Tag Archives: 1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 3-4

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In 1 Thessalonians 3, we read that Paul was more concerned about his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica than for himself. Paul had warned them this would happen, “we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction”, but now that it had, Paul writes “I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain”.

Paul took comfort in seeing the faith of others, “in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.” Paul also encourages them to grow and develop in their faith, “that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.”

This is an aspect to faith we don’t often think about. Our faith and example can be encouraging and uplifting to others who are struggling. We can take the example of Paul, thanking others for their faith and example. So thankyou all! Your faith serves as a reminder of the great hope we share.

Isaiah 9, 1 Thessalonians 5

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Isaiah 9 is a chapter of both hope and judgement. It starts with a prophecy of the birth of Christ, a great light in a time of darkness, who will sit “on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.”

Israel are condemned for their arrogance, “The Lord has sent a word against Jacob,
and it will fall on Israel… The people did not turn to him who struck them, nor inquire of the Lord of hosts.”  Yet twice we find the phrase “For all this his anger has not turned away,
and his hand is stretched out still.” We have a great and merciful God, who waits for the lost to return to Him.

We are encouraged to be children of light, to follow the example of Christ in illuminating a dark world. “God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up”.

Nehemiah 5-6, 1 Thessalonians 5

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Nehemiah is a great example of someone who consistently turned to God in prayer. When accused of rebellion against the king, Nehemiah turns to God, “But now, O God, strengthen my hands”. When troubled by the actions of enemies, Nehemiah prays to God, “Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to these things that they did”. Nehemiah attributed the success of the wall-building to God, “this work had been accomplished with the help of our God”.

Paul offers advice that mirrors Nehemiah’s actions. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  Let us be children of light, making God part of our daily lives through prayer.

1 Thessalonians 1-2

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Paul’s message to the believers at Thessalonica was more than just words. It was Paul’s full conviction, and the type of person he proved to be, that convinced the believers to become imitators of Paul and of Christ.  They “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God”.

Paul’s message didn’t come with flattery or any attempt to deceive. He didn’t seek glory from people, but instead was “gentle… like a nursing mother taking care of her own children”, toiling night and day so as to not be a burden to the Thessalonians. Paul longed to be with the Thessalonians again, encouraged by the example of their faith and stand for the gospel.

Paul’s passion and care for those to whom he preached is a lesson for us. Our preaching should similarly be something we’re passionate about, the chance to share the life-saving news of the gospel.  Let us strive to show Christ to those around us, as the Thessalonians did.

Joshua 1, 1 Thessalonians 1-2

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“Be strong and courageous.” Meditate on God’s word day and night. Don’t be frightened, for God is with you wherever you go.  “I will not leave you or forsake you.” The words of the angel to Joshua are equally applicable to us today.

Much like Israel’s many battles fought to enter the promised land, we have many battles to fight. Just as the Thessalonians, who became imitators of Paul and Jesus in order to fight those battles, so must we.  The Thessalonians were great examples of faith, whose reputation went throughout Macedonia and Achaia.  They “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” We are similarly called to be witnesses of the hope available through Christ.  Let’s do the same as Paul, encouraging and exhorting one another to “walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls  you into his own kingdom and glory.“