Live in Peace with One Another
The Resurrection of Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:12-25
Final Instructions
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.
Pondering Point
To put the above verse in its context, it is coming at the end of Paul’s letter.
Where does God ‘ping’ you (direct your attention) as you read this? Who have you allowed yourself to not be at peace with even though God says “live in peace with each other”?
Turn to God in prayer and ask Him if this is okay, whether you’re doing His will in this relationship. Then... do His will. Not merely pray about it; not merely think about it; not merely wish it – but actually do it.
Prayer
Father God, by Your Spirit help me to do Your will.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
My Story: Developing My Testimony
Here are a few ways to think about your story as you connect or build bridges with others: Practice telling your story aloud a few times.
Ask a friend or family member to listen to you. If you are a disciple who came to believe in Jesus as Lord after childhood, consider incorporating your life:
• Before you met Jesus
• How you got to learn of Jesus
• Since you came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior
If you are a disciple of Jesus who has always been “in the church” from the time you can remember, you might consider:
• What and who brought about growth and/or changes of lifestyle for you?
• Were there periods in life when you did not live for Christ – or at least when you failed to center your life around God?
• What caused you to start living for Christ – or – what events or relationships led you to center your life around God?
Think about sharing snippets of your story rather than whole parts; use brief anecdotes intended to form connections. In general, keep your piece of the story short and connecting back to their story (which you should either already know or are focused on getting to know – by listening). Here are some things to consider when developing various parts of your story (or testimony) about God’s work in your life through Jesus.
> What was your spiritual background?
o In which religion, faith, denomination, were you raised?
o How did that affect you growing up?
> Consider feelings… attitudes… actions… relationships.
> Who/what caused you to start considering Christ in your life?
o A person or persons? An incident?
o A camp, youth group or other organizations?
> What motivated you to live your life to Jesus? – or –
What motivated you to re-dedicate your life to living for Jesus?
> When did Jesus become real to you? How did that happen?
> How has your life changed after you started living for God?
> What progress have you seen in your life as a believer?
> Did you experience any significant breaks or backslides in your walk as a believer? Who or what did God use to draw you back?
> What benefits have you experienced from having Christ in charge of your life?
Next week’s discipleship training section will include
a series of bible verses to help you craft your story as well.