AUGUST 13, 2015
Not Again!
God
from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit
and belief in the truth. — 2 Thessalonians 2:13
Read:
2
Thessalonians 2:13-17
As I was reading the text message on my mobile
phone, my temperature started to rise and my blood began to boil. I was on the
verge of shooting back a nasty message when an inner voice told me to cool down
and reply tomorrow. The next morning after a good night’s sleep, the issue that
had upset me so greatly seemed so trivial. I had blown it out of proportion
because I didn’t want to put another person’s interest before my own. I was
unwilling to inconvenience myself so I could help someone.
Regretfully, I am tempted to respond in anger more often than I would
like to admit. I constantly find myself having to put into practice familiar
Bible truths, such as “Be angry, and do not sin” (Eph. 4:26) and “Let each of
you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of
others” (Phil. 2:4).
Thankfully, God has given us His Spirit who will assist us in our battle
with our sin. The apostles Paul and Peter called it the “sanctifying work of
the Spirit” (2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2 niv). Without His power, we are
helpless and defeated; but with His power, we can have victory.
I’m grateful, Lord, that You are at work in
me. I want You to change my heart; please help me to listen and to cooperate
with You.
The growth of a saint is the work of a lifetime.
INSIGHT:
Paul’s letters to the church at Thessalonica
are among his most personal. In 1 Thessalonians, he expresses appreciation for
the believers who have continued the gospel work he had begun (ch. 1). Paul
describes his love for them in compassionate and caring terms (chs. 2–3) and
ultimately offers them hope and comfort regarding both the present and the
future (chs. 4–5). In his second letter, he continues with themes of care and
concern as he offers encouragement in hard times (ch. 1), clarity regarding the
Lord’s return (ch. 2), and wisdom for living out their faith (ch. 3).
Amazingly, this deep bond of care and love was formed in a mere 3 weeks—the
length of time Paul actually was with his friends at Thessalonica (see Acts
17:2). Bill Crowder
Source: Our Daily Bread 2015
