1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today we begin the book of 1 Thessalonians, a letter written by Paul in approximately 50 AD to the church in the ancient city of Thessalonica. Ancient Thessalonica was an important port city, located in what is now modern day Greece. Paul established the church there during his second mission trip (Acts 17:1-10). 1 Thessalonians is one of the earliest letters of Paul in the New Testament.
Today’s passage is 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. Let’s go!
1 Thessalonians 1:1-2 (NIV)
1 Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.
2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.
On verses 1-2: Typical Paul — he begins his letter with thanks. In whatever you do, it’s a great idea to begin with saying thanks.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)
3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
On verse 3: Paul was committed to praying for his church in Thessalonica. Here I like how Paul shows that the threesome he made famous — the trio of faith, hope and love — produces something real and tangible in people’s lives: faith produces good works, love prompts labor, and hope in Christ inspires endurance.
If you’re a teacher of God’s Word, remember that you’re not just teaching people faith, hope and love, but you’re empowering them to produce good works, to engage in labor that actually means something, and to follow Jesus with endurance.
1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 (NIV)
4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,
5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.
On verses 4-5: Whether the gospel (i.e. the message about Jesus) comes to you simply as words or comes to you with power and deep conviction depends on how open your heart is. If you are open to the word of God, you will receive His Word with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. But if you are distracted, prideful, or cold-hearted, the message about Jesus Christ will just be words to you, in one ear and out the other.
1 Thessalonians 1:5-7 (NIV)
5 …You know how we lived among you for your sake.
6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
On verses 5-7: Paul, Silas and Timothy were excellent role models to their church in Thessalonica. Because the Christians in Thessalonica were open to following the examples of Paul, Silas and Timothy, they themselves became “a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia” (v7).
What can we learn from this? Two things. First, we all need someone in real life to model what it’s like to follow Jesus. Second, when we learn well from the model of our spiritual leaders, we become a model ourselves for other Christians.
1 Thessalonians 1:8-9 (NIV)
8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia–your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,
9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us…
On verses 8-9: Word was spreading about the Thessalonian church’s great reputation as a model church. Why? It’s because they welcomed Paul and his team and hung onto their faith in Jesus “in spite of severe suffering” (6).
What can we learn from this? When you hang onto Jesus despite severe suffering, you become a story for God’s glory. So if you’re going through a difficult time today, remember: God’s not finished with your story. Every great story has tension, uncertainty, and difficulty. God will finish the good story He started in you.
1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 (NIV)
9 …They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,
10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead–Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
On verses 9b-10: There are idols and there is the living and true God. The living and true God is the one who sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for us and who raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus is no ordinary man. He is God’s Son. He is raised from the dead. He is reigning in heaven. And He rescues us from the wrath of God against our sin. Raised, reigning and rescuing — that’s who Jesus is.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, that You are writing a story about Your glory in and through my life. Thank You for the real life models You place in my life so I can know what it looks like to follow and worship You. I pray I would be a good model for others. Thank You also for the difficulties and challenges I face today, because You’re turning them into a story about Your glory. And thank You for Jesus who is raised, reigning and rescuing me today. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
Copyright © 2021 Justin Lim. All rights reserved.
