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.

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.

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.

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.

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.