1 Thessalonians 1:6-10 says...
Today's verses are 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10, which read,
v.6, 7 - You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
Paul is pointing out to the Thessalonians that a visible transformation has been taking place in their lives. Other people are seeing it and hearing about it. That transformation is Paul-like but more importantly Christ-like. How are they changing? They are changing to be like Christ, imitating Him. His words, His actions, His will, etc.
This transformation and hearing of the gospel has also stood up in the midst of tribulation. Tough times have not made them waver from the faith but walk more diligently in the faith.
v.8-10 - For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.
The Thessalonians are "on fire for the Lord" as we used to say. People are speaking to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy about the Thessalonians before they can talk about the Thessalonians. The message about them was that they have changed. How did they change or what was being communicated about that change?
First, they turned to God from idols. Idol worship was done away with.
Second, they served a living and true God. God is defined as living and true, alive and exclusive.
Third, they had their eyes on heaven and the return of Christ.
Fourth, they held to the gospel. God raised Jesus from the dead after the crucifixion and Jesus came to save sinners from the consequences of it.
It is great to be known but what are you known for. "Wow, those Thessalonians are great!" "What makes them so great?" What if they next thing that came out of the mouth to answer that question was "Jesus?" That is what was happening. The people observing and making the connection between the transformation (the change) and Jesus.
Do people see us as "just" good, moral people or do they make the connection that it is because of "Jesus?" They must have been talking about Him when they were in the coffee shops, at the work site, on the commute, at the school, and on the playground of life. Jesus must have been pouring out of their lives for people to notice that it was more than just being good or just going to church but it was because of the connection with Jesus that something was happening.
"Lord, this letter is so much different than the rebuke to the Galatians but it is also so convicting to me about my life and the life of the church. I confess that You at times You are my second or third response rather than my first to why I am the way I am or respond the way I do. It is all because of You and therefore may that pour out of my mouth as I imitate You. Amen."
Pastor Adam
v.6, 7 - You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
Paul is pointing out to the Thessalonians that a visible transformation has been taking place in their lives. Other people are seeing it and hearing about it. That transformation is Paul-like but more importantly Christ-like. How are they changing? They are changing to be like Christ, imitating Him. His words, His actions, His will, etc.
This transformation and hearing of the gospel has also stood up in the midst of tribulation. Tough times have not made them waver from the faith but walk more diligently in the faith.
v.8-10 - For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.
The Thessalonians are "on fire for the Lord" as we used to say. People are speaking to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy about the Thessalonians before they can talk about the Thessalonians. The message about them was that they have changed. How did they change or what was being communicated about that change?
First, they turned to God from idols. Idol worship was done away with.
Second, they served a living and true God. God is defined as living and true, alive and exclusive.
Third, they had their eyes on heaven and the return of Christ.
Fourth, they held to the gospel. God raised Jesus from the dead after the crucifixion and Jesus came to save sinners from the consequences of it.
It is great to be known but what are you known for. "Wow, those Thessalonians are great!" "What makes them so great?" What if they next thing that came out of the mouth to answer that question was "Jesus?" That is what was happening. The people observing and making the connection between the transformation (the change) and Jesus.
Do people see us as "just" good, moral people or do they make the connection that it is because of "Jesus?" They must have been talking about Him when they were in the coffee shops, at the work site, on the commute, at the school, and on the playground of life. Jesus must have been pouring out of their lives for people to notice that it was more than just being good or just going to church but it was because of the connection with Jesus that something was happening.
"Lord, this letter is so much different than the rebuke to the Galatians but it is also so convicting to me about my life and the life of the church. I confess that You at times You are my second or third response rather than my first to why I am the way I am or respond the way I do. It is all because of You and therefore may that pour out of my mouth as I imitate You. Amen."
Pastor Adam
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