September 14, 2010
1 Thessalonians 1
Pastor John Edwards
Isn’t it great to be encouraged by someone who gets it? Any encouragement is certainly welcome, but there’s just something different when we’re challenged and exhorted to “stay the course” by someone who can identify with where we are in our Christian journey. I wonder if that’s how the new believers at Thessalonica received the beginning of Paul’s letter to them.
In the face of opposition from within the Jewish community, nothing could have been easy about “breaking ranks” and living out their recently discovered faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, there’s a phrase in 1 Thessalonians 1:6 that you and I might overlook: “…in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”
Paul, who was opposed virtually everywhere that he went, knew their struggle…right where they lived. After three weeks in Thessalonica, he was threatened and forced out under accusations of sedition against Caesar (see Acts 17:1-10). Yes, he was a credible exhorter. He got it.
So that leaves me with two mirror-gazing questions. Maybe they’re helpful for you too:
- To what degree am I a credible exhorter, willing to admit my own life challenges as I seek to encourage others? Humility acknowledges our humanity and dependence on God and His Word.
- Will I – like the core of believers in Thessalonica – continually “welcome the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit”? “Welcoming the message” of Jesus Christ isn’t an event…it’s a daily lifestyle choice.
In the face of our own cultural opposition, my prayer for you and me is that our daily witness can be described like 1 Thessalonians 1:3 – “…work produced by faith…labor prompted by love…and endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” I really want to live that way.
Pastor John facilitates strategic planning in the life of Grace Covenant, while collaborating in developing Grace Leadership Network and aspects of communications.
