For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
--1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on September 1, 2013 of Proverbs 1:20-27; 1 Thessalonians 1; Job 23-25.
Paul authored two letters to the church in Thessalonica, but in them he spoke for himself, his young protege' and close associate in the ministry, Timothy, and Silvanus, who we know better as Silas, the brother who accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey in place of Barnabas. It was on this second trip that they first stopped at Thessalonica, and this port city was only the second European location where the Gospel was preached, with Philippi being the first. Upon arriving in Athens, Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to see to the newly formed church. Timothy later rejoined Paul in Corinth, where the two Thessalonian letters were penned.
Paul's first letter was intended to serve a number of purposes in addition to just keeping his name and his efforts alive there. He wanted to defend against some who were saying his ministry was all about profit and nothing more. He needed to encourage the people there not only to stand strong against the persecution they would face but to also resist the temptation and pressure to return to their former pagan practices (for most in the church were Gentiles without a history of worshiping God). He wanted to better clarify what happens to followers of Christ who die before He returns. And he decided to cover a few other issues the people might have to deal with and tasks ahead of the church. But before all this, Paul and his colleagues praise the church for how they have stayed true to Jesus and to Paul's teachings, even though the three had been forced to leave rather hastily by the local authorities (and hence Paul's urgency in sending Timothy back).
In today's focus verses, Paul pays the church in Thessalonica a huge compliment by noting when he and his brothers talked to people in their travels regarding that church, that everyone remarked how the Thessalonians had turned from idolatry to worshiping God and how true they were staying to Christ. This short passage also includes a very important message for us. All these people that Paul and Timothy and Silas talked to knew about the church in Thessalonica because the people there did not keep their new-found faith assurance to themselves, but spread the Good News they first heard from Paul with anyone and everyone they could! To them, the Gospel was too good not to share. Not only did they serve the living and true God, waiting patiently for His Son to return, but while waiting they didn't just sit around in their church singing hymns and praying, they went out and talked to other people and told them all about Jesus. This is what our Lord wants us to do, not only to worship and serve God and keep our faith in Jesus strong and steadfast, but also to go into all the world preaching the Gospel and making disciples of every nation (please see Mark 16:15 and Matthew 28:19). If the Thessalonians could do it, then so can we. Amen.
Precious Savior Jesus, You gave so much for us and ask so little in return. You want us to spread the Good News of Your great sacrifice. You want us to leave the comfort and security of our church walls and go into the world baptizing in Your name and making disciples of all God's people. Give us the strength of the Thessalonians that we might accomplish all that You ask, and in so doing enhance the kingdom of God. In Your holy name, Redeemer Jesus we pray. Amen.
Paul's first letter was intended to serve a number of purposes in addition to just keeping his name and his efforts alive there. He wanted to defend against some who were saying his ministry was all about profit and nothing more. He needed to encourage the people there not only to stand strong against the persecution they would face but to also resist the temptation and pressure to return to their former pagan practices (for most in the church were Gentiles without a history of worshiping God). He wanted to better clarify what happens to followers of Christ who die before He returns. And he decided to cover a few other issues the people might have to deal with and tasks ahead of the church. But before all this, Paul and his colleagues praise the church for how they have stayed true to Jesus and to Paul's teachings, even though the three had been forced to leave rather hastily by the local authorities (and hence Paul's urgency in sending Timothy back).
In today's focus verses, Paul pays the church in Thessalonica a huge compliment by noting when he and his brothers talked to people in their travels regarding that church, that everyone remarked how the Thessalonians had turned from idolatry to worshiping God and how true they were staying to Christ. This short passage also includes a very important message for us. All these people that Paul and Timothy and Silas talked to knew about the church in Thessalonica because the people there did not keep their new-found faith assurance to themselves, but spread the Good News they first heard from Paul with anyone and everyone they could! To them, the Gospel was too good not to share. Not only did they serve the living and true God, waiting patiently for His Son to return, but while waiting they didn't just sit around in their church singing hymns and praying, they went out and talked to other people and told them all about Jesus. This is what our Lord wants us to do, not only to worship and serve God and keep our faith in Jesus strong and steadfast, but also to go into all the world preaching the Gospel and making disciples of every nation (please see Mark 16:15 and Matthew 28:19). If the Thessalonians could do it, then so can we. Amen.
Precious Savior Jesus, You gave so much for us and ask so little in return. You want us to spread the Good News of Your great sacrifice. You want us to leave the comfort and security of our church walls and go into the world baptizing in Your name and making disciples of all God's people. Give us the strength of the Thessalonians that we might accomplish all that You ask, and in so doing enhance the kingdom of God. In Your holy name, Redeemer Jesus we pray. Amen.
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