Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 3:1-4
Thu, 7 April 2022

Preparedness for Discipleship Suffering

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about discipleship suffering in verses 2 to 4?

Deeper Reflection
PETER GAVE TO HIS FLOCK THAT WAS SUFFERING FOR their faith this pastoral word: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Pet 4:12). Discipleship suffering is a key emphasis in disciplemaking for the early church: “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Mark the words, “we must”, which speak of the divine “must”. Suffering is a necessity and an inevitability in biblical discipleship. No one enjoys suffering, but we must expect it. Mark also the words, “many tribulations”.Paul gave similar emphasis in discipling the Thessalonians – even when they were new in the faith: “we are destined for this” (v.3). The word “destined” is in the passive voice, which points to the divine passive: We are “destined” by God for suffering. We talk about our destiny, assuming that it is in the Lord and from the Lord. Surely, suffering is included in our destiny, whatever it may be. Do we have this in mind consciously? Paul taught the Thessalonians that tribulation is not just a possibility, but “the Christian’s destiny”11. And as a critical necessity, Paul “kept telling” them “beforehand” about this (v.4), that is, “over and again” he “returned to this theme”12 of Christian suffering. Do we keep talking about this to ourselves and in discipling others as reminders, so that we may be prepared for our “destined” discipleship suffering?
11 Gary S. Shogren, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan, 2012), 137 12 Gene L. Green, The Letters to the Thessalonians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Apollos, 2002), 162
Application:

How will I prepare myself for suffering in my discipleship journey?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To know what it means to be destined to suffer in following Jesus
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
John 20:19-21; Luke 4:14-21
Mon, 2 October 2023

Sent by the Lord

Observation:

What is the analogy that Jesus used in sending forth His disciples (v.21)?

Deeper Reflection
As we enter the month of October with our upcoming two Missions Sundays, let us focus our attention and prayers on Covenant EFC’s third Faith Exploit, “Disciple the Nations”. In today’s Scripture, verse 21 is a very significant statement that Jesus said to His disciples after His resurrection. And it applies equally to all those who are Jesus’ disciples today. There are three key observations we can make.First, the analogy that Jesus used – His having been sent by the Father – points us to Jesus’ foundational teachings that He came to accomplish the very will and works of the Father (Jn 4:34; 5:30, 36; cf. Lk 4:14-21). Second, the idea of Jesus’ disciples being “sent” reminds us that world missions is not a result of human initiative, but is God-initiated and God-directed. It is God’s mission in the world. Third, verse 21 reminds us that Jesus is not merely calling us to join God in His mission, but to relate to Him as our heavenly Father – in love, obedience and dependence.1Therefore, the more fundamental question is not “Are we being sent?” or “What must we do?”. Rather, it is “To what extent do we understand and treasure our sonship in relation to God our Father (Jn 20:17)?” So that, as beloved children of God, we will respond rightly to our heavenly Father who created us in His image, redeemed us in Jesus Christ, and called us to join Him in His mission. Out of gratitude and love towards God, we joyfully walk in the Lord’s will for us, and fully rely on His resources as we faithfully serve Him.
1 This is consistent with John’s emphasis in his writings on the Father-Son relationship that anchored and motivated Jesus in all that He did in submission and obedience to the Father’s will.
Application:

How do the purposes for which Jesus sends forth His disciples impact the
way I plan and live out the years of my life?

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, what manner of love You have bestowed on me that I should be called Your child! Every opportunity given to me to carry out Your will is a privilege for me to participate in Your glorious purposes. Help me to clearly discern the things that You want me to accomplish and to faithfully work at them with a heart that loves and depends on You and always seeks Your glory. Amen.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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