Firstfruits

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

We blow things way out of proportion because we do not want to put another person’s interest before our own. We are unwilling to inconvenience ourselves so we can help someone.

We are tempted to respond in anger more often than we would like to admit. We constantly find ourselves having to put into practice familiar Bible truths. We can be angry but not sin. Each of us can look out not only for our own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Thankfully, God has given us His Spirit and He will assist us in our own battle with sin. The apostles Paul and Peter called it the “sanctifying work of the Spirit.” Without His power, we are helpless and defeated; but with His power we can have victory.

The growth of a saint is the work of a lifetime.

Our Daily Bread – August 13, 2015