Slices
Prepare
In today’s passage Paul encourages the Thessalonians. Ask the Lord to encourage you when reading today’s verses.
Bible passage
1 Paul, Silas and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace and peace to you.
Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ faith
2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia – your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you 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 – Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
Explore
Paul, Silas and Timothy send greetings (v 1). Paul states that the Thessalonians’ identity is rooted in their relationship with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace are also found in Jesus (see John 14:27).
In verses 2 and 3 Paul says that they give thanks for the Thessalonian Christians. What three things does Paul thank God for (v 3)? These are rooted in faith, love and hope in Christ. Faith refers to constant loyalty and trust. It takes willpower to keep trusting Jesus, especially in times of hardship. Take a moment to identify the fruit of Christ’s faith, love and hope working in you.
Paul reminds them of how they came to faith in Christ (vs 4–7). Identify his reasons for knowing that God chose them (vs 4,5). He helps them to understand how precious they are to God (see Isaiah 44:1,2). They came to faith at a time of suffering (v 6). In verse 7 Paul speaks of them modelling faith to others. What was it that caused this (v 6)?
In verses 8–10 Paul reminds them that they are famous for following Jesus faithfully. Worshipping idols was common in their culture. These verses demonstrate how radically their lives have changed since they came to faith in Jesus.
Respond
Thank God for bringing you to faith in Christ and that you are precious to him. Pray for strength to keep trusting in him, even in hard times.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ezekiel 22,23; Psalms 120–122
Pray for Scripture Union
Zoraida Ali-Smith, PA to the Director of Mobilisation, has taken on new responsibilities relating to safeguarding in SU. Please pray that God will give her and all the SU safeguarding team wisdom, guidance and sensitivity.
