READ: 1 Thessalonians 5 (Focus vs. 12-23)
MEMORY VERSE
“[Jesus] died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.” 1 Thessalonians 5:10
BACKGROUND
In 2023, Kenyan police intervened to end what’s being called the “Shakahola Massacre”—in which hundreds died after following a cult leader’s directions to starve themselves to meet Jesus.
The leader had allegedly promised he too would leave earth in this way after his followers did. After his arrest, he denied ever teaching this.
The tragedy is a troubling example of how dangerous it is to blindly trust those claiming to be spiritual leaders. Cult members were so deceived that they resisted those who came to save them from starvation. One survivor described getting “addicted” to the leader’s teachings.
Jesus Christ is the true leader of those who trust in Him. He loved us so much He was willing to die for us to have life (1 Thessalonians 5:10). He calls us to live for Him, “awake and sober” (v. 6) and to test any teaching of others against His teaching (vv. 20-22).
We respond to Christ’s love not by harming ourselves or others but by “encourag[ing] . . . and build[ing] each other up” (v. 11). By living “in peace with each other” (v. 13) and striving “to do what is good for each other and for everyone else” (v. 15).
Through daily reliance on and trust in Christ’s Spirit (v. 19), we can live a life of love as we eagerly await Christ’s coming (v. 23).
Monica La Rose
INSIGHT
In addition to Paul’s warning in 1 Thessalonians to reject false teaching (5:20-22), the New Testament warns elsewhere against untrustworthy leaders in harsh terms.
Jesus warned, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Matthew 7:15). False teachers teach what is contrary to the “sound instruction” of Christ and “are conceited and understand nothing.
They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy [and] strife” (1 Timothy 6:3-5; see Romans 16:17-18). They “pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4).
We can recognize good teachers by their “fruit” (Matthew 7:16-20). They teach the doctrine of Christ and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The evidence of a loving relationship with Jesus is apparent in their lives.
The Spirit can give us discernment to recognize false teaching and live for Christ.
Alyson Kieda
APPLICATION
When have you seen damage done through false teaching? How can Christ’s example of love help us recognize untrustworthy leaders?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
Jesus Christ is the true leader of those who trust in Him. He loved us so much He was willing to die for us to have life… Through daily reliance on (Him) and trust in His Spirit, we can live a life of love as we eagerly await His coming.”
PR’s TAKE
“Do not only believe, (but) affirm and act the sacred words of God.” Lailah Gifty Akita
“So many people concentrate on knowing who a good preacher or a bad preacher is and so many people concentrate on knowing what the word of God is! The former is good but the latter is noble. The latter is the best answer to the former.” Ernest Agyeman Yeaboah
“Do not put your trust in princess, in a son of man, who cannot save (you)
Psalm 146:3
PRAYER
“Loving God, please help me never replace Jesus in my heart with any other leader and help me live for You.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS” Phil Wickham
I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
No turning back, no turning back
The cross before me, the world behind me
The cross before me, the world behind me
The cross before me, the world behind me
The cross before me, the world behind me
No turning back, no turning back
No turning back, no turning back
No turning back, no turning back…
