Foundations of Christian Life, Part 2 (Lessons from Paul) – 1&2 Thessalonians
The Christian Life
Paul goes on several times in his commendation of the Thessalonians. There were a couple of other things that stood out to me though, also as foundations of our Christian Life. Paul speaks of the word of God at work in believers, and he speaks of the power and joy of the Holy Spirit.
The Word of God at Work
Paul tells the Thessalonians that he thanks God that they received the word of God as that from God and not man and that the word of God is ‘at work in you who believe’ (1 Thess 2:13). Paul doesn’t say what that really looks like, though. But in Psalm 19, verses 7 and 8, we have more on the word of God and what it does within us. The psalm says it refreshes the soul, makes the simple wise, gives joy to the heart, and gives light to the eyes. The word of God touches our minds, our hearts and our souls. The work of God’s word is in every part of us, with nothing left out. If we feel like we are lacking in some area, we have the opportunity to open His word and study it, and as we know from God’s words in Isaiah 55:11 ‘It [my word] will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.’ The word of God works within us to accomplish what God intends for us, we need to delve into the word, eat from it and nourish our lives with it. Why leave behind such a blessing? This is a blessing we can claim daily and even hourly when we are in need, just by opening the word and reading it, or even listening to it online. It can and will work to refresh us, give us joy and wisdom and light.
The Power of the Holy Spirit
The other foundation of our lives as Christians that Paul speaks of is the power of the Holy Spirit which comes with the gospel and with conviction (1 Thess 1:5). The Holy Spirit fulfills many roles in our lives which begin with the conviction of our separation from God and the need for reconciliation through Christ Jesus. But the power of the Holy Spirit does not stop there. The power comes and dwells within us to transform us in Christ’s likeness. Paul talks about the instruction which comes from the Holy Spirit and how the Holy Spirit leads us in holy lives (1 Thess 4:8). It is the holy life, the life that is separate and different from others because of the presence of the Holy Spirit, that the Thessalonians were called to and stepped into when they heard and accepted the gospel. The power of the Holy Spirit helps them, leads them in prayer, sustains them, hopes with them. The Holy Spirit also gives them joy in their sufferings.
It is the word of God at work and the dwelling of the Holy Spirit within us that gave us the foundation of faith and produces within us the love that Paul so frequently speaks of. It is not unusual for young (recent) Christians to focus on Christ and his redeeming work. It is in the growth of that relationship and the understanding from the Holy Spirit and the word which lead then to the outward manifestations of faith, hope, love and perseverance because the root of those expressions is within us. We need merely invite the Holy Spirit to reveal itself and it will. When reading the word, we need only ask for direction and we will have it. However, these things are not superficial, and cannot be fleeting moments of time. There is a relationship which develops between us and God through the word and between us and Holy Spirit. But relationships deepen and strengthen only with time and dedication, prioritizing the relationship.
How to live in the Word and Spirit
So, how do we do that? Daily time in prayer and reading the word. Utilizing prayer journals or Bible studies can also help us, especially when we need direction or are unsure what and how to go about deepening the relationship with God whom we cannot see. We can follow devotionals, read a bible in a year plan or other systems. We can also make an appointment with him. Years ago, in a time when I yearned to know God, I sat with coffee in hand and read the word and prayed over my morning coffee. We can do any number of things; so long as we begin with inviting the Holy Spirit to guide us as we read and pray, we will move ever closer to Him.
I’m always interested in checking out new resources. What do you do to deepen your walk? Do you follow a reading plan or devotionals, won’t you share them with us?
There is also a free Prayer Journal immediate download available below.
