I guess I need to give a little more info and direction for the devotional format I plan to follow. I figure it will change as I work through it, but my plan right now looks like this.
I will read through the book at the start. 1 Thessalonians is short enough that I should be able to get through it in a day. I will look for themes that the Lord is trying to communicate. I will then go back and start to work through the text at a slower pace. I will spend time meditating on the text, looking for the application the writer was going for and how can I apply it to my life. At some point. I imagine I will look at a Bible dictionary to get some background on Thessolonica, I may crack the Vines open if I need to understand a Greek word better. My guess is that I won't open those books until the middle of the month. At the end of the month, if there is something I am still confused about or want further clarification on, I will jump into a commentary. I imagine a lot of my time will be spent meditating on the text and how it applies to me, my family, or the youth group.
Hope that helps some.
Jamie
2 comments:
I've never read the book of 1 Thess. I just finished a complete reading in one sitting. My first impression is that it's like all of Paul's other letters but I know there's more to it. Today 5:1-3 jumped out at me.
"1Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."
My focus the past few days has been on the impending arrival of our baby. I'm excited and nervous and Tom and I sort of plan our day around the possibility that labor could start any minute. We've prepared the house and the car; I've packed my bags. We are ready! But I don't know when Tommy will come. I just know that he WILL come and I need to be ready.
Now...what about Christ? Have I spent even half as much time and effort on His impending arrival?
Sigh...
Just finished reading 1Thess and wow there is a lot to digest in this book. A few things stood out in my initial reading.
1. Paul starts this book out pointing out the peoples strong points and then later instructs them on their weaknesses/shortcomings (This is the format of the majority of his letters?).
2. He compares his role as a teacher to a father’s role.
Tomorrow I will start breaking down the first chapter verse by verse. I am open to any guidance and suggestions that will help me stay focused and open to the Lords word.
It's funny the labor verse also jumped out at me. Maybe that thief will strike tonight?
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