It Starts Small

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 labor 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.

1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

Paul does not take half-measures; his fervor is palpable! In these verses, powerful superlatives like “always” and “constantly” leap off the page. It’s clear that Paul doesn’t just pray for the Thessalonians sporadically or whenever it crosses his mind. No, he fervently approaches the Lord with purpose, day in and day out, passionately interceding on their behalf. His heart is relentlessly focused on them, their spiritual growth, and their deepening relationship with the Lord.

In fact, Paul did not know most of them very closely, yet his heart overflowed with love for them. Though he was only in that area for a fleeting three weeks, his connection ran deep. He understood that they were spiritual infants, vulnerable and unprepared for the persecutions, temptations, and spiritual onslaughts that awaited them. Although he couldn’t be there to guide them personally, he committed himself to a powerful action. He fervently stood before God’s throne. He beseeched the Father directly on their behalf. We all recognize the significance of prayer. Paul shows the profound impact it can have when we dedicate ourselves passionately. Becoming unwavering and relentless prayer warriors dramatically enhances its effect.

When you vow to pray for others, do you limit your prayers to just a fleeting moment? Perhaps only when it crosses your mind? A minute here or a minute there? This is far from the powerful model of prayer that Paul has laid out for us! Prayer is our profound connection to God, the Almighty who alone can transform hearts and ignite true spiritual growth! We ought to be devoted men and women of the Word. We must passionately emphasize its truth. However, this devotion must never overshadow the vital role of prayer. Prayer must be a vibrant, integral part of our Christian lives. We fervently dedicate ourselves to it. It is not merely an afterthought to be brushed aside!

Paul embodies a radiant model of gratitude and optimism! His unwavering positive outlook toward the Thessalonians shines through in this chapter. While they were far from a perfect church, Paul chooses to illuminate their strengths rather than dwell on their weaknesses. In contrast to the Corinthian church, where he does not shy away from addressing sins and failings, Paul’s epistles are infused with overwhelming positivity. He fervently focuses on the good in people instead of the bad.

Why does he do this? Why is this important? What lessons can we learn from this?

In fact, there is a gift of encouragement (sometimes referred to as exhortation) found in Romans 12:7-8.

⁷ if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; ⁸ if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:7-8
(Bold for emphasis)

Barnabas truly embodied the spirit of encouragement (Acts 4:36). It’s possible that Paul gleaned this vital lesson from him. I have had the privilege of being surrounded by brothers and sisters whose encouragement is nothing short of extraordinary. They possess an innate ability to sense when someone is feeling low. They wholeheartedly strive to uplift us. They remind us of the incredible things God has accomplished in and through our lives. With their empowering words, they lift the spirits of those around them. Their words draw our attention to God’s unwavering goodness. They also highlight the countless blessings He has graciously bestowed upon us.

How about you? Do you find yourself quick to point out the faults and mistakes of others? Imagine the transformative power of shifting that perspective—how can you become a beacon of encouragement instead? Who in your life could truly benefit from your uplifting support in the coming week? Let’s ignite that passion for positivity!

 your work produced by faith

This is an exhilarating phrase! Too often, people mistakenly view faith as mere passivity. Unbelievers sometimes cast judgment on Christians, branding us as idle or lazy while we await God’s divine action. Yet, this notion of passivity is fundamentally flawed! True, vibrant faith propels us into action. It ignites a fierce desire within us to serve God with our whole hearts. What does faith in God compel you to undertake? It urges us to strive towards God’s magnificent standards. Faith shouts to us, “Don’t waste your life!”—just as John Piper inspires. Authentic belief in God drives us to labor passionately for Him during our fleeting days on this earth. We do this even as we anticipate the glory of eternity!

 your labor prompted by love,

Here is another captivating notion that often slips beneath our radar. Many of us naively assume that love is an instinctive force. We view it as merely an emotion, a fleeting feeling that sweeps us off our feet. Yet, when we reach that pivotal moment in a relationship where love requires effort and no longer flows effortlessly. This phase is like the exhilarating honeymoon phase. We mistakenly conclude that we’ve “fallen” out of love. We deem the relationship unworthy of our continued investment. This perception of love is a profound misconception. True love demands nurturing and commitment. It blossoms in the rich soil of shared struggles and triumphs.

Real love is a fierce battle, not a serene stroll through life. Our instinctive nature leans towards selfishness, but true love demands a relentless commitment. Supporting your family is not just a duty; it is a labor of love that requires unyielding strength and dedication. Tend to your household with passion, navigating the complex challenges your children face with grace and determination. A couple must fiercely protect their bond, showing profound respect and care for one another, especially after grueling workdays. Raising and disciplining children is not merely hard work; it is a noble endeavor that shapes the future.

Love is a labor, but it is a worthy one.

Are you truly dedicating the time and energy necessary to express the love that your nearest and dearest deserve? Who in your life requires a deeper commitment of your affection? Let’s ignite this passion in the upcoming week—how can you elevate your love to new heights for those who matter most?

your endurance inspired by hope

Here is yet another interesting phrase that can be quite surprising to our expectations. For many, hope can feel like a fleeting moment, a brief spark that quickly fades. When they wish for something and it doesn’t materialize in a short time, it’s easy to lose that hope and sink into despair. However, Paul encourages the Thessalonians for their unwavering commitment to hope. So, what is this hope? I believe it mirrors our own—that all of Christ’s promises to believers will indeed be fulfilled. Eschatology is a significant theme in this book. This marks the first reference to the hope shared by all believers. The Thessalonians remained steadfast in their hope, even after just a brief period of about a year. How much more should we, as a church that has awaited Christ’s return for nearly 2000 years, cultivate and cherish our hope today!

he has chosen you

This is a powerful reminder. Every single believer is uniquely chosen by God. This truth should ignite a fire of encouragement within our hearts! The next time you find yourself battling feelings of despair, remember this. Hold on to the incredible reality. God specifically chose you! Likewise, when your brother or sister feels lost, assure them they are divinely chosen by our Creator. Encourage them with fervor. We truly have magnificent reasons to celebrate and rejoice in this glorious truth!

because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power

Preaching the gospel transcends mere eloquence; it isn’t solely about uttering the right phrases. While clarity is important, arguments fall flat if they lack transformative power. The decisive power comes from the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul was one of history’s most remarkable preachers. He profoundly understood that his words alone lacked the ability to alter hearts. That pivotal role belongs solely to the Holy Spirit. Many have eloquently described the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Missions, and this notion carries immense truth. The Holy Spirit takes our humble words of the gospel. It ignites them and sparks illumination in people’s hearts. It powerfully convicts them of sin. Just as it says in John 16:8, this divine work is beyond our human capabilities. Through the Spirit, lives are forever changed.

How could Paul’s three weeks at Thessalonica ignite the flame of a strong and vibrant church? To many, it may seem implausible, yet it truly happened! So, how did this miraculous transformation take place? The answer lies within the incredible power of the Holy Spirit! It was He who orchestrated this incredible movement, not Paul himself. What profound lessons can we learn from this extraordinary event? How can we passionately apply this powerful principle to our own Great Commission efforts, igniting souls for His glory?

We must embrace our role as humble instruments of God! Let us never swell with pride over our brilliant gospel presentations or our remarkable responses to tough questions. Pursuing recognition or personal accolades will obstruct the Spirit’s transformative work. All glory belongs to God alone, for it is He who powerfully transforms hearts!

We must passionately soak every aspect of our lives in fervent prayer! We are powerless to change people’s hearts. Regardless of how eloquently we share, this understanding should drive us relentlessly to our knees. The Spirit does this divine work. Why do we not devote more of our time to earnestly beseeching God to fulfill this mighty task?

You became imitators of us and of the Lord,

Paul’s fervent modeling of the Christian life and ministry for others extends far beyond this single passage. It is a cornerstone of his mission strategy. He embraces it wholeheartedly. The very concept of modeling can ignite a whirlwind of emotions within us, often leaving us feeling uneasy. It prompts us to confront a cascade of burning questions, such as:

• What if I am not good enough?
• Is it prideful to declare myself as a model to others?
• Is it seeking credit and glory if I tell others to follow my example?
• Isn’t it enough to have Christ as a model?

How can we answer these questions?

Firstly, if modeling is inherently prideful, Paul would never have engaged in it. This was a deliberate and meticulously considered element of his ministry, one he passionately emphasized time and again. Thus, we can confidently conclude that when executed correctly and fueled by the right motivations, it becomes an extraordinary discipleship method. We, too, can embrace and wield it with fervor.

Perfection is not a prerequisite for being a role model. If perfection were required, then only Jesus would fit the bill. Embrace your flaws and imperfections, for they make you uniquely human and relatable. It’s the courage to strive and the resilience to rise again that truly inspire others!

Modeling must be infused with fervent motivations! Some may seek personal acclaim or glory through modeling. However, that self-centered “look at me” mentality is truly misguided. Our core motivation should be to guide the disciple in deepening their relationship with the Lord. We should not seek attention for ourselves merely to satisfy our egos. Let our hearts be ignited with the passion to uplift others and shine a light on the divine!

Christ stands as the ultimate beacon of perfection. However, He is not physically present for us to behold in this moment. There is something incredibly powerful about observing a fellow believer grappling with the very trials and tribulations that we encounter. In their struggles, we can draw strength and inspiration from their unwavering examples. We are moved by their profound experiences.

Modeling profoundly challenges us in our spiritual journeys. As Spurgeon wisely pointed out, before we reproduce faith, we must reflect deeply. We should consider if we truly wish to cultivate other Christians who mirror our own walk. It’s an undeniable truth: the individuals we teach and disciple will often reflect our own characteristics. This principle resonates not only in parenting—“like father, like son”—but also in the sacred act of spiritual discipleship. Don’t ever let your own missteps dim your passion for discipleship! Instead, confront those shortcomings head-on, refining them to become an even more powerful model for others.

We also need to model repenting when we stumble. We must acknowledge our mistakes. Understanding that errors are a natural part of our journey is essential. It is crucial to approach our missteps with humility. We need a willingness to learn. By allowing ourselves the grace to reflect on what went wrong, we enable growth. By demonstrating this process of repentance, we foster personal growth. We also create an environment where others feel safe to admit their own faults. Sharing our experiences can inspire collective improvement. It strengthens our connections with one another. It reminds us that we are all human and capable of change.

 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia

The Thessalonians emerged as a shining beacon for others, illustrating the incredible power of right modeling! What an extraordinary transformation is depicted in this text! Paul served as an inspiring model for the Thessalonians. They then became a brilliant example to believers across the entire province. We witness a perfect instance of successful modeling that leads to vibrant reproduction. These devoted saints in Thessalonica absorbed Paul’s teachings. They understood that they must obey the Word. They fervently shared it with others. They witnessed Paul’s unwavering commitment, and they followed suit. The result? The gospel surged forth across the entirety of Greece and beyond! In verse 8, Paul passionately declares that the Word of the Lord has resounded triumphantly. This was no mere coincidence; it was an emphatic, bold, and intentional mission. This church faced relentless persecutions from the Jewish troublemakers in their midst. Yet, their courage to boldly proclaim the gospel is awe-inspiring. They could have easily crafted a multitude of excuses, yet we see no sign of that!

you turned to God from idols

The Holy Spirit was undeniably at work, unleashing a power that utterly transformed their lives! Every facet of their existence was reshaped, their direction and purpose radically altered. In this chapter, Paul brilliantly reveals the profound fruit that stands as irrefutable evidence of this life-altering transformation!

to wait for his Son from heaven,

Each chapter in 1 Thessalonians bursts forth with an electrifying eschatological reference! The exhilarating anticipation of Jesus’ Second Coming saturates this book like vibrant paint on a canvas. As we delve deeper, we will uncover layers of meaning that ignite the soul. The vital lesson in this chapter is profoundly inspiring: they didn’t squander the precious time they had! Instead, they zealously prepared for the glorious return of the Savior. They were thriving, overflowing with joy, and wholeheartedly following Paul’s remarkable example. The Thessalonians were not just living; they were radiating the transformative power of a growing disciple to everyone around them. They were boldly spreading the Word. Their lives were dazzlingly transformed, and they wore it like a badge of honor. So, how about yours? Are you ready to let that light shine?

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Discussion Questions

• What is the main theme from verses 2-10?
• What can learn from Paul in these verses?
• How was the Thessalonian church doing after Paul’s departure?
• What was Paul’s attitude toward the Thessalonians?
• What can we learn from Paul about doing ministry?
• What can we learn from Paul about how to treat brothers and sisters in Christ?
• What does “work of faith” mean? How about “labor of love”? And “steadfastness of hope”?
• What doctrines are revealed in verses 4-5?
• What lessons can we learn from verse 5 which are helpful for sharing the gospel?
• Should we ask others to imitate us (see verse 6)?
• What were the Thessalonians commended for in verse 8?
• How did their lives change after their belief in Christ?
• Are your lives marked by the same change?
• What important theme of this epistle is revealed in verse 10?

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