Tag: 1st Thessalonians 1
Modeling Jesus Christ!
Scripture reading for September 13th: 1st Thessalonians 1
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 1st Thessalonians 1:4-7 “For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, 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. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomes the message with joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.”
Paul had founded the Thessalonian church during his first missionary journey. He wrote to them expressing God’s love for them and His calling on their lives. His stay there was interrupted by severe persecution and he left before he could do all the training he wanted to equip the new believers. He preached the Gospel with power and deep conviction that had effected the believers to such a degree that Paul commended them for modeling his own life and that of the Lord Jesus! This change came in spite of the persecution from Jews and Christ-haters.
Observations for over-comers: The power of the Gospel and the Holy Spirit to bring deep conviction and transformation should encourage us to preach and live boldly, even in times of persecution and inadequate discipleship. “. . .so is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
Work inspired by faith!
Scripture reading for September 14th: 1st Thessalonians 1
Paul wrote his letter to the Thessalonians about six months after he had founded the church there in response to Timothy’s report to him. He had left there abruptly because of persecution and later sent Timothy back to check on them. (See Acts 17:1-9) He wanted to encourage and instruct the young church in the way of Christ.
“We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 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.” (1st Thessalonians 1:2-3) Faith, hope and love all worked together to bring thanksgiving to Paul’s prayer for them. Timothy had told him of their work to reach the lost there because of their faith in the Gospel message. The love of Jesus Christ poured out into their hearts by the Holy Spirit had prompted them to love others into the kingdom. They had kept at the work in spite of persecution because of the hope of eternal life.
“For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. . . . 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. . . The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia–your faith in God has become known everywhere.” (1st Thessalonians 1:4-8)
The brothers and sisters there had observed Paul’s conduct in the short time he was with them and responded to the Gospel message by faith. They imitated Paul and Jesus Christ, sharing the Gospel in spite of threats on their lives. Their faith was inspiring others!