Outbursts Of Love

Outbursts Of Love

Hebrews 10:24

Jim Stephens

12-13-08

 

Scripture:

 

Let us think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds.  (Hebrews 10:23-24 NLT)

 

Observation:

 

The target audience of this letter, Jewish Christ-followers scattered around the Roman world, were constantly experiencing hardship and persecution because of their faith in Jesus Christ.  They were persecuted by other Jews as heretics and by the Gentile world as fanatics.

 

Yet instead of recommending that they “hunker down” and look after themselves, God challenged them to “think of ways to encourage each other to outbursts of love.”

 

Application:

 

When I’m under pressure, it’s easy for my faith to slip into survival mode.  I can easily start thinking of faith in terms of just meeting my own needs and ensuring that “me and mine” make it through.

 

How differently God sees it!  He says, “When you’re under pressure and can’t see how it’s all going to work out, that’s the time for Outbursts of Love!”

 

Prayer:

 

Father, help me not to slide into survival mode.  I want to initiate and cooperate with some “Outbursts of Love and Good Deeds!”  Let your kingdom come and your will be done in my life and through my faith in the lives of others.  Amen.

Do Good – November 29, 2008

Do Good

1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

Jim Stephens

11-29-08

 

Scripture:

 

14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. 16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.  (1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 NLT)

 

Observation:

 

The thing that stands out to me this morning is how Paul encouraged the Thessalonian believers to look out for each other.  They were going through hard times.  In their case it was mostly due to persecution for their faith, but it involved economics, imprisonment, being hassled by the authorities, and uncertainty about what the next day would bring.  They also had to put up with false teachers who told lies about the return of Christ and about how things would be in eternity.

 

Paul admonished them to be true friends to each other, to warn, encourage, care, and be patient with each other.  To always try to do good to each other.  To be joyful and thankful.  And pray.

 

Application:

 

Be true friends.  Warn, encourage, care and be patient.  Always try to do good to each other.  Be joyful and thankful.  Pray.

 

Just as good advice today as it was then.

 

Prayer:

 

Father, today I purpose to be true to my friends and family.  I will warn, encourage, care, and be patient.  I’ll find something good to say or do to each person I encounter today.  I rejoice in your blessings to me and I am thankful.  You are my source and my provider and I ask you for what I need and trust you for the outcome.  Amen.