Overview of the Book of I Thessalonians
Monday, August 2
Read I Thessalonians 1
Think About It:
- When Paul thought of the Christians in Thessalonica, his heart filled with gratitude. Paul started the church there in less than ideal circumstances, being run out of town after only three weekends with them (Acts 17:1-10). Yet the church was strong and full of life. Paul knew that this work was beyond him and his abilities and that it was the work of God. When Paul prayed for people and churches, it wasn’t necessarily a long time of intercession. He often simply made mention of a church or a person in prayer (Romans 1:9, Ephesians 1:16, Philemon 1:4). “And not Paul alone. The plural implies that all three missionaries prayed together” James Moffatt. How often do you give thanks to God for the work He is doing in the life of the church? Do you spend time in prayer with other Christians interceding for other individuals, churches, and ministries?
- Despite the problems, Paul was so grateful to God for the Thessalonians because there was an undeniable work of the Holy Spirit and a marvelous change in their lives. What are the three great Christian virtues that Paul saw evidence of among them? “But Paul’s stress is not on these virtues alone, but rather upon what they produce” D. Edmond Hiebert. What did these virtues produce?
- When the Thessalonian Christians faced affliction from receiving the Word, they didn’t just face it with a resigned fatalism. They faced it with joy of the Holy Spirit. Not long before coming to Thessalonica, Paul and Silas personally experienced the principle of having the joy of the Holy Spirit even in the presence of much affliction – when they sang in the Philippian jail despite their chains and sufferings. They were examples of this same spirit to the Thessalonian Christians. The Thessalonians responded to the Gospel by becoming examples. First, Paul was an example to the Thessalonian Christians. Then they became examples to others. This is exactly how the work of God should happen. The Christians in Macedonia and Achaia needed examples, and the Thessalonians supplied that need. This was true even though they had only been followers of Jesus a short time. As Christians, we always need others who will not only tell us how to follow Jesus Christ, but also show us how to follow Jesus Christ. Thank God for those who have been an example to you and bring God glory and honor by being an example to someone else.
Family Time:
- Thessalonica was the capital and largest city in the Roman province of Macedonia – and the most important Roman highway went from the Orient, through Thessalonica to Rome. Thessalonica also was a successful seaport, making it the “hot spot” for trade. In addition, it was considered a “free” city, free or exempt from many of the rules Rome placed on other less important cities. What this means is Thessalonica was a prime location for many different peoples, cultures and “religious” practices, especially pagan religions. Consider even your own city… all the different cultures and religious practices you find there. We, as Christians, know there is One and only One True God. His Son is our redeemer, Jesus.
- When Paul traveled to Thessalonica, he shared the Gospel with them; they believed and a new church was established. He wrote these two letters to this young church to encourage and strengthen them as they were under severe persecution for their faith for which had become known everywhere! Their lives, just like ours, were changed and that change was noticeable! They stopped worshiping false gods and idols and turned to worshiping the True God and were waiting for Jesus to return. The gospel of Jesus changes people from the inside out! How has God and the good news of Jesus changed you? Share this good news with your family members today.
