1 Thessalonians 4
Paul is pleased with the church in Thessalonica but just as God seeks spiritual growth in all of us, Paul is pushing the church to grow. Before I get into the specifics of where Paul seeks this growth, I am pausing today to focus on the general topic of spiritual growth. I have previously posted how growth is not an option (per John Piper). We are called to grow closer to God and become more like Him. This starts by assessing where we are and surrounding ourselves with others that can push us and support us in our areas of growth.
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:16
See also Growth, Growth and maturity in Christ, Renewal, spiritual growth, spiritual maturity, spiritual renewal, community, Encouragement, iron sharpens iron, Supporting and encouraging another believer.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God that has grown in my heart and life and blessed me beyond what I deserve - I have seen the miracles in my own eyes as have others - thank You Jesus. Yet again I am not deserving. I sin daily and I need Your cleansing and forgiveness - please help me, forgive me, and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. v1
Paul is pleased with the church in Thessalonica but just as God seeks spiritual growth in all of us, Paul is pushing the church to grow. Before I get into the specifics of where Paul seeks this growth, I am pausing today to focus on the general topic of spiritual growth. I have previously posted how growth is not an option (per John Piper). We are called to grow closer to God and become more like Him. This starts by assessing where we are and surrounding ourselves with others that can push us and support us in our areas of growth.
Therefore
let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken
forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from
acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rite, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. Hebrews 6:1-3
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:16
See also Growth, Growth and maturity in Christ, Renewal, spiritual growth, spiritual maturity, spiritual renewal, community, Encouragement, iron sharpens iron, Supporting and encouraging another believer.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God that has grown in my heart and life and blessed me beyond what I deserve - I have seen the miracles in my own eyes as have others - thank You Jesus. Yet again I am not deserving. I sin daily and I need Your cleansing and forgiveness - please help me, forgive me, and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
