The Way We Live Among Others

1 Thessalonians 1:5 “…because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance. You know how we lived among you for your benefit…” ~CSB

​Now this text is powerful and should be taken in by your spirit automatically.  For example, I had tickets to a Prince concert years ago when He came to Nashville.  It was the concert where he had gotten the rights back to sing and play all the songs he had written.  When I tell you, that concert was awesome from beginning to the end when he sang his famous ‘Purple Rain’.

I remember standing where I was seated when Prince came out.  Everyone, (not only the ones that were around me), were on their feet.  The singer did not ask for anyone to stand on their feet at any time during the three-hour concert, but no one sat during the entire show.  Everyone took in what was being presented to them.  And we all took home the energy from that concert. 

This text should do the same for us in our daily lives.  It should do this because in verse 4 of this same text, Paul says that “For we know…that He has chosen you.”  This gospel of Christ did not just come to us who have been chosen by “…word only…”  This means don’t get caught up with just reading the Word like you would any other book.  When I spoke of the concert above, it shows you we take in what the flesh agrees with and loves. 

It is time to allow the spirit to show you what to take in because of what ‘it’ loves.  And if you let it, you will be pulled by the ‘spiritual’ desire to know that the word is more than just words.  It is power, as explained in verse five.  This power will ease pain in us physically, mentally and grow strength in our spirits that will allow us to endure any and all things of this world. 

This power is guaranteed, and this is confirmed in verse five when the text reads, “…with full assurance.”  If you have just read this, you should have felt something.  You should have experienced a feeling of confidence in the Lord’s work in you.  It is a guarantee of God’s promises. And if you need further proof, continue as Paul directs you when he speaks of himself.

​He says, “You know how we lived among you for your benefit…”  His actions, his convictions about Jesus even in times where he suffered at the hands of non-believers who attempted to shut him up about the truth.  He lived a life of a chosen disciple of God, and it showed in his actions. 

If you are looking for confirmation, walk this way in your life.  Stay strong in your belief about God’s Word, God’s power, and that shows that you believe God will do what He says He will do.  When others see this in you, they will not only believe, but they will realize that they were also chosen by the Father.

What a great work God will accomplish in us when we walk this way, the way we ‘live among others’. I pray God’s peace, protection, and guidance for you as you walk in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen

Blessings, 
​Billy

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