Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me

 Philiemon 1;1-23

To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home:

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary.

So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.

Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

Why?

Paul knew Philmon had faith in Christ, and Paul hoped Onesimus might stay with him when he was in Jail. But Paul respected Philemon, and without his consent, Paul did not want him to stay to serve him. But because Paul and Onesimus were coworkers in the Gospel, Paul appeals to Philmon to treat Onesimus better, as he serves Paul.

Paul is a good servant of the Lord, not only preaching the Gospel but also witnessing the faith and love and wisdom and keeping good relationships among brothers.

How?

What can I do? learning from Paul with more love, faith, and hope to do everything and treat everyone.

To be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyon

 Titus 3:1-15

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.

Why?

To be a Christian, we should learn and imitate Paul; his instruction is the best reminder. 1) subject to rulers and authorities. 2) avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law.

How?

Let me be a real Christian, a follower of Jesus, love others, and love my family and my colleagues, help others as I can. May the Holy Spirit remind me, guide my way every day.

Self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance

 Titus 2:1-15

You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.

Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 

Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.

It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Why?

Do our duty in every situation, whether we are a master or a slave, a teacher or an old man or an old woman. Akk of us should be self-controlled and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.

Let us learn from Jesus Christ, who came down to our world and gave us his life to erase our sins.

This is the love to all of us. 

How?

Self-control and be a good servant of the Lord when I am living in this world.

An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient

 Titus 1:1-16

To Titus, my true son in our common faith:

An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 

He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

Why?

Paul taught Titus how to handle or manage a church, to be an elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife. not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.

It is not everyone who says they are Christians, but their actions prove who they are.

Talk and action should be the same in Jesus Christ.

How?

May the Holy Spirit remind me to be a real Christian, a folloer of Jesus Christ.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith

 2 Timothy 4:1-22

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires.

They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 

Why?

When the time is closer to the end of the world, there are many people who turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. They called it populations, fashion, or smart guys.

To a Christian, we should continue to preach the word of the Lord, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. Paul has given us many instructions.

How?

Be strong and careful of many tricky things and men or words, living with great patience and careful instruction.

So that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

 2 Timothy 3:1-17

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

Always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth.

(雅尼 Jannes——意思是山谷，佯庇Jambres——意思是術士。這二人名字在舊約聖經並未題及，不過一般認為他們乃是古埃及國的術士，即如根據古教父俄利根Origen(主後一八五—二五四年，亞力山太城原始教會偉大教師並學者)的解釋，這兩個人是法老王所用來抵擋摩西的，他們奉法老之召，在埃及行邪術，以反對摩西和亞倫，結果是處處失敗，如他們用杖變作蛇，就被亞倫的杖吞了，用邪術要生虱子，卻是不能。)

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 

So that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Why?

Even though there is much evidence that shows the Lord is the true God, there are many evil doers still ungrateful, unholy, without love, slanderous, without self-control... those are showing in this world.

Let us have a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. The Lord will protect us even the situation is getting worse.

How?

With hope, faith, and love in my daily life to show the Lord is with me.

For the Lord will give you insight into all this

 2 Timothy 2:1-26

Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.

Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 

Why?

This is our calling as Christians: to present ourselves to God as ones approved, workers who do not need to be ashamed and who correctly handle the word of truth.

We are selected so endure everything, for God's word is not chained.

How?

Pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace

 2 Timothy 1:1-17

With a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.

Why?

Why do we have to preach the Gospel? Because the Love of the Lord came upon me. Not because of what I have done but because of his own purpose and grace.

The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

This is the love of the Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit and the love of the Lord.

How?

Pray every day, and may the Holy Spirit remind me of what I am doing, and invite the Holy Spirit to come upon me in my daily life.

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it

 1 Timothy 6:1-21

Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Why?

Paul taught us in different jobs, positions and rich or poor. Both should obey the commands of the Lord, humble themselves, and love each other, and respect others. do good deeds, be generous and willing to share.

What we have when we leave this world, we can not take anything with us. 

How?

Do my best to love others and help others as I can.

Be awake and sober, Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances

 1 Timothy 5:1-28

For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 

Warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Why?

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. This is our symbol of a Christian with our Lord. God is living in our hearts. We belong to the Lord.

Let faith and love be our breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. Because of faith and love we don't discourage or tire of doing the good jobs.

Be awake and sober, because there are many things or attractions, or benefits may attract our heart to follow this world.

How?

Alway pray to the Lord and rejoice, praying and be awake and sober.

We believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him

 1 Timothy 4:1-18

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.

Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 

Why?

We believe Jesus will come again and bring those who have fallen asleep in him. So even though our lives end in this world, one day we will meet together in heaven on God's coming day.

On the earth, we need to be aware of living out a different life from others, and keep control of our own bodies in a way that is holy and honorable.

Mind our own business and work with our hands.

How?

Believer, God will come again with Jesus, and those who have fallen asleep in him will come back to meet us again.

Conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth

1 Timothy3:1-16

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 

In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

You will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 

Why?

Paul mentioned how to be a good overseer and deacon in a church. They should take care of their conduct, such as being faithful to their wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. All of these are common rules for all Christians.

How?

Do my best to be a real Christian, follower of Jesus Christ. There are many things I need to learn.

Petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people

 1 Timothy 2:1-15

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

Therefore, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

Why?

Paul asked us to have petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people. For we are the followers of Jesus Christ, we pray for those who do not know the Lord, that one day they may be saved.

Jesus Christ is one God, and is one mediator between God and us.

How?

Always lift our hands to pray for others with faith, love, and holiness.

Holding on to faith and a good conscience

 1 Timothy 1:1-20

To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful.

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. 

Why?

Paul told Timothy as son in the Gospel, keep a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith.to flight wiht those men turned to maningless talk.

Paul wa once a blashphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, but for the mercy of the Lord came upon him, so Paul more know how great is the mercy and love of the Lord and turn Paul from a violent man to a servant of the Lord through whole his life.

How?

What I am doing for? for myself or for the Lord's command? 

Pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored

2 Thessalonians 3:1-18

Pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 

We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.

We gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instructions in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.

Why?

There are many people without faith and lazy to work. So we love them, need to teach them, and let them learn what is shameful. Do not regard them as an enemy, for we treat anyone with love.

Pray that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, and I can be the messenger.

reminder to preach the gospel: three warning points

1. Only teaching knowledge about salvation, not the relationship between God and man.

2. Not building relationships with those we preach the gospel to.

3. Those who evangelize do not establish a relationship with God.

How?

May I be a good messenger of God's word through my words and my behaviors.

Stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter

 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.  For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

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.

Why?

There are many works invoked by Satan, which are said with the name of the Lord, or cheating words, that promote himself. 

Let me trust in Jesus Christ and humble myself, to love each other, and have faith in work. 

God called me to the Lord through the gospel, that we may share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

How?

Humble myself and think more before actions, and don't waste time. My life is limited.

Faith, love and perseverance are increasing

 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.

God’s judgment is right: as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God

God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled.

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. 

We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him.

Why?

God's judgment is right, we will be counted worthy fo the kingdom of God, God will pay back trouble to those who trouble us.

The way of the Lord is higher than ours, and the mind of the Lord is better than what we have.

How?

Pray every day that the name of the Lord Jesus may be glorified in me and other Christians.

Putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28

For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

Whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

Why?

For we are the children of Jesus Christ in the world, our mission is to let others know Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. Doing the job of the Lord has given us and witness the great love of Jesus.

Like our dressing, put faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet. This is a war of the Spirit of the world.

How?

Do my best to live out and witness the faith in Christ, love each other, and keep eternal hope to the end of my life.

You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders

 Thessalonians 4 1:18

We instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;

No one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.

You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore, encourage one another with these words.

Why?

We are Christians, as Paul reminded us, to mind our own business and work with our hands, so that our daily lives may win the respect of outsiders. This is a way to preach the Gospel.

All of God's children will unite one day in Heaven, so the dead is a temporary period and place, one day we will come together, so we still have the hope to meet our friends and family in heaven.

How?

Live out the model of a Christian as Christ and Paul told us. Do the right things and think the matter of the Lord and love each others.

In all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith

1 Thessalonians 3:1-

For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

Why?

Paul knew news about brothers and sisters in Thessalonians were encouraged and glad to thank the Lord, even though Paul was under distress and persecution, they were encouraged by their faith.

Paul prayed for them for their love to increase, strengthen their heart to be blameless and holy in the presence of God, our Father.

How?

I should pray for my brothers and sisters in my church, that their love to increase, strengthen their hearts to be blameless and holy in the presence of the Lord

share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well

 Thessalonians 2:1-20

With the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.

God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead, we were like young children among you.

We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.

For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.

Why?

Paul encouraged people in the Thessalonian church not to try to please people, but God, who tests our hearts.

The Gospel of God is not only good news but also our living style and can witness the Lord working in us.

How?

Do what I can to witness the work of the Lord on me in daily life.

Work produced by faith, labor prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ

 1 Thessalonians 1:10

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

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.

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.

Why?

Paul appreciated the brothers and sisters in the Thessalonian church. They are the model for all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. because of their work, labor, and endurance.

Our work: Produced by faith

Our labor: prompted by love

Our endurance: inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ

How about me? May my work be produced by faith, my labor prompted by love and my endurance inspired by hope in Jesus Christ.

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone

 Colossians 4:1-18

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Why?

To be a follower of Jesus Christ, we should do our best to be a prayer and do everything with love and be watchful and thankful. All I have is the grace of the Lord come upon me. 

Paul reminded us to let our conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that I may know how to answer everyone.

How?

Watch out for what I say? always full of grace, seasoned with salt, and pray to the Lord so that I may know how to answer everyone.

Do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him

 Colossians 3:1-25

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Why?

I died when I met Jesus Christ. So my life, my mind should focus on things above, not on earthly things.

But I am still busy with my daily work and solving the problems at my job. 

It is OK, do my own job, but do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him

How?

Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, and give thanks to God the Father.

No one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy

 Colossian 2:1- 23

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Why?

For Jesus has died for us, we have the new life and the Holy Spirit in us. So we are not limited by human limitations or regulations, but live out the life that Jesus has given to us. And keep away from sensual indulgence, but keep the humility in Christ.

How?

May the life of Jesus Christ living in my life to honor the Holy Name of the Lord