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1 Thessalonians 3:11-13: Pastoral Prayer for Progress

Read 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

If you asked a random selection of people today what acts would be the most helpful to aid someone, how high up the list do you think prayer would be? If we sampled a random selection of churchgoers, how much different would prayer rank? If we asked Paul, he would have it right at the top of the list. Paul was a big fan of prayer to the Living God, and his letters frequently contain powerful prayers for his recipients.

In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, we come across another of Paul’s powerful prayers. It reveals Paul’s view on the power of God, the progress of a Christian’s life, and the goal to which every Christian proceeds. Like Paul, our prayers can demonstrate our trust in God’s power to overcome our sin, draw us to God, and propel us kingdomward.

Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians sprang out of the positive report that he had received from Timothy of their state. Far from succumbing to temptation as he feared, the Thessalonians held Paul dearly and his teaching even closer. This revelation caused Paul to express his thankfulness to God for their continued faithfulness.

Paul’s prayer demonstrated the high view that he had for the effectiveness of prayer for the Thessalonian church. Paul prayed “Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you” (v.11).

The first thing we should note is that Paul’s prayer is distinctly trinitarian. Paul prayed to both God the Father and Jesus (God the Son) in this prayer. Paul understood that Jesus was truly human, and truly divine. Because Jesus was divine, we can direct our prayers to him!

What this prayer also demonstrates is that Paul viewed God (and Jesus’!) as powerful and masterful over events. Paul deeply desired to make his way back to Thessalonica, to encourage the congregation there again. He prayed this wish to God, in the expectation that if God willed it, then it would happen.

Paul’s high view of the effectiveness of prayer, and the power of God, is also reflected in the two other prayer points that Paul raised heavenward for the Thessalonians.

Secondly, Paul prayed “may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you” (v.12). Paul wanted the Lord Jesus to pour out a love in that congregation for each other, not in terms of feelings but in terms of a reflection of their own lives being grounded in God’s love for them.

Because they had received richly of God’s love, Paul wanted that love to overflow into each others’ lives. In a world of self-gratification and selfish gain (often euphemistically mischaracterised today as “self-love”), their care for each other in seeking each other’s gain would reflect God’s love and heal many of the wounds they bore from their own pasts. This care was not just restricted to their congregation though, but “for all”, because others needed to hear the Good News too.

But this outpouring of love had a goal in mind, “so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father” (v.13). The outpouring of love was not the selfish, sin-loving love of this world, but the love which cleanses and purifies us, and makes us ever more like Jesus. A love which equips us for service in God’s Kingdom, now and in the future.

This is not a sinless perfection, because we cannot achieve that in this life, but a godly life which reflects the holy and blameless declaration which God has made about us because of Jesus’ sinless perfection and sacrifice for us.

The future-looking nature of this love is found in the final part of Paul’s prayer, because the declaration of blamelessness “at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints” (v.13). What is declared now, and by God’s power made more the case in our lives, will be finally the case when Jesus finally puts an end to this present evil age.

Thus Paul’s prayer recognised God’s power to accomplish what Paul was not able to, God’s power to pour out true love in their lives, and God’s power to cleanse the Thessalonians finally of all sin. A pastoral prayer for progress in their lives.

And what a prayer for us all, too! This passage encourages us to remember God’s power and control over all things. Far from writing prayer off as ineffectual, prayer can, if it is God’s will, cause what is not possible for us in our own strength to happen!

Paul’s prayer also reminds us of God’s power in declaring us holy through Christ, pouring Christ’s love into our lives so that we share that love with each other and the world, and working in our lives to make us more like Christ until his Christ’s return to consummate his reign in righteousness.

This powerful example of prayer from Paul teaches us the importance and the power of prayer in our daily walk. Let’s all pray with the same conviction!


1 Thessalonians 3:6-10: Growing in Faith and Love

Read 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10

How do you identify a church which is properly fulfilling the Great Commission? Is it one which is growing in numerical numbers by exciting entertaining services? A personally dynamic and engaging speaker with uplifting messages? Or is it less in dynamic services and more in biblical faithfulness, expressed through growing in faith and love?

While we long for, and pray for, God to grow our churches and make new converts and disciples, the truth is that biblical faithfulness was the sign of a prospering church that Paul sought for those he planted and cared after. The Corinthians ran after personality gimmicks and spectacle like their surrounding culture, but the Thessalonian church was identified by its faith and love. 

Paul’s distress at leaving the Thessalonian church alone and vulnerable after his hasty departure kept him up at night. Eventually, despite many prayers for them and attempts to return, he could bear it no more and sent Timothy to check in on them. Paul worried that they had been tempted to drift away from the faith, leaving his labours there in vain (v.5).

The relief practically pours off the page because Timothy returned with his report. “ But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you” (v.6).

Far from a spiritual wasteland or a devotion to entertainment and gimmickry like Paul was dealing with in Corinth, Timothy’s report on the Thessalonians was all good news. The congregation there was biblically faithful. They were full of faith and love, and missed Paul as much as he missed them.

What a relief! Instead of a party at Kelly Browne’s place, the Thessalonians had devoted themselves to continuing the teaching and practices that Paul had put in place before he had been forced to leave his spiritual children behind.

This relief and encouragement was so powerful that it was a comfort to him even when he was experiencing distress in his own ministry. “For this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith” (v.7).

Knowing that the Thessalonians missed him, and had not had their views about him twisted by falsehoods and slander that floated around the churches in the wake of jealous false teachers seeking to destroy his good work gave Paul great heart. It did so even as he experienced a troubled time in writing this letter to them, perhaps in Corinth itself with all its difficulties.

Knowing that the Thessalonians persevered was enough for him to proclaim “for now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord” (v.8). Their standing fast was like a foretaste of the joys of the resurrection, such was Paul’s relief.

It was so great, that deep in prayer, Paul could barely find the words of thanks to express towards God “for all the joy that we feel for your sake” (v.9). He was moved greatly, indeed.

That movement caused Paul to renew his prayers again “most earnestly night and day” (v.10) for the Thessalonians’ sake, with two requests. Firstly, “that we may see you face to face” (v.10) as he expressed previously in his letter. Secondly, that he would then be able to “supply what is lacking in your faith” (v.10).

There were still areas in the life of that church that needed further strengthening. Further theological education. Further strengthening of vulnerabilities. Further encouragement to witness and persevere whatever the reception.

Since he could not at that time be present with them in person, he was present with them through prayer, encouraged by their faith and love.

It was faith and love, not sheer numerical growth, that Paul appreciated. While certainly growth in numbers was good (Paul was busy planting churches and evangelising, after all), what he really wanted to see was faithfulness to the biblical teaching he had delivered, expressed in faith and deeds of love.

As a congregation in an entertainment culture that looks a little too much like Corinth at times, let’s continue to seek after faith and love like the Thessalonians. Let’s be a congregation that encourages others and our children to do likewise. God will bless a congregation that seeks to be faithful to him in that way.

How do we do that? By welcoming and encouraging people who visit. By encouraging each other, and the children in the congregation, to rest in Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, and treat others with the same love that God has shown us. 

We can also show it by allowing ourselves to be used by God in the home, the workplace, in play, as an instrument of his love. By blessing others with the knowledge of salvation, and the free gift of God in Jesus’ death on the Cross.

If we do this, no matter what our size, we too will be a congregation known for showing and growing in faith and love.


1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5: Showing You Care

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5

This morning as I delivered the children onto the school grounds, the Principal was standing at the main gate greeting those who walked in. Despite this being a school of hundreds of children, the Principal seemed to know the names of my children. Since to my knowledge they are not regular visitors for behavioural modification, this suggests that she has learnt the names of many of the children under her care. And thus, cares for them as individuals.

Where else might we expect that to be true but the Church? And not just with children, but with everyone too. Paul’s philosophy of ministry sought to care for each and every individual who was part of the churches he planted and shepherded too. That care reflects the care which Jesus, the Good Shepherd, has for us all. That care reflects the same care that each of us should have for each other.

Paul’s letter to the Thessalonian Church speaks lovingly of them, and of how their reputation for imitating the same love and care which Paul showed them in his time with them had spread throughout the congregations of their region. 

Even though events meant that Paul had to leave them, it did not mean that his care for them ceased. Paul had been torn away from them “in person not in heart” (v.17). Perhaps his sudden departure had left his spiritual children wondering if he truly loved them, or was orphaning them. That was certainly not the case.

Paul tried multiple times to return to Thessalonica to see them again, “but Satan hindered us” (vv.17-18). The way in which Satan did so is unknown, but showed that Satan sought to frustrate Paul’s ministry to the Church. We should be alert to the ways in which Satan may seek to frustrate our love for each other in the Church today, and pray earnestly for victory!

Because victory is indeed the goal of the love which Paul expressed for the Thessalonians. They were the fruits of his service of God. “For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy” (vv.19-20).

Like the expensive crown which towns in Rome would provide the emperor on his visit to their humble abode, the Thessalonians were the fruit of his own salvation born out at Jesus’ victorious return to bring to full realisation his eternal kingdom.

To demonstrate his love for them, even in his absence, Paul acted. When he could bear it no longer, he dispatched “Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith” (3:1-2). Paul was willing to labour alone in Athens, if it meant he could show love for them by equipping them further.

Paul did so knowing that the Church in Thessalonica was undergoing adversity. He knew they were suffering afflictions, as he had before being forced to leave, and just as Paul had warned them would happen (vv.3-4). 

Paul’s ministry did not preach a Christianity where trusting in Jesus solves all your problems, but where trusting in Jesus solves your biggest problem – your sin and rebellion against God. Since that puts you at odds with the world, he warned them that afflictions would come as well.

In God’s providence, those afflictions would help purify and sanctify those believers (cf Rom. 8:28). But that does not make it fun in the meantime!

Those afflictions played on Paul’s mind, along with his love for the Thessalonians. It was one of the things which pushed him to send Timothy to “learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain” (v.5).

Paul’s love for the Thessalonians went far beyond words, it went to prayer and actions on their behalf. Paul loved the Thessalonians, just as he encouraged them to love each other, knowing that the world would not love them for their faith in Christ. So their love for each other would need to be deep and genuine to encourage each other to persevere.

Paul’s heart was that of the Good Shepherd, Jesus, for his sheep. Just as a good shepherd will leave 99 sheep to find the lost one, so too Jesus sought out us, lost sheep, to bring us into his fold. 

That love is the same love that we should show each other. It is the love that elders and deacons in the Church should show for all in the congregation, as under-shepherds of the Good Shepherd. It is the love that all of us should have for the children of our congregation. It is the love that each of us should have for one another.

We go through various difficulties and trials to sanctify us and fit us for heaven. Our love for each other helps us endure the difficulties and trials, and even afflictions and persecutions if they should come, that we too will stand victorious at our Lord Jesus’ coming.


1 Thessalonians 2:13-16: Not Ordinary Words

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

What makes the Bible worth paying any attention to? Why would anyone be willing to suffer ridicule, persecution, or death for its sake? What makes the Bible so special that we would change the way we live to reflect its teachings? What causes men and women to stand up to powerful rulers, to mobs, or to crazed individuals?

The answer is that the Bible’s words are not ordinary words. This is not some made up position which Christians invented one day, but an important teaching of the Bible itself. The Bible is the Word of God at work in believers’ lives, giving them strength to endure suffering and persecution. No wonder that those who oppose the message seek to silence it. But for any believer undergoing suffering, there is comfort that God will judge those who oppose him.

Paul also expressed his thanks to God that the Thessalonians, “when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers” (v.13).

The word of God was proclaimed by men. It was written by men too, inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:15-16). It did not fall down from the sky, or dug up from the ground on golden tablets. God moved ordinary, sinful men to write God-inspired words down over the course of 1500 years, to reveal his will to us. The words were written at the hand of men, and express their emotions and experiences, but they did so at the inspiration and the compelling of God.

It is because God is the source of the words that they are without error. Because of that, the words of Scripture are not as the word of men like any other book, but the word of God. They are not merely the political, philosophical, or practical preferences of people, but God revealing the way things really are to us, that we might properly honour and worship him.

And those words are not dead words but words which work in the lives of believers. Isaiah described the work of God’s word in our lives as being like rain falling to the ground causing seed to grow (Isaiah 55:10-11). God’s words do not just rattle around inside our brains like brainworm lyrics from today’s latest manufactured pop icon, they cause seeds of faith to sprout in our lives, bringing obedience and faith, and leading to a harvest of righteousness.

The power of God’s word displayed itself in the Thessalonian church because they “became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea” (v.14). Their imitation was that they “suffered the same things from your own countrymen as [the Judean churches] did from the Jews” (v.14).

Paul knew a little about this. After all, he was one of the original henchmen behind that very persecution. After Jesus himself called him to faith on the Damascus Road, Paul enjoyed the very same persecution he once had offered. What could cause such a change and such endurance? Not ordinary words, but God’s word revealed into his life.

That same word caused Paul to join the Judean church in its suffering at his former fellows, the unbelieving Jews led astray by their religious leadership “who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out” (v.15). All in God’s Plan, spreading the Gospel message as God’s Jewish remnant (Isaiah 6:13) were joined by God’s remnant from the Nations.

The act of that unbelieving group led to God’s displeasure, especially as they effectively opposed the rest of the Nations benefiting from God’s grace “by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!” (vv.16-17).

Yet that opposition, expressed in persecution of Christ’s church, would not go unpunished. God’s wrath would come upon them in such certainty that Paul spoke of it as a present reality. God’s word is powerful not just to save, but to commit to condemnation those who reject its message.

That is why we make so much of the Bible in our congregations. They are not just nice poetry or stories, but powerful words that call us to salvation or condemn us, through rejecting those words, to judgement.

God’s Word works in you everyday, to make you more like Christ through the Spirit’s power. To prepare you to withstand opposition, if it comes, and to yield harvests of righteousness.

Take up God’s Word, and read.


1 Thessalonians 2:9-12: Eyes on the Goal

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12

Lots of us have goals in life. Things we would like to reach or attain. An achievement we would like to accomplish. Depending on how big the goal is, it can have a large impact on the way we live from day to day. We may also seek the views of mentors on how to help us achieve those goals, especially if they have accomplished it themselves.

For the Thessalonians, Paul and his comrades were mentors on their spiritual walk to the goal of glory with God. In previous verses, Paul has encouraged the church to love, care, and gentleness, following his own example in the Thessalonians’ midst. In these verses, Paul continues to encourage the church to pattern their life and outreach towards the end goal of the eternal kingdom and glory of the age to come.

In verses seven and eight, Paul described himself as being like a spiritual mother to the Thessalonian church, taking care of them, and showing them gentleness, love, and care. Paul had not taken advantage of the Thessalonian church as some wandering religious gurus did, but persisted in his message even though it came at a personal financial and bodily cost.

The Thessalonians had seen this with their own eyes. “For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God” (v.9). 

Paul had commonly worked for a living while on his missionary journeys, sometimes receiving financial support from other churches. It appears that in Thessalonica Paul had resumed his tentmaker trade, toiling away for many hours in a relatively lowly paid profession. Given the long hours, much of his teaching and outreach may have been done in the shop while sewing together leather skins. 

The Thessalonians literally saw Paul working to avoid taking a wage from them; a wage that he was fully entitled to (1 Cor 9:8-14). They saw Paul’s hard work for them, and for the Gospel. It might have involved sewing leather, but it was still work for the kingdom.

The Thessalonians could also attest to Paul’s personal holiness. “You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers” (v.10). Paul did not mistreat the Thessalonian church but was blameless in the way he behaved with and to them. And as his labours showed, his whole life was holy or set apart for the service of God, whatever he put his hand to.

These two examples were ways in which Paul was a kind of spiritual mentor to the Thessalonians, showing them how they should live in a way which reflected the realities revealed to them and believed by them. His actions backed up his words.

Paul described this as similar to how “like a father with his children” he “exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God” (vv.11-12).

In the ancient world, children usually took their father’s career, and so fathers were responsible for teaching the child the ropes of the trade. In the same way, Paul through commands and encouragement called the Thessalonians to live in a way which would please God.

That is, while there was plenty of good news, there were also plenty of reminders about how to live as a result of that good news (not to earn it but to say thanks). The purpose of this was to encourage perseverance and persistence towards the end goal, which was entering into God’s “kingdom and glory” into which he called each of them (v.12). Paul was training them up for a career, so to speak, as servants of God in his kingdom.

So too the work starts now for us. We are also called, as the Thessalonians did, to live in a way which pleases God who is calling us into his kingdom and glory. We have the end goal in sight – eternity with God. In the meantime, we need to learn the ropes to ensure we are fit to serve God in his kingdom.

More than just words, actions must match rhetoric. Paul’s long hours of work, his blameless lifestyle towards his fellow believers, and how his whole life demonstrated he was set apart for God’s service showed that he had his eye on the goal. The Thessalonians could do well to follow his example. We would do well, too.

It does not matter what we are called to with our work. Whether in the pulpit (as Paul was), in the mines, at the office, in the home, or in a store, these are all opportunities to work unto the Lord. If your work is focused on enabling you to serve God in some way, whether in your example or your activities in spare hours, it is work for the kingdom.

Paul’s example reminds us to keep our eyes firmly on the end goal of eternity with Jesus, and live lives of thankfulness which are pleasing to God.


1 Thessalonians 2:1-8: Traits of Effective Ministry

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

One of the more common complaints about churches as charities that you can hear today is how supposedly they are led by fat cats who fleece their flock to live a lavish lifestyle, and avoid paying taxes to boot! Sadly, the actions of televangelists and “prosperity gospel” preachers poison the views of many against churches and preachers who just want to quietly proclaim the Gospel.

While in Paul’s day the idea of registered charities and such were unusual, many of these sorts of charges against Paul’s ministry were not. In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, he upholds the nature of his ministry against charges which some could lay about its effectiveness and his motivation, charges which he argued the Thessalonians knew were false.

Previously in this letter to the church at Thessalonica, Paul had emphasised how word of their imitation of him had reached his ears and the ears of many other churches in the region. The Thessalonians were an example to these churches, and to us today, of how to live for Christ in the midst of a sometimes suspicious and hostile culture.

Paul continues this encouragement by reminding the Thessalonians that they knew that Paul and his ministry team’s labours for the Gospel were not “in vain” (v.1). They had seen with their own eyes Paul, Silas, and Timothy’s “boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict” (v.2).

The conflict referred to was their previous treatment in Philippi where “we had already suffered and been shamefully treated” (v.2). Paul healed a young slave woman of her demonic possession, annoyed her masters, and was arrested and illegally beaten for the privilege (Acts 16:12-40).

Paul and Silas literally walked into Thessalonica still bearing scars and marks on their backs from their treatment in Philippi. Most people, pedalling a self-help message or swindling the gullible of their cash would give up at this point and take up some other pursuit. Ram raiding night markets with chariots perhaps. 

But Paul’s message was something of value, not springing from “error or impurity or any attempt to deceive” (v.3) that even arrest and beatings could not put them off continuing. They were approved by God “to be entrusted with the gospel” and so were speaking to please God, not men (v.4).

While other walk-about religious gurus might spout messages that sounded pleasant and let you indulge in what you wanted for a little cash, Paul’s good news had life altering consequences and its messengers were God-appointed rather than self-appointed.

This was demonstrated in the way Paul had treated the Thessalonians. Unlike many televangelists today with their prosperity gospel ramblings, “we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness” (v.5). There truly is nothing new under the sun.

In the same way, Paul never sought praise for himself as a man of God, even though he was an apostle and so could have made all sorts of demands under that authority (v.6). That included financial gain, which as we know from the Scriptures Paul often went without for the sake of the Gospel and his own witness. Can’t be on the take if you’re not taking.

Instead, Paul, Silas, and Timothy were a completely different kettle of fish to the run of the mill religious swindler. Their ministry was characterised by gentleness towards them, “like a nursing mother taking care of her own children” (v.7).

More than just gentle, they were also caring (“affectionately desirous of you”) and loving (“you had become very dear to us”) which was expressed through their Gospel ministry and sacrificial service to the Thessalonians.

The contrast between this model of ministry and one in which power, wealth, and privileges flow to the leaders is a sharp contrast. One reflects the sacrificial life and death of Christ, who even though in the form of and equal to God emptied himself of divine privilege to serve (Philippians 2:5-8). The other reflects the patterns and ways of this sinful world, seeking to satisfy self even at the expense of others.

You can see how this would be suspicious to outsiders. After all, it is different from the expected, usual pattern (thus the assumption that every preacher has a personal jet). But that is also what makes it so effective as a marker of Gospel Ministry. The minister is not the message. Jesus is.

So these verses speak of the importance of the leadership of the church demonstrating gentleness, care, and love, and not using their position to bring glory or wealth to themselves. Instead, the glory and wealth belong to the message.

But as it is good for the leaders, it is good for us all. Paul wrote these words to encourage all the Thessalonians to act likewise. It is good for us too. Many people will never meet your pastor. They will meet you though. 

May they meet God’s gentleness, care, and love expressed through Jesus, and through Paul, in your life too.


1 Thessalonians 1:6-10: Imitators

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10

Every parent has fond memories of their children imitating them as they go about work. Whether it is mowing a lawn, shifting some dirt, vacuuming and tidying, or cooking, children love to imitate their parents. Sadly, our children also have a habit of imitating our less savoury and more sinful words and actions too. Whether good or bad, we often learn by imitating the example of others.

The Thessalonian Church was also known for their imitation. Paul commended them for their imitation of himself and Jesus, as a response to the powerful proclamation of God’s Word in their midst. Through their imitation, they became an example to other believers elsewhere. In that, they become an example to us of what it means to follow Christ, and an example and reputation to develop individually and as a congregation.

For Paul, the Thessalonians were a source of great encouragement. They were a demonstration of God’s power working through the Ministry of Paul, Silas, and Timothy, and thus a source of thankfulness to Paul in the middle of difficult times.

But the Thessalonians were more than just an encouragement, they were imitators. They “became imitators of us and of the Lord” because they received the Gospel despite the affliction which non-believers (both Jew and Greek) inflicted on them (v.6). Just as Paul and his companions, and Jesus in his earthly ministry had faced rejection and affliction, so too the Thessalonians suffered for the name of God.

What was important about that affliction was not so much the presence of it, but how they reacted. They did not grumble and complain but experienced it “with the joy of the Holy Spirit” (v.6). Their difficult circumstances were met with Spirit empowered joy instead of grumbling, unlike say the Israelites wandering in the desert in Moses’ day.

Many of the Greco-Roman activities of the day were wrapped up in pagan religion and adoration verging on (and often becoming) outright Emperor worship. The Thessalonian Christians, worshiping the one and true living God and confessing only Jesus Christ as Lord, were cut off from society and rejected by “offended” friends and family because they refused to engage in the cultural norms of their day.

The imitation of Paul and Christ which the Thessalonians adopted was such that “you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia” (v.7). Word of the events in Thessalonica, their patient endurance, and their Spirit-filled joy spread like ripples in a pond throughout what is modern day Greece.

More than just endure though, the Thessalonians were busy spreading the Gospel even in difficult circumstances. “The word of the Lord sounded forth from you” (v.8) and apparently word had spread down the trade roads of how the Thessalonian Church was busy proclaiming the Gospel.

Their joyful endurance and their Gospel proclamation displayed their faith in God, word of which had traveled “everywhere, so that we need not say anything” (v.8). Imitators they were, but examples to other Christians in the region of their faith, hope, and love.

Other Christians were encouraged to hear of how they had held firm against the pressures of their day, and had “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (v.9). They had made a radical and sustained break with their past, and the evil culture that surrounded them. Their lifestyle reflected a desire to live a Biblical approach to life that reflected the example of Paul and of Christ.

They were also a Christ-waiting Church. They looked forward to and waited for the arrival of God’s “Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (v.10). The Thessalonians were committed to Gospel proclamation and a Biblical lifestyle not for political reasons, but because they saw the final victory over sin and earthly opposition as coming when Jesus returned in glory to deliver them.

This example of imitation may have first floated down the highways and by-ways of the Roman Empire, but it has also floated down through time as an example to us. What a reputation to be known by! Forget riches. Never mind influence and power. Faithful servants of God.

What causes the Thessalonian Church to be singled out for praise is a desire to follow Jesus. Spirit-filled joy in difficult circumstances. Bold Gospel proclamation. Biblical patterns of lifestyle that leave behind the idols of the day. Patient expectation and hope of Christ’s victorious return.

Would it not be a fine reputation to have this as individuals and a congregation? As I read these words I want that to be true of my own life, and of us all.

What empowered this imitation of Paul and Christ, which boldly left behind the idols of this world, proclaimed the Gospel, and awaited Christ’s return in victory? The Holy Spirit. If we want the same imitation and devotion for our own lives and our own congregation, then we must turn to the Holy Spirit in dependence and request for that same power displayed in our lives.


1 Thessalonians 1:2-5: Paul’s Reason for Thanksgiving

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5

The past few years have been difficult in various ways for many of us, yet God has still been good to us in those years. It has not been all bad news. There has been much to give thanks for. Yet in the middle of difficulty it can be easy to forget the blessings we have received, and focus instead on what we have lost, or our struggles, or our difficulties.

Paul’s life certainly had its ups and downs, but Paul also recognised the need to give thanks for the good things God gave. One of those good things was the blessing of the church in Thessalonica, whom Paul’s letter addresses. Paul gives thanks for the evidence of salvation working in their lives, because God chose them to be part of his people. That salvation came with great power from God displayed in their lives. The same is true for us. In the midst of ups and downs, we can give thanks for the same blessings from God in our lives.

While Paul and his team did not have as long as they would have liked to nourish the little church in Thessalonica, their ministry did have a great impact. Word reached Paul of the continuing faithfulness of that congregation, and he wrote to give thanks, to encourage, and to teach them further.

So it is not surprising that Paul’s letter begins with a description of Paul’s thanksgiving, and the reasons for it. Paul told the Thessalonians that he “give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers” (v.2). 

Paul was not simply a motivational speaker with fond memories of a crowd, but an undershepherd who cared intimately for his sheep, whether with them or not. They were a source of great thankfulness to Paul, and they were always on his mind when he prayed, seeking that God would continually bless and build them up.

The reason for Paul’s thankfulness is given is verse 3, where he explained that he remembered before God their “work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (v.3).

Paul is not describing works salvation with his reference to work and labour, rather the importance is on the latter of each word couple – faith, love, and hope. These three words are regular themes in Paul’s writings (1 Corinthians 13, especially v.13, anyone?). They are what are really important to Paul – the evidence of these in the Thessalonian church’s life.

How are they evidenced? Their faith is apparent in that it is active and displayed in their behaviour. Their labour for God (and thus, for each other) is prompted by their love, while their conviction and hope in Jesus’ return is patient and enduring.

By implication, Paul is encouraging the Thessalonians to continue in this way. Just as parents praise behaviour in their children that they would like to see more, Paul’s praise here does the same thing.

The second reason for Paul’s thankfulness is that God chose them. “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you” (v.4). Paul sees in them the proof in the pudding, so to speak, of God’s grace in electing them for salvation. Knowing that God is working out his salvation plan, and calling those he elected through Paul’s labours, is great cause for thankfulness.

Their election was shown through their response to Paul’s preaching while he was with them in Thessalonica. Paul’s gospel preaching came “not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (v.5). It was not persuasive rhetoric which saved them, but God’s power displayed through the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives, along with the deep conviction of its value on the part of those preaching it. The effectiveness of the message came from God’s work through it, not the mere words.

The deep conviction of Paul and his team was reflected in “what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake” (v.5) which the Thessalonians came to know and understand.

Paul’s reasons for thankfulness are reasons we can be thankful in our own circumstances as well. We can see God’s saving power working through the preaching of the Gospel, in our own lives and that of others. We can pray that it continues to do so, and give God thanks when it does. And we can thank God for his saving grace, expressed before time in his election and in time through the Holy Spirit’s powerful saving work in our lives.

Secondly, we can thank God for our faith, hope, and love. These are not just abstract ideas but find their only full and perfect expression in the Christian faith. Our labours of love for each other and visitors, our active faith in Christ (in the various ways that plays out), and our patient hope for Christ’s victorious return are all ultimately gifts from God. Another reason for thankfulness.

Like Paul, there is plenty to give thanks to God for always.


1 Thessalonians 1:1 – The Only Source of Grace and Peace

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1

Christmas last year was in Blenheim, and my wife and I stumbled upon a Nelson-based brand of ginger beer on Christmas Eve which was cheap. And tasty. So much so, we were curious about where to buy it in the North Island if the desire arose again. Despite much Google searching and false leads, I have found only two irregular sources to buy this product again locally.

What does this have to do with Thessalonians? Paul to my knowledge did not drink ginger beer, but he was concerned for the churches he planted. He was also concerned to remind them of the only source of grace and peace that we can find this side of eternity. You will not find it in money, philosophies, or the bottom of a (ginger) beer bottle, but you will find grace and peace in Christ.

Paul planted the church in Thessalonica during his second missionary journey. He did not have as much time as he probably would have liked – a mere three weeks before jealous Jewish groups caused a scene which resulted in some of the new Christians having to post money as security for good behaviour, while Paul and Silas were snuck out of town (Acts 17:1-10) for their continued health.

Despite this abrupt end to Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica, the church flourished, and word reached Paul that the congregation there continued to meet and worship God and Christ (1 Thess. 3:6). 

Paul wrote his letter to the Church in Thessalonica to encourage them to continue worshiping God in a culture not only foreign to the Christian message, but hostile to it. He also wrote to correct misunderstandings that had developed among them about Jesus’ return. Though written nearly two thousand years ago, it seems not much has changed today.

The letter to Thessalonica was a letter that was primarily from Paul, but also written on behalf of his fellow labourers in the Gospel, Silas and Timothy (v.1). Paul was an apostle, specially commissioned by Jesus himself on the Road to Damascus to bring the Gospel news to non-Jews. But Paul did not work alone. Paul’s missionary journeys were always in the company of others.

Silas (or Silvanus, his Latin name) was also a prominent early Christian, who had been given the job of carrying the deliverance regarding Mosaic Law-keeping of the first General Assembly to non-Jewish believers in the early Church (see Acts 15:22-40). Timothy was Paul’s ministry apprentice, and later went to serve as Pastor in congregations such as Ephesus (see 1 Timothy).

Paul was specially commissioned by God, but he did not act alone, either spiritually or humanly speaking. Paul served with others.

The recipients were the church in Thessalonica. The term translated church literally means “called out ones” and could refer to a public assembly or a philosophical school, so the term applied to the Church makes sense. This congregation, like ours, were called out by God to publicly assemble, worship Christ, and devote themselves to Scripture’s teachings.

But this assembly was not just another philosophical fad, it was “in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”. Their identity was not found in some culture of the day, or a particular secular movement, but in God the Father and Jesus Christ. Paul’s linking of the Father and Jesus here points to the unique intimacy of the Father and the Son, and of Jesus’ deity – not just fully human, but divine too.

It was in this identity found in God the Father and Jesus Christ that the church in Thessalonica could find “grace to you and peace.” 

The church had come to know God’s favour, even though they did not deserve it and indeed deserved nothing but condemnation and judgement. Through God’s grace, his undeserved favour, they received peace. Peace with God, along with the true inner peace that can only come when relationships are restored as they should be, not merely through the ending of hostilities.

Thankfully we do not live in an environment of such overt hostility to the Gospel, although that is not the case the world over. But we do live in an environment where what we believe, and why we believe it is viewed with hostility by some who would attack us if they could. Even though we mean no harm to them. That is one of the costs of discipleship.

But even though we live in that situation, we still enjoy the same undeserved grace and peace which Paul sought to bless the Thessalonian church with. The same Gospel message which Paul proclaimed still calls us out of the world today, to follow Christ and pattern our lives according to the Scriptures.

The -isms of this world cannot bring peace with God, or inner peace. You will not find it anywhere else but in the mercy of God expressed to us through Jesus’ life and death for our sins.

Like the Thessalonians, we should heed the call of Paul, Silas, and Timothy, and worship God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ; the only source of grace and peace.


Psalm 65: Another Year of Salvation

Read Psalm 65

Christmas and New Year brings many of us to a pause. We celebrate Jesus’ birth, swap presents, eat good food, spend time with friends and family, and many of us take a break of sorts from our daily grind. It can be a time to reflect, and also a time to look forward (whether with hope or uncertainty) to what will come in the next twelve months.

As we reflect, and look forward, let’s remember to also thank God for another year of salvation, and look forward to another year of God’s goodness too. Psalm 65 encourages us to do this through its praise of God’s salvation, praise of God’s power, and praise of God’s provision. All three of these themes are worthy of praise at Christmas-time, New Years, and all year!

Psalm 65 begins with praise for God’s salvation, experienced through being restored to God’s presence. Praise is appropriate and due to God from his people (v.1), especially in the Old Testament context of offering vows. We might say today that praise is due to God from his people, especially in a worship service!

It is God who hears the prayers of his followers, and to whom people from all over the world will come to experience God’s presence (v.2). Their hearts may be filled with sin, but God is the one who atones “for our transgressions” (v.3). God’s free grace, shown through his free choice, restores our relationship with God to enjoy his presence and find satisfaction in him (v.4).

But God does not just hear us and answer our prayers by forgiving our sins. God also performs powerful deeds (v.5) that are worthy of praise. These deeds are described as God’s response to the plight of his people, showing God is not some distant deity who does not care about what happens day to day. Nor is God’s power bound but displayed so that God is “ the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas” (v.5).

This refers not just to God’s creating acts, but his continued acts of providence in upholding Creation and his miraculous interventions. God’s creation of the mountains shows his great power and might (v.6), and his continued power over the chaos of the roaring seas his continual providence over all things (v.7).

God’s power is also demonstrated in his stilling “the tumult of the peoples” (v.7) by intervening in history, so “that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs” (v.8). God’s acts and power are not just intended for some, but for all the earth, as we see in the coming of Christ the Messiah of the nations.

Praise for God extends not just to his salvific presence and his providential power, but also to God’s provision. God is the one who waters the lands, causing vegetation to grow (vv.9-10). In Israel, where rains arriving at certain times of the year were needed for the crops to grow to avoid a famine, this was a demonstration of God’s provision. God was literally watering their vegetable gardens!

But God’s provision goes beyond heavenly sprinklers, because God is the one who causes those watered crops to grow and be fruitful. “You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance” (v.11). The pastures are plentiful, and the flocks of animals are liberally dotted among the meadows where they receive the food and drink they need (vv.12-13).

All of this provision causes the farmer, and indeed every one of God’s People, to rejoice and praise God for his continued goodness.

These three themes, presence (through salvation), power, and provision, are themes we can reflect on as we reach Christmas and a New Year.

Christmas reminds us of God’s great power, intervening in history through his salvation plan which reached its climax at the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord in a lowly manger in little Bethlehem. Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel truly was God present with us to save us from our sins.

And that salvation was not just for a select group of individuals physically descended from Abraham, but for the ends of the earth! That is why we proclaim Christ among all the nations; not just because God commanded it, but so that his great power might be displayed as he draws people from all sorts of places, times, and backgrounds to himself.

As we feast in our own individual ways at Christmas and swap presents, we too are enjoying the bounty of God’s provision for us. That provision is not just material, but relational and spiritual too. God has blessed us with another year of salvation. God has provided us with another year of experiences, good or bad, for our ultimate good. God has blessed us through his Church, and his work of grace and sanctification in our lives.

Thank God for another year of salvation in our lives. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!