READ: 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7
6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
KEY THOUGHT:
Today’s culture moves fast. More and more information transfers faster and faster. New ideas, new technologies and more ways to achieve “life’s purpose” seemingly develop overnight. The desire to get more faster leads to impatience, discouragement and discontentment. The burden of keeping up with it all is an affliction that every generation endures. We have more available, we want more, and when we get more, we’re left wanting even more and hopelessly wondering, “where is the joy in it all?” But there is hope! The hope of the gospel gives joy, even in the midst of affliction. The purpose of the gospel is to spread the joy of knowing Jesus Christ to others so that they can experience eternal life. That joy can be contagious as it is spread through the gospel. Spreading the gospel can occur in many ways – by word, by works, and by example. How are you spreading the joy of the gospel?
CONSIDER:
- How do your day-to-day activities create conflict and cause you to be discouraged and discontent?
- How can today’s culture be an affliction to you?
- Why is it important to spread the gospel to the world?
APPLICATION:
Let your life be an example that spreads the joy of the gospel!
