Overview
Affirming Faith (Verses 2-3):
Paul wastes no time, opening with thanksgiving for the Thessalonians. He highlights their work produced by faith, their labor prompted by love, and their endurance inspired by hope. These aren't just words; they're the fundamental elements of a strong, vibrant church.
God's Choice (Verses 4-6):
The Thessalonians didn't just happen to be faithful; they were chosen by God, a choice that came with the "joy given by the Holy Spirit." Paul highlights that this community of believers didn't just hear the Word; they fully embraced it, even in the midst of severe suffering. That's a level of commitment that's both admirable and challenging.
Role Models to All (Verses 7-10):
This community isn't just living out their faith quietly. They've become a model for other believers—a loudspeaker for the gospel. Paul points out that their faith has "rang out" everywhere. In a way, they've set the bar on how transformative and far-reaching a community's faith can be when they truly live out the teachings of Jesus.
Paul essentially uses 1 Thessalonians 1 to set the tone for what's to come, affirming the church’s strong foundations while pointing toward deeper teachings down the line. So, as you read this, it's worth pondering: are the pillars of faith, love, and hope evident in your own community? And are they compelling enough to be a "loudspeaker" for the Gospel?
Paul wastes no time, opening with thanksgiving for the Thessalonians. He highlights their work produced by faith, their labor prompted by love, and their endurance inspired by hope. These aren't just words; they're the fundamental elements of a strong, vibrant church.
God's Choice (Verses 4-6):
The Thessalonians didn't just happen to be faithful; they were chosen by God, a choice that came with the "joy given by the Holy Spirit." Paul highlights that this community of believers didn't just hear the Word; they fully embraced it, even in the midst of severe suffering. That's a level of commitment that's both admirable and challenging.
Role Models to All (Verses 7-10):
This community isn't just living out their faith quietly. They've become a model for other believers—a loudspeaker for the gospel. Paul points out that their faith has "rang out" everywhere. In a way, they've set the bar on how transformative and far-reaching a community's faith can be when they truly live out the teachings of Jesus.
Paul essentially uses 1 Thessalonians 1 to set the tone for what's to come, affirming the church’s strong foundations while pointing toward deeper teachings down the line. So, as you read this, it's worth pondering: are the pillars of faith, love, and hope evident in your own community? And are they compelling enough to be a "loudspeaker" for the Gospel?
1 Thessalonians 1
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
End of 1 Thessalonians 1
1 Year Plan: Sept 14 - Isa 18, Isa 19, 1 Th 1 [next day]
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
End of 1 Thessalonians 1
1 Year Plan: Sept 14 - Isa 18, Isa 19, 1 Th 1 [next day]
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