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Read: 1 Thessalonians 2:4-12
Listen: 1 Thessalonians 2

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. 1 Thessalonians 2:4

Paul brings the gospel to Thessalonica, saying that Jesus lived, died on the cross, and rose again so people could be forgiven and restored to God. Paul knows this message changes lives because it powerfully changed his own. Before his conversion, Paul persecuted Christians and opposed the gospel. He would later call himself the “worst of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15-16). But the risen Jesus confronted Paul on the road to Damascus and offered radical love and forgiveness. Paul never gets over the grace of God through Jesus. Paul never moves on from what Jesus did for him but goes deeper into it. The gospel is the center of Paul’s life and ministry.

We tend to receive the gospel message and then move on from it. We get busy with the activities of faith. Bible studies, serving commitments and small groups consume our time. These are good things, but keeping the gospel message at the center is important. Gratitude for what Jesus did for us on the cross should drive our thoughts, motives and actions. This week, we will look at three ways a gospel shaped life allows us to live the freedom extended to us through the cross.

TODAY: Living a gospel shaped life starts with responding to Jesus and accepting his gift of salvation. If you haven’t done so, you can respond to Jesus today and ask for his forgiveness. If you have already received the gospel, take a moment to journal about how you can keep it central to your life and ask God to help you go deeper into it.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Esther 3-4. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Pay attention to Esther’s willingness to risk her life. Reflect on how Jesus gave his life to save his people (John 15:13).