1 Thess 1:1-3... Gratitude
Despite Paul, Silas, and Timothy's growing reputation and significance in the spread of the gospel, these first three verses are marked by gratitude for three things (their work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope). Paul sees that this young but godly church was growing because they believed God's Word, loved God's people, and anticipated Christ's return. What marks that ought to be typical of an growing church- faith, hope, and love.
- This invites a couple questions for us: Are these aspects of maturity evident in our lives and our church as well? Since Paul could find evidence of these things in such a young church, wouldn't it make sense that our gratitude should abound as well after a decade of enjoying this in our midst? What can you do to stir a similar gratitude for those you get to encourage?
1 Thess 1:4-10... Example
When Paul looks at the church in Thessalonica, he makes the following statement: "You were imitators of me, and you became an example to the region"(v 6-7). What an amazing concept- Paul highlights that the collective force of the Christians (plural) in Thessalonica seved as an example (singular) to the region. As we looked at that concept, we saw that nothing authenticates the gospel like a community transformed by the gospel. This ground of Christians served as a singular example in a few ways: they received the gospel, they rejected their idols, and they responded to Christ. This young church heard the word in a way that helped them to dethrone all competing allegiances to other gods so that they could serve Christ while they waited for His return.
- If our church were to serve as a similar example of a community transformed, we would want to ask some questions as well: How do we receive the word as a church? Are we eager to hear others remind us of God's word when it encourages us? when it challenges us? when it convicts us? when it comforts us? Secondly, what "competing allegiances" are present in our lives? How are we regularly seeking to examine ourselves at the level of what motivates us? Lastly, do service and expectation for Christ's return mark our new life in Christ? Where is there evidence of that in those around you?
1 Thess 2:1-8... Comfort
Paul, Silas, and Timothy turn the attention in chapter 2 to a defense of their ministry while in Thessalonica. Unlike the philosopher-conmen that populated the 1st century, the gospel motivated Paul to a life of authentic ministry. Verses 1-2 showed us that Paul and his friends boldly proclaimed the gospel despit the shameful treatment they received as a result. What could sustain that boldness? We have Paul's example to remind us of 4 characteristics of gospel-propelled care for others. We looked at 2 in verses 1-8 last week as we saw that the gospel calls us to care about people and to care about truth. Paul said that he was gentle with them because of his affection for them (v 7-8), but that he wasn't seeking their money, approval, or applause. Instead, Paul wanted to please God.
- When you think of comfort, is this the kind of life that comes to mind? Too often, we imagine comforting others as being little more than joining them in their pain. But Paul's example beckons us to ask ourselves: Do I demonstrate a real love for my friends by being this kind of friend? A friend who is genuinely affectionate for others? A friend who refuses to flatter or win others with empty words? A friend who will unswervingly share not just words of comfort... but also our own lives?
As you gather this week, take time to point out areas of grace in others. Let Paul's example of affectionate encouragement and genuinely motivated comfort motivate you to find ways to express your gratitude for God's work in others. If you feel comfortable, ask others how you can grow in one of the categories we've seen so far.
Have a great week!
