You are Our Glory and Joy

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20. Paul says he is thankful to God continually for the Thessalonians. He was thankful that when he preached the gospel to them they received it. How did Paul know they received it?

They didn’t receive the gospel as mere words from a man, but as a message from God. The power of the gospel was evident in their lives. They received God’s Word as truth. They became followers of God. Not only were they followers, but they also spread the gospel as well.

The Thessalonians also suffered persecution for spreading the gospel. The Jews didn’t like the fact that the Gentiles (anyone who wasn’t Jewish) could come to know God without first becoming a Jew. There were those who not only persecuted the followers of Jesus, but also killed Jesus, by nailing Him to the cross. Paul tells them not to worry, because God would take care of those who persecuted them. Romans 12:19 reminds us of this, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

Paul talks of his great love for the Thessalonians, and his desire to see them again. Even though Paul desired to see the Thessalonians, he acknowledged that Satan had hindered him from coming again. Paul knew that even if he didn’t see them again here on this earth, he would see them in the presence of Jesus at His coming. Paul exhorts them by saying that they are his glory and joy.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

20 For ye are our glory and joy.

 

Things to think about:

• Have you received the gospel?

• How could Paul tell the Thessalonians had received the gospel?

• What did Paul tell the Thessalonians they were to him?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of 1 Thessalonians. Paul talks to the Thessalonians about how they believed and received Your Word. He tells them that it is evident through their actions that they believed the gospel which he preached to them as the true Word of God. Help us to have the same kind of faith and belief that the Thessalonians did. Paul tells them that they are his glory and joy. Lord, give us this kind of fellowship with other believers. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.

– 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

 

Featured Book:

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of 1 Thessalonians by Deborah H. Bateman. The Book of 1 Thessalonians is from the New Testament of the Bible. It’s a letter from Paul, Silas, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians.

Paul established the church of Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. It was known throughout the land that the Thessalonians had great faith in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul loved the Thessalonians. He had a great concern for the Thessalonians and desired to see them again. But, since Paul couldn’t go see them he sent Timothy to encourage them in the faith.

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians contains eight Bible lessons which can be used for personal of group Bible studies. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer to go along with the lesson. Our desire is that this book will help you to have a better understanding of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

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Deborah

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