October 3, 2021

1 THESSALONIANS: KEEP IT GOING

October 03, 2021

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Who do you remember from your past simply because of the impression they made on you in those first few moments or hours?

How amazing to walk, ride a horse or camel, or be jostled on a wagon over 10,000 miles to spread the gospel! Paul was committed to not waste even a moment of his time after Jesus saved him, going from town to town and country to country starting new churches, and visiting those he had established. We recently read in 2 Corinthians 11 the persecutions he endured during those years, and he included among the list of sufferings, “the weight of the daily, deep concern for all the churches.” Yet he let nothing—not even imprisonment—slow him down. Are we that committed? Today we look at the lessons to be learned from the letter to this church, as Paul encouraged the believers to be faithful, and pointed them to the blessed hope God has waiting for all of us. We find our responsibility as a child of the King of glory in his admonitions.

Focal Passage: The Book of 1 Thessalonians   

 Our faith should drive us to action

  • Read 1 Thess. 1:2-3. What are the three areas in which the Thessalonian believers excelled, that Paul continually praised God for? How do these actions remind you of 1 Cor. 13?
  • How does a living faith produce works? Read James 2:14-18. Why does a healthy fruit tree or garden plant produce fruit? How is that like our Christian life?
  • Read John 15:1-4. Why does Jesus describe our lives in this way?
  • What did we read in James 2:17? Give some examples of fruit your faith produces.

Our actions should be reflective of our love

  • Read verse 3b again. What did the word “labor” mean in the original Greek? How satisfying is it to have your child do a chore with a bad or ungrateful attitude? How can that be us as we serve God?
  • Read 1 John 3:17. Why is it so important that our actions be done in love?
  • Read Luke 6:35. What standard will God hold us to?
  • Today we have many groups fighting against our way of life. How can we show God’s love without internally feeling bitter hatred for their wickedness?

Our love is strengthened in our hope

  • Read 1 Thess. 1:3c. What is the hope Paul is speaking of? Read Titus 2:11-13. Who receives this hope?
  • Why is endurance so important? Read Matt. 10:22. What does Christ ask of us?
  • Read 1 Thess. 4:13-18. How does this picture of the future encourage us?
  • If you feel you cannot endure further pain or sorrow, what are your options?

Our witness will change the world

  • Read 1 Thess. 1:7-10. Why does Paul commend these believers? What were some of the testimonies Paul was hearing about those at Thessalonica?
  • What does your faith in action say about you?
  • What is your testimony among unbelievers in your community?

Stand strong no matter what

  • Read 1 Thess. 2:4. Who alone should we be striving to please with our life? How can we know if our hearts are truly seeking God’s approval or that of man?
  • Read Jeremiah 17:9. What warning was God giving us?
  • Why is it so important that we do not let our hearts get fixed on the things of this world? Read 1 John 2:15. Why is this warning so needed by us today?
  • What are some passages in Scripture that we should use frequently, to examine ourselves to maintain a standard of holiness for Jesus Christ?

Close

You can almost hear Paul’s joy as he wrote this letter to the believers in Thessalonica, where their witness had gone not only into the area where they lived but further abroad. He was very encouraged as the evidence of changed lives gave testimony to others of the saving power of Jesus Christ.

We must realize that we, too, have a testimony whether we realize it or not. No matter what we do, other people are watching us, assessing whether someone who calls themselves a Christ-follower would be acting or talking as they hear us. This is especially true in an age when profanity is creeping into the church, but what is worse is that the people who use profane words see nothing wrong with it. It fits the adage, “If they’re Christians and do [whatever], then it’s okay for me as well.” Thus, they justify their behavior based on our performance. We may not like it, but as is also said, “We may be the only Bible many people read.” Our behavior must be above reproach. God says, “Be holy, as I am holy.” That is His will for our lives.

Paul leaves us with many lessons from this short letter to a beloved church. We immediately see God desires us to always be in an attitude of prayer and always be giving thanks for all things. If we are living our lives seeking to please God in all we say, do, and how we spend our time, we will have fruit that will reflect a life of faith. We don’t want a dead faith. As long as God gives us breath and a sound mind, we can at least pray; if we are housebound, we can do something quite extraordinary in this era: write letters or notes of encouragement! There are possibilities in every situation to praise and give God glory. Even the trial of being restricted in health could be God’s test to see how we respond as we put our faith into action. We must persevere, even when it’s hard. We have a hope that will endure.

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