Introduction
Thessalonica was known as a cosmopolitan and progressive city, mostly due to it being on a major trade route which saw the city swell with visitors. Thessalonians were always known for their liberal behaviours and sexual immorality. Paul’s preaching was opposed to this kind of lifestyle which offended the Thessalonian population.
As believers, Jesus never promised a rose garden, that is, that all would always be smooth sailing. In fact, as Christ followers, we can expect to be persecuted and hated just as Christ was hated and persecuted (John 15:18-19).
Paul and the church at Thessalonica experienced much persecution, in fact Paul only lasted a few weeks in the city prior to having to flee from rioting crowds. A number of Thessalonians lost their lives at the hand of the religious leaders of the time.
What should our response be, when our hopes and dreams are shattered by opposition, whether it be human or spiritual attack, knowing the real enemy is Satan (John 10:10), not people?
What lies at the heart of Paul’s letter, is a shepherd’s heart for his sheep (John 10:14), one who has laid down his own life for the sake of others. No greater love has a man than this, that he lay down his life for another (John 15:13).
In this letter, we will hear Paul’s love for the Thessalonians which resulted in his action to ensure their faith was steadfast and unwavering. In addition, Paul encourages the people around their responses to persecution.
Purpose of this letter and Tmothy’s sending was to establish and encourage the church in their faith
1. Whilst Christ has called us to be in the world, he has said we must not be of the world (John 17:14-17). The very word church (Ecclesia in the Greek) means called out ones, but we are also to remain in the world as salt and light (Matt 5:13-16; 16:18).
The word establish means “to set” like when we set a post in concrete.
Jesus said those who hear his words are like the wise man who built his house on the rock. (Matt 7:24-27)
Jesus is our rock (Matt 16:18) and cornerstone (Eph 2:20-22) on which to build our lives.
The word used for encourage is “parakaleo” the same root word used for the Holy Spirit
Timothy was therefore to establish the believers in the way of the Holy Spirit.
The first fruit of the Holy Spirit is “Love” (Gal 5:22:23).
This kind of love refers to “Agape” love, that unconditional, sacrificial love that Christ had for you and I.
2. Paul chose not to send just a messenger, but his greatest apprentice, Timothy, to ensure the believers had survived the persecution.
Sometimes, it takes the younger generation to deliver the message the older generation cannot.
We must invest in the next generation the seeds of faith to see the Gospel spread.
Timothy was encouraged to “Despise not your youth …” (1 Tim 4:12) which came from the word of prophecy.
The Results of Paul’s preaching and Timothy’s work
1. Increased faith – faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not yet seen (Heb 11:1).
Faith is not just words but actions which produce real change lives.
Faith is more than belief it is a verb which results in action.
Hebrews 11 notes the patriarchs and matriarchs which trusted God and put their faith into action.
Moses opposed Pharoah and Abraham left his home to establish future generations, despite not seeing the fulfillment of these things in their lifetimes.
2. Increased love – If there is one thing which has transformed the world more than anything else, it must be love.
Not any kind of love but Agape unconditional Love, which God has for His creation.
Jesus went to the cross because of the Father’s love for us and whilst we are not called to die for sins of others (John 3:16), we are called to lay down our lives for others (1 John 3:16).
In the great Co-Mission (Matt 28:16-20), Christ commanded the church to go into all the world.
Jesus said we would be his witnesses (meaning martyr - Acts 1:8)
It is this love and sacrifice which the Thessalonians displayed and has seen the gospel spread across the world, which has transformed billions of lives.
Today there are countless churches and Christian organisations which work to share God’s love in our World. We are called to continue this work.
