Our Hope Together - 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

Our world is filled with segregation and strife. This is seen between nations and within nations. The gospel is the remedy of the most significant separation between a holy God and the sinner. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 teaches us that conversion proceeds from God’s appointment. This conversion is from the wrath of God to salvation from God (5:9). God’s wrath is His anger against sin (Romans 1:18) that can only be satisfied by the cross of Christ (1 John 2:1-2). This forgiveness and salvation offered to all is what the believer obtains because Jesus died for our sins and shed His precious blood for the remission of our sins. Our salvation is settled and secured in Christ. We now have a purpose in life not to live for self, but for the Lord Jesus Christ. Verses 10-11 indicates that our connection with God has connected us with God’s people. Living for Christ means that we comfort each other and edify one another. This is our mission in the church. We are called by God to come alongside of each other. This involves your time. We are also to edify one another. The idea of this word is to strengthen and to make stronger. This involves your contribution. Comfort and edification are the responsibility and practice of our living for Christ. Your salvation in Christ has led you to life in Christ’s church as we follow Jesus together.