Remembering the Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 1:1-4

Introduction

We all have those days of reminiscing various seasons of our lives. We remember special occasions and specific people. Those who have impacted our lives in a special way may often flood our memories.

The apostle Paul wrote a letter to a church that was dear to his heart. He starts the letter by telling them how he has remembered them.

Paul wrote two letters to the church at Thessalonica and it is a good possibility that these letters were among the earliest epistles that Paul wrote.

Warren Wiersbe says, “These two letters were written to real people who were experiencing real problems in a world that was not friendly to their Christian faith. You and I can easily identify with these people because we live in a similar world and face many of the same problems.”

The city of Thessalonica has an interesting history. It is still in existence today.

“It is an ancient city, originally named Therma from the many hot springs adjacent to it. In 315 b.c. it was renamed Thessalonica after the half-sister of Alexander the Great. When Rome conquered Macedonia in 168 b.c., the city was made capital of that entire province. In Paul’s day 200,000 people lived there, most of them Greeks, but also many Romans and a strong Jewish minority. Today it has a population of 300,000, and is one of the few cities that has survived from the New Testament era of apostolic ministry.”

We read about Paul’s ministry and the founding of the church at Thessalonica in Acts 17:1-15.

Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica may not have been very long. He preached in the synagogue for three Sabbath days, but he may have also preached elsewhere in the city.

While there, he also took time to work in his tent making trade. It is unclear the exact amount of time Paul spent in Thessalonica but we know it was not very long.

Wiersbe writes, “Even though Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica was not a long one, it was solid enough to leave behind a thriving church. When he left for Athens, Paul told Timothy and Silas to remain there and help the new church and then to join him later. When they did meet again, Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to encourage the Christians and assure them of his love and concern.”

As Paul begins his first letter to the Thessalonians, he mentions that he is writing to the ‘church’ at Thessalonica. This gives credence to the importance of the local church.

The work of God in this age flows through the local church. We should never underestimate the importance of our involvement in the local church.

Paul tells the church at Thessalonica how he has remembered and appreciated certain things about them.

I. Work of Faith

This ‘work of faith’ that Paul mentions is a reference to their saving faith.

The fact that the church was made up of those who have put their faith in the Lord Jesus is understood by Paul’s mention of their faith.

The moment that one puts his or her faith in the Lord Jesus should never be forgotten.

You may not remember the exact day or hour, but do you remember when you were saved? How precious that moment was!

Someone shared the Gospel with you, the Holy Spirit convicted you, and you by faith accepted Jesus as your Savior!

There is nothing more precious than that memory of when you first believed.

II. Labor of Love

The Bible Knowledge Commentary says, “This consisted in their serving the living and true God (v. 9) in the midst of persecution (v. 6).”

The church at Thessalonica was known for their faithfulness and for their service. They understood the importance of preaching the Gospel in their local community, discipling believers, and equipping and sending. They worked hard for the cause of Christ.

Can the same be said about us?

III. Patience of Hope

Paul commended the church at Thessalonica for the hope they have in Jesus.

The NASB uses the term ‘steadfastness.’

This was a faithful church that was steadfast in the midst of persecution, holding on to the hope of Jesus.

This steadfast hope is to faithfully serve the Lord while anticipating His return.

“The return of Jesus Christ is the dominant theme of both of these Thessalonian letters.”

Are we eagerly waiting and anticipating the return of Christ?

As the old preachers would say, “Put your hands on the plow and your eyes on the sky.”

IV. Election

In verse four, Paul mentions that he remembers their ‘election of God.’

The word ‘election’ means to be chosen for a specific task or purpose.

The church is elected by God to carry out His purposes in the world today.

What is God’s purpose for the world today? That all may know Him.

Therefore, it’s the church’s responsibility to make Him known. This is the specific task to which we have been chosen for.

Conclusion

As Paul writes to the church at Thessalonica, he remembers their work of faith, labor of love, patience of hope, and election.

This outline may be better understood as Paul remembering their salvation (past), their love (present), their hope (future), and their election (purpose).

It is good that we examine our own lives and make sure we have saving faith, loving faith, and hoping faith.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior?

If so, are you engaging in the labor of love as you anticipate His coming and are you fulfilling the task to which you have been elected to?