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).