by Rev. Sean Lawrence

1Thessalonians 1:1-10  Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy: To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace. We always thank God for all of you, remembering you constantly in our prayers. We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work of faith, labor of love, and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, knowing your election, brothers loved by God.  For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we were among you for your benefit, and you became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with the joy from the Holy Spirit. As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.  For the Lord's message rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith in God has gone out, so we don't need to say anything.  For they themselves report about us what kind of reception we had from you: how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead--Jesus,   (eSword © 2005 HCSB)

This is what we all pray for in our fellowship experience … that our actions speak for themselves as the body of Christ.  But it is evident that these words of praise from Paul, for the church in Thessalonica, were not the result of being magically transported into that place of stature in Christ, but as a result of hard work and right & faithful practices.

I have singled out some key passages so they can be more directly addressed.  They are:

1.) your work of faith, labor of love, and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ

These are intentional practices, and also are “workplace” terms.  Paul was a working preacher and supported the notion of being self-sustaining.  Work, labor and endurance are all very familiar terms to us.  They are intentional and require effort.

2.) you became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution

They followed their leadership and became faithful imitators even under persecution.  It could not have been easy serving God in a strong pagan culture.

3.) you became an example to all the believers

By doing the right things, most importantly living out their faith and honoring God in Jesus, the Thessalonians became examples of strength to those who observed them.

4.) you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God

They turned from false gods to serve Yahweh, the Great I AM, our living God.

This is the message we must send to those in our communities as we serve God and prepare for Jesus’ return.  It is hard work, but fulfilling, in ways that provide true peace and strength.  These qualities speak volumes to the seekers and the unbelievers who are watching us.
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Rev. Sean Lawrence is a credentialed minister with Loving God Fellowship.  He ministers and resides in Middletown, Ohio, with his wife Rebecca.