SCRIPTURE: 1 THESSALONIANS 1
INTRODUCTION:
Thessalonica was the capital and largest city of the Roman province of Macedonia. The most important Roman highway (the Egnatian Way) – extending from Rome all the way to the Orient – went through Thessalonica. This highway, along with the city’s thriving seaport, made Thessalonica one of the wealthiest and most flourishing trade centers in the Roman Empire. However, with its international flavor came many pagan religious and cultural influences that had challenged the faith of the young Christians there.
Paul started the church at Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. He wrote this letter from Corinth to encourage the believers. He assured them of God’s love and praised them for their faithfulness during persecution. He reminded them of their hope – the second coming of Jesus, challenged them to please God in their daily living and warned them to be prepared at all times.
THANKSGIVING FOR THE THESSALONIANS’ FAITH (vs. 1-10)
Things that Paul was thankful for the Thessalonians:
- Their work was produced by faith. (v. 3a)
- Their labor was prompted by love. (v. 3b)
- Their endurance inspired by hope in Lord Jesus Christ. (v. 3c)
- They became imitators of the Lord. (v. 6a)
- They welcomed the message of Good News with joy given by the Holy Spirit. (v. 6b)
- They became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. (v. 7)
- Their faith in God has become known everywhere. (v. 8)
- They turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God. (v. 9)
- They waited for Jesus, who was raised from the dead and will rescue us from the coming wrath. (v. 10)
THOUGHTS:
Paul commented on the Thessalonica Christians for their faithful work, loving deeds, and anticipation of the Lord’s return. The Good News came with a powerful effect on the Thessalonians. What has God’s power done in your life since you first believed?
The Thessalonian Christians responded to the Good News by turning to God, serving God, and looking forward to Christ return from heaven. Similarly, we must also turn from sin to God, fervent in our service to the Lord and be prepared for Christ’s second coming.
Paul emphasized the return of Christ because the Thessalonian church was being persecuted. Paul encouraged them to look forward to the deliverance when Christ returns. When we face trials and obstacles now, we have the strength to withstand and the courage to persevere because we know that Jesus will sustain us with the hope of His second coming.