November 1

1 Thessalonians 1

The Thessalonians follow Paul’s life example and grow to spiritual maturity.

INSIGHT

Because the Christian life is more easily caught than taught, personal godliness is a powerful ministry tool, and imitation is a powerful tool for spiritual growth. Paul gave the Thessalonians not just the words of the Gospel, but also his very life – “you know what kind of men we were among you” (v. 5). The Thessalonian believers witnessed Paul’s life and imitated him, which resulted in spiritual growth for them – “you became followers of us” (v. 6). As a result, they became an example to the Macedonians and Achaians. This pattern of “life-on-life” ministry was first demonstrated by our Lord. Jesus selected 12 men “that they might be with Him” (Mark 3:14). Take a moment to think about how you can learn from or teach someone else in a mentoring relationship.

PRAYER

Praise God that He is our perfect example:
Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our
Father, forever and ever.
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness,
The power and the glory,
The victory and the majesty;
For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;
Yours is the kingdom, O Lord,
And You are exalted as head over all.
(1 Chronicles 29:10-11)

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Now pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy…
As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.
(Psalm 103:8, 13-14)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
We are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
(2 Corinthians 5:6-8)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Health and strength to serve Him
• His will to be done in your life
• Whatever else is on your heart

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
May the God of peace…make you complete in every good work to do His will.
(Hebrews 13:20-21)