[Practical Application Review – Week 37]
Greetings,
We continue our journey of exploring all 260 chapters of the New Testament, five (5) chapters each week. Let us finish Colossians and start 1 Thessalonians.
Schedule – Week 37:
Please read and/or listen to Colossians 3, 4 and 1 Thessalonians 1, 2, 3
Even though reading and listening to the Bible being read is valuable, our primary goal is learning to live the Bible (to the best of our ability).
Consider our Practical Application Review process…
For “every” chapter:
Step 1: Select a passage of interest
Step 2: Identify area of teaching
Step 3: Consider a practical application
Now let us explore an example (of our three-step process) for each of these five chapters…
Text #1: Colossians 3
Passage: (vv. 5-11)
Teaching: Put off all the old sinful ways and put on new life through our Lord Jesus Christ. Remember, the wrath of God comes upon the children of disobedience.
Application: I consider myself a work-in-progress, even though some old ways seem to be completely past tense, others may attempt to resurface at times.
Text #2: Colossians 4
Passage: (vv. 5-6)
Teaching: Live wisely in peace with those outside the church and avoid offending. Let your conversation be gracious toward others, especially when answering them (about your faith).
Application: Fortunately, I have been able to connect with many people, including non-believers and those not active within a local church community.
Text #3: 1 Thessalonians 1
Passage: (vv. 2-3)
Teaching: Always remembering and thanking God for our fellow Christian believers. Mentioning before God their works of faith, labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Application: I enjoy interceding for my brothers and sisters (in Christ). May I never forget to tell Father God why I truly love each one of them so much.
Text #4: 1 Thessalonians 2
Passage: (vv. 17-20)
Teaching: Paul desired to see the Christian believers face-to-face but was unable to (because Satan hindered him).
Application: I believe it is very important for us to remain connected. Today, we have tech options to see and hear each other, even from a great distance (around the globe).
Text #5: 1 Thessalonians 3
Passage: (vv. 12-13)
Teaching: May the Lord increase and enrich your love toward one another and toward everyone. May He strengthen your hearts to be without blemish in holiness before God.
Application: I wish to set a stronger example of God’s love. First, toward those within the body of Christ. Second, to include even those who are not a part of the Christian faith.
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo