LESSON AIM

1. We will know that we can remain faithful to CHRIST no matter what our circumstances might be

2. We will know that we can be encouraged in our faith even though we may be facing persecution because of our beliefs.

KEEP IN MIND

“We give thanks to GOD always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our LORD JESUS CHRIST, in the sight of GOD and our FATHER” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3).

Paul was able to minister to the Thessalonians for only a brief time. After he left, they faced much persecution, so Paul wrote this letter full of tender love for these brave new Christians. Paul thanked GOD for their faith, love, and hope in the LORD. GOD had chosen the Thessalonians to be witnesses to others.

By way of background, the church at Thessalonica was in its infancy. Thessalonica was the capital and largest city of the Roman province of Macedonia. With a population of 200,000 people, it was one of the wealthiest and most flourishing trade centers in the Roman Empire. Many pagan religions and cultural influences also flourished in Thessalonica. These influences challenged the faith of the young Christians there. During the first century (A.D.51), Paul was helping to establish churches among the Gentiles. The Thessalonian church was established during his second missionary journey. The environment was usually hostile because religious leaders saw Christianity as a threat to the status quo and order. Believers in these early churches faced great persecution. In fact, many new believers lost their lives. The church had been established only two years before Paul wrote this letter. These new Christians were struggling with their faith, and there was still much that they did not understand about their walk with GOD. For example, there were misunderstandings concerning CHRIST’S SECOND COMING. Some felt that CHRIST would return immediately and were confused when their loved ones died before HE did so. To add to their dilemma, the first century church was being persecuted mightily. Many believers were killed by those who hated CHRIST. These Christians, therefore, had to give up everything.

Timothy was an assistant to Paul who became a believer during Paul’s first missionary journey. Timothy was like a son to Paul, and he joined Paul for the other two excursions. Timothy was respected in his hometown and was Paul’s special representative on several occasions. He received two personal letters from Paul and probably knew Paul better than any other person. His mother was Eunice and his grandmother was Lois. He had a Greek father so he was of mixed racial background. Timothy apparently struggled with a timid and reserved nature. He even allowed others to look down on his youthfulness.

Paul was of the apostles who shaped the history of Christianity. He was transformed from a persecutor of Christians to a preacher of CHRIST. This great apostle preached CHRIST throughout the Roman Empire on at least three missionary journeys. He wrote to various churches to instruct and encourage them. These letters became a part of the New Testament.

Paul was born in Tarsus but became a world traveler. He trained as a Pharisee and was actually present at the stoning of Stephen, encouraging the killers. However, when GOD saved and changed him, HE used him to the utmost.

Paul wrote this letter to encourage these young believers. He wrote to assure them of his love. He also wanted to praise them for their faithfulness in spite of their circumstances and remind them of their hope in CHRIST. Paul assured them that their LORD and SAVIOR would return.

1. THE THESSALONIAN’S FAITH (1 Thessalonians 1:2-10)

Paul started his letter to the Thessalonians by encouraging them; he told them how other Christians were praying for them and were grateful for their fellowship as part of the Christian body (1 Thessalonians1: 2). He further commended these young Christians for their faithfulness to GOD in the midst of persecutions. They had been faithful in work, loving deeds, and anticipation of JESUS’ return (v.3). Paul reminded them of how the GOOD NEWS came to them with power (vv.5-7) and GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT did a work in them and changed their lives. As a result, they had become true followers of CHRIST.

Paul, Silas, and Timothy were also living epistles to the Thessalonians because they lived before these people what they preached. They were doers of GOD’S WORD, which is important for all new Christians to see. The Thessalonian believers accepted JESUS CHRIST as their LORD and SAVIOUR under much persecution. This is the true affliction Paul mentions in verse 6.

The message of salvation brought great joy and great persecution. Both the Jews and Gentiles rose up against the Thessalonian believers. This caused some new believers to question their faith. They though surely they would be protected from death until CHRIST returned. Paul, therefore, addressed this issue in his letter and explained to them what happens when believers die (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

In verses 9 and 10, Paul recognized and applauded the Thessalonians for their response to the GOOD NEWS of SALVATION. They heard it, believed, and turned from idol worship and sin to serve GOD and look forward to the return of JESUS CHRIST.

Paul emphasized CHRIST’S SECOND COMING in verse 10 and throughout this Book of 1 Thessalonians. Because of their persecution, Paul encouraged them to look forward to the deliverance that JESUS would bring with HIS SECOND COMING. This gave these new believers hope. It should also give Christians today that same hope. Some wrongs will not be made right until CHRIST COMES.

2. TIMOTHY’S GOOD REPORT ABOUT THE CHURCH (3:6-10)

Paul told this infant church that young Timothy, Paul’s representative, had just returned, bringing back the good news that their faith and love were as strong as ever in the midst of the persecution. Timothy had told Paul that the believers had enjoyed the apostles’ visit and wanted to see them again (1 Thessalonians 3:6). In fact, by standing firm in their faith during their persecution, the Thessalonians had encouraged Paul and other mature believers in their own walk with GOD. These Christian leaders also had to endure much persecution, including beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks, etc.

Seeing Christians who were young in the faith holding on and resting in GOD in spite of their circumstances blessed onlookers inside and outside the church. Many times, sinners will watch Christians going through their trials and tribulations and learn about faith in ALMIGHTY GOD. Therefore, these infant Christians encouraged one another, and Paul encouraged them (v.7). Paul could readily see the evidence of the HOLY SPIRIT’S work in those Christians who had remained faithful. They were more mature than they knew (vv.7-8).

It brought great joy to Paul and others to see these new believers grow in the grace and knowledge of GOD. Because Paul planted churches, he experienced this joy many times. The glory, however, went to GOD and not to Paul for keeping these babes in CHRIST. Therefore, Paul thanked GOD for HIS KEEPING POWER and also prayed for the Thessalonians’ continued growth in faith and in their knowledge of GOD. Paul and his associates prayed to GOD night and day, asking GOD to meet all of the spiritual needs of these Thessalonians.

In today’s society, Christians are often called to stand firm and fast in the LORD and on HIS WORD. Our society constantly changes its rules and laws, but yet GOD’S WORD never changes. Sometimes these rules and laws may conflict with the Bible. Yet, as Christians, we still have to obey what GOD says in HIS WORD.

Remember that we are a light to a dying world. Unbelievers, who see Christians not living the life that they profess, may receive a mixed or confused message. Have you been challenged in the last few weeks to stand on GOD’S PRINCIPLES? Did GOD help you to do so? Were you persecuted for your stand? If so, did GOD give you strength to go through the challenges?

Pray that GOD will mature you in the faith, and that HE will help you to stand firm and remain faithful to HIM regardless of your circumstances. Pray that leaders in the church will always be good examples in the faith, believing in and standing on GOD’S WORD.

THINK ABOUT IT!!!!

Spiritually Yours,

Rev. Chris Lowe, Sr. DD

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