Paul wasn’t just a preacher of the gospel who proclaimed the salvation of God and then casually moved on to the next town. Paul was a minister of the Gospel. He truly cared about nurturing the faith of new converts. This is very evident in his letter to new converts of the church of the Thessalonians. As we reach out to others to disciple them, we can learn a lot from the example of Paul’s letter. 

Paul was grateful and celebrated that others had become believers in Christ. He didn’t forget his new brothers and sisters in Christ but remembered them in his prayers. 

As he reflected upon the church in Thessalonia, he remembered these 3 important qualities they possessed. FAITH-HOPE-LOVE. 

Specifically, faith that was evident in their works, labor that was fueled by Christlike love, and hope in Christ that could endure. 

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1:2-3)

Paul was confident that these new believers were not just responding to the words he had proclaimed but had actually been impacted authentically by the convicting power of the Spirit of God.  “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.” (1:4-5)

Paul had set the example of standing up boldly for his belief in the midst of conflict and danger. He had taken risks because of his genuine concern for the souls who were in need of Jesus. 

“But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.”(2:2 )

He saw this same faith and courage in the new believers who also faced risk, trial and potential persecution. 

“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,” (1:6)

Paul sets an example to us of how important it is when witnessing to others to be personable and genuine vs pushy and overbearing. We must take the time to get to know others and spend vested time and interest in them. 

“But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” (2:7-8)

God wants us to build others up vs tear them down. 

“we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. (2:12)

Each soul won for Christ was special to Paul. He realized the importance and significance of securing souls for eternity“ 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.” (2:19-20)

Paul was with the Thessalonians 3 weeks before conflict necessitated that he leave. He rejoiced in their genuine conversion but he was not satisfied without knowing that their faith was growing. He knew that Satan would target them just as he targets all Christians to wound and hinder their spiritual growth and strives to keep them from  being effective witnesses.  “For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.” (3:5)

How uplifting it was to Paul to learn that this young church continued to persevere in their faith and influence those around them. A seed planted was growing and thriving, empowered by God’s Spirit. “for this reason, brothers, 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.” (3:7-8)