Walk This Way?
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
As we approach the final chapter of 1 Thessalonians, we will begin the sermon reflecting upon some of the key blessings from the letter: (1) the reality that not only is God incredibly gracious and loving by sending his one and only Son to die for us, but even our ability to respond and believe in this is by God's grace (1.2-10); (2) because we are in Christ, God's heart toward us is like a parent who longs for his children (2.7, 11); (3) God is the one who will guarantee that all those who are in Christ will abound in love and grow in holiness (3.11-4.12); and (4) because we are in Christ, we have hope that we will be glorified on the day of resurrection, which gives us assurance even as we experience our daily struggles (4.13-18)!
This week, we will focus once again on having an eternal perspective. Last week, the emphasis was that an eternal perspective can give us assurance and hope as we experience our everyday struggles. However, this week, the specific point is that an eternal perspective should cause us to have a sense of urgency in the way that we live our lives. It is because Jesus's return is imminent and unexpected (5.2-3) that we should live with a sense of purpose (5.6-7). This teaching should challenge us to think about the way we live our lives, particularly how we use the resource of time, money, and passion. Additionally, it should lead us to be vigilant in living a life of faith, love, and hope (5.8).
All of this should lead us to repent since oftentimes, we are not living with this sense of purpose, urgency, faith, love, or hope. While we do this, however, we should also appreciate how our ability to live rightly is once again based on God's grace! It is only because our identity has been changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ (5.5, 8) and because God has destined us to be in Christ (5.9-10) that we will progressively live rightly. I will flesh this out some more by illustrating how Christ is the ultimate example of living a life of purpose, urgency, faith, love, and hope. But Christ is not merely an example. He lived like this in order for his perfect life to be attributed to us! Thus, the way that Christ lived has been imputed into us, while his Spirit is gradually conforming us so that his lifestyle is a reality in our own lives!
Questions:
1. Spend some time reflecting upon the blessings outlined in 1 Thessalonians from our sermon series so far. Which one(s) has been particularly relevant for you and why?
The reality that not only is God incredibly gracious and loving by sending his one and only Son to die for us, but even our ability to respond and believe in this is by God's grace (1.2-10)
Because we are in Christ, God's heart toward us is like a parent who longs for his children (2.7, 11)
God is the one who will guarantee that all those who are in Christ will abound in love and grow in holiness (3.11-4.12)
Because we are in Christ, we have hope that we will be glorified on the day of resurrection, which gives us assurance even as we experience our daily struggles (4.13-18)
Other: _____________
2. Paul reminds us that an eternal perspective should compel us to live with greater urgency, purpose, faith, love, and hope (5.6-8). Based on this passage, what ultimately enables us to live like this? How does this provide encouragement for you?
3. Many of us might have grown up in the church, viewing Jesus as an example that we need to follow. This sermon emphasized more the reality of our union with Christ. What does this mean? And how can this make a practical difference in your everyday life?
4. Are there specific areas of your life that this sermon has led you into repentance? Share with one another as a prayer request.
