Paul gave the Thessalonians inspired advice about how to be strong through trials. It had to do with growing in faith and love, recognizing God’s judgment, and constantly praying.
July 24 | Application (‘It’s Messy on the Boat’)
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Some read the biblical account of Noah’s ark and treat it like a charming little children’s story, but imagine what it was like being cooped up with all those animals for months. . . .
July 24 | Discovery
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Read 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 4. If Paul were writing about you, what one thing in your spiritual life would he boast about?
July 17 | Be Alert for Christ’s Return
Reading Time: 4 minutes
This section on the return of Christ (beginning in 1 Thessalonians 4:13) is one of the longest in the New Testament. Evidently some of the believers felt as if those who had died before the return of Jesus would miss out on his second coming. Paul was writing to correct that fallacious thinking.
July 17 | Application (‘So What?’)
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Ask Christians if they believe in Jesus’ second coming, and most will say yes. But if we believe in the return of Christ, we must dare to ask, “So what?” The second coming deserves more than a passing nod. In practical terms, how does our expectation of Christ’s return shape our lives?
July 17 | Discovery
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Why did the church in Thessalonica so badly need encouragement?