Sold Out
June 9
Are we grasping that whether in prison or on foot, Paul is sold out for his faith? If he was wandering around today we would probably give him a t-shirt which read: Encourager.
In chapter 5 he reminds me of a caring mother, who is dropping her freshman off at college and wondering if she has given that child all of life's important sustaining lessons! Change your sheets once a week, do not get caught alone with strangers, go to class and sit up front, eat fruits and vegetables...
Paul has walked both ways...with Christ and against him. He is willing to be imprisoned for the opportunity to share the truth with others.
Some of Paul's suggestions:
1) Avoid sexual immorality
2) Love each other
3) Be self-controlled
4) Encourage one another and build each other up.
5) Live in peace with each other
6) Warn those who are idle
7) Encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone
8) Make sure nobody pays back wrong for wrong
9) Do not put out the Spirit's fire, test everything, avoid every kind of evil
10)Be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.
Paul recognizes these believers are the future of the faith. He knows how quickly the tempter can snatch them away, so he wants to see the seeds of their faith take root and become securely planted. Ringing true still is the reality that God intended for the fellowship of believers to encourage one another. Who needs a lift from us today?
Are we grasping that whether in prison or on foot, Paul is sold out for his faith? If he was wandering around today we would probably give him a t-shirt which read: Encourager.
In chapter 5 he reminds me of a caring mother, who is dropping her freshman off at college and wondering if she has given that child all of life's important sustaining lessons! Change your sheets once a week, do not get caught alone with strangers, go to class and sit up front, eat fruits and vegetables...
Paul has walked both ways...with Christ and against him. He is willing to be imprisoned for the opportunity to share the truth with others.
Some of Paul's suggestions:
1) Avoid sexual immorality
2) Love each other
3) Be self-controlled
4) Encourage one another and build each other up.
5) Live in peace with each other
6) Warn those who are idle
7) Encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone
8) Make sure nobody pays back wrong for wrong
9) Do not put out the Spirit's fire, test everything, avoid every kind of evil
10)Be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.
Paul recognizes these believers are the future of the faith. He knows how quickly the tempter can snatch them away, so he wants to see the seeds of their faith take root and become securely planted. Ringing true still is the reality that God intended for the fellowship of believers to encourage one another. Who needs a lift from us today?
