Deeper Reflection
IF WE ASK, “WHAT IS GOD’S PURPOSE FOR MY LIFE?”,
the biblical answer is: Our growth to maturity in Christ toward
transformation unto “the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:13) and into the
image of Christ (2 Cor 3:18; Rom 8:28-29). Our growth is indicated by
how our lives have changed. Look at our growth in terms of recent
changes: “How has my life changed in the past week…in the past
month?” And growth is a process. Paul’s ministry to the Thessalonians
shows three dimensions in the process of spiritual growth.Discipling Work: “we ask you and urge you”, “instructions [that] we
gave you” (1 Thess 4:1-2). The discipling work is verbal: Asking, urging
and giving instructions. Certainly, the source of Paul’s “instructions”
was the Word of God. When Jesus was alone with His twelve disciples,
He taught them the Scriptures about Himself: “These are My words
that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything
written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the
Psalms…” (Lk 24:44). The discipling work is also visible: How the
Thessalonians loved was “as we do for you” (v.12). Disciple’s Walk:
The Thessalonians themselves are to walk in love and holiness as they
“received” the “instructions” from Paul (1 Thess 4:1-3, 9-10). We disciple
others to change lives, but the responsibility for change belongs to the
discipled. Divine Work: As the Thessalonians followed Paul’s teaching
and walked in love and holiness, God will make them increase in love
and establish them in holiness, as Paul prayed for them (vv.12-13).