Overcome

As we begin a new series and a new book, it may be helpful to know that Paul's first letter to the church in Thessalonica was written in response to questions that arose after his initial visit to them, which we find recorded in Acts 17. Paul was among the Thessalonians for "three Sabbaths" before being chased out by troublemakers who were hired by unbelieving Jews out of fear of losing the freedom they maintained by worshipping only Caesar. What a steward Paul was to check on the seeds he had planted and provide them with whatever was necessary to grow.

Paul and his crew had been driven out of Thessalonica after a mere three weeks originally and were even stalked and chased beyond that because the untransformed wanted to continue to self-govern (Thessalonica was as free as it gets), but those who were transformed by the gospel knew Heavenly freedom was of much greater value.

Those who believed in Jesus no longer had any allegiance to Caesar because they were souled out to Jesus and were awaiting His return. They had a "come what may" attitude and what may have come (loss of worldly freedom, driving out by hitmen and slanderers, etc.) did not deter them from spreading the gospel or their testimonies "so that [they] became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe" (verse 7).

The unbelievers were bound by freedom. Imagine that.

How can we become transformed so that even the most attractive way of life or anything seemingly "good" cannot overtake us? Our hearts must be softened, and our minds must become new.

A soft heart like fertile soil and a renewed mind with a Heavenly perspective will be the key to freedom from _______________. And from _______________ and from _______________.

So how can we transform others as the believing Thessalonians did?

Let's look at two truths:

• Jesus overcomes the world (John 16).

• He makes all things new (Revelation 21).

We can lead others to a transformative life by sharing about Jesus (the blood of the lamb) and about how we have been made new (our testimony).

As we read in Revelation 12 regarding believers and the adversary, "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death" for "he who loves his life will lose it" (John 12).

Ask Him to show you revelation about the impenetrable blood of the lamb (our Savior, Christ Jesus) and to reveal to you your testimony or testimonies so that you can be prepared to overcome and take your loved ones on that same journey to true freedom.