It Starts Small

¹³ And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. ¹⁴ For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews ¹⁵ who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone ¹⁶ in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.

1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

we also thank God continually

Paul and his co-ministers recognized the tremendous power of God at work among the Thessalonians. They never sought to claim any glory for themselves. Instead, they were filled with awe and gratitude, humbly thanking God for every remarkable miracle He accomplished through them. Do you yearn for God to work through your life in such powerful ways? Do you desire His greatness to flow through you? Then, with fervor and determination, commit each step of your journey to Him. Start from the very first prayer. End with heartfelt thanksgiving.

Imagine the profound impact it can have on your soul to share with others. Know that you are imparting the sacred Word of God! When you spread His teachings, you become a vessel of hope, love, and divine truth. Every word carries the power to transform lives, ignite faith, and foster a sense of community grounded in spiritual connection. Let this knowledge fuel your passion. Reach out and inspire others. Spread the light of His message far and wide!

I know that I am passionately sharing the Word of God. I am not just sharing my own opinion. This knowledge fills me with profound confidence! I stand unafraid of the responses that may come my way. I cast aside shame, even when my views may not align with the popular narrative! I feel no need to apologize for what is deemed politically incorrect. I also do not waste my time trying to make my message more palatable. I refuse to “sell” it like a mere salesman; I present it with conviction and authenticity! I must not change it. I must respect it. I must be humble and reliant upon God.

How will it help you to listen to others when they correct you with the Word of God?

I refuse to retreat into defensiveness as if under attack. Instead, I embrace the opportunity to listen with heartfelt humility and grace. It’s as though Christ Himself is imparting wisdom to my soul. I commit to internalizing these lessons, remaining open to the Spirit’s profound leading and conviction. I will not engage in arguments but will instead surrender to the transformative work unfolding within me.

Which also performs its wondrous work in you who believe – This is the incredible power of God’s Word! It penetrates the depths of our hearts, fervently convicting us of sin and illuminating our path. His Word can ignite a profound transformation within us, if only we open ourselves to its divine influence!

became imitators of God’s churches in Judea,

The Thessalonians did not merely imitate Paul and Silas. Their zeal mirrored that of the other churches. This was especially true in their unwavering response to persecution. True believers, like them, will stand firm in the face of trials. Although the church faced hostility from various sources, the essence of perseverance remained unyielded. Today, we too may encounter diverse forms of persecution. These may differ significantly from the struggles faced by the first-century church. Yet, we must rise with renewed determination amidst these challenges. We must wholeheartedly recommit ourselves to making Christ our ultimate priority, always!

suffered from the Jews

Paul’s portrayal of the Jews is anything but flattering, and nor was Jesus’s (Matthew 20:1-16). The stark reality is that the Jews played a role in the execution of Jesus. They also played a role in the execution of the prophets sent to illuminate them with God’s truth. Furthermore, they actively sought to stifle the gospel’s reach to the Gentiles. One might assume their disdain for Gentiles would lead them to revel in their “deception.” This deception was at the hands of Paul. Yet, paradoxically, they did not believe in the apostles’ message. Despite this, they were relentless in their quest to prevent any Jew from proclaiming God’s grace to others. These busybodies doggedly trailed the apostles. They intended to sow discord and obstruct their mission. In their futile efforts, they unwittingly served as instruments of Satan.

Paul had not grown bitter and hateful toward the Jews. For undeniable proof of his profound love, look at Romans 9:1-3.

9 I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— ² I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. ³ For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race,

Romans 9:1-3

He stood resolute. He was ready to embrace an eternity in hell for the sake of his beloved countrymen. He believed wholeheartedly that his sacrifice would lead them to salvation. They would rise and bask in the brilliance of God’s grace. Even in the depths of this profound love, Paul’s devotion was fierce. However, he could still see the stark truth of their grievous shortcomings.

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Discussion Questions

• How did Paul respond to the good news of the Thessalonians’ growth in Christ? Why was Paul so thankful?
• How did they respond to the word Paul preached?
• Why is the distinction Paul made between “word of men” and “word of God” important?
• How might it help you to share with others if you know you are sharing the Word of God?
• How will it help you to listen to others when they share with you?
• What was the word of God doing in them? Is it working in you?
• In what way was their situation similar to the churches in Judea?
• How did they respond?
• Is Paul angry at the Jews? Do you know of any verses which shows his love and compassion for them?

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