Thriving in Opposition (1 Thessalonians 1)

12:30 PM




 For Thursday, March 18: 1 Thessalonians 1

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. 


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