BAD FUTURE, GOOD FUTURE
Read it
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.”
Discover It
It’s been said that life is like driving down the road, but the only reference point is the rear-view mirror. We live our lives not knowing what is ahead, but only what has happened in the past. But the Lord, who knows the future, can pilot your life. And through Jesus, no matter what our present situation, the future is bright for those who embrace Christ as Savior and Lord. A bad future of wrath can instantaneously change to one of hope and goodness. The difference is what you do with Jesus.
Ask It
1. In verse 9, Paul writes to the Thessalonian church about two “appointments.” Unbelievers have an appointment with wrath, and believers in Christ have an appointment with salvation through Jesus Christ. What do you think the future holds for you? Wrath or salvation? Why?
2. In verse 10, Paul writes about Jesus, “He died for us.” What does it mean for Jesus to die for us? (Hint: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)
3. Also in verse 10, Paul mentions about believers in Christ, “whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.” Christians who have died as well as Christians who are alive when Jesus comes again will live together with Him forever in heaven. How does this make you feel about the future?
Live It
1. Heed These Verses! Make sure that you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Then you are guaranteed a future of salvation rather than a future of wrath.
2. Celebrate These Verses! If you are a believer in Jesus, you are assured of a delightful future with Jesus in heaven, forgiven and free. Celebrate and thank God!
2. Share These Verses! Think of someone, a family member or friend, whom you can share these verses with. Ask them if they have a future of wrath or a future of salvation through Jesus Christ. Then tell them the Good News of Jesus and offer to pray with them to receive Christ!
Pray It
Dear Lord of the past, present, and future. Thank you that the future is bright for all who have trusted you. As much as I know how, I trust you with my decisions and future. Help me to lean on you with all my heart instead of relying on my own imperfect understanding. Give me clear guidance in my life and I ask for your help to direct my path. Give me confidence that your direction is always the best way to go. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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