That You May Lack Nothing

In the first epistle of Paul to Thessalonians:

But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 

and indeed you do so toward all the brethren...

But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 

that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, 

to mind your own business, and 

to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,  

that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, 

and that you may lack nothing.

1 Thessalonians 4: 9-12 

AWESOME! =)

Now This I Do For the Gospel's Sake

Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

1 Cor.9:23
New King James Version (NKJV)

Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

The preceding verses before this talks about Paul giving up his own freedom to save those who are slaves (1 Cor. 9:19). Paul becoming weak to save those who are weak (1 Cor. 9:22). Paul becoming ALL things to ALL men to save more.

More verses before that also talks about Paul denying oneself. The King James Version of the Bible even titled this part of the Epistle "A Pattern of Self Denial".

And then Paul said,

"Now this I do for the gospel’s sake..."

Truly Paul denied himself of all things he enjoyed before for the gospel's sake. He was a Pharisee with all authority. He can choose to stay but he didn't. He chose to leave the "comfortable" for the gospel's sake. He denied his right to safety and security. Imagine how many times he was flogged, imprisoned and shipwrecked. He denied himself the need for acceptance, instead he went out and reasoned in the synagogues and bravely shared the gospel to anyone.

ALL THESE He DID for the gospel's sake!

What have we done for the gospel's sake?

What are we doing for the gospel's sake?

What will we be doing for the gospel's sake?

Have we been very busy "going" to church, "reading" the Bible and "praying" while forgetting the greatest commandment God left us?

What have you denied for the gospel's sake? What have you let go for the gospel's sake?

Think. Pray. Act.

Now is the time to GO!