Growing in God-Taught Love and Practical Living

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Love as a Dynamic Gift

The Thessalonians' love is described as "God-taught," emphasizing that true love is a divine gift. This love is not static but dynamic, requiring continuous growth and expression. Recognizing God's teaching in our lives calls us to both gratitude and action, as we seek to embody His love more fully. The divine nature of this love means it transcends human effort, inviting us to participate in a love that is ever-expanding and inclusive. As we grow in this love, we are reminded that it is not merely for our benefit but for the edification of the community and the glory of God. [02:34]

1 John 4:19-21 (ESV): "We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."

Reflection: Who in your life can you show more of God's dynamic love to today, and how can you take a practical step to express this love?

Day 2: Continuous Growth in Love and Service

Paul's exhortation to "do this more and more" highlights the ongoing nature of spiritual growth. Even when we are doing well, there is always room for improvement. This call to growth is not about correcting deficiencies but about expanding our capacity to love and serve. It is a reminder that spiritual maturity is a journey, not a destination, and that we are called to continually seek ways to deepen our love for others and our service to God. This growth is both a personal and communal endeavor, as we encourage one another to pursue greater expressions of love. [03:32]

2 Peter 1:5-8 (ESV): "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you can grow in love and service this week, and what steps will you take to pursue this growth?

Day 3: Practical Living as a Testimony

The instruction to live quietly, mind one's own affairs, and work with one's hands underscores the importance of practical living as a testimony to outsiders. Our daily conduct should reflect the transformative power of God's love, serving as a witness to those around us. This practical advice is not just about personal discipline but about how our lives can be a testament to the faith we profess. By living honorably and responsibly, we demonstrate the impact of God's love in tangible ways, inviting others to see the difference it makes in our lives. [01:34]

Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

Reflection: How can your daily actions and interactions serve as a testimony to God's love today, and what changes might you need to make to align more closely with this calling?

Day 4: Scripture as a Tool for Growth

While the Thessalonians are "God-taught," Paul's letter serves as a tool for further growth. This illustrates the role of Scripture and teaching in our spiritual journey, as God uses these means to deepen our understanding and practice of love. Scripture is not just a historical document but a living word that speaks into our lives, guiding us in our pursuit of spiritual maturity. By engaging with Scripture, we open ourselves to God's ongoing work in us, allowing His word to shape our thoughts, actions, and relationships. [08:20]

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

Reflection: How can you incorporate Scripture into your daily routine this week to facilitate spiritual growth, and what specific passage will you focus on?

Day 5: Celebrating and Participating in God's Work

Recognizing and celebrating God's work in our lives is crucial. It encourages us and others to continue in faithfulness, acknowledging that God is actively shaping us through His word and Spirit. This celebration is both an affirmation of His work and a call to participate in it more fully. By celebrating God's work, we are reminded of His faithfulness and are inspired to join Him in His ongoing mission in the world. This dynamic relationship between divine teaching and human response is at the heart of Christian growth. [10:29]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: What is one way you can celebrate God's work in your life today, and how can you invite others to join in this celebration?

Sermon Summary

In our exploration of 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12, we delve into the profound nature of brotherly love and the divine instruction that underpins it. Paul acknowledges the Thessalonians' exemplary love for one another, a love that extends beyond their immediate community to the broader region of Macedonia. This love is not merely a human effort but is described as being "God-taught," highlighting the divine influence in their actions. Despite their commendable love, Paul urges them to continue growing in this love, emphasizing that spiritual growth is a continuous journey.

Paul's letter serves as both an affirmation of their current state and an encouragement for further growth. He acknowledges that while they are already practicing love effectively, there is always room for more. This dual message underscores the idea that spiritual maturity involves both recognizing God's work in us and striving for greater expressions of His love. The letter is not a correction of deficiencies but a celebration of God's ongoing work in their lives.

Furthermore, Paul shifts focus to practical living, urging the Thessalonians to live quietly, mind their own affairs, and work with their hands. This practical advice is aimed at ensuring that their conduct is honorable before outsiders, thus enhancing their witness to the world. The balance between divine instruction and practical living illustrates the holistic nature of Christian discipleship, where spiritual growth is reflected in both our inner lives and outward actions.

In essence, this passage teaches us that God's work in our lives is both a present reality and a future promise. We are called to recognize His work, celebrate it, and participate in it by striving for more. This dynamic relationship between divine teaching and human response is at the heart of Christian growth.

Key Takeaways

1. Divine Instruction in Love: The Thessalonians' love is described as "God-taught," emphasizing that true love is a divine gift. This love is not static but dynamic, requiring continuous growth and expression. Recognizing God's teaching in our lives calls us to both gratitude and action, as we seek to embody His love more fully. [02:34]
2. Encouragement for Growth: Paul's exhortation to "do this more and more" highlights the ongoing nature of spiritual growth. Even when we are doing well, there is always room for improvement. This call to growth is not about correcting deficiencies but about expanding our capacity to love and serve. [03:32]
3. Practical Living as Witness: The instruction to live quietly, mind one's own affairs, and work with one's hands underscores the importance of practical living as a testimony to outsiders. Our daily conduct should reflect the transformative power of God's love, serving as a witness to those around us. [01:34]
4. The Role of Scripture in Growth: While the Thessalonians are "God-taught," Paul's letter serves as a tool for further growth. This illustrates the role of Scripture and teaching in our spiritual journey, as God uses these means to deepen our understanding and practice of love. [08:20]
5. Celebrating God's Work: Recognizing and celebrating God's work in our lives is crucial. It encourages us and others to continue in faithfulness, acknowledging that God is actively shaping us through His word and Spirit. This celebration is both an affirmation of His work and a call to participate in it more fully. [10:29]
** [10:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:17] - Introduction to Brotherly Love
[00:33] - Love Across Macedonia
[00:52] - Urging for More Love
[01:13] - Practical Living Instructions
[01:34] - Conduct Before Outsiders
[02:16] - Understanding Divine Teaching
[02:34] - The Role of Paul's Writings
[03:16] - Affirmation and Encouragement
[03:52] - The Necessity of Writing
[04:16] - Previous Instructions Revisited
[05:21] - God's Work in Their Lives
[06:02] - Specific Exhortations
[07:03] - The Word at Work
[08:01] - God Taught Through the Word
[09:15] - Prayer for Abounding Love
[10:29] - Celebrating God's Work

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Bible Reading:
- 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Observation Questions:

What does Paul mean when he says the Thessalonians are "God-taught" to love one another? How does this influence their actions? [00:17]
How does Paul describe the Thessalonians' love for the broader region of Macedonia? What does this suggest about the nature of their love? [00:33]
What practical instructions does Paul give to the Thessalonians regarding their daily conduct? How are these instructions connected to their witness to outsiders? [01:13]
In what way does Paul balance divine instruction with practical living in his letter to the Thessalonians? [01:34]

Interpretation Questions:

How does the concept of being "God-taught" challenge or affirm the Thessalonians' understanding of love? What implications does this have for their spiritual growth? [02:34]
Why does Paul emphasize the need for the Thessalonians to "do this more and more" even though they are already practicing love effectively? What does this reveal about spiritual maturity? [03:32]
How does Paul's instruction to live quietly and mind their own affairs serve as a testimony to outsiders? What might this look like in a modern context? [01:34]
How does the role of Scripture and teaching contribute to the Thessalonians' spiritual journey, according to Paul's letter? [08:20]

Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt "God-taught" in your own life. How did this experience shape your actions and relationships with others?
Paul encourages the Thessalonians to grow in love continuously. Identify one area in your life where you can expand your capacity to love and serve others. What steps can you take this week to act on this? [03:32]
Consider the practical advice Paul gives about living quietly and minding one's own affairs. How can you apply this in your workplace or community to enhance your witness to others? [01:13]
In what ways can you celebrate and recognize God's work in your life and the lives of those around you? How can this celebration encourage further growth and faithfulness? [10:29]
Think about a specific relationship or situation where you can embody the transformative power of God's love. What practical actions can you take to reflect this love more fully?
How can you use Scripture and teaching as tools for your spiritual growth? Identify a specific passage or teaching that has recently impacted you and discuss how it has influenced your understanding of love.
Paul writes to the Thessalonians not to correct deficiencies but to encourage growth. How can you apply this approach in your interactions with others, especially when offering feedback or encouragement? [05:21]

Sermon Clips

"Concerning brotherly love, so he brings up, he says I want to write about this concerning this and he didn't have to bring it up in a sense they're doing fine. God taught they are God taught to love one another, but he brought it up and he brought it up to do two things: one, to say that he doesn't need to bring it up, in other words, to praise them and to give honor to God and to say we urge you Brothers more and more." [00:30:26]

"Finally then Brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God and it's good to include brotherly love, loving each other just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. That's almost identical right to that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia." [00:04:13]

"His letter is not meant to be perceived as rectifying defects right when he says you have no need to anyone to write you for you yourselves are God taught to love each other. He's saying if I didn't write this letter God would go on blessing you and you would continue to be a loving church and God taught." [00:05:10]

"Now having said that and having encouraged them in that way and having honored God's direct involvement in teaching them, nevertheless we have to realize he did teach them because even here in this preceding paragraph you remember he was talking about their sexuality and he was saying in verse six that no one transgress or wrong his brother in this matter." [00:05:47]

"So he wanted to remind them don't let your sexuality get out of control and lose its tethering to Holiness and honor so that you transgress a brother by intruding upon his marriage relationship. So they are being God taught to love brothers and that doesn't rule out that this exhortation to do so more and more would include some specifics that would be useful to them." [00:06:10]

"Remember back in 2:13 we also thank God constantly for this that when you receive the word of God which you heard from us you accepted it not as the word of men but as it is really the word of God which is at work in you believers. So this he says that's really true when we preach the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit it went to work in you and is producing love for the brothers." [00:07:11]

"He wants to really honor that God is at work by the word. This does mean however that when you read the word God taught here you shouldn't say oh well we don't need any word of God, we don't need any gospel, we don't need any teaching, we just have God and that's not at all what he means because here he's saying no we preach the word of God to you and that word is at work in you believers." [00:07:45]

"That's how God is at work in the Believers and so this God taught here doesn't mean God taught apart from the word it means God taught through the word that we preached to you when we first came to you and it is so wonderfully still at work because the word is abiding in you and the spirit is abiding in you that we don't need to write out of any desperate sense of your defect." [00:08:18]

"But we are going to write to you and we're going to write to you because it is God's plan that in our encouraging and writing to you he will use this letter to continue to teach you even though the letter isn't absolutely needed the letter is useful for you to more and more make progress." [00:08:39]

"Now may Our God and Father himself and our lord Jesus direct our way to you and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love. Now there is his prayer and statement that God is the one who's causing the love right may the Lord make you increase and abound in love that's what he means when he says you are God taught." [00:09:08]

"This letter is not in any way an infringement upon God's privilege to teach. This letter in fact is an open acknowledgment and a prayer for more and more of the Lord to make you increase and abound in love so God is already at work and will go on working to cause brotherly love to abound more and more." [00:09:41]

"When we see evidences of God's work in people's lives we should say God's at work in your life. God has taught you this. God is on the Move in your life. He's taking the word and making it fruitful in your life and now I just want to encourage you more and more and if you share some other good Promises of the word of God then God may make your word a means of this more and more." [00:10:25]

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Growing in God-Taught Love and Practical Living

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Love as a Dynamic Gift

Day 2: Continuous Growth in Love and Service

Day 3: Practical Living as a Testimony

Day 4: Scripture as a Tool for Growth

Day 5: Celebrating and Participating in God's Work

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Growing in God-Taught Love and Practical Living

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