Read 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16. What message should this passage have for us today? What does it definitely not teach?

When we decide to follow after God we will have opposition. We see here that the Thessalonians imitated the good example of the Judeans. While there is a good example that we can follow there also is a bad example that we should not  follow. We must be on our guard not to follow bad examples, but also not to set a bad example. Here we see that the Judean example was not the best but this does not men that they were all the same. We should be on are guard not to demonize an entire group of any people.

It's easy to point fingers at the church for failure in regard to how it has treated whole classes of people. What about ourselves? How much ethnic prejudice lingers in our own hearts?

It is important for you to examine yourself and to see where you stand. As we daily reflect on the life of Jesus Christ we are able to determine if we becoming more like him. The beautiful thing is the the Holy Spirit is here to help you to be more like Christ. Also when you read the scriptures and interact with the body of believers it also helps you to mature into a Christian. Even though in Pauls day the Judean example was not the best we have  and example in Christ.

Prayer: Father you are the one who truly knows our hearts. I ask that you please purify us all. Thank you in Jesus name amen.