Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 3:1-2, 6-8
Tue, 19 April 2022

Spiritual Friendship in Discipleship Suffering (1)

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about Paul’s relationship with the Thessalonians?

Deeper Reflection
ONE SIGNIFICANT THING THAT PAUL AND THE THESSALONIANS had in common was the “destined” suffering of affliction (1 Thess 3:3-4, 7). The “distress and affliction” (v.7) that Paul suffered refers to “the adversity the people of God face before the final end”37 as well as “the ongoing distresses of Christians during this age”38 (1 Cor 7:26). Reflected in this fellowship of Christ’s suffering (cf. Phil 3:10) is spiritual friendship in discipleship suffering.The spiritual friendship between Paul and the Thessalonians is marked by mutual longing: “[you] long (epipotheō) to see us, as we long to see you” (v.6). The verb epipotheō that expresses this longing for reunion means “to desire intensely”, and communicates “something of the anxiousness and discontent that come with not getting what one desires”39. This shows a high-quality relationship marked by commitment and closeness. And it is not one-sided, but mutual. It certainly takes interest, time and effort to cultivate this kind of relationship. Do we have such mutual longing in our Christian community when we remember and think much of each other?The spiritual friendship is also marked by mutual encouragement. Timothy was sent to the Thessalonians to “encourage” them in their faith (v.2). But now, Paul was in turn “encouraged about you through your faith” “in all our distress and affliction” (v.7). Oftentimes, when we suffer, we feel the struggles and pains more than the fact that we are “standing fast in the Lord” (v.8). But people can see that steadfastness of faith in us and are encouraged in their suffering to be likewise.
37 Gene L. Green, 167 38 Gary S. Shogren, 141 39 Gene L. Green, 167
Application:

What can I do towards establishing mutual encouragement in the Christian community that I am part of?

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 pastors and staff: To be exemplary encouragers to the flock of God’s people
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

Download this Building Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for East QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for WDL QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

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

Download this New Life Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for BPJ QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.