Living in Expectation
As Christians, we believe that Jesus will return to earth one day. This is a central tenet of our faith, and it has significant implications for how we live our lives. The Apostle Paul wrote extensively about Jesus's return, and his first letter to the Thessalonians offers valuable insights into how we should live in expectation of this event.
In the first chapter of the letter, Paul commends the Thessalonians for their faith, love, and hope in Jesus Christ. He reminds them that they have turned away from idolatry to serve the living and true God and that they are waiting for Jesus to return from heaven. This sets the stage for the rest of the letter, which explores what it means to live in expectation of Jesus's return.
One of the key themes in the letter is the importance of living a holy and blameless life. Paul writes, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God" (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). Paul is clear that our behavior matters, and that we should strive to live in a way that is pleasing to God.
Another important theme in the letter is the importance of love and unity within the Christian community. Paul writes, "Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another" (1 Thessalonians 4:9). Paul recognizes that Christians are not meant to live in isolation, but rather in community with one another. He encourages the Thessalonians to continue to love and support one another, even as they await Jesus's return.
Finally, Paul emphasizes the importance of hope. He writes, "For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18).
Paul reminds the Thessalonians that our hope is not in this world, but in the return of Jesus Christ. He encourages them to hold fast to this hope, even in the face of persecution and hardship. He also reminds them that Jesus's return will not be a private affair, but rather a public event that will involve all believers, both living and dead.
In conclusion, Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians offers valuable insights into how Christians should live in expectation of Jesus's return. We should strive to live holy and blameless lives, love and support one another within the Christian community, and hold fast to our hope in Jesus Christ. As we await Jesus's return, let us encourage one another with these words and continue to live out our faith with joy and expectation.