19 February - Chosen by God
“For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so, you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.”
1 Thessalonians 1:4-7
Verse 4: God loves you very much and has chosen you even before the foundation of the world. He brought you into his family, alongside brothers and sisters and called you his own. This is entirely his doing and an expression of his pure love for you. Paul provided the reason for our confidence in God. It’s because he made the first move towards us and has been on our side ever since. The Godhead—Father, Son and Spirit, are all actively involved in our salvation and sanctification. We have been adopted to sonship and nothing can separate us from his great love.
Verse 5: The Thessalonians’ conversion was genuine because the effect was evident in their lives. The gospel was believed, lived out and proclaimed with power. The source of that power was the Holy Spirit. True repentance comes from the Spirit, who in turn transforms us towards Christlikeness. Human persuasion will never produce the fruit of divine truth. Likewise, God intends to grow you to be more like his Son. He convicts your heart and empowers the change. This supernatural work of regeneration is not your effort but the Holy Spirit, whose very presence reaffirms your calling.
Verse 5b: Paul’s life reflected gospel consistency. Now examine your own. Do you see yourself as lord or servant of all? Do you do as you preached? Do you live for your own, or the sake of others?
Verse 6: The church faithfully followed the way of the Apostles and in turn, of Christ. This included enduring the persecution that came because they believed the gospel. Yet, they did so with joy given by the Holy Spirit, another evidence of God’s calling in them. Therefore, consider it pure joy when you too, face trials of many kinds. For it has been granted to us on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives will be persecuted. But rejoice because the suffering will prove the genuineness of your faith; like gold purified through fire, so it may be found to result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus returns. Our present suffering becomes bearable when it is understood in anticipation of our future secured hope.
Verse 7: The Thessalonians’ faith became exemplary, testifying to their election and the transforming power of the gospel. Equally, your life must display a pattern of continuous change as you grow in grace. Your conduct must befit your status, your fruit in keeping with repentance. You are to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you first received.
PONDER
“We glory in sufferings, knowing they produce perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Hope doesn’t put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
PROMISE
“And those whom he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” (Romans 8:30)
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, though at times my life is painful and unbearable, I can have deep joy powered by your Spirit. For you chose me and you are for me. What matters is who I am in you. Make my life a model to others, so that I may be a witness of your power and glory. Amen.
Article by Ms. Lee Sue Yee, the Regional Network Director of Christianity Explored. She is a member of the Diocesan Synod and sits on the Diocesan Ordination Interview Board. She worships at St Mary’s Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur.