April 7th, Tuesday: 1 Thessalonians 5 - 2 Thess 1

1 Thes 5

False peace.

The day of the Lord is that time when the Lord will pour out His wrath on the world.

It is coming.

God's people have been saved from wrath, so they need not worry.

But the lost world will be caught at a time when they think they are secure.

You be ready for Christ's coming?

God's people must be sober and live and walk in the light.

Family peace.

The local church fellowship should reflect God's peace.

And it will if God's people obey authority.

Minister to one another and submit to the Spirit of God.

Verse 21 emphasizes the positive, and verse 22 the negative.

And both are important.

Faithful peace.

Holiness and peace go together, for the God who quiets the heart also cleanses the heart.

A disturbed heart is sometimes evidence of unconfessed sin.

God is faithful.

Let Him bring purity and peace to your heart.

2 Thes 1

Along with persecutions on the outside, the church was facing problems on the inside.

Some people were suffering great trials for their faith.

Others had quit working and were idlers.

Still others were harboring the wrong idea that they were experiencing the day of the Lord.

Paul wrote this letter to encourage the suffering, enlighten the confused, and warn the careless.

In times of trial, the essential thing is your faith.

God will see you through.

So trust His promises.

Remember that others are watching you, and you can encourage them.

You may be tempted to fight back.

But leave that to the Lord.

The lost will be eternally separated from God's glory, while the saved will bring glory to the Lord.

Meanwhile, be sure that God is glorified by your life today.