Temptation. It's a word that triggers differently for each person, yet the same for so many of us. We're not alone in our experiences fighting temptation, nor are we alone in failing to resist it. All of us, every one of us, struggles with temptation. Mark 14:38 tells us clearly how to fight temptation and seek renewal.
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
The thing about temptation is that Satan knows what you struggle with and will exploit it, and he also knows that we so often rely on our own fleshly strength to resist it, which means we fail to resist an awful lot. Only when we trust the spirit God has given us, His Spirit He has filled us with, to fight these temptations and give us His strength can we do so.
Pin me for later!
We must remain watchful of Satan's schemes, and pray for God to fill us again and again with all we lack on our own to fight against temptation. Through this watching and praying we grow closer to Him, stronger against sin, and deeper in our faith. Keep watching, keep praying, keep trusting His Spirit to resist the temptations that lure you into sin.
This is a personal letter but was intended to be shared with the Colossian church as well to encourage Christian charity in all of their relationships.
A picture of what Christ did for us in paying our debt of sin, and Paul’s intercession is analogous to Christ’s ongoing intercession for us.
Emphasizes that in Christ there is neither slave nor free, and displays the practical application of how the Holy Spirit is the One who baptizes all believers.
Grab your printable copy of this study!
Summary
Philemon is a tiny little letter from Paul to Philemon. Philemon was a slave owner who had recently converted to Christianity. He held church in his home in Colossae, although it is unclear if he housed the entire church or was a single location for the church in Colossae. Philemon had a slave that had run away and this is Paul’s letter to Philemon urging him to forgive his slave.
This is a valuable letter with themes that are incredibly relevant even today. Throughout this letter, we see a wonderful example of what Christ did for us in paying for our sins. We can be encouraged by the transforming love of Jesus that leads us in His ways to become more like Him and closer to God. There are also valuable lessons about Christian charity that all should take to heart.
Pin me for later!
Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Matthew 16:24 provides necessary instruction from Jesus that came right after Peter rebuked Jesus when He told the disciples about his upcoming death and resurrection. Jesus answered Peter in v. 23 ‘“Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”’
Jesus told Peter that he was a hindrance to Him because Peter was focusing on earthly things versus Heavenly things. He was in the way because he was focused on the wrong things.
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
How many times have you rebuked God for something you felt He had done wrong?
Maybe you have felt like He placed you in an unfair situation, led you to the wrong friends, the wrong spouse, the wrong place, the wrong timing, the short end of the stick.
You've maybe been tempted to cling to your own desires and plans instead of seeking His.
You might have put yourself before God, family, friends, strangers, or the needy.
Maybe you have sought what you wanted, only willing to make sacrifices for your own gains.
How does Matthew 16:24 teach us to react when life feels out of control?
Peter and the other disciples were told God’s plan. Instead of Peter accepting that it was God’s will he sought to take matters into his own hands as if he, a human being like you and I, could stop the plans of the Almighty God. Jesus then went on to teach them that to follow Jesus means to deny yourself, sacrifice your desires, carry the weight of your cross. It means to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and be willing to lay down your life for God’s will as Jesus was and Jesus did.
Pin me for later!
To follow Christ, we must be willing to sacrifice all that we have to serve and follow our Savior. He must come first, and our hearts and minds must stay focused on things of God. Don’t let the troubles, temptations, and things of this world hold you captive and prevent you from following His will for your life and sharing His Truth with the world. Surrender it all to Him, and follow Him willingly, denying yourself, and you will find yourself in following Christ.
Grab the free Easter reading plan when you subscribe to the mailing list!
Sometimes when I make a mistake, overreact, hurt someone, forget something, or blatantly sin I feel like a genuinely horrible person unworthy of God. It makes me feel unworthy of forgiveness from Him, or someone I've upset. I often feel like it can never be made right and I blame myself, overanalyze, and beat myself up. Sometimes I apologize immediately, and sometimes I stay angry and grow bitter. Other times I seek to fix it, and but occasionally I hide from it. Feeling so unworthy makes it difficult to bring it to God. Psalm 51:10 is one of my favorite verses for times such as this.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51 was written right after David had committed adultery with someone else's wife and then had the husband killed upon finding she was pregnant. The prophet Nathan then came to David to tell David to seek God and repent of his sins.
David didn't get offended at being called out or try to defend or excuse himself. He didn't lash out at Nathan for warning him and didn't try to hide his sin or hide from God.
When David realized his sin he went straight to God with a repentant heart and pleaded with God for forgiveness, asking God to "create in [him] a clean heart" and to "renew a right spirit within him." He did what we all need to do when we've messed up; humbly seek God, confess, repent, and surrender to Him knowing He is the only one that can purify and renew us.
Pin me for later!
Just as David sought God for renewal so should we.
Whatever you're struggling to bring to God, to confess, to surrender control of, to seek His help with, to do His way… I've been there, and so has every other human being. Today, seek the renewal of your spirit that only God can give. Come to Jesus, accept His sacrifice for your sins, accept His salvation, and rest in the Father.
Lay it all at His feet and allow Him to fill you up and renew you by His grace, mercy, and forgiveness over and over again. Never forget that forgiveness and renewal awaits all who come to Him in repentance.
Grab the free Easter reading plan when you subscribe to the mailing list!
Sometimes we need the reminder in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that all things have their season in this life, on this earth. We are but a blip on the radar in the eternity in which God resides. Sometimes this feels incredibly overwhelming; how could God possibly care about a speck like me? He cares because He created me, and He created me because He cares about me.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven;
There will be all kinds of seasons in our lives but one thing is certain through all of it. God cares about you and me so much that He created us. Knowing all our muck ups, mess-ups and sins He still chose to sacrifice His Son so we could receive the gift of salvation and be in a relationship with Him.
Pin me for later!
Does God know what I'm going through?
It is comforting to know that God is not unaware of the seasons in our lives. He is working it all out ahead of us. He knows the steps we will take, the doors He will open and close, and is already preparing us for it all.
Whatever season you are in right now God is using in some way to equip you for the next, and whatever seasons you have come out of you can likely pinpoint now how they helped you get to where you are.
We are not alone in the dark winters or our seasons of loneliness. Nor are we alone in our seasons of joy, of victory, or even our seasons of rest or contentment. God is with us, and He prepares and provides for every season we walk through as our Yahweh-Rohi; The Lord is my Shepherd, and our Yahweh-Yireh; The-Lord-will-Provide.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Sign up for the mailing list to Download our Free Balance reading plan and more!
If you are seeking better balance and priorities in your life, download and read through our free printable reading plan to encourage you in Biblical balance.
Romans was written to a mixed audience of Jews and gentiles. It challenges secular and pagan beliefs, as well as instills spiritual confidence in believers. This letter from Paul to the Romans is packed with his systemic defense for the gospel as well as encouragement and instruction in Christian living, Christian freedom, and ways in which we are called to present ourselves as followers of Jesus Christ.
Throughout the book of Romans, Paul provides vital wisdom, guidance, and testimony that is important for all Christians to take to heart. This is commonly known as an incredibly convicting book.
Pin me for later!
Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more aboutsalvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
The most common argument I have heard is “but what about those who have never heard of the gospel or of Jesus, or never read the Bible?” Enter Romans 1:18-32.
18 For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, 19 since what can be known[a] about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them.20 For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made.As a result, people are without excuse.21 For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles.
24 Therefore God delivered them over in the desires of their hearts to sexual impurity, so that their bodies were degraded among themselves. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served what has been created instead of the Creator, who is praised forever. Amen.
What does John 3:36 teach me about right priorities?
In Romans 1 we learn that our knowledge of God doesn’t begin when we read His Word. God makes Himself known to all mankind, His creation, and draws us to Himself, to His Word. God draws us to His Truth, His Son. Just because you have not read the gospel does not mean you have not had the opportunity to know and believe in the Son.
God has called every one of us to come to Him. Jesus goes on to explain this in the book of John, saying that “no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” God calls on every one of us to come to Him, whether we acknowledge Him, honor Him, worship Him, serve Him, believe in Him or not. We are all given the opportunity to believe in the Son.
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
As we all strive to find and create balance in our lives, we should reflect on Christ and what He came, lived, died, rose again, and ascended for.
God sent His Son to save you from the penalty of your sin so that you could be in a relationship with Him. He sent His Son so that we could choose eternal life rather than eternal separation from God as we all deserve.
He sent His Son to save us, to create the balance only He can create. Not balance as we define it, but balance the way only He can create it. Come to God and find peace, rest, strength, love, and grace. Lean into God and find all that your heart truly longs for and more. Surrender to your Heavenly Father who wants to care for you as His child. Seek God who has made the unthinkable sacrifice so that you could come to Him. Come to God in faith, believing in His Son whom He sent for you.
Sign up for the mailing list to Download our Free Balance reading plan and more!
If you are seeking better balance and priorities in your life, download and read through our free printable reading plan to encourage you in Biblical balance.
Lately, I have been getting really into planners. I have had an appreciation for them for a long time, but lately, I have had it on my heart to plan better. By this, I mean that God placed Proverbs 16:9 on my heart. I have started to become more aware of how I spend my time and work hard to make better use of my time in ways that He guides.
A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 NKJV
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9 ESV
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9 NIV
A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 CSB
A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them. Proverbs 16:9 AMP
Pin me for later!
How has Proverbs 16:9 helped me manage my time better?
God has been reminding me day after day that while I can fill up my planner with all kinds of things I want to do, ultimately He will be the One to determine what happens. I can plan to my heart’s content but His will be done no matter what I do or do not do, and He will provide all that is needed for His will to be done.
I’ve been noticing a better balance of tasks since I gave my planning over to God and let Him set my priorities. I’ve drastically reduced the tasks I really wanted to do that God indicated were not where I should focus. He has better things for me to spend my time doing.
In this, I have not only been able to start investing my time more effectively and efficiently, but He has given me time to rest, to have some fun, to spend with my family more, and focus better on the tasks that bring Him the most glory and honor.
How can you better plan your time?
This week I see a huge shift happening in my own schedule. It makes me wonder what would happen if more people gave God control of their plans, schedules, to-do lists so He can do what only He can. I wonder how many would find more satisfaction and less worry over what did and did not get done.
We are all called to prioritize God above all else, and through Proverbs 16:9 we see that even when we plan according to our own will, God’s will be done. Set your heart’s plans and desires on the Lord and He will make straight your paths for His glory and kingdom. He will provide the stepping stones, the resources, the time, the help. He is our Provider, our Way Maker, and our loving Heavenly Father.
Entrust your plans to His will and let Him lead the way each and every day.
Pin me for later!
Sign up for the mailing list to Download our Free Balance reading plan and more!
If you are seeking better balance and priorities in your life, download and read through our free printable reading plan to encourage you in Biblical balance.
One of the very first passages I ever read in the Bible was 1 Peter 4. It set me on a path to line my life up with Christ and how He calls me to live. I had been through a lot of pain in my life. God knew that 1 Peter was exactly what I needed.
I began seeking God out more often. Navigating the challenges of faith in God while living in a cruel world was lonely for a while. Again, 1 Peter was there to encourage me. God kept me going. I went through many tests at the beginning of my faith journey. This taught me that the testing would never really be over. The pain, trials, and changes were already making me stronger.
While praying for balance in our lives, the idea of suffering isn't something we'd like to include. Jesus teaches His followers that to rightly prioritize Him means that we will suffer, be insulted, and be tested for His sake. The balance comes when we stand firm in faith out of love for our Savior despite all this agony. We will find immense strength and blessings within our growing relationship with the Lord.
Pin me for later!
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a]
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
We belong to a God of promises and He is a promise keeper. Stand firm with Him and you will grow with every ache, pain, and trial you face in faith.
Pin me for later!
Sign up for the mailing list to Download our Free Balance reading plan and more!
If you are seeking better balance and priorities in your life, download and read through our free printable reading plan to encourage you in Biblical balance.
Life has been such a whirlwind that feels like a never-ending storm. Sometimes it feels like it is just chewing us up and spitting us out to chew us up again. I was encouraged by a word God had laid on my heart, inspired by Matthew 5:6, to focus on - balance.
Matthew 5 reminded me that we need to be hungering and thirsting for Him and His righteousness. We need to remain diligently focused on things above rather than the hectic circumstances around us. Balance can only be obtained when God is our number one focus and desire.
Pin me for later!
How can I pray for balance with Matthew 5:6?
Read through these verses, pray over the words, pinpoint the places that God might be speaking to you today. Where is God calling on you to seek His balance? His priorities? His intentions? Him?
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:3-12 NKJV
Pin me for later!
Jesus calls those who hunger and thirst for His righteousness “blessed” and says “they shall be filled”. Will you allow Him to fill you up, or will you fill yourself with worry, dissatisfaction, anxiety, frustrations, and impatience with things of this world?
Pray with me this month for balance in our lives, hearts, minds - as well as for our circumstances, our homes, families, communities, nations, and the world. Seek His balance for and in all things.
Sign up for the mailing list to Download our Free Balance reading plan and more!
If you are seeking better balance and priorities in your life, download and read through our free printable reading plan to encourage you in Biblical balance.
Who wrote the book of Galatians and who did they write it to?
The book of Galatians is a letter written to the churches within the region of Galatia.
When did the events of the book of Galatians happen?
If written to South Galatia on Paul’s first missionary journey it was written around 48-50 AD. If it was written to North Galatia in the second missionary journey it was written around 55-57 AD.
What is the setting for the book of Galatians?
It is clear that there were a lot of cultural and ethnic influences causing confusion and leading new believers into false teaching throughout the churches in Galatia.
Reaffirms the true gospel of Jesus and emphasizes the authenticity of Paul’s message.
Justification is by faith in Jesus rather than keeping the Law.
Declares Christian freedom from the Law and for service to God.
Provides guidelines for Christian living.
Explains the fruit of the Spirit, which are the attributes of God that Christians display as evidence of true faith in Christ as a result of walking in the Spirit.
Encourages Christians to fellowship, share burdens, walk in Christ together, and to not give up hope.
Summary
It is uncertain whether Paul wrote Galatians to North or South Galatia, making it unclear when he wrote it and at what point in his missionary journey. Regardless, it is clear that it was meant for all generations of God’s people.
There had been confusing teachings by Judiazers to new Christian converts about their legalistic teachings. As a result of this, Paul writes to the Galatians to encourage them in the truth of the gospel, the differences between the Law and the Gospel, justification by faith, explanation of faith and works, Christian liberty, walking in the Spirit, and so much more.
This letter is short yet packed with crucial guidance and wisdom for every follower of Jesus to learn and apply to their lives.
How does the Book of 2 Corinthians apply to my life?
After writing the letter of 1 Corinthians, a strong appeal for the Corinthians to correct their immoral conduct, the Corinthians were swayed by false apostles to reject Paul, who later wrote to rebuke them. This letter of 2 Corinthians is in response to their repentance after having rejected him.
Reaffirms Paul’s authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ.
Teaches correct intentions and motives for serving Jesus Christ.
Teaches that obedience to Christ includes respecting and submitting to His messengers;
Instructs how to discern between true and false messengers of the Lord.
2 Corinthians is an incredibly autobiographical, personal, and harsh letter from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church. He wrote this letter as he was traveling in Macedonia revisiting the churches he had established. After Paul wrote the letter of 1 Corinthians to the Corinthian church, Paul made a second trip to Corinth.
Some of the Corinthians rebelled against and rejected Paul, who then left Corinth discouraged, humiliated, and sorrowful. Paul mentions another letter sent to the Corinthians between the letters of 1 and 2 Corinthians that was disciplinary in nature. It was also regarding the rebellion and misconduct of the Corinthian church. After sending this letter with Titus to the church at Corinth, Paul later met back up with Titus who confirmed that most of the Corinthians were repentant but that some still opposed Paul.
His third letter, 2 Corinthians, was sent in response to Titus’ update and to prepare the Corinthians for Paul’s third visit to the church. He begins his letter in love and abruptly changes tone to an uncomfortable and harsh rebuke stressing the intention was to win their affection and devotion for Christ. He spends much of the letter defending his conduct, teaching correct motives for following Christ, stressing his example as a faithfulservant, reminding aboutobedience to Christ, and driving home the importance of selfless giving and generosity.
Who wrote 1 Corinthians and who did they write it to?
1 Corinthians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth.
When did the events of 1 Corinthians happen?
Paul wrote this letter in approximately 55-56 AD.
Where was the setting of 1 Corinthians?
Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthian church while in Ephesus. The Corinth church had been established by Paul in about 52 AD. Corinth was an important trade and commerce hub located in ancient Greece, and had a diverse population well-known for idolatry and sexual immorality.
Paul had left the Corinthian church under the leadership of Priscilla and Aquila in 53 AD, and later received reports of the Corinthians' immoral and idolatrous behavior.
Paul responds to two letters to address disturbing reports from the household of Chloe, and to answer questions from the Corinthians about marriage and singleness, as well as to provide additional instructions for the Corinthian Christians and future generations of Christians.
Teaches the importance of using all that God provides for the edification and building up of the Body of Christ.
Stresses that we should not focus on self-interest or competition, but should be united within the Body of Christ in order to bring God glory in all we do.
Teaches the necessity of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and also about the resurrection of Christians.
Addresses the need for balance within our freedom in Christ while not using that freedom to cause others to stumble.
Summary
First Corinthians is a letter from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church. Corinth was a commerce hub between Italy and Asia and had many diverse travelers. Corinth had been ransacked in 146 B.C. by the Romans, rebuilt by Julius Caesar in 46 B.C. The city had been host to the renowned Isthmian Games which were second only to the Olympic Games.
The Corinthians worshiped Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. They even created plays that highlighted drunkenness and immorality. Their immorality was so well known that Aristophanes made popular the Greek term korinthiazomai which was a synonym for sexual immorality and means “to act like a Corinthian''.
Paul had left the Corinthian church under the leadership of Priscilla and Aquila in A.D. 53 and likely wrote this letter around A.D. 56. Paul had heard of some disturbing conduct by the Corinth Church, as well as some questions that he sought to answer and provide instruction for. Because of the drastic immorality within the church, Paul’s letter is extremely confrontational, yet filled with vital instructions and hope for all believers.
Written as a response to the Corinthian immorality seeping into the Church of Corinth, Paul addressed many heavy topics of concern that are still rampant in today’s culture. Christians in this century can benefit from relevant wisdom and warnings throughout 1 Corinthians.
Additionally, Paul encourages the Corinthians constantly in how they, as well as future generations of Christians, are to come alongside fellow believers. We can also learn how to be in relationship with nonbelievers and find a wealth of guidance in how to rightly fellowship throughout 1 Corinthians. This wisdom is just as relevant and vital now as it was when Paul wrote it.
Paul doesn’t mince words, and this letter can be either incredibly offensive or incredibly humbling. Either way, it should certainly be taken to heart by all and each warning should be seen as incredibly relevant to each and every one of us alive yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Who wrote the Books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians and who did they write it for?
The Apostle Paul wrote the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, which were letters to the church of Thessalonica.
When did the events of the Books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians happen?
Paul likely wrote First Thessalonians around 51 AD and Second Thessalonians around 51-52 AD. This would have been a couple of months after his first letter to the Thessalonians.
What is the setting of the Books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians?
Paul wrote these letters to the new church in Thessalonica. He likely wrote these letters while in Corinth after fleeing from Thessalonica due to persecution after establishing this new church.
What is the purpose of the Books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians?
Exhortation to remain faithful in pure Christian living (2 Thessalonians 3)
How does the Book of 1 and 2 Thessalonians apply to my life?
These are mentorship letters to new Christians and encouragement to mature Christians.
Written to a new church, and designed to edify new believers and encourage them in times of persecution.
Provides guidance to new believers on pure Christian living that is also relevant to mature Christians.
Helping new believers and reminding mature believers of core Christianconduct and hope of what is to come.
Encouragement for Christians to persevere even in times of immense and dangerous persecution.
Edification to Christians about the Second Coming of Christ and the Day of the Lord.
Grab your printable copy of this study!
Summary
1 and 2 Thessalonians are letters from the Apostle Paul to the church of Thessalonica. Thessalonica was a capital of the Roman province of Macedonia with a population of over 100,000. It had a harbor and was located on busy trade routes as well as the busy Egnatian Way. It was a free city, flourishing in trade and philosophy, that was governed by politarchs (Acts 17:6-8). The city was religiously committed to Greco-Roman pantheons, Egyptian cults, and imperial cults. There was also a large Jewish population.
Paul, Timothy, and Silas had previously preached in the Thessalonian synagogue and converted many of the Jews and pagans to Christianity. This led to Paul being charged with sedition against Caesar and being forced out of the city. He sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to check on the new believers because he was concerned about having left them so prematurely.
Timothy returned to Paul from Thessalonica with questions from the Thessalonian church. 1 Thessalonians is the first letter Paul wrote to the church of Thessalonica to patiently answer their many questions as a new church. Paul's goal was to encourage them to continue being faithful and obedient to Christ, even in times of trouble and persecution.
Breakdown
Paul opens his letter addressing the church of Thessalonica as a body of believers, versus as individuals. He begins by expressing the main concepts of faith in Christ. Throughout the letter, Paul focuses on reinforcing the basic gospel message and gives them, and future generations of believers, intimate instructions for their faith and practical applications for spiritual truth as new believers.
Paul also affirms that while new believers can obtain lots of practical guidance in their faith, mature believers can also learn how to mentor newer believers. He encourages all Christians to constantly be growing in relationship with God and to continue to become more like Christ.
Paul opens his second letter to the Thessalonians similarly to his first. He acknowledges himself as its author and identifies his companions. Some confusion had arisen from Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians and he wrote this second letter to correct misunderstandings and combat some false teachings that had come up in the church.
1 Thessalonians teaches the imminent return of Christ, while 2 Thessalonians explains events that will happen before Christ returns. A common theme in both letters is to educate and encourage believers of the hope found in the Second Coming of Christ. This message continues to encourage Christians today that the Second Coming of Christ and the Day of the Lord draw nearer every day.
The reputation of the Thessalonians as faithful in times of persecution had been spreading, and Paul expressed his pleasure and gratitude for their growing faith. Paul closes his second letter to Thessalonica with encouragement in how these and future new believers can honor and glorify God in daily living in order to continue to become more like Christ.
How 1 and 2 Thessalonians encourage new believers
New believers are encouraged to be constantly praying for others, that they may be used by God to spread His love, mercy, truth, and goodness far and wide, and that we likewise are used in this way. We should be unified in faith, encouraging one another, edifying each other in the Word of God, and setting a Christ-like example to those around us, both believers and nonbelievers. We should pray for those who persecute us, that even they be used in the will and purpose of God’s great plan, to be used for His honor and glory.
The Apostle Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians are packed full of wisdom for new believers, but also great encouragement and reminders for mature believers in coming alongside newer Christians, and bold guidance in how a Christian should conduct their life with Jesus. He reminds the people to stand together and be unafraid and unashamed of the persecution Christians face. We should be encouraged in the same manner today.
The book of Psalms is a praise and worship book for God’s people that teaches God is worthy of all praise, honor, glory, and worship in all circumstances.
Psalms display that God will defend His people against their enemies in the ways and times that He knows are right.
Psalms express that being in a relationship with God is the key to joy and security in life.
What are the different types of Psalms?
Royal Psalms:
Emphasize that God is King
Uses phrases such as “the Lord reigns”
Addresses God’s role and Creator, Savior, and Coming One
Psalms of Zion:
Focuses on Jerusalem using its endearing name, Zion
Emphasizes God’s choice for the city as His Holy temple
Penitential Psalms:
Poems that confess sins to, ask for, and receive forgiveness from the Lord
Poems of praise to God for renewal of relationships and forgiveness
Wisdom Psalms:
Often focuses on the same issues throughout Proverbs
Provides clear descriptions of the differences between righteous and wicked
Addresses God’s blessing and curses, focusing primarily on righteous living
Includes some focus on the Torah, identifying the beauty, truth, and sufficiency of God’s Law
Includes some focus on creation and history
Often calls for believers to praise God, identifying Him as Creator and Savior
Seeks renewed commitment to God, often in times of disorder and rebellion
Imprecatory Psalms:
Prayers that ask God to curse the wicked often believed to conflict with the gospel but actually reflect God’s abhorrence for sin and evil
Passover Psalms:
Also called the joyful and prophetic Psalms
Were a part of the Passover celebration in Judaism
Focus on the events of God delivering the Israelites from Egypt
Praise God, His character, and His divine saving works
Grab your printable copy of this study!
Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
I am a wife, mom, writer, crafter, and above all, a Child of God. I love to study the Bible, fellowship with other Christians, and serve God. I am thrilled to invite you to join me in seeking to satisfy our thirsty souls with the Living Water of Christ, which is what Water On Thirsty Land is here to do.
