Exploring 1 Thessalonians 5:24 In 2023

The Importance of Trusting God’s Faithfulness

As we begin a new year, it’s important to reflect on our relationship with God and how we can grow in our faith. One passage that provides great insight is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:24, which states, “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”

These words remind us of the importance of trusting in God’s faithfulness. No matter what challenges we may face in the coming year, we can have confidence that God will be with us every step of the way. He is the one who has called us, and he will continue to guide us and provide for us as we seek to follow his will.

Understanding the Context of 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Before we dive deeper into the meaning of this verse, it’s important to understand its context. The book of 1 Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul to the church in Thessalonica, a city in Greece. The letter was likely written in the early 50s AD, making it one of the earliest books of the New Testament.

In chapter 5, Paul is offering a series of instructions and encouragements to the Thessalonians as they seek to live out their faith. He reminds them to live in peace with one another, to be patient with those who are weak, and to always rejoice and give thanks to God.

Trusting in God’s Calling

With this context in mind, we can now turn to the specific words of verse 24. The passage begins by stating, “The one who calls you is faithful.” Here, Paul is reminding the Thessalonians (and us) that it is God who has called us to follow him. We are not here by accident or chance, but rather by God’s sovereign plan and purpose.

When we remember this truth, it can give us great confidence and peace. We do not need to worry about whether we are on the right path or whether we are making the right decisions. Instead, we can trust that God has called us and that he will guide us as we seek to follow him.

Assurance of God’s Faithfulness

The second half of the verse provides further assurance of God’s faithfulness. It states, “He will do it.” This phrase can be interpreted in a few different ways, but one possible understanding is that God will bring to completion the work that he has begun in us.

This can be a great comfort to us as we face the challenges and struggles of life. We may not always see the end result of our efforts or know how things will turn out, but we can trust that God is at work and that he will bring about his purposes in our lives.

Application to Our Lives Today

So what does all of this mean for us as we begin a new year? Here are a few key takeaways:

Trust in God’s Faithfulness

First and foremost, we need to trust in God’s faithfulness. As we face the uncertainties and challenges of the coming year, we can have confidence that God is with us and that he will guide us. We can trust in his calling on our lives and his ability to bring about his purposes in us.

Remember Our Purpose

Secondly, we need to remember our purpose. Just as God has called us to follow him, he has also given us specific gifts and talents that we can use to serve him and others. As we seek to live out our faith, we should be intentional about using these gifts to make a difference in the world around us.

Show Gratitude and Rejoice

Finally, we need to show gratitude and rejoice. Paul reminds us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and to “always rejoice” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). Even when things are difficult or challenging, we can find reasons to be thankful and to celebrate the good things that God is doing in our lives.

In Conclusion

As we reflect on 1 Thessalonians 5:24 in 2023, let us remember the importance of trusting in God’s faithfulness. Let us remember that he has called us and will guide us as we seek to follow him. Let us use our gifts and talents to serve him and others, and let us always be grateful and joyful in all circumstances.

May this passage be a source of encouragement and inspiration to us as we begin a new year, and may we continue to grow in our faith and trust in God’s unfailing love and faithfulness.