1 Thessalonians 5
John Piper wants us to more broadly view v16-18 to include v15 as he believes it provides important context. In the post I reference, Piper writes that v15 "is a radical call to counter intuitive, counter cultural love. Don’t repay people evil for evil. Do good to everyone always." He goes on to state that Paul wants us to "rejoice always" and that this "is not the kind of emotional response one would ordinarily have to being mistreated and treating others better than we are treated". Finally, Piper states that we can rejoice and be thankful always - even in the face of persecution - by praying and by being "in a continual disposition of thankfulness to God".
Piper than gives us greater insight into how we can pray and be in a "continual disposition of thankfulness to God".
In particular I am encouraged to set aside specific times of day for prayer and to create habits of prayer - much like Daniel's three times a day (see Daniel 6).
I am grateful for John Piper's insights into Paul's letter to the Thessalonians.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are worthy of thanks, praise and prayer as You are the source of life and all good things. You have blessed me beyond what I deserve and my cup runs over. Thank You Jesus. Yet again I am not deserving. I sin...daily. Please forgive me Jesus 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.
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. v15-18
John Piper wants us to more broadly view v16-18 to include v15 as he believes it provides important context. In the post I reference, Piper writes that v15 "is a radical call to counter intuitive, counter cultural love. Don’t repay people evil for evil. Do good to everyone always." He goes on to state that Paul wants us to "rejoice always" and that this "is not the kind of emotional response one would ordinarily have to being mistreated and treating others better than we are treated". Finally, Piper states that we can rejoice and be thankful always - even in the face of persecution - by praying and by being "in a continual disposition of thankfulness to God".
Piper than gives us greater insight into how we can pray and be in a "continual disposition of thankfulness to God".
In particular I am encouraged to set aside specific times of day for prayer and to create habits of prayer - much like Daniel's three times a day (see Daniel 6).
I am grateful for John Piper's insights into Paul's letter to the Thessalonians.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are worthy of thanks, praise and prayer as You are the source of life and all good things. You have blessed me beyond what I deserve and my cup runs over. Thank You Jesus. Yet again I am not deserving. I sin...daily. Please forgive me Jesus 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.
