1 Thessalonans 1:1-10

Intro:

(Teacher, before we begin to study the book of 1 Thessalonians with our campers, let’s make sure we do a good job of setting the stage. It is very difficult to appreciate this text if we do not know what came before this text.)

1 Thessalonians is the first of two letters that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica. However, it is important that we understand what led to these letters.

Imagine a world that is spiritually ignorant. Where the people know nothing of God. They believe that they are above reproach in their actions. They are so bound to their traditions that they are blind to the truth that is before them. If they were to hear the truth of Christ proclaimed, they would reject it.

We read in that Paul and Silas went to Thessalonica to preach and it was a time just like we just described (similar to some attitudes today) only, they had it a little bit worse. (They were run out of the city!)… They were accused of turning the world upside down… but, even in the midst of all of that, they converted many Jews from the Synagogue.

The question that I would like to pose to each of us is this… How can we live a life, that is not in vain? When all is said and done, because all will be said and done… Will what I have done, mattered?

The Christians that Paul is writing this letter to were those that he converted. They were facing tremendous hardships for forsaking Jewish customs. Yet, they were boldly living for the Lord even in the face of great turmoil

This is one of the reasons we are studying this letter. Some may say that we live in a time where Christianity is frowned upon. What can we learn from their example? How can we change our lives so that we are an example to all men, in ALL THINGS?

In this section, we will move through V.2-10 highlighting some things that are especially noteworthy, then we will make some application for the campers at the end

1 Thessalonians 1:2 ESV

2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers,

Paul regularly expresses his thankfulness to those that he writes to, but there is something unique about this letter.

Paul says that he is “constantly” praying for them. The greek word that Paul uses here for “constantly” literally means - “Unceasing, with no falling short”

Think about that for just a minute. We all will likely admit that we should pray more, that we need to work on praying for others more. Here, Paul says that there was no shortfall in how much he prayed for these Christians? Why? What made them so special?

Going back to our introduction, we are reminded that not only had Paul converted them, but that they were undergoing severe persecution. He prayed for them because he was concerned with them, but he also prayed prayers of thanksgiving. He was rejoicing in the fact that they were not just surviving, but thriving. as is evident in the next verse.

1 Thessalonians 1:3 ESV

3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

What was it that Paul was remembering in prayer?

Their work of faith

Their labor of love

Their steadfastness of Hope

This group of Christians were a strong group. They had the love of the Lord, and they had a desire to work for the Lord. However, it was the third thing mentioned here that motivated the first two. Their steadfastness of Hope.

The Christians that Paul is addressing truly believed that they were living for something greater. If you believe something, you will live accordingly.

The first lesson we learn from the Thessalonians is, if we want to live like they did, we must think like they did!

1 Thessalonians 1:4–5 ESV

4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

Two quick notes about V.4

Paul wants them to understand that they are loved by God. We should never take this thought lightly. The creator of the universe, loves you.

Paul wanted them to understand that they were chosen. It always feels good to be picked for something (sports or anything else). It feels good to be wanted. God wanted them, God chose them.

1 Thessalonians 1:6–7 ESV

6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

Notice what Paul is commending them for. He is commending them for imitating himself and the others who were with him. This is consistent with where Paul urged the corinthians to imitate Him as he imitates Christ.

This is an important note: When they became Christians, they changed their life. No longer were they living as all of those in their culture were, they were now living like the Christians that taught them. Likewise, when we are in Christ, we have a deep need to follow the example of others… so far as they are following Jesus.

When they began to follow the example of Paul, they became examples or others.

How is it that you are going to be able to be an example IN ALL THINGS? - It begins by you seeking out and following the Godly examples of others.

What kind of Dad/Mom do you want to be? Look for one who is Godly and follow their lead