The first letter Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church read like a love letter. He happily remembered their faith and wanted to help them maintain that faith. The report Timothy brought back to Paul about the church was encouraging indeed.
While Paul was pleased with the report, he shared his heartfelt concern with the Thessalonians in his first letter. This concern centered around two areas of the Christian faith: living to please God and the return of the Lord Jesus.
First, Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to live a sanctified (holy) life, a life of love, and a simple life (quiet, minding your own business, hard work, and respect). Paul often connects our faith and the need to live out that faith. Living the Christian life, in the mind of Paul, was just an extension of the faith of any believer.
Second, Paul reminded them of the eminent return of Jesus. His instructions on how the living and dead saints will join Him in the air is only the backdrop for his real focus. Paul wanted the church to not forget that Jesus will come back "like a thief in the night." This expectation bounded the need for living the Christian life by declaring Jesus' promise to take them out of this difficult life and warning them that Jesus will show up at any time to check on their labors.
Following this letter, Paul writes his second letter to the church at Thessalonica. Our sermon on June 30 will focus upon our faith and the justice of God.
Questions: How do you see the mercy and justice of God realized in our world? How would you explain how God is both merciful and just to a child? How have you come to accept God's justice in your life?
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