Christmas time is defined by our expectations. As those few weeks at the end of the year approach, our minds are filled with anticipation of times to come:  family reunions, dinners, gifts, traditions, etc. A great holiday season can become a terrible one simply by missing a few key expectations, but then the opposite is also true.

As I look forward to the holiday season, my own mind is filled with expectations of flying home and seeing my family for the first time this year. Certainly expectations can make or break any experience.

Now as we turn again to our passage, we see that the stage is set for the birth of our Savior, the Messiah, God with us, the Lord Jesus Christ. After the extensive genealogy in the first chapter, Matthew tells us something we do not expect: “Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him’” (v. 1-2).

These magi, popularly known as the Wise Men, most likely were professional priests who made a living watching the stars and discerning “signs” from their movements. They came from the eastern lands, perhaps Arabia, Babylon or Persia (we have no way of knowing for certain) to worship the “king of the Jews” (v. 2). 

Who knows what these men, who were very important in their own land, expected as they approached Jerusalem. We certainly have no way of knowing, but we do have a reasonable idea of what King Herod expected upon hearing news of Christ’s birth. We see that he was seriously disturbed by this news, and called together “the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law” (v. 4) to find out where this Christ was to be born.

Herod, a man placed on the throne of Judea by devious political maneuvering, became instantly suspicious of the Christ, expecting a challenge to his political power. The text suggests “all Jerusalem” (v. 3) felt the same emotion as the suspicious Herod, but the writer is more likely referring to the religious and political establishment that ruled with Herod, and not the entire city of Jerusalem.

Again, expectations are driving the thoughts and actions of these people. We have seen that expectations are powerful, but what do they have to do with these magi and the rest of the story?

Herod further nurtures his suspicion by eventually enlisting the aid of the unwitting magi in finding the Christ, so that he can do with him as he wants.

With a warning by God in the form of a dream, the magi depart for Bethlehem with the guidance of their aforementioned star and find the Christ, the object of their expectations, in a house with his mother. Much time had passed since they first saw the star when they were still in the east, as much as two years. Yet these intrepid magi had finally found him, so they bowed low and worshipped him before departing for their homeland.

This depiction requires a measure of imagination in order to determine what the magi expected as they approached Bethlehem, when they were coming to find Jesus. Perhaps they were merely anticipating what the Lord desired to reveal to them, whatever it might be. After all, they had left their homeland and travelled far and wide to seek out a baby they had never met solely on the signal given by a star in the sky. What tremendous faith is found in such an unexpected place.

It is interesting that the king, the priests and the teachers of the law all were given news of the arrival of the Christ. Yet only the magi sought him out to give their worship, seeing as their decisions were motivated by their expectations. As for Herod and his aides, their self-centered expectations blinded them to the fact that their Savior had been born. Those same expectations also biased and blinded them through the remainder of Christ’s life.

As you and I hustle and bustle throughout the rest of the holiday season, perhaps we should re-examine our habits and realign our faulty expectations.

If we only expect our holidays to be a repeat of last year, that might be all we receive. Of course, those same expectations might also blind us to what God is preparing to do this year, just as Herod was ignorant to the workings of God in his own day. We always are seeking something during the holidays, even if that something is the expectations of last year.

As we’ve seen with the magi, God has been known to guide travelers, men and women looking for answers, unexpectedly toward those who can help. As we bustle about this year, and every year, perhaps we need to be on the lookout for the unexpected, for those who are lost and looking for an answer. After all, Christmas time is all about finding that one thing that has been missing all along.

The magi found what they were seeking, and this year God may be leading you to help an unexpected friend find what they are seeking too.

Questions to explore

• How has God spoken to you through unexpected ways?

• What must you do ensure that you are available to assist those in search of Christ?

I enjoy watching movies. I find amazing the fact that someone can take a series of still frames and make them appear to be in motion. Recently I watched a movie called Finding Neverland.  This movie is about J.M. Barrie and how he came to write one of the most beloved children’s stories of all time, Peter Pan. 

In the story, Barrie meets a group of three children in the park and befriends them. He also befriends their mother who is raising them on her own. Along the way, Barrie finds the inspiration for what would become Peter Pan. He also develops a bond with the family. At the end of the movie, the children’s mother passes away and Barrie takes the children in as his own.

The last sequence in the movie brings us to the point of this illustration. Barrie is sitting with the youngest child on a park bench directly after the funeral of the mother. During the conversation the young child asks the elder, “Why did this happen?” Barrie’s response is the most sensible in the situation and is the one humans in general say the most, “I do not know.”

Life really can be tumultuous. As humans, we are plagued by worries, physical pain and emotional duress. On the other hand, life can be marvelous. We have the great pleasure to witness and participate in great events that take place in our lives.

Obviously, we all prefer the latter. We much rather would experience the great times in life more than the stressful ones. The only problem is that conflicting and stressful times cannot be avoided in this life. So what do we do, especially as Christians?

In Matthew 25:31-46, we find Jesus completing a discourse of how the Kingdom of Heaven will be. The Scripture shows readers that when the Son of Man returns, he will come to separate the righteous and the unrighteous, or as the Scripture states, “the sheep from the goats.” Jesus also provides readers with a description of what a “sheep” does and what a “goat” does.

Jesus tells us that performing actions that tend to the needs of hurting people will richly reward the righteous. He says the righteous will feed the hungry, provide the thirsty with drink, welcome strangers, tend to the sick, clothe the naked and comfort those who have been imprisoned. In another manner of speaking, the righteous of the Earth who will inherit the kingdom of God will comfort all who are weary. The unrighteous will be the ones who ignore the cares and needs of others and in return, will be justly rewarded with the same treatment.

It sounds clear enough; however, many Christians ignore this call to be righteous. Many do what is easiest and stay within their boundaries of comfort. This does not mean that these kinds of people are inherently worse than others. It is simply easier to go home after work than to serve the homeless at a shelter or to visit the family of person who is in prison.

Many Christians are experts at helping others, especially if those people are in their respected congregations. This is an honorable and biblical act.
At the same time, when it comes to helping strangers in the outside world, it becomes increasingly difficult for these same Christians to be as generous. The homeless, hungry and impoverished in our country often are overlooked in light of children in Africa or fellow Christians in the underground church in China, especially in our own communities.

This is not to say that being concerned about the welfare of others aboard is inane, but we are more apt to help people we will never encounter over a person we can see, touch and smell.

Jesus states in Matthew 25:40: “I tell you this: whenever you saw a brother or sister hungry or cold, whatever you did to the least of these, you did to me.” This is not exactly a call for comfort zones or sending cookies to third world countries. It is a call to all Christians who claim to be righteous to go beyond themselves and attend to the needs of the hurting with an emphasis on those who literally stumble onto our path.

In conclusion, we need each other and there are many tasks we can do to help one another. We can spend time with an elderly person, we can volunteer to visit the sick at a hospital, or even take a blanket to a homeless person to beat the winter cold. There will be time and time again when we encounter hardships and people who are facing them just as we are. We will cry, we will bleed, and we will suffer. That means all of us. If we can accomplish the feat of caring for one another, the “whys” of this world will no longer matter.

Questions to consider

• When was a time you were hurting and someone attended to you and your need for comfort?
• When was a time you attended to the needs of someone who was hurting?
• Who do you know that are hurting now? What will you do minister to them?

Missions lessons usually create a lot of squirming among the pews. It isn’t that we don’t support missions; we agree missions are important. It’s more that we’re afraid God will pin us down, make us sell everything we own and go to Zimbabwe. That, or start preaching from the street corners in our own home town.

Like it or not, on some level, the source of our squirming is probably fear. But don’t start squirming yet. This is a guilt-free lesson. This week, we’re going to discuss the call to missions and how we can become involved without moving to Zimbabwe or setting up a podium in your hometown downtown.

The call

Missions lessons always start with Matthew 28:18-20: “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”

As we’ve discussed in previous lessons, the command to share our faith is real. God didn’t create the church to replace word-of-mouth sharing. He created the church to be an organizational resource for Christians. Within the church, we can meet others who share our faith, worship with them and help one another grow. It’s the place where we refuel, filling up on the Holy Spirit so we can reenter the world and confidently go about our business, sharing our stories and leading others to Christ along the way.

The church also is a place we can bring new believers to be nurtured and discipled. Notice in Matthew 28:19, Jesus only tells us to make new disciples. Everything else in the Great Commission is a description of how we can carry out this command. In other words, we make new disciples by sharing the story of Christ, baptizing new converts and teaching them to obey. Making new disciples describes the whole process.

Remember, the command to share our faith is a universal calling for all Christians. It doesn’t require us to move to Africa or change anything about our lives. We simply add something to our regular routine. Instead of talking only about family and work and recreation, we add a few comments about our faith. If we talk about Jesus as the living Lord we know him to be, seekers will become curious. Then we have the opportunity to share our faith openly.

It’s simple and effective. We don’t have to start preaching from street corners or handing out pamphlets everywhere we go. We only have to begin talking about our faith as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. After all, it is. We’re just being honest.

But there is a second part to this command, making disciples of all nations. Relax, Jesus isn’t telling us to move to the other side of the world. The word “nations” comes from the Greek word “ethne,” from which we get the word ethnic. Jesus is telling us to share our stories will all people: all cultures, races and language groups.

Becoming involved

Yes, some people are called to full-time missions, just as others are called to full-time church work. “He … gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-13). Notice the reason we are given these callings: So we, the body of Christ, may become mature and Christlike.

Jesus called us to make disciples for two reasons. First, so the body would become complete. And second, so the body would become mature. God wants all people to be given the opportunity to come, and he wants all who have come to become more like Jesus.

The only way this will happen is if we all join the effort. That’s why God has equipped the body of believers with all the gifts necessary for bringing about his will. Some are missionaries, some are preachers or teachers, and some are seed planters. Then some are supporters, holding up all the others in prayer and meeting their physical needs.

A call to full-time missions isn’t necessary to become involved in missions. Mission trips are a great way to step outside your comfort zone and experience mission activities firsthand. Your church’s outreach efforts are another way to become involved. These experiences are important because they help us understand how natural mission work really is. Missions isn’t a call to give up everything we hold dear. It’s a call to share the most important thing in our life—the confidence that we’ll spend eternity in the presence of God.

Our reading this week suggests three ways we can become involved.

• Pray for mission workers. The world is full of seekers, and unbelievers are converted every day. Pray for workers to hear and respond to God’s call to full-time, part-time and volunteer missions. Then pray for God to remove your own fears, so you are free to hear when he prompts you to tell others about him.

• Support missions financially. Your donations allow the gospel to be taken into parts of the world where it has never gone before. It takes time and money to go into these countries, learn the culture and language, and share God’s word. Giving to the Cooperative Program, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering allows even a small contribution to go a long way since it combines gifts from all Southern Baptists.

• Make disciples. In your everyday life, you can make disciples without doing anything special. Raise godly children, be open about your faith with friends and family, and let your faith show in everything you do. Making disciples doesn’t always involve preaching. Live your faith, and your life becomes the best sermon ever preached.

Discussion questions

• Have you ever been on a mission trip? What did you learn from the experience?
• How can you be a “missionary” in your own life?
• Do you feel your life is a living testimony? What could you change to make it a stronger testimony?

A few days ago, I was in a discussion with a number of other pastors. At some point, the question was asked about how each of us came to know Christ. We went around the table, each of us briefly sharing our own personal testimony of salvation. As we listened to one another, a common thread began to weave its way through all of our stories.

That common thread was the role personal relationships had played in each of our coming to faith in Christ. Every one of us had been encouraged toward a relationship with Jesus by someone who had invested himself or herself in us, sometimes over a period of years—a parent, grandparent, Sunday school teacher, friend or neighbor.

Chances are, most Christians would have a similar story to tell. Right now you might be thinking back to those occasions in your life when certain individuals were a formative influence in your coming to faith in Christ, or in your growth in some particular area of the Christian life.

In 1 Thessalonians 2, the Apostle Paul reminded the Thessalonians of how their personal relationships with them had become channels through which God had worked. Paul emphasized that his and Silas’ work among them had not been a “failure” (v. 1)—that is, a pointless waste of time and effort. The impact of their work in Thessalonica ultimately was due to the power of the Holy Spirit working through them as they preached (1:5). But there also were some human elements in the equation which paved the way for effective ministry. 

Let’s look at some of those human elements, which Paul described in 2:1-12. To give us a framework for understanding the text, let’s examine it under two broad categories or divisions.

First of all, in verses 3-6, Paul reminded the Thessalonians of some harmful behaviors he and his companions had avoided as they worked among them:

• They avoided manipulation and deception (v. 3). When Paul reviewed his accounts with the Thessalonians, he was able to say honestly, “the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.” He had no hidden agendas or ulterior motives, but spoke the message exactly as God gave it to him.

There is a phrase we sometimes use to describe a person who is honest and above-board, and who demonstrates personal integrity. We say about such a person that he or she is a “straight arrow.” That expression comes from the fact that when you shoot an arrow from a bow and the shaft of that arrow is warped, it will fly off to who-knows-where. But an arrow that is straight will go exactly where it is aimed. Paul said, “We were straight arrows with you.”

• They avoided shallow flattery and techniques designed merely to please people (vv. 4-5). We all know that sometimes it can be difficult to tell the truth and remain popular. The truth has sharp teeth, and sometimes the truth bites. In their work in Thessalonica, Paul and his fellow workers weren’t attempting to gain a personal following; they simply were trying to be faithful to their calling to preach the gospel. They courageously faced opposition in their work and refused to dilute the message in order to be well-liked.

• They avoided greed  (vv. 5-6). Although usually we think about the word “greed” in the context of money or material possessions, Paul seems rather to have had in mind a lust for power and prestige. An old saying is appropriate and bears repeating here: “It is impossible to serve God and your own reputation at the same time.”

Then secondly, in verses 7-12, the apostle reminded the Thessalonians of some helpful behaviors that he and his companions had modeled:

• They modeled gentleness and kindness (v. 7). Kindness is the opposite of being harsh or abrasive. The word picture in verse 7 is one of a nursing mother very tenderly caring for her infant son or daughter in ways that are gentle and loving.

I recall a piece of advice an older pastor gave me years ago when I was very young in the ministry. He said, “Most people will listen to anything you have to say to them if they know beforehand that you love them.” Over the years I have found that statement to be right on target.

• They modeled a genuine investment of life (v. 8). There is a huge difference between service that is just a job and is motivated by a sense of duty, and service that is an investment of life and is motivated by love. Most people are perceptive enough to know the difference when they see it.

• They modeled diligence (v. 9). In order not to be a burden to those they were serving, Paul and his companions worked “night and day.” Possibly Paul worked in Thessalonica as a tentmaker, as he would later on in the city of Corinth (Acts 18:1-3).

• They modeled encouragement (vv. 11-12). It is interesting that the two persons whom Paul used as his examples of Christian service and leadership are the leaders of the home.  In verse 7, he compared their ministry to a mother’s tender care; then here in verse 11, he said, “we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children … .” With paternal love and concern Paul had encouraged the Thessalonians to be and do their very best.

That fatherly comfort and encouragement would be needed by the Thessalonians because they, just like the believers in Judea, were suffering persecution because of their commitment to Christ (vv. 14-16). But in spite of that fierce opposition, the Thessalonian believers remained faithful to Christ, and the gospel continued to bear fruit in their lives (v. 13).

As we consider the spiritual results of the relationships that Paul and his fellow workers built with the Thessalonians, let us thank God for those personal relationships which were influential in our own Christian lives. Let us also pray God will use us as agents of change in our own relationship-networks to lead others to faith in Christ, and the encouragement of growth in that life of faith. And as we pray that prayer, let us keep in mind this template Paul laid out for the kind of relationships which pave the way for effective ministry in the name of Christ.

The birth of a child is a miraculous experience—fear, hope and excitement all wrapped into one little bundle of joy. The months building up to the experience of the birth of a child are filled with anticipation. Parents worry about if they can care for the child? Is the child going to be born healthy? What will he or she look like, and many other questions enter their minds. Joseph and Mary had these same questions, and even more.

Joseph and Mary were betrothed, which is like an engagement in the Jewish culture of their time, only with more restrictions and conditions. There were consequences if a betrothed woman committed adultery against her betrothed husband. She even could be killed. Mary did not betray Joseph, but the only testimony he had otherwise was that of an angel. Mary herself had more confirmation than Joseph at this point that she would give birth to the Messiah. She was visited by an angel, and also received confirmation through a conversation with her cousin, Elizabeth, as accounted in Luke 1:26-2:56.

Joseph had to take a step of faith, and trust God. He had to choose whether or not to follow the command the angel of the Lord had delivered to him. In Matthew 1:19, Joseph is described as a “just man.” That meant he was a fair man. That he was a godly man is seen in his decision. Still struggling with the thought of having to put Mary away until after the birth of the child, Joseph also had to bear the shame of taking an adulterous wife. 

Joseph was going to be raising the Messiah that would save the world. What responsibility that gave Joseph. Can you imagine being told one of your children was going to have such a great responsibility?  All of these things were based on his decision. This child was no ordinary child; He was the long awaited Messiah.

The urgency of the appearance of the angel is clear when you look at the cultural situation. Even more urgent was the importance of the birth of this child. This child “will save his people from their sins,” as stated in Matthew 1:21.

Joseph was told to name him Jesus, which means “salvation.” This baby would grow to save his people from their sin. Joseph had no way of being able to fully comprehend at the time what this meant. We must realize that when Matthew wrote this account, he was looking back through the lens of already knowing the outcome of God’s plan and had experienced the resurrection of Jesus.

Joseph did not know the pain that would be inflicted upon Jesus. He did not know the miracles he would be able to perform. He did not know Jesus would be a great teacher. He would not know that he would die on a cross and be resurrected three days later to overcome sin for all whom will believe. Joseph still took this step of faith.

In Matthew 1:22-23, we are given the meaning of the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Matthew explains the meaning of Immanuel: “God with us.”

It was very important that the prophecy be fulfilled in the Messiah. Jesus’ birth was the start of the plan that God had been planning since the beginning of man. How exciting to know you were part of the fulfilling of prophecy and were going to be an eyewitness to these moments in history.

As we begin this holiday season, we have every reason for great excitement. For Christians, Jesus’ birth is the most important birth in history. We should embrace the miracle of that birth. We are celebrating birth of our Savior. We are celebrating the fact that God is with us.

Of all the gifts you will receive this Christmas, what will you do with the gift of Jesus’ birth? Will you embrace the gift of Jesus’ birth, or will you reject it? Will you share Jesus with others? Take time this holiday season to allow the birth of Jesus to change your life. Take a step of faith as Joseph did, and embrace the miracle of Jesus.

Questions to explore:

• What does Jesus’ birth mean to your daily life?
• What can we do to show others the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ?
• What steps of faith can you take to bear witness to Jesus each day?

“True religion is like the smallpox. If you get it, you give it to others and it spreads,” said C.T. Studd, English missionary to China, India and Africa. Saved at the age of 18, Studd reported a flood of joy and peace at the moment of his salvation. But then, ‘instead of going and telling others of the love of Christ, I was selfish and kept the knowledge to myself. The result was that gradually my love began to grow cold, and the love of the world began to come in. I spent six years in that unhappy backslidden state.”

As we discussed last week, we are all called to tell our story. Each of us has a testimony about God’s work in our lives, and if we don’t obey the mandate to share it, we can lose intimacy with God. Studd’s comparison of Christianity to smallpox is apt. God designed faith to be viral in nature. Like the flu or a YouTube video, it should spread quickly and easily. But it cannot spread if we won’t share our stories.

Salvation is for everyone: Jew and Gentile, rich and poor. Everyone. This week’s lesson reveals God’s desire for all people to be saved. It also underscores the need for us to join God’s effort to bring people to himself.

God wants to restore relationship with those who have fallen away

All creation was made by God, and as any artist can tell you, a creator loves his creation. When sin entered the world, God’s heart was broken. He had created man to enjoy intimate relationship with him, and sin created a barrier that could not be penetrated.

Salvation, which is God’s reaching out to us, is part of God’s plan to restore us to intimate relationship with himself. But God wants his children to participate in his work. That’s why he calls each of us to tell our stories, spreading the good news of God’s love, and leading people into relationship with him. His desire is expressed in Isaiah 49:6—that his salvation be taken to the ends of the earth.

In verse 5 of chapter 49, Isaiah writes, “And now the Lord says—he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself … .” God’s heart is to mend the broken relationship with man. In spite of the fact we are separated from God because of our own choices, God wants to restore us to him.

Then in verse 6 of chapter 49, God says, “Is it too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept.” In this passage, he is speaking specifically about Israel. But his desire is the same for anyone who has become estranged from him. The world is full of people who have responded to God but fallen away. God wants these people to come back to him, and he wants us to help make it happen.

God wants all nations to know and worship him

In the Old Testament, we read primarily about God’s work among the Hebrew nation. But in this week’s reading, it becomes clear God’s plan always has included all people. “Let no foreigner who has bound himself to the Lord say, ‘The Lord will surely exclude me from his people’” (Isaiah 56:3). Anyone who loves God sincerely and obeys him is counted as one of God’s chosen.

Remember what Jesus told his disciples? “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15). God wants men and women to come to him by choice. Regardless of their nationality, if they love, serve and worship him, “these (he) will bring to (his) holy mountain and give them joy in (his) house of prayer” (Isaiah 56:7).

Now, look at what God says in Isaiah 66:18, “And I, because of their actions and their imaginations, am about to come and gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see my glory.” God isn’t leaving it to chance for people to learn about him. His eternal plan, initiated at the first moment of creation, was for all mankind to be gathered into his presence. And we are called to be the gatherers. Look at verse 19: “… I will send some … to the nations … to the distant islands that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. They will proclaim my glory among the nations.”

We are saved for a purpose. On a personal level, we receive redemption from our sins, but eternally, we become part of God’s plan for this world. We are to join him in calling others out of sin and into his glory.

Take a look at verse 20: “And they will bring all your brothers, from all the nations, to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the Lord … . They will bring them, as the Israelites bring their grain offerings, to the temple of the Lord in ceremonially clean vessels.” The calling to tell others is not an optional request. Telling others about Christ is an act of worship, and the people we bring into God’s presence are the offering we bring to His temple.

It’s easy to understand why God wants his creation to be restored to him. Sin stole his creation, corrupting it forever. The only way God could restore it to its former glory was to sacrifice his own son, Jesus. But why does God want to include us in his work? He doesn’t need us. It seems including us in his plans are meant purely to be a blessing to us.

One day this world will end, and there will be a new heaven and a new earth. This life is a trial run of sorts. Through the choices we make and the priorities we set, God tests our hearts. Do we care about him or only for our own gain? Our place in his new heaven and earth are determined by the way we live today. “‘As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me,’ declares the Lord, ‘so will your name and descendants endure’” (Isaiah 66:22).

Discussion questions

•    How can faith be viral in nature?

•    What do you think about Studd’s comment that not sharing the story of Jesus is selfish?

Most of us have lots of albums filled with family photographs. It’s always fun to open up those photo albums and allow the pictures to take our minds back to other times and places. As we look, we might remember our excitement at the birth and youngest days of our children or grandchildren. Through the sequence of images we relive the first tooth, the first steps taken or the first trip to the barber shop.

Looking back is a theme of 1 Thessalonians 1. In that chapter, the Apostle Paul was reflecting upon some of his mental pictures of the days he had spent establishing the church in the city of Thessalonica, and the infancy of that church. He recalled with fondness their new birth into God’s family and their first steps of faith and obedience to Christ.

Paul and Silas had established the Thessalonian church on Paul’s second missionary journey. In the first century A.D., Thessalonica was a prosperous metropolis of around 200,000 people. The ideally located city was on both a major land trade route as well as on the coast of an inlet of the Aegean Sea. Its location made Thessalonica a center of trade as well as a crossroads of culture.

Acts 17:1-10 tells the story of the establishment of the Thessalonian church. According to the timeline provided in that passage, we know Paul and his companions stayed there at least three weeks before moving on to the city of Berea. The apostle’s work in Thessalonica evidently lasted well beyond the three-week period mentioned in Acts 17:2, however, because on at least two different occasions while Paul was there the Christians in Philippi sent monetary or other assistance (Philippians 4:16).

The Acts account states Paul and Silas left the city quickly and under the cover of darkness because of the fierce opposition to their work by the Jews. Having had to leave the fledgling church so quickly, Paul naturally was concerned for their welfare; and so from the city of Athens, he dispatched Timothy to go back to Thessalonica to see about and encourage them (1 Thessalonians 3:1-3).

When Timothy returned, he brought the good news to Paul that the Thessalonian church was thriving and continuing in the faith. It was at that time that Paul took pen in hand and wrote this letter. In it, the great apostle recalled their days together and encouraged those new Christians to remain faithful to their commitment to Christ. He also set out to respond to some questions that the church evidently had concerning the return of Christ, which we will see when we get to chapters 4-5.

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 carefully and notice some of the things that stuck out in Paul’s mind as he remembered his days with them.

First, he recalled their “work produced by faith.” They served Christ in the firm belief that their work was not in vain (a familiar theme in Paul’s writings—see 1 Corinthians 15:58), but that God would bless that work.

Paul also remembered their “labor prompted by love.” This statement is similar to, though not identical with, the one which preceded it. The word “labor” communicates the idea of work that is faithfully carried forward over a period of time.

“Labor prompted by love” means we keep working and serving simply because our love for Christ and for his church will not permit us to stop.

The apostle then recalled the Thessalonians’ “endurance inspired by (their) hope in Jesus Christ.” We know from Acts 17 that the church in Thessalonica was birthed in an environment of hostility to the gospel. Much of that hostility was directed toward Paul and his companions, but the new Thessalonian Christians were targeted as well (Acts 17:5-9). But in the face of that fierce opposition, they had focused on Jesus Christ and remained faithful to him.

Paul’s memories of the Thessalonian Christians encourage us to keep a vital fact in mind: We all leave behind us a legacy of some kind. When we leave a place—whether it is a brief stop-over like a restaurant or a work-related meeting, or a longer investment of time such as a career or years spent in a particular church or neighborhood—what do others recall about us? What sort of memories are we etching into the minds of those around us? It might be an interesting (or perhaps embarrassing) exercise to ask others what sort of thoughts come to their minds when our name comes up in conversation.

Paul then recalled the spiritual power with which the gospel message had been preached to the Thessalonians, as well as the conviction of sin that the Holy Spirit had produced in them (vv. 4-5). Some of the Thessalonian believers had come to faith in Christ from a background of Judaism (Acts 17:4), and others out of pagan idolatry (1 Thessalonians 1:9), but all those who had come to Christ had done so with joy and in spite of the suffering of persecution which they had experienced (v. 6). 

Furthermore, their salvation was demonstrated to be genuine by the transformation of their lives. In a very short time, the Thessalonians had gained a wonderful reputation among the believers throughout Macedonia and Achaia. They had become examples and role models for other believers and churches (vv. 7-8).

Some folks might set as a personal goal for their lives, that they wish to be role models for others. They want people to look up to them, admire them and follow their examples. For Christians, the goal ought to be much more basic: We should make it our objective to be pleasing to Christ (2 Corinthians 5:9). When your life is transformed by the power of Christ people will see the difference in you, and becoming a positive example to others will be the natural byproduct of that transformation.

As I write these words, we rapidly are approaching the Thanksgiving holiday. In this season, we are encouraged to remember and express gratitude to God for the many ways in which he has blessed our lives. As we consider the blessings of salvation in Jesus Christ, let us think back to what God has done for us and be thankful to God for that gift of personal transformation which he accomplishes in us through the Holy Spirit.

The week I am writing this is also the week of the presidential election of 2008. It is an interesting week as we wait to see who will be the leaders of our country after we have all had our chance to choose. There is a great feeling of anticipation as the last gasps of both campaigns stream across our airwaves. We watch everyone, even those not running, get in their final shots at the opposition in a hope to influence the outcome, and projections of which states need to vote which color say exactly how things are going to go if a certain candidate wins.

The country waits with bated breath for every piece of new political strategy. It almost is like watching a chess game that takes days to unfold as each player lays down his strategy, slowly waiting for things to take shape.

We use such attitudes again and again in our lives. We talk of being as anxious as a child for Christmas morning when we are waiting for certain events that bring great joy. What happens when the things we wait anxiously for pass us by? What does it take for us to realize our missed opprotunity?

What if you had been waiting for a man to come and free you from oppression and you missed that man because the oppression you wanted to be freed from was not the oppression that truly threatened your life? What would it take to prove to you that freedom had come, but not just for you, instead it was offered to all; especially those who you thought were oppressing you?

Matthew took just such a task upon himself when he set out to create his Gospel. The Jews had rejected the Messiah that had come saying Jesus was not a king who was going to remove the Romans. Instead, Matthew set out to prove to the Jews that Jesus had come as their messiah as well as the savior for the Romans.

Matthew begins with a genealogy of Jesus’ ancestors from Abraham to David, and from David to Joseph (Matthew 1:1-16). It is one of many different sources Matthew relies on in the Scriptures of the Old Testament to support the status of Jesus as Messiah.

Often times, this section of the Gospel is ignored or passed over as we wish to get to the meat of the Gospel story, but we need to slow down and take a look at this passage through the eyes of a first-century Jew living in Roman-controlled Palestine. What makes this list of names and who was whose son important when we are talking about Jesus? 

When we look at the first six verses of the genealogy, names jump out at us as we see Matthew’s connections of Jesus with family of Abraham and the tribe of Judah. We remember names like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; parts of the stories of Ruth and Boaz jump to our memories as we have those fond memories of Sunday school as a child. David and how he struggled against Saul while having a great friend in Jonathon, Saul’s son, is another example of our fond memories of those heroes of the Old Testament. What about Tamar and the name Rahab? Do those names ring as true to us? 

Matthew not only is connecting Jesus as the descendent of David and the Lion of Judah, he also is not skipping over those relatives people probably would not want to associate the Messiah with.

We all have those members of our family that we might sometimes wish wouldn’t come to the reunion because they may embarrass us, or at least I do. They usually have stories that embarrass us, and we don’t understand how our family could turn out such a black sheep. 

When we look at the genealogy of Jesus and see these names, we realize everyone is involved in the story of God. It isn’t just the righteous who carry the love of God, but the movements of the kingdom affect everyone under heaven. The life of Jesus is connected to all of these people and their stories are part of the story of God. They are recorded in our book which in turn makes them part of our story of faith. That faith which ran from Adam to Jesus, and Jesus to us is one family that has a long and diverse genealogy that spans many eras and continents as the mark of God’s love comes to us and passes on from us to those in the future.  

Questions for discussion

•    Read the story of Tamar in Genesis 38, and discuss the actions of Tamar. Was Tamar truly more righteous than Judah? Why or why not? Would this be a story you may be embarrassed about if it were in your family?

•    With the stories of Tamar and Rahab in mind, does the love of Jesus encourage you to look for those outside of the “normal” mold of a Christian?

Have you noticed how everything God does is according to a plan? Creation followed a plan. God’s work among the Hebrews followed a plan. And the plan of salvation was its ultimate goal.

In this week’s reading, Paul talks about his own part in God’s plan. His calling, he says, was to preach salvation to the Gentiles, and his ambition was “to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that (he) would not be building on someone else’s foundation” (v. 20).

God is a God of order, who likes to do things according to plan, in their right time. Even more, God likes to include us in those plans. As Paul says, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

As amazing as it may seem, God knew each of us would accept his call to salvation. So he already had drawn up our part in his plans. Our challenge as Christians is to discover the part God has assigned us.

Fortunately, the challenge isn’t an impossible one. We have only three callings to fulfill, and two of them are general callings to all Christians. All of us were made to worship and to share our faith. The only purpose unique to each of us is the calling to use our gifts, and even that calling can be obeyed without difficulty. Let’s take a look at each of these callings.

We were made for God

Our first purpose as Christians is obvious. God made all creation for himself. More to the point, everyone called by his name was created for his glory (Isaiah 43:7). Especially when we realize the magnitude of his love for us, that he would sacrifice his own son for us, we must respond with awe.

God is good, and God is holy. He is worthy of our devotion. Our greatest calling, then, is to worship God. As Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples” (15:11). Every time we gather in worship or sit down to study God’s word and pray, we are fulfilling our calling to glorify God. And as small as it may seem, according to Jesus, it is one of the most important things we could do. If we were silent, the very rocks would cry out.

We are called to serve him

There is one calling to serve, but it is met in two ways. First, each of us has a specific calling to use our gifts for God’s glory. And second, we must all obey a general calling to tell others about the hope we have in Christ.

Serving God with our gifts

God created man to have dominion over his creation. But throughout the ages, he has called out different people to accomplish specific tasks. So, Noah built an ark. Joseph led the Israelites into Egypt. Then Moses led them out of slavery and into the Promised Land. Missionaries and martyrs and ordinary people all have been used by God to achieve his purposes.

Each of these people was presented an opportunity, an invitation if you will, to use their gifts for God. In the same way, God extends an invitation to us. Sometimes the invitation is a burning bush, so obvious it can’t be ignored. Other times, it comes as small, simple activities that lead us into God’s will without us realizing he is at work.

The calling to serve God with our gifts is a unique calling. Each of us receives a different assignment, one that sets us apart, because each of us was made for a different purpose. As Paul says, “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:11-12).

And just as each of the disciples received a different calling, whether to minister to the Jews or the Gentiles, in the world or in the church, we each have a different place of service. Sometimes it will look “churchy,” but many times it won’t. Sometimes the calling will seem important, while other times it won’t. God knows the people who need to be reached in this world, and he has distributed gifts that will reach all people everywhere. What He wants is for us to be decidedly Christian wherever we are. The call is to use our gifts. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Serving God by sharing our story

The call to share God’s love doesn’t require a special gift. It only requires a heart overflowing with thanks for everything God’s done for us. This is a calling that applies to everyone who is in relationship with God, and it is nothing more than storytelling. But don’t be misled by the simplicity of the medium. The call to share our story is a real calling.

•    Every story needs to be told. While the calling to share the story of God’s work in our lives is a universal calling, each of us has a unique story. That’s what makes it so effective. Each time we tell our story, a seed is planted in someone’s heart. As God leads, this person may hear many stories about how God works, and hope will begin to spring up in his or her heart. Out of hope, faith will grow that will lead to salvation or spiritual growth.
•    We are commanded to share. Isn’t it odd? As natural as it is to tell stories, we shy away from telling about the difference God has made in our lives. Not wanting to share our story has many roots. We may feel our story is too insignificant or dull. We may fear rejection. Or we may fear messing it up. We need to realize there’s no way to mess up God’s work if we do it for God’s glory. All we have to do is share, and God will do the rest. Furthermore, we will be rewarded for obeying. Jesus says, “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32).

Discussion questions
•    Do you know what your part is in God’s plan?
•    Why does God call some people to serve outside the church?
•    Share a story about something God has done in your life.

When you are driving your car, whether down a quiet country road or on a busy city street, it is consistently the case that you see where you are going more clearly than where you have been. The view is always bigger and more distinct through the windshield than it is through the rear-view mirror.

But the life of a human being is, interestingly, the opposite: We see where we have been more clearly than we see where we are going. In 2 Samuel 22-23, David was looking backward from the perspective of an aging man who was evaluating his life and experiences. In his retrospective, David gave praise to God for his gracious actions that had preserved and protected his life.

The words of chapter 22 were prompted by David’s memories of the dangers he had experienced during his days of fleeing from Saul as well as from other enemies. Recalling those former times, the king clearly could see God’s gracious and providential work in his life.

Let me suggest a simple verbal exercise for you to try as you read verses 1-7, which I think will help you extract a great deal of meaning from the passage. Read the text several times—either out loud or in your own mind—and each time you read it, place emphasis on different words in the passage.

First, give special emphasis to the nouns which David used to describe what God meant to him:  “The Lord is my ROCK, my FORTRESS and my DELIVERER; my God is my ROCK, in whom I take refuge, my SHIELD and the HORN OF MY SALVATION.  He is my STRONGHOLD, my REFUGE and my SAVIOR …” (22:2-3).

David lived some of the most dangerous days of his life in the desert wilderness, hiding from his enemies in secret caves and seeking shelter in the great stones. But as the king looked back at those desperate times, he realized the real Rock in whose shelter he had lived his life was the Lord God.  
As we examine our own lives, let us also realize the Lord God is our Rock, our Fortress and Deliverer, our Refuge and Savior. He alone is the one who can provide salvation which cannot be assaulted by our enemies, whether those enemies be physical or spiritual.

Now read the passage again, but this time place emphasis on those words which refer to God:  “THE LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; MY GOD is my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. HE is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior.”

Several lessons ago, we asked the vital question, “Whom do you trust?” Actually, we trust a lot of people and a lot of things. We trust our friends, our families, our own abilities; we trust the policeman to protect us, the pilot flying the airplane to get us to our destination safely and the doctor to prescribe the correct medication. And it isn’t necessarily wrong or unspiritual to trust those people or things.

But when I face a serious challenge—when I feel like I am in over my head, when the walls are closing in on me (choose your own favorite metaphor)—what is my first impulse? To what or whom do I reach out first? Here is a prayer we might need to learn to pray: “God, transform my mind and my heart so that in every situation and circumstance, instinctively I reach upward to You. You are my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.”

Still other facets of this scriptural jewel come into focus when we emphasize the personal pronoun “my”: “The Lord is MY rock, MY fortress and MY deliverer; MY God is MY rock in whom I take refuge, MY shield and the horn of MY salvation. He is MY stronghold, MY refuge and MY savior.”

That ten-times repeated pronoun is not used in an exclusive sense; David was not suggesting God was interested only in him and was indifferent to the needs of others. This simply is David’s own personal testimony of God’s gracious work in his life.

As we make application of this passage, we need to remember that there is a tremendous difference between saying “Jesus is the Savior” and “Jesus is my Savior.” I strongly encourage you to ask yourself which of those descriptions of the Lord—“the Savior” or “my Savior—is applicable to your own life?

When we come to chapter 23, we are told the chapter contains “the last words of David” (v. 1). If that statement is taken literally, then the chapter is out of sequence in the account of the last days of the king’s life because additional words of David are recorded in the remainder of 2 Samuel as well as the first two chapters of 1 Kings. It probably is best to interpret that statement to mean something similar to a last will and testament, or a final pronouncement.

Verses 1-7 are called an “oracle,” a term used elsewhere in the Old Testament to identify divinely-inspired prophetic utterances. (See the NIV translation of Isaiah 13:1, Ezekiel 12:10, and Habakkuk 1:1 as other examples). Here David acted in a prophetic role as he spoke truths that God’s Spirit had revealed to him.

In this oracle, David spoke about the blessings that result when human rulers lead and rule in godly ways (vv. 3-4). From his perspective as the king of Israel, as well from his first-hand knowledge of the reign of his predecessor King Saul, David had a unique standing from which to observe the truth of this pronouncement. He had seen the good that comes to a nation when her rulers lead wisely and spiritually, as well as the tragedy that results from ungodly leadership.

Just a few days ago, the voters of our nation elected a new President of the United States. Let us all pray for Mr. Obama that he will lead us “in righteousness … (and) in the fear of God” (v. 3).

Then in verses 5-7, David drew a sharp contrast between those who are in God’s covenant community and the wicked. He compared the destiny of evil men to thorns in the fields, which are uprooted and burned. Jesus might well have been drawing on the imagery of this poem of David, which would have been familiar to the Jewish crowds who followed our Lord, when he told the parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30).

David spoke of God’s salvation of his life as a work begun but not yet completed (v. 5). David probably had in mind those many occasions when God had acted to bring him physical rescue and security. If that is the case, then here the king was expressing his hope and belief that God would continue to stand loving guard over his life.

But from our perspective as those who have seen life and immortality brought to light through the gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 1:10), there are echoes here of a much deeper and eternal salvation. The apostle Paul wrote, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). Salvation is a work begun in those who have trusted Jesus Christ, which is being carried forward in our lives and will be consummated when we see him face to face (1 John 3:2). 

As we come now to the conclusion of our study of 1-2 Samuel, let me encourage you, if you have not yet done so, to trust Christ for salvation. Invite him to begin that good work in you which he will carry forward in your life, and ultimately will bring to completion at the day of Christ Jesus.

The very term “gimmick” raises suspicion. It is used to describe something meant to cheat, deceive or trick. A gimmick may be promoted or used as an “inventive strategy.” Victims see it as a misrepresentation and a “catch.” One expression we use for gimmickry is “bait and switch.” An adage we often hear is, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Unfortunately, the general culture is not the only place where we find gimmicks being used. It happens in our spiritual lives as well. Contemporary Christians are susceptible to that with which our passage this week deals—the use of spiritual gimmicks.

We may take some comfort in that this vulnerability is nothing new. Every type of religion in Colossae had a gimmick. That is, they each had ways in which adherents could focus more on lists of do’s and don’ts rather than on changed lives.

Jews believed keeping the law with all its rules and required practices, worship and festivals was the way to righteousness. To be fair, this was based on their understanding of the Mosaic Law and their tradition (1 Chronicles 23:31; 2 Chronicles 2:4, 31:3; Nehemiah 10:33).

However, they had forgotten what God had told his people in Amos 5:21. The righteousness God wants is that which results from changed hearts that live out justice (Amos 5:24).

Likewise, Gentile religions had their own rituals, sacrifices and rules their believers were expected to follow and keep. Both were types of spiritual gimmickry the model of which was that one could serve God (or a “god”) simply by following a prescribed set of rules.

Paul was concerned that Colossian Christians—whether Jew or Gentile—would not bring with them similar understandings. Rituals, regulations and cultural customs were no substitutes for the reality of life in Jesus.

A real relationship with Jesus is one that flows from the inside out. This is part of what Paul meant in verses 6-7 in telling the Colossians to live out of who they are. Being “rooted” and yet “walking” are not mutually exclusive. As people who belong to Jesus, Christians can dare to walk boldly on the solid footing of Jesus’ love, grace and power.

Therefore, in verse 8, Paul challenges his readers to not fall prey to the very things from which they had been freed: “human tradition and the basic principles of this world.” In verses 9-15, Paul paints a vivid picture of God’s authority, power and work in and through Jesus. Basic to this is that Jesus is fully God (v. 9) and, therefore, both trustworthy and “over every power and authority” (v. 10). Jesus’ work was to free us from our sinful nature (v. 11), give us new life (vv. 11-13), forgive and free us from sin (vv. 13-14), and win for us a victory over “the powers and authorities” of this world (v. 15).

Paul started with an image from a courtroom. There is the crime (our sin), then an indictment and conviction. It is important that Jesus has the authority to “prosecute” us for our sin. Jesus also has “cancelled the written code” by which we have been convicted and has nailed it to the cross (v. 14). In verse 15, the image shifts from the courtroom to that of a victory parade. That is, not only is our freedom provided by Jesus, it is not to be kept secret, but paraded before the world.

Since that freedom and victory are “public knowledge” and since God has forgiven us, anyone else’s judgment is moot (vv. 16-17). To be enslaved by rules and regulations devised by human minds and hearts is to deny the freedom we find in Jesus.

Rules are not bad in and of themselves. God does call us to holy living. The problem is when we make them the ultimate issues. Even the highest moral standards are no substitute for a real relationship with Jesus. This is why Paul cautions in verse 18 that we not let anyone take the prize from us. This happens when someone has finally “figured out” exactly what it means for a person to live and look like Jesus. Imposing that list becomes a game of “gotcha” or “holier than thou.”

We see this in ourselves as well as others. Our lists usually include things we already do/would not do. Further, as Paul writes in verse 23, we think our rules look like Jesus. Really they say more about us than about Jesus.

There is enough fakery in the world. We need not add more and give a false picture of Jesus. We can dare to be real with and about Jesus. The way to God is not through rule but relationship. To focus on a real relationship with Jesus and not spiritual gimmickry, our challenge is two-fold.

First, must never let any religious rule or practice take the place of a real relationship with Jesus. Second, we must take care—even as we seek to live holy lives that honor our Lord—that we not devise and impose spiritual gimmicks. That is, that we must not put rules and regulations we devise ahead of the relationship others have with Jesus.

Question to explore

• What spiritual gimmicks do we sometimes rely on when a genuine relationship with Jesus is what anyone needs?

John Shore, author of I’m OK–You’re Not: The Message We’re Sending Nonbelievers and Why We Should Stop, invited non-Christians to share their opinion of Christians. Here are two that stood out:

• “I feel that Christians have got it all wrong; it seems to me that they’ve created the very thing Jesus was against: Separatism.”—T. O., Denver

• “I don’t know whether or not most of the Christians I come across think they’re acting and being like Jesus was—but if they do, they need to go back to their Bibles, and take a closer look at Jesus.”—L.B., Phoenix

Shore’s purpose in printing these comments was not to bash Christians, but to explore the relationship between Christians and non-Christians. More to the point, these opinions were not made by people who take an active stand against Christianity. They are bare statements about the impression we Christians make when we go out into the world. As you can see, it isn’t pretty.

In general, non-Christians notice our lack of love—both towards them and among one another—and they are shocked by it. God created the church to be a source of his love, a place where our differences would be celebrated and used to advantage. But the whole system breaks down if we don’t understand why God brings so many different people together in worship.

Different parts, one purpose

Church is not a social club, a spiritual duty or place where we can go to feel important. It’s supposed to be a reflection of God himself. How does God do that? By bringing together a diverse group of people—each created with a different purpose, a different strength—and unifying us in one grand purpose, which is glorifying God. It isn’t the fact of our sameness that gives the church impact. It’s the fact that so many different people can be unified in spite of our differences.

In Ephesians, Paul talks specifically about this issue. He says we are called to “keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit … one Lord, one faith, one baptism: one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:3-6). Like the human body, made up of different parts with different functions, each of us was designed to be unique while working with all the other parts.

Unity among diversity

Each of us was created with a unique purpose, and we each walk a different path with God. So when God brings all our differences together, forming one church body with myriads of gifts and personalities, he creates a community where all needs are met.

How would it work if every town only allowed one type of shop within its city limits? Let’s say your town only allowed doctor’s offices. When you needed groceries, you would have to drive to another town. To get a haircut or supplies for home repairs, you would need to go to two other towns. Not only would it be inconvenient, this kind of separatism would keep some people from receiving the kind of care they need.

God rejoices in our diversity. He doesn’t want a church where all members look alike. He wants us to celebrate our differences, not squelch them to fit in. Because there are needs within each church that can only be met by different types of people, and there are seekers who will only come to Christ when they see Christ in someone who looks like them.

Don’t judge one another

The sin nature can make us condemn people whose walk is different from ours. And since the church holds such a variety of people, we often find a lot of judgment within the church. But God is the only judge. When we sit in the judgment seat of God, we dishonor him and bring judgment on ourselves. “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2).

We need to remember to keep our focus on Jesus. Remember Peter’s walk on the water? As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, the waves were as solid as concrete under his feet. But when he began looking around to see the magnitude of what he was doing, he lost his footing and began to sink.

Like Peter, if we take our eyes off Jesus, we are likely to sin. When we see things in others that make us uncomfortable, rather than trying to correct those differences, we need to take our concerns to God in prayer. He will either correct those behaviors in our neighbors or he’ll set our attitudes straight.

In the end, the actions of those around us have no effect on our eternal security. On Judgment Day, we will be held responsible for our own decisions and no one else’s. So it behooves us to put more energy into judging our own thoughts and actions than those of the people around us. “You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat … . Each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10, 12).

Love is both the message and the medium

The church can only be as strong as it is unified. Our message of hope only can be delivered through God’s supernatural love. Yes, we are all different, and differences tend to create division. But when God’s Spirit is in control, differences become a reason to celebrate, not argue. They cause us to turn towards God, not away from him. And they draw us together instead of apart.

Let’s not get caught up in petty jealousies or disputes. Let’s stop judging one another. Instead, let’s become the testimony we were intended to be. By looking to God and letting his love flow through us, we can show the world why Christ is the answer to all our questions. Only then will our churches have the impact God intends them to have. And only then will non-Christians be drawn to our faith.

Discussion questions

•    What are the God-given qualities that make you unique?

•    How could God use those differences?