[Practical Application Review – Week 38]
Greetings,
We continue our journey of exploring all 260 chapters of the New Testament, five (5) chapters each week. Let us finish 1 Thessalonians and start 2 Thessalonians.
Schedule – Week 38:
Please read and/or listen to 1 Thessalonians 4, 5 and 2 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: 1 Thessalonians 4
Passage: (vv. 11-12)
Teaching: We should endeavor to quietly conduct our business and work with our own hands. May we lead a good life and set an example for others, while not having to depend on anyone for our provisions.
Application: Thanks to God, I have the health and ability to produce positive results. I enjoy paying my own way and wish prosperity for all around me. May I earn more to help those who are struggling within my circle of influence.
Text #2: 1 Thessalonians 5
Passage: (vv. 22-23)
Teaching: Abstain from every sort of evil. May God sanctify and preserve your spirit, soul and body without blemish until the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Application: I live in a world full of distractions, though I can refocus on Jesus. He is the One who gave His all for me. So, I can do no less for Him.
Text #3: 2 Thessalonians 1
Passage: (vv. 3-4)
Teaching: We are bound to give thanks to God for you. Your faith grows exceedingly and the love of all of you for one another increases. You even endure persecution and tribulation through faith and patience.
Application: Even in the modern time, may we learn to increase our love toward each other. All Christians should enjoy both giving and receiving. May we be careful to prepare ourselves for harder times.
Text #4: 2 Thessalonians 2
Passage: (vv. 1-4)
Teaching: Let us consider the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together with Him. Be careful not to be deceived. A rebellion and the son of perdition is to be revealed beforehand.
Application: I desire to look to my Lord and Savior each and every single day. Though I get impatient at times, I must share my faith with the lost until everything is completed and Jesus returns for His followers.
Text #5: 2 Thessalonians 3
Passage: (vv. 7-9)
Teaching: You know well how you ought to imitate us. We worked with hard labor and toiled night and day. We did so to make ourselves an example for you to follow.
Application: I admire servants in ministry who are willing to work to pay their own way. Some of us need to lead by example. I desire to personally live and teach others this same path.
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo