Thursday, October 9

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2014

Jeremiahs 12:1–14:10

1Thessalonians 1:1–2:8

Psalm 79:1–13

Proverbs 24:30–3

 

 

“We continually remember your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ….  For we know, brothers, loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.  You know how we lived among you for your sake.  You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3–7)

 

 

Paul writes these words to the Thessalonian church in perhaps his first canonical letter, written in 51 AD.  Some scholars have dated Galatians in 48/49 AD, which may place it ahead of 1 Thessalonians.  The letter uniquely targets end-times theology (eschatology), as each chapter concludes with a reference to the Second Coming.  Paul wishes to encourage these brothers and sisters to remain faithful in spite of severe trials, giving them assurance concerning the future for those who pass away before Christ returns (4:13–18).

 

Paul had only visited with the Thessalonians for three weeks (Acts 17:1–10).  With little time for discipleship, Paul feared that the Thessalonian believers might have little support in the midst of persecution.  Indeed, Paul and Silas were forced to escape from Thessalonica to Berea.  While Paul reasoned first in the Jewish synagogue, this letter indicates that many early Thessalonian believers were Gentiles.

 

In that short time, Paul and his companions sought to demonstrate the unconditional love of God, much like a loving father and a constructive father.  These servants were willing to undertake manual labor, an anathema to Greeks, in order to place the Thessalonians’ needs above their own.  They lived blamelessly for the benefit of the Gospel:  “On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.  We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.  You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed – God is our witness.  We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.” (1 Thessalonians 2:4–6a)

 

In his opening remarks to the Thessalonian believers, he reminds them of how faith promotes action and how the Holy Spirit worked among them in the outpouring of the Gospel and in bringing joy through difficult times.

 

We find the triad of faith, hope, and love presented first here in 1 Thessalonians.  These concepts, however, do not sit idly on the shelf as a lovely artifact to observe; rather, they compel the Christ-follower to “work,” labor,” and “endurance.”  This work involves honoring God and serving others and flows naturally from the gratefulness of a redeemed heart.  Also, please note that “hope” – a firm belief in the secure reality of God and His Word – leads to “endurance” – staying the course through life’s ups and downs.

 

The Holy Spirit brought the words of the Gospel to life through “power” and “deep conviction.”  While the Gospel makes rational sense, the Holy Spirit intervenes in our minds to bring us to repentance and faith.  His presence with the Thessalonian church provided approval for these servants and reassurance of the Gospel.  In ministry, while we faithfully follow what God has called us to do, the results lie in His loving and gracious hands.

 

The Holy Spirit’s intervention then extended to giving the Thessalonian believers joy in the face of persecution.  In our natural selves, difficult circumstances typically produce bitterness, envy, or complaints.  I am very susceptible to this pattern!  Still, by God’s grace, the Holy Spirit may bear fruit in love, joy, peace, and other God-given characteristics.  Those who have given their lives to Christ and are submitting each day to him may live according to this pattern.

 

 

Lord Jesus, You are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory.  We are in tumultuous times, and we ask that you renew our joy by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Help us to live as a blessing to others and for the praise of Your glory.  Give us endurance for each day and the grace to recognize our moment-by-moment dependence on You.  Speak and reconfirm Your Gospel into our hearts and minds as we seek Your face.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

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