Scripture Union Daily Guide 24th September 2020
TODAY’S TOPIC: THE MARKS OF TRUE CONVERSION
Opening Prayer: Oh Lord, grant me spiritual insight into the truth of your word as I study it.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10
TODAY’S MESSAGE: Scripture Union Daily Guide 24th September 2020
INTRODUCTION TO 1 THESSALONIANS
Thessalonica was the capital city of the Province of Macedonia in the Roman Empire. Paul, Timothy and Silas were the first evangelists to take the gospel to them. It was a difficult time and they had to leave the city in a hurry after only a few weeks (Acts 17:1–9; 1 Thessalonians 2:2).
Unable to return there himself, Paul sent Timothy to check on the welfare of the new believers. His report was very encouraging (chapter 1) but Timothy also discovered some problems in the Church which Paul sought to correct by writing this letter to them.
The problems included a wrong concept of the Second Coming of Christ and what happens to Christians who die before His return. There was also the need to strengthen them in the face of continuing persecutions, remind them of the importance of moral purity and teach basics of Christian living.
Note that for which Paul and his companions were thanking God in vv.2–3. The faith of a true convert is demonstrated by his works (James 2:17–18), his labour (service for God and fellow men) which flows out of love, his endurance (of suffering), and is inspired by hope.
Note other evidences that show that the Thessalonians were true believers in vv.6–10. True conversion begins in the heart and is shown in practical Christian living ─ a life patterned after Christ. An idol (v.9) is anything that comes first before God and takes the number one place in a person’s life.
Review, reflect and consider if anything occupied the place meant for God in your life! True repentance also involves turning from all idols to serve the living God; and living in daily expectancy of the Lord’s coming. This will result in holy living (1 John 3:2–3).
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• So what? The faith of the Thessalonians resulted from the gospel Paul preached. List what we can learn from Paul in vv.4–6 of 1 Thess 1, for effective preaching of the gospel.
Hymn: Rock Of Ages
1. Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.
2. Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
Prayer:
• Ask that God will help you to become an effective communicator of his word in the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Thank God for the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Isaiah 48:12
Read The Bible In One Year: Ezek. 14–15; John 11:1–29
Thank you for reading Today’s Scripture Union Daily Guide 24th September 2020 – The Marks Of True Conversion
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