INTRODUCTION TO 1 AND 2 THESSALONIANS

On his second missionary journey, Paul with Silas and Timothy visited Thessalonica, a busy seaport and the capital of Macedonia (Acts 17). When Paul preached in the synagogue, proclaiming Jesus as Christ, a few Jews, many Greeks and some prominent women believed. The unbelieving Jews were jealous and they incited a mob to attack the home that had welcomed Paul. So the church of Thessalonica was born in the midst of violence. Paul had to leave town quickly, before grounding the new believers adequately in the word of God. He went to Berea, Athens and then to Corinth, where he was joined by Timothy and Silas. He wrote the two letters to the Thessalonians from Corinth in AD 51/52. Paul was concerned about the new believers in Thessalonica because they lived in a hostile environment, so when Timothy came bringing a good report he rejoiced and thanked God. He wrote these letters to encourage the believers to wait patiently on God and to put their hope in him. We don't sit down to wait on God; we must serve him with all our hearts and strength. In every chapter of 1 Thessalonians he spoke about Jesus' second coming. He encouraged the believers to live lives that please God. He wants them to be ready to welcome Jesus when he comes again.

1. Faith, hope and love (1-3)

The believers in Thessalonica lived in a dog-eat-dog world, but they were full of joy. God had chosen them to be his own people. They accepted the word of God, and the Holy Spirit worked in their hearts. Their faith produced work; their love was expressed in labor; and their hope in Jesus enabled them to endure trials.

2. A joyful model (4-10)

Paul and his co-workers had lived sacrificial lives among the Thessalonians, and they imitated the lives and faith of their shepherds; they imitated Jesus. In spite of suffering, they welcomed the word of God with the joy given by the Holy Spirit and they welcomed God's servants. So they became models of faith for other believers. Because of their changed lives and courage to witness to Jesus, the Lord's word rang out from them, to be heard throughout the world. They overcame everything to turn from idols and serve the living God. They put their hope in God and waited for Jesus to come again.

Application: Lord, help me to grow in faith, love and hope; fill me with your joy and let your message ring out from my changed life.
One Word: Faith, love, hope and joy