Life Group Community:
Our discussion of 1 Thessalonians 2:1-4 included 2
main topics. First, why can it be hard
for us to speak with boldness? Second,
how do we define success as Christians?
For the first topic of boldness, we saw that Paul
spoke boldly and we know that the young believers in Thessalonica spoke with
boldness. Both parties were suffering
for the cause. We viewed a clip from God’s
Not Dead where only one student spoke boldly because he knew it was the right
thing to do. I am sure he was not the
only believer in that class.
The second topic of defining success as a Christian
was enjoyable as well. Some Christ
followers might say we cannot talk about being successful because we will never
“arrive” as a Christian. While it is
true that we don’t achieve a special perfect status, Paul said that he was
successful. The other end of the spectrum is the home of
the Christians who look at their actions and life status as success. I have been on 20 mission trips, I have not
been divorced, my children know all the books of the bible, my kids have never
been on a date, the pastor finds me to shake my hand, etc. (you get the
point).
We decided as a class that success comes back to the
heart. We know there has to be enough
evidence to convict you if you were arrested for being a Christian. Jesus said in Matthew 7, that by their fruits
you will know them. But your serving,
mission trips, parenting, loving your spouse, and being in community have to
come from a heart of love and thanksgiving.
Then you will be changed, your
family will be changed, your community will be changed. That sounds successful to me!
My challenge to you this week is to ask God the
Spirit to show you how to adjust your heart.
Maybe you need to stop judging other parents, or couples who have been
divorced. Maybe you need to evaluate why
you are doing activities. Is it to check
the Christian box, or is it so your heart will produce the fruits?
Be intentional this week.
Travis
