8/21 - 1 Thessalonians 1

I was encouraged today in reading this chapter. I read it yesterday morning and really didn't get much from it except that it was another of Paul's intros to his letters. Reading it again this morning gave me a new perspective. Thank God for this book which is alive & that there's always something new to be revealed to us.

The example of the Thessalonian church is pretty extraordinary considering their background. We know from Acts 17:1-10 (check it out real quick b4 we move on) that there was a strong Jewish influence in the city. It would remain that way in this city for centuries as the Jewish population peaked around 1943, making over half the city Jewish. This would take a dramatic turn shortly thereafter when 96% of the Jews in the city would perish at the hands of the Nazis during the Holocaust. Also notable about the city was it's strong Greek influence (well...it's located in Greece). Greek mythology has its roots some 1000 years before Christs arrival. Greek gods & idols were just as common in this place as cheeseburgers & apple pie in America.

So all this background became significant to me when Paul commends the Thessalonians: "your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God" (v.3-4). In the strong climate of Greek and Jewish religious influence, the gospel had penetrated the hearts of these Thessalonians in such a way that their lives bore fruit and they even established a reputation. Had to be the Holy Spirit working. Well it's not just my assumption, it kinda says it in the next verse:

"For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake" (v. 5)

This verse also becomes significant because of the deliverers of that gospel message. It implies that not only did they preach the gospel but they lived the gospel which could have only been another testament to the power of the Holy Spirit. I think this shows us that no matter how spiritually bankrupt we may deem our society to be, no matter how low the moral climate of our workplaces, no matter what the situation, the Holy Spirit can never be outmatched and can use us to be positive influences that can change lives.

Of course this isn't easy, it wasn't for Paul either. Verse 6 says that the Thessalonians became followers of Paul "in much affliction." Going back to Acts 17:1-10, the Jews became envious when the gospel message had been received, responded violently and accused the men of "turning the world upside down." Even in a "free" society of the Greeks, there was still persecution of Christians, just as there is today. I mean, just saying you're a Christian today is pretty cool & no one would care much. We only truly experience this persecution when we're bold enough to stand out, stand on God's word, preach His gospel & separate ourselves from the world.

Main point I got from this - let's turn the world upside down. With the Holy Spirit as our strength, we can be witnesses for our Lord and like the Thessalonians, cause the word of the Lord to "sound forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place." (v. 8)