Thessalonians | Week 7
If you’ve been with us the past few weeks, you know we’ve been walking through the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians together. These letters from Paul to the early church aren’t just theological— they’re deeply personal, full of encouragement, challenge, and reminders of what it means to live for Jesus in a culture that looks very different from the Kingdom of God.
The Call to Live Differently
Paul’s writing recognizes a tension: followers of Jesus are called to live distinctly, even when the culture around them doesn’t. That’s something we deeply resonate with here in Austin—a vibrant, exciting city where it’s easy to get swept up in the current of everything going on. And yet, we’re invited to anchor our lives in something eternal.
As we wrapped up 2 Thessalonians, we landed on a powerful core theme:
Jesus is coming back—and He’s looking for a specific kind of person.
So, what kind of person is that? Paul outlines three powerful markers of a ready, hungry heart:
1. Love and Believe the Truth
Paul warns the Thessalonians not to fall for false teaching or cultural confusion. Instead, he calls them to love and believe the truth of the gospel.
This isn’t just about a one-time salvation moment—it’s about cultivating a growing love for God’s Word. It’s waking up each day and saying, “I believe what Jesus says about Himself, and I want to build my life on that truth.”
If you're new to reading the Bible or need a fresh rhythm, start small. One verse. One chapter. Just keep coming back to His truth.
2. Be Sanctified by the Spirit
Sanctification means being set apart—living differently, becoming more like Jesus. Paul reminds us this isn’t something we do on our own. It’s the Spirit’s power at work in us, transforming us from the inside out.
But here’s the thing: sanctification rarely happens in isolation. It happens in community—through life groups, discipleship, confession, and walking with people who help us become more like Christ.
If you don’t have people who know your story, your struggles, and your calling—find them. Ask someone to walk with you. That’s where transformation happens.
3. Don’t Grow Idle
Paul doesn’t pull punches when he addresses idleness. He says, “Don’t grow weary in doing good.” Because when we stop serving, stop loving, stop pressing in—we risk sliding into a passive faith.
In our city and in our fast-paced lives, idleness isn’t always obvious. It looks like going through the motions. Checking out spiritually. Coasting. But Jesus is calling us to live with intentionality—to be people on mission, always ready for His return.
A Ready Heart is a Hungry Heart
In Matthew 25, Jesus tells a story about ten women waiting for a bridegroom—five were ready, and five were not. They all wanted to be part of the celebration, but only the ones who had prepared their oil were welcomed in.
That story is a wake-up call. Hunger looks like preparation. It looks like costly, daily choices to follow Jesus—not someday, but now.
And here’s the good news: the reward for a ready life isn’t just heaven—it’s Jesus Himself. His presence. His friendship. His joy.
As We Wait...
Paul ends his letter with this blessing:
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thess. 3:16)
As a church, let’s be people who encounter God, come alive in who He’s made us to be, and live on mission—stirring up hunger and living like Jesus could return at any moment.