Pleasing God More And More
BRD REFLECTIONS
1 Thessalonians 4 and Psalm 112 (NIV)
(Dr Saw Seang Mei, Zone 10 Leader, Small Group Ministry)
READ:
1 Thessalonians 4 and Psalm 112 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul urges us to walk in the will of God and to please Him more and more. Paul reminds us to control our bodies in holiness, and not in impurity or passionate lust. As God has taught us brotherly love, we should continue to show more love to one another. In v11-12, we are taught to live a quiet life, minding our own affairs and to work hard. These warnings are urgent as Jesus will come again from heaven with a “cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first” (v16b). Those alive will be raised up with Jesus. “And so we will be with the Lord forever” (v17b). This encourages us and gives us hope.
APPLY:
I am living in urgent times as Jesus will come again and I should be prepared. This passage teaches me how to walk in a manner pleasing to God not just as I am now, but “that you do so more and more” (v1b). God has called me to walk in His will, to turn away from sin, and to be holy in His sight. I am reminded to show more love to those around me including my family, colleagues, friends, church and ministry friends. These commandments steer me towards the Lord who is my rock and refuge.
DO:
I want to live a life that is pleasing in God’s sight and will ask for the Holy Spirit to help me. As I pursue purity and holiness, I will have to make a deliberate effort to turn away from sin. As God has shown His great Love to me, I want to show the same love, generosity and kindness to others. This passage has also taught me to lead a quiet life, away from worldly hype and glitter, but deep in His ways. How is my current walk with God and am I willing to obey and please Him more? As God has instructed me, I will have to obey. “Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments!” Psalm 112:1.
PRAY:
Dear Lord, I praise you Lord as you are Loving, Holy and Worthy. You give me hope every day and I thank you for your many provisions in my life. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit to empower me to live a holy life and prompt me not to sin. Give me a loving big heart just like Yours and show me each step of the way how I can show love and mercy to others. I want to trust you more, Lord. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
