A Study in 1 ThessaloniansSample

More Thanking. Less Griping.

Pastoring a church is like raising a child – everyone is different, has their own unique personality, and no two are exactly the same. This truth explains the difference in tone and messaging between various books of the New Testament. Each is written by a leader filled with the Holy Spirit to a local church family dealing with real issues that vary.

Importantly, Paul’s first line reveals he is writing to “the church.” The original Greek word “ekklēsia” is the most common word used to refer to the Christian community of believers. A Bible commentary says, “In the NT, the word ekklēsia, which can refer to a ‘gathering’ or assembly of people, is used specifically to refer to the community of Jesus’ followers.” Christians are supposed to be in a local church relationally connected to one another and under Bible teaching to grow in their faith and lovingly support one another. The New Testament knows nothing about Lone Ranger Christianity and, before sin entered the world, the only thing God said was not good was for us to be alone. This reality has become obvious since the COVID season in which many churches closed and people isolated at home, having ever-since struggled with depression and mental health. God’s people need each other, especially when the culture is against them, as was the case in the days of 1 Thessalonians, as well as our own day.

The new Christians had suffered for their faith with joy and remained fully devoted to the Lord and the Scriptures as they “received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit.” Paul also tells us they “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” Idols are part of powerful counterfeit demonic spirits, often including sin of every kind, especially sexual, which Paul speaks of in both of his letters to the church at Thessalonica. The new Christians were surrounded by the seduction of idolatry by the same spirits at work in our day in everything from entertainment to politics and government.

To establish their new identity in Christ, they are told that they are “loved by God” and “chosen” with God the Father acting much like a wonderful earthly father who adopts a child that he loves with his whole heart. The tone is incredibly warm and encouraging.

These new believers remained devoted to loving one another. There is very little correction throughout the letter, as it is instead filled with encouragement for what they are doing well and answers to questions they are struggling with. Too often, the only press that local churches receive is bad press. There always have been some truly healthy local churches and sadly they seem to never make the news. The church at Thessalonica is simply a wonderful local church known for its “work of faith and labor of love...steadfastness...example...[as]... the word of the Lord sounded forth from you...” (1:3,7-8)

The reason Paul is writing a letter is because he could not be present. A riot that threatened his life forced him to flee shortly after planting the church. As is always the case, when God builds up ministry, Satan recruits some troublemakers to try and tear it down. Making matters worse, these liars who were doing anti-ministry were speaking complete lies about Paul.

1. They said he was a religious con man who lied to them about Jesus, took their money, and left town as a crook. Paul refutes this claim saying, “You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.” (1:5) Paul further defends himself against the false charge in the next chapter. (2:1-12)
2. They said Paul did not love them and abandoned them because he did not care. Paul refutes this claim saying, “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1:2-3)
3. They wrote a false letter pretending to be Paul, which caused great confusion among the new Christians. For these reasons, Paul writes a letter which he commands be written to the whole church. Paul’s two letters to the church were intended to correct the false teaching that pretended to be from him. Timothy is also sent on Paul’s behalf to confirm both Paul’s character and doctrine as his most trustworthy coworker and spiritual son.

Paul closes his introduction by revealing the overarching theme of his letter, which is that Christians on earth must “wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” (1:10) This theme of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to raise the dead, judge the sinners, reward the saints, lift the curse, and unveil the Kingdom is consistent throughout the letter, helping God’s people have the long view of things as this is the closest we will ever be to Hell, while our enemies are as close to Heaven as they will ever be.

Reflection:

What are some of the most encouraging things that stood out to you in 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10? Paul talks about praying for the church (1:2). How can you be praying for your church or, if you’re doing this study in a group, spend some time praying over the requests of each person.