Reflection Day: 1 Thessalonians

Now that you’ve finished going through 1 & 2 Thessalonians, take this day to go back and review what you’ve learned. Take this first of two reflection days to look back at 1 Thessalonians.

Read 1 Thessalonians

You’ve read all these passages before and looked into each of them in detail to discover what messages and big ideas God wanted Paul to convey. Now the question remains: Why did Paul write this letter? He is not just writing because he has nothing else to do; he has a purpose for writing. He is not just writing to the church in Thessalonica, but he writes to all followers of Christ back then, now, and in the future.

In chapter 1, you learned about a genuine, costly grace. Salvation leads to discipleship, and discipleship has a cost. Following Christ is no easy task; as true Christians, we are called to give up our entire lives to Christ. So often we give up only parts of our lives: the parts that are easy to give up, the ones that don’t hurt. This is not what Paul writes about. God intends for us to not to be lukewarm and half-hearted, but to wholly and completely devote our lives to God.

In chapter 2, you read about Paul’s ministry and reflected on your motives for service and for Christ. Why do you come to youth group? Why do you read these devotionals? Why do you play in the worship band? Paul sets an example of why we should serve God: not for ourselves, but to glorify God and to declare the Gospel.

In chapter 3, Paul talks about endurance and steadfastness. Through the struggles and adversities we face in life, God is with us. We are lost and weak, but God guides and strengthens us. Paul does not tell us to turn to worldly things or to ourselves for sustenance; only God can carry us through.

In chapter 4 verses 1-12, Paul talks about living a life pleasing to God. We please God when we live in a way that aligns with His will. What is His will for us? To honor and glorify Him in any and every part of our lives: actions, deeds, thoughts, words, relationships, everything. A life pleasing to God does not come from good works because good works without purpose are useful. A life pleasing to God comes through accepting Christ and giving up every aspect of our lives to glorify Him.

In verses 13-18 for chapter 4, we read about the second coming of Christ. Many people in the world have misconceptions about this day and fear this day, but this day gives us hope for those who follow Christ. Through all the thick and thin of this world we do not have to be dismayed because we are saved and will one day enter into heaven. The day when Christ comes again will be one full of joy and jubilee.

In chapter 5, Paul again talks about the second coming of Christ. He tells us to be awake and ready and not to be afraid. We are not destined for God’s wrath and hell, but we are destined for new life in heaven. God gives us eternal live! We are alive! Rejoice and be glad!

What is God trying to say to you through 1 Thessalonians? Is there one message Paul has for us that really sticks out to you? Take this time to pray and to honestly ask God how He wants to mold you and guide you as you continue to grow in your faith.