Even though we will look at only one verse today, it is packed with deep theological truth. Paul lays out what a church really is. Certainly, it is what the church at Thessalonica was, but it is also what we ought to be.
As the sermon title not-so-subtly alludes, this passage is quite political. But not in the way folks might assume. While it does discuss political policies that the Israelites have embraced, ultimately the text shows God to be critical of those policies. In many ways this passage is a polemic against domestic and foreign dealings that don’t defer to God and yield to His way. But that doesn’t mean God is apolitical. It would seem from this text and elsewhere that He is anything but!
So we start fresh in 2023 hopefully with some realistic and stretching expectations to direct us in our day-by-day life journey with Christ. Heed His promise as the One who is in control of each step on that pathway. BE all those things He expects of you and desires for you as you expectantly pursue Him. Be…. Informed, Concerned, Ready and Faithful
The Kingdom of God is a mystery. It is here now but not in its fulness. We are welcome to live in it now and point to our coming King by living with Jesus as our king right where we are.