1 Thessalonians

As we transition again into a new book/letter of the New Testament, we read a note of Paul's encouragement. He is thankful for the response of the believers in Thessalonica to the gospel they had previously brought (v.5). Their response was one of having become imitators of both Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy's example and imitators of the Lord. The Thessalonians had become a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia (vv.6-7). So different from many of Paul's other church letters, he says plainly that they have sounded forth the word of the Lord "so that they have no need to say anything" to them (.8). Place yourself into this scenario. Who is God calling you to be? Are you to be the faithful respondent to another's example, so that there is no fault in your testimony? Are you to be an imitator of the Lord? Are you from another church that Paul addressed, still in need of repentance from addictions to the world? Are you to be one that declares the Gospel, and makes mention of others in your prayers, in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full assurance for their sake (v.5)? Indeed, we serve an audience of One, but we will also be held accountable for the report of others. The report Paul received of the Thessalonians was how they'd turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God (v.9). What report will be made of you? What are the idols you need to turn from, to serve a living and true God?

Paul carefully chooses his words in this passage. The Thessalonians would have been hearing from unbelieving Jews and Gentiles much to discredit Paul's ministry. Much of this letter is effectively Paul's defense against their false accusations, maligning his character. Calling on the Thessalonians to remember for themselves all that they knew of Paul, Silas, and Timothy's ministry to them and the loving compassion they'd shown without imposing a burden was key to Paul's address. Paul gives thanks to God for their conversion to the true Gospel while lamenting the lost - those who drove them out, not pleasing God, hostile to all men, hindering the Gospel, and subject to God's wrath. But the true enemy, Satan, is known and identified.
Remain a people committed to character and purity. Know that the world will always attack the reputation of those who stand for and declare the righteousness of God. And embrace the high calling we have to share the Gospel, just as Paul is demonstrating here, that your hope, joy, and crown of boasting before the Lord may be in your testimony of the Word of Christ.

In the previous chapter, Paul was defending his name while declaring joy at knowing the Thessalonians were continuing in their faith, "walking in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory." (2:12). Here in chapter three, we see why Paul's response was so earnest. Paul was likely very near depression until Timothy returned to him in Athens with news of the Thessalonian church. The people of Athens were largely hostile to the Gospel message, but Paul persisted in preaching there, convicted of the Holy Spirit to remain. The reason he was alone was that he had sent Timothy to check on the Thessalonians while he remained in Athens. Paul had his doubts about whether the Thessalonians would have remained faithful. Paul had a deep love for his friends there. They were among the first to accept Christ as the Savior in the early church. Timothy would have just returned with the wonderful news of how the church was thriving, and Paul's joy was completely restored - despite the hardships and mistreatments he still suffered in Athens. God has similar rewards for us when we remain faithful to do His will. We may become discouraged; even depressed. But He has joy for us, even in our times of deepest despair. Abide in God's Word. Fellowship with the Savior awaits!

The testimony Paul is extending to the Thessalonians has a specific emphasis for us today. Even when we are commended for doing right, we should remain focused on the task of striving for the higher call of perfection to attain purity and holiness. Paul and Peter agreed on this as he also cites the Old Testament scriptures in 1 Peter 1:16. "for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy." This is what God commands, "For I am Yahweh your God. Therefore, set yourselves apart as holy and be holy, for I am holy..." (Leviticus 11:44, 19:2, 20:7). Paul commends them saying "just as you actually do," and "you do practice it," regarding how they please God, and love their fellow Christians, but twice follows that with "excel still more."
Beloved, do not be tempted to think you have attained a standing with God or man that should rest or receive praise. Receive knowledge that if anything good has come by your hand, it is by God's permission and He who has worked through you. Be encouraged in this - His will is that you EXCEL STILL MORE; and that we have hope for the day "the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord." (vv.16-17)

The final chapter of the letter Paul writes to the church at Thessalonica is practically a Life Principle Guide. It deserves no additional comment from me other than to say, "Please spend time on EACH VERSE applying it to your life - today, and every day." Paul wrote this to the Thessalonians knowing it would be read by the other churches. God delivered these words to Paul, knowing they would be read by you and me. Treat them as such. God intends you to apply them to your life. Take extra time today and pray that God would make these principles real in your life.