When you study the life of the Apostle Paul you begin to appreciate both his urgency and his desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

There are places where he recalls his testimony with a hint of regret over wasted time and priorities that got in the way of knowing God personally and relationally.

He summed it up in Phil. 3:7-14.

As he got older, his desire to make an impact that was significant became far more important than titles, trophies and the things that tempted him away from radical pursuit of Jesus Christ.

He wanted the gospel to do for others what it so evidently did for him.

In 1 Thes. 2:1, Paul was relieved to know that his investment in those new believers was not in vain (worthless, empty, devoid of any benefit).

Their life was a living epistle to the genuineness of their faith.

It might also be Paul’s way of calling and encouraging each of us to something higher.

He became a believer later in life and didn’t want to “waste” what time was left. He said as much in 1 Cor. 15:8-10.

Vain grace.

Can you relate to that? I can.

I’m 63 now and regret some of what I chase, chased and prioritize.  

No matter your age, it’s easy to make the grace of the gospel selfish instead of our motivation to serve.

And what about the gospel I proclaim with my lips and the one I live out daily (1 Cor. 15:1-4)?

Do people believe in vain? Have I? 

We can dress it up on the outside with church attendance, some Bible reading, intellectual agreement with Scripture…, but inwardly there’s little to no real change or new trajectory.

It calls me to examine whether my life is consistent with what God’s word declares the gospel produces and prioritizes.

We don’t get to redefine it to fit our preferred beliefs or lifestyles. And if we do, I think God just told us He’s under no obligation to honor our vain beliefs.

In what could be the first letter of the New Testament, Paul writes to the Thessalonians and shares how grateful he is that his efforts with them produced genuine fruit of the gospel. 

He then explains it and calls us to live likewise.

Life’s too short to chase things, temptations, trophies and titles. And some of us find that out a little later in life – when it really does become too short!

The best we can do now is to make sure it’s not too late. (spoiler: if you’re breathing, it’s not too late).

Read 1 Thessalonians and let it inspire you to pursue the life the gospel calls us to and Christ saved us to.

You could easily read that little book in one sitting and a cup of coffee. And if you did:

It wouldn’t be in vain.

It just might light a fire of inspiration and motivation that makes a significant impact while there’s still time.

And speaking of time, if you’d like to get far more out of your personal Bible reading and have a faith you can truly call your own, there’s still time to join the ten-session free training that started Saturday. I recorded the first class so you can catch up and jump in.

I’d love to have you join us. It will improve how you read and interpret the Bible and runs each Saturday at 11a eastern time. You can sign up for free here.

📫 PS. Who do you know who might benefit from this newsletter? Can you forward it to them and encourage them to subscribe? It just takes a minute or two. Thanks!

💬 If you’d rather text it, cut, copy and paste this: Hey! Check out BibleViews2Use. It's a quick bi-weekly email building up thousands of believers — Subscribe.

Free Live Bible Training Saturdays @ 11a eastern. You can still sign up. In as little as three sessions you’ll open the Bible more, hear from the Author personally and begin building a meaningful reading routine you’ll enjoy. You’ll finally read the Bible the way God intended and have a faith you can call your own. If you can’t make every class, but can make most, sign up! Learn more & register today.

Steve is married to Lorie and together have four grown children and three grandchildren. Now in their forty-fourth year together you’ll find them busy with family, church, ministry or taking a walk around the neighborhood.

Retired from pastoral ministry Steve authored his first book that will help those who quietly struggle because they don’t get more from their personal Bible reading.

His mission is to help as many believers as he can fall in love with God’s word and have a faith they can truly call their own.

He also teaches the live online cohort that is companion to his book, teaches in the Bible Institute at his local church and writes this bi-weekly newsletter.

🛐 How can we pray for you? Please let us know here.

🤝🏻Jump into our new free community. Share prayer, catch upcoming events, talk about the Newsletter, read excerpts from the Book and let us know your thoughts.

📫 Forward this email to friends & family and encourage them to subscribe

♥️ Follow on Instagram | Facebook | Threads for more biblical encouragement.

💬💡Feedback? What would make BV2U better for you? How did today’s read impact you? I’d love to hear from you: [email protected]. I read every email.