Today’s Devotion
Topic: Guidelines For Practical Christianity
(Self Assessment 165)
Background:
The verses below are Paul’s general instructions to the Thessalonian church. He doesn’t elaborate; he just mentions what should or should not be done by the people who belong to God. This morning, we encourage you to meditate on them for an indepth revelation as to why the body of Christ must practice these things or do otherwise.
Text: 1 Thess. 5: 14- 18
14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Amen
Questions:
1. Why do you think Apostle Paul asked the church in Thessalonica to warn those members that were idle and lazy? In what ways can being idle affect our Christian walk?
2. Why is it important for the church to encourage the disheartened and help the weak?
3. Apostle Paul encourages us all to be patient with everyone. Why is it necessary for us to do so as believers?
4. He also emphasized that we should ensure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Why?
5. Why must we, as believers, rejoice always? Is it even possible to do so in today’s world?
6. Why must believers pray without ceasing? Practically, how possible is that?
7. Finally, Paul urges us to ‘give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus.’ Kindly explain how a Christian can fulfill this command when terrible things are happening to him/her.
8. What have you learnt from today’s discussion?
Kindly reply through this same social media platform (Facebook & WhatsApp). We learn a great deal from the answers you share with us.
(www.yonghana.org; Like our Facebook page: Y OUTREACH NETWORK)
