1 Thessalonians 1 - Is Your Life Worthy of Imitation?

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Today we start Paul's first letter to the church at Thessalonica. Here are some of the unique features of this letter. 

“This letter is full of interest because it is certainly among the first of those which have been preserved for us from the pen of Paul. It was the first he wrote to European Christians, and in it the fundamental things of the Christian life are very clearly set forth.” (G. Campbell Morgan)

"Paul himself founded the church in Thessalonica on his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1-9). He was only in the city a short time because he was forced out by enemies of the Gospel. Yet the church of the Thessalonians continued alive and active. Though Paul had to suddenly leave this young church, his deep concern for them prompted this letter." - Guzik

On Paul’s second missionary journey, he was imprisoned in Philippi and then miraculously freed from jail – only to be kicked out of the city. Then he came to Thessalonica, the prosperous capital of the province of Macedonia (northern Greece), located on the famous Egnatian Way. - Guzik

After only three weekends of prosperous ministry (Acts 17:2), he had to flee from an angry mob. He moved on to Berea – again enjoying several weeks of ministry, but soon driven out by the sa me Thessalonian mob. - Guzik 

Paul wrote this letter from Corinth around 49-51 A.D. It was one of the earliest letters we have from Paul, and therefore likely to be highly accurate as it is so close to the time of the actual events, which happened among them. The main theme was Jesus' second coming. The dead who believed in him would meet Jesus in the air when he returned. In the midst of persecution this letter was to encourage them to "keep on keeping on!" 

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

We see that Paul's vision of the church was way bigger than any one church.  His heart was for all of the churches he had a role in starting, and he constantly prayed for them and asked for prayer as well. The question we must always ask as a church is ...

Is our vision for our mission greater than our own individual church? Does it include the city we live in, the region we live in, and the whole world?

Notice his commendation focuses on their work and labor. They are getting things done. When things get hard, they are inspired by the fact that Jesus is coming soon. They will be rewarded for their faithfulness.

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 1:4-6

Paul saw the gospel take root in them, not just because of the things they said, but also a very clear manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power and conviction. Note when the Holy Spirit convicts us, we have a chance either to respond in obedience or quench the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is so very important to our life as a believer and the growth of the church. 

Paul only preached to them but also lived among them. They saw that Paul "walk the talk". Paul and his friends had lives that were worth imitating. Even in suffering they received and lived out the message. 

Is your life one that people would want to imitate? How do you handle trials in your life and does it show your dependence on Christ? 

7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

As the believers in Thessalonica modeled Paul's life, their witness became so palpable that the message of the gospel "rang out" into the regions near them. Macedonia and Achaia were provinces, where the churches in Corinth and Philippi were located. Again, it wasn't just about their own church, but their witness went far beyond their city. 

Their example was so compelling Paul did not need to say anything more. The bottom line was they turned from worthless and dead idols to serve the living and true God.

What idols do you think the church is susceptive to serve today? What idols want to take away your devotion to Christ alone? What does the fact that the God you serve is living and true help you to realize the worthlessness of the idols of this world?