Transforming lives and relationships: A study of 1 Thessalonians 1

Introduction

Background on Paul journey to Thessalonica.

Acts 17:1–9 LEB

1 Now after they traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And as was his custom, Paul went in to them and on three Sabbath days he discussed with them from the scriptures, 3 explaining and demonstrating that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, and also a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few of the prominent women. 5 But the Jews were filled with jealousy and, taking along some worthless men from the rabble in the marketplace and forming a mob, threw the city into an uproar. And attacking Jason’s house, they were looking for them to bring them out to the popular assembly. 6 And when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These people who have stirred up trouble throughout the world have come here also, 7 whom Jason has entertained as guests! And these people are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king, Jesus!” 8 And they threw the crowd into confusion, and the city officials who heard these things. 9 And after taking money as security from Jason and the rest, they released them.

Reading

1 Thessalonians 1 LEB

1 Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace. 2 We give thanks to God always concerning all of you, making mention constantly in our prayers, 3 because we remember your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, 4 knowing, brothers dearly loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel did not come to you with word only, but also with power and with the Holy Spirit and with much certainty, just as you know what sort of people we became among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, receiving the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all those who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia, 8 for from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith toward God has gone out, so that we have no need to say anything. 9 For they themselves report about us, what sort of welcome we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to await his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, the one who delivers us from the coming wrath.

What does God say?

The Church is belongs to and is united in God the Father and LORD Jesus Christ

“Grace and peace:” Summarizes the gospel message: God’s work through Christ (“grace”) brings people into a harmonious relationship with God and one another (“peace”).

Always give thanks to God

Remembers the virtues of others in your prayers (work of faith, labor of love, steadfastness of hope in the LORD Jesus Christ

God chose them

confirmation of God choosing was by word, power of the Holy Spirit, deep conviction from observing their Christian living amongst them

They became imitators of them and the LORD receiving the gospel message with affliction and with joy given by the Holy Spirit

They became models to all believers in their region

Their Christians faith and character in God became known everywhere

Others testify about their change (no longer serve idols but serve God)

await for Jesus (Son of God; raised from the dead) who delivers them from coming wrath

What does it mean for us?

We belong to and are united in God the Father and our LORD Jesus Christ.

It is God who chose us, we did not chose God.

confirmation of our calling comes through the word, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and exhibited in our life.

Follow me as I follow Christ (discipleship)

We live with joy even in the midst of persecution (comes with receiving the message)

Others are watching!

Always give thanks to God, constantly remembering other Christians in prayer exhibiting Christ-likeness.

Warning for unbelievers: turn from idols and serve the true and living God. The wrath of God is coming for all those who do not believe. The only rescue is faith in Jesus Christ.