We are relational creatures by design and relationships shape our lives more than anything else on earth. However, because of sin, every single one of us is relationally broken. We have relational wounds. We're in unhealthy relationships. And worst of all, we've been looking to the wrong relationships to fix us. In this marriage series, we hope to see marriages redeemed and relationships restored. This can only happen when we rest in the ultimate relationship for which our hearts were created: our relationship with God made possible through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Healer.

Paul concludes his letter to the Thessalonians with what sounds like a call to Christian faithfulness. This is not the case. Instead, Paul’s final remarks tell the Thessalonians that God himself will sanctify them completely and that His faithfulness alone will accomplish the great task of keeping them blameless. This is the miracle of the grace that is ours in Christ Jesus that God always works out what He has already worked into the lives of His adopted children. Only God Himself can empower you to live a holy life as you anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ.

Paul encourages the church of Thessalonica to submit to church leadership, love well, worship regularly, pray consistently, and be led by the Holy Spirit. As he does this, he is painting for them a picture of what a flourishing church looks like in an environment of hostility. A healthy and flourishing church is identified by how its people relate to one another and to God.

As Paul comforted the Thessalonians regarding the dead, he now comforts them regarding those that are still alive and gives them hope for when Christ return. His hope, as such, is three fold. He tells them that because they are 1) children of the light, 2) not destined for wrath but instead 3) destined to obtain salvation they have no need to worry about Christ’s return. God’s message about future events must influence how we live in our present circumstances.

Paul comforts the Thessalonians regarding believers who are already dead, affirming that they will not be left behind when Christ returns. Instead, when Jesus comes back, he will take with him those who are dead first and then those who are still alive. God’s promises about tomorrow give us hope for how we face today.

Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to continue to love one another and to work hard for the sake of unbelievers. A genuine love for others is reflected by how you live and work.

Paul tells the Thessalonians that sexual purity is both a private and a public endeavor. Not only does sexual sin harm the one doing the offending, it also harms those that are offended. Because God has called us to holiness, we must flee from any form of sexual impurity.

Paul’s affection for the Thessalonians moved him and caused him to long to join them in their suffering that he might encourage them in their faith.

The Thessalonians received the gospel as the divine Word of God as opposed to the created word of man. As such, they were equipped for great suffering and for persecution through the word of God, which was at work within them.

Paul’s ministry was above reproach, his message was true, and his method was pure. Authentic Christian leaders will reflect a genuine love for and commitment to the people they have been called to lead.