Prayer Point for the Week – May God give us a renewed sense of urgency to fulfill the Great Commission.

 Questions for Reflection:

Romans 8 and Galatians 5 contrasts two ways to live for Jesus. What are they? Which, if either, is superior to the other and why?

In Romans 8, Paul cautions against living “according to the flesh”. How does Romans 6:12 describe one who lives after the flesh? What subtle but equally dangerous way can we “live according to the flesh?” What destiny does Romans 8:6 tell us awaits those who live fleshly?

Romans 8 also shares with us the rewards of those who “live according to the Spirit.” What are they? How are these rewards experienced in the Spirit-filled life?

In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul describes the urgency that will accompany the return of Christ. List the things that believers in the end times should be urgent about. Are you concerned with those things? What should an “urgent Christian” be motivated to do? Would you describe yourself as a spiritually motivated Christian?

Despite the apocalyptic tone of 1 Thessalonians, the believers of the day would not live to see the return of Jesus Christ. What are the possible reasons the Holy Spirit led Paul to write the things that he did? What does that tell us about the need of spiritual urgency in our lives? Should the signs (or lack thereof) of the Lord’s return affect the way that we live?