Thriving in Opposition (1 Thessalonians 1)
12:30 PM
The
church in Thessalonica was a church of genuine believers, making a difference,
even though this was not an easy task. They didn’t exactly know the freedom of
worshipping in peace and without fear of persecution. To cling to the gospel in
the midst of opposition means it was a worthy endeavor and the benefits made it
worth the cost. Let’s return to Acts for a little history on the beginnings of
this young church.
In
Acts 17, Paul preached the gospel of Jesus in the Jewish temple to the
Thessalonians. Some of the Jews as well as many of the Greeks
embraced the gospel but a very agitated group of Jews started a riot. Paul and
Silas were urged by the believers to leave and they took the gospel to another
town. Paul, knowing the opposition faced in Thessalonica sent Timothy to check
on how the church was doing and was full of joy to hear of their faithfulness.
In his letter to them, we see qualities in this young church that set an
example to us today.
They
had a strong faith. Their motivation was love. They didn’t give up. Christ gave
them hope.
“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.” (v3)
They
took God’s Word to heart and were empowered by His Holy Spirit.
“because
our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy
Spirit and deep conviction...” (v5)
They
found joy (given by the Holy Spirit), which gave them a spiritual focus in the
midst of difficulty. They learned this from other believers and from the life
of Jesus.
“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.” (v6)
Their
lives were used by God as a testimony that impacted the world at large.
“And
so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s
message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God
has become known everywhere..” (v7-8)
They
were a changed people with changed lives. They turned away from serving the
world which had only death and emptiness to offer them and served a risen
Savior who could offer them eternity.
“They
tell how you 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 rescues
us from the coming wrath” (v9-10)
I
find much to admire in this church. They still set an example today to others
in how to live out the Christian life in the midst of difficulty and
persecution. It reminds me that when it’s not easy, it’s still
possible because God is in control of all circumstances.
0 comments