By Sam Nobles
The
Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is one of earliest written
epistles. It was penned around twenty years after Jesus’ Resurrection (A.D. 52)
and was addressed to the believers in Thessalonica, a mega-city of about two
hundred thousand people.[1]
Subsequent to a miraculous liberation from a Philippian prison (Acts 16), Paul arrived in Thessalonica
are started a church, appointed elders, and helped the ministry become grounded
in Christ—all in the space of three weeks (Acts
17:2).
As
Paul begins his letter, he describes the believers in Thessalonica, and gives
the suggestion that they characterize a model congregation. Just for fun, ask
yourself these three questions:
· Do my actions
make others thankful? (v.1-4)
Paul was thankful for the
Thessalonians, especially how certain qualities they had revealed themselves in
their work and patience. Other people should be able to get some indication
from our actions what we believe in. I know I’m always thankful for the small
things people do without even thinking about it that show their faith, like
saying the blessing in a public restaurant, carrying a Bible, or openly sharing
the good things God has done.
· Can God’s
power be seen in my life? (v.5-7)
When a Christian receives the
Word of God by faith and allows the Spirit of God to minister to their heart,
the result is purpose, calling, and blessing and a renewed strength in the
Lord. As Pastor Van always says, “Your strength is in direct proportion to your
faith, and your faith is in direct proportion of your knowledge of God.”
· Do I make it
easy for others to talk about Jesus? (8-10)
Sadly, some believers are such poor examples of Christians that their lives give unbelievers an excuse for rejecting Christ. The Thessalonian Christians made it easy for Paul to preach the gospel. Their testimony had gone before him and met him wherever he went.[2]
Sadly, some believers are such poor examples of Christians that their lives give unbelievers an excuse for rejecting Christ. The Thessalonian Christians made it easy for Paul to preach the gospel. Their testimony had gone before him and met him wherever he went.[2]
Scripture to Claim:
“For not only has the word of
the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God
has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.” (1 Thessalonians
1:8)
[1]
1
& 2 Thessalonians: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary,
accessed May 16, 2017,
https://www.christianbook.com/thessalonians-the-macarthur-new-testament-commentary/john-macarthur/9780802408822/pd/08826.
[2]
Be
Ready (1 & 2 Thessalonians), accessed May 16, 2017,
https://www.christianbook.com/be-ready-warren-wiersbe/9781434765017/pd/765017.
