# 12 2019. Dev. I Th.2:19. Joy in the Lord! Read Ch. 2:17 though Ch. 3. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw Gremar and I closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.
Thessalonians 2:19 ““For what is our hope, our joy, or the crownin which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our gloryand joy.”
Paul’s concern for the new converts in Thessalonica is evident in this passage. He wants to return to them but is prevented by Satan, in what way we are not told. Perhaps his return, as the leader of the group, was too dangerous for the new church, given the apparent intense persecution going on. Yet, Paul wanted to encourage them and have some news of what was going on with them, so Paul sent Timothy. Timothy returned with “good news about your faith and love”. Paul writes: “How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?10 Night and day we praymost earnestly that we may see you againand supply what is lacking in your faith.” That is what Paul is concerned about.
What do we take away from this passage?
Pray. The beginning of outreach is prayer; pray for the person or persons you are led to impact for Christ. Pray for yourself, ask for the discernment, for opportunities to speak the Good News and for the power of the Holy Spirit in your life and in the life of those turning to Christ.
Temptation. Understand that Satan will oppose you and try to lead you and the person or persons you pray for, astray. Temptation is subtle and insidious in our culture today; as it is, Satan is not seen as a threat, or believed to be a personal being, yet, what is wicked or evil is still recognized by most people.
Perseverance. Sign up for the long haul, know that faith grows and is strengthen over time and by opposition. Further, new believers have many questions about the scriptures and sometimes about their perception of churches and some purported Christians.
Joy. I think that the spiritual impact of new believers on the church and on those working with those turning to Christ is under estimated. Paul puts the spiritual impact back in focus: “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crownin which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our gloryand joy.” Think about that! Every follower of Jesus needs to again see the importance of reaching out for Christ in terms of the huge spiritual impact and benefit for churches and individuals. What really defines the Church and us as Christians spiritually? The missional focused church and missional focused Christians, they are the true followers of Jesus and are blessed with Joy!
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