Definition of Flourish: to be healthy and thriving; to blossom; to be at the height of influence

Introduction: An encounter with God’s truth allows a follower to flourish in their daily life even in the midst of rejection and suffering. Those who do not encounter God’s truth, invites destruction into their lives. One is a life of blessings while the other is a life of ruin.

A Life That Reaps Blessings:

• Receives the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

            By Appreciating It

            By Appropriating It   (James 1:21)

                --through revelation—God revealing Himself

                --through illumination—the Holy Spirit’s interaction with God’s Word to provide one with insight

             By Applying It

• Relates to the Church of God (1 Thessalonians 2:14a)

• Endures with the People of God (1 Thessalonians 2:14b) (Matthew 5:10-12) (2 Timothy 3:12)

A Life That Reaps Ruin:

• Rejects the Messengers of God (1 Thessalonians  2:15a)

• Obstructs the Work of God (1 Thessalonians  2:15b-16a)  (Matthew 23:13) (Ephesians 2:1-2)

• Receives the Wrath of God (1 Thessalonians 2:16b)  (John 3:36)

Application: Is your life experiencing blessings or ruin? Is your eternity destined for utter blessing or utter ruin? The blessing will only be realized when you have an encounter with God’s truth to the point that it transforms your life?