1 Thessalonians 1 reminds me of the Gettysburg Address. President Lincoln’s most famous speech lasted about two minutes, but his words rallied a nation. He turned sorrow into purpose, dedicated to rebirth. Today’s lesson is a brief reminder of the transforming power of the gospel. Paul begins by noting he is writing on behalf of himself and his two traveling partners, Silas and Timothy. He sent it to their physical and spiritual address; to “the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”. He enthusiastically extends “Grace and peace” to the reader. Paul preached in this very prosperous city in northern Greece for only a few weeks before being forced to flee. He knew there would be temptations for these new believers to return to their old ways. When Paul learned of their spiritual victory, he was overjoyed. This church became a reminder to Paul that God is in control. Paul writes, “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers”. He was delighted to hear that they held onto salvation through faith in Christ. Everyone could see the result; “your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ”. Faith, Love and Hope should remain the primary motivators that guide each member of the church today.
Next Paul recounts the simplicity of the gospel. First, “He has chosen you”. Some will complain that God is unfair. But Paul adds, the “gospel came to you”. Each of us have free-will to receive or reject it. The message of the cross is that all have sinned, but Christ died in our place. Everyone who believes that promise is forgiven. Paul adds that they received the gospel “with words but also with power”. Words of wisdom are always beneficial, but Paul adds. Life-changing renewal comes “with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction”. Some of us only begin to pay attention when we have no other options. Are you in need of true renewal?
Paul reminds them, “we lived among you for your sake”. Believers are not spared the hardships of life. Sickness, disease and sorrow are inevitable. But the resurrection promise gives us hope in eternity. That hope should be a continuous light to the world around us. He continues, “You became imitators of us and of the Lord”. Because Paul lived with honor, they “welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit”. Salvation offers comfort through our sorrow. Amazingly these Thessalonian believers became examples for others; “you became a model to all the believers”. It is likely they were unaware that their “faith in God has become known everywhere”. Paul boasts, “you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God”. For many today, prosperity can become a purposeless idol leading to despair. But with eager anticipation we “wait for His Son… whom He raised from the dead”. The resurrection means victory over sin and ultimately union with the Father. As honest Abe reminded all who will hear, it is for us the living to be dedicated to the unfinished work. Friend, is it time to commit to a new birth of joy?