CHOSEN
Read it
1 Thessalonians 1:4-5a
For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.
Discover It
Paul writes to the church in the city of Thessalonica, telling them that they were loved by God and chosen. In our younger days, many if not most folks have had the experience of choosing sides for teams to compete athletically. Oh, the anticipation as you wait to be chosen! “Will I be chosen?” “Will I be chosen last? “Will I be chosen at all?” And this letter was written to remove that anxiety. Paul writes to the Thessalonians that God has indeed chosen them for his team. It’s the winning team. And those who are on the Lord’s side are blessed and saved.
Ask It
1. In verse four, Paul tells the Thessalonians that they are “loved by God.” This means that there is a God, and that this God is a good God; a benevolent Lord who wants the best for His children. What does being, “loved by God” mean to you? (Hint: Compare this to the love of a parent).
2. Also in verse four, Paul writes to this church about God that, “He has chosen you.” What does it mean to you to be chosen by God? How does it feel to be chosen? What are the responsibilities of being chosen by the Lord?
3. In verse five, Paul tells the church in Thessalonica that the gospel (the good news of Jesus Christ), came to them with i_words, ii_with power, iii_with the Holy Spirit, and iv_with deep conviction. What do these four things indicate about the message of Jesus?
Live It
1. If you are a believer in Christ, you have been chosen by the power of God. Thank the Lord for choosing you!
2. If you are a follower of Jesus, it means someone has brought the message of Jesus to you. Now that you are chosen, yield yourself to God to take the Good News of Christ to someone else!
3. If you are truly a born-again Christian, you received the message of Christ with deep conviction from the Holy Spirit. Continue to have a soft heart toward the Lord. And when the Holy Spirit reveals any sin in your life, immediately repent, turn back to God, and accept God’s love, forgiveness, and power to change!
Pray It
Lord Jesus, thank You for choosing me, loving me, and saving me. Thank You also for calling me to serve you, and empowering those you call for service. Today I surrender to you anew, asking you to take me and use me mightily in this life until my fully surrendered heart joins you in my heavenly home forever. AMEN
Comments