Category: 1 Thessalonians
-
Glory Seeking
1 Thessalonians 2:6 “Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.” Have you ever noticed how many churches are named after Saint Peter, Saint Paul, or some other saint of the New Testament? That’s no surprise as these men were among the apostles…
-
Motivations for Ministry
1 Thessalonians 2:1-3 “For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. . . For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive” Motivation for ministry: it’s such a critical thing. As Paul recounts the underlying characteristics of his fruitful ministry among the Thessalonians, he describes both what it was, and…
-
The Boldness of the Spirit-Filled Life
1 Thessalonians 2:2 “But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.” Marks of the fruit-bearing believer: that’s something that Paul is describing in the verse above. His ministry to the Thessalonian church…
-
A Great Responsibility
1 Thessalonians 2:4 “. . . we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” Some jobs carry with them such incredible responsibilities. I think of fire fighters, police officers, and surgeons. What they do on a daily basis could…
-
Imitators of God
1 Thessalonians 2:14 “For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea.” One of the most incredible effects of the gospel of Jesus Christ is how it touches hearts in a uniform way wherever it does its work. In the verse above, the apostle Paul tells the Thessalonian believers,…
-
Giving that Multiplies
1 Thessalonians 2:8 “we were ready to share with you . . . the gospel of God” In the verse above, the apostle Paul talks about his readinessto share the gospel with the believers of Thessalonica. The Greek word that he used and which is translated “share” is an interesting one. It carries with it…
-
Avoiding Wolves
1 Thessalonians 2:5 “For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness” How do you know if your pastor or the Christian teachers you listen to are legitimate? In other words, how do you know if you are being influenced by a false teacher? There are…
-
A Fruitful Life
1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 “For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.” Jesus likened His followers to branches on a vine in…
-
Tests of True Faith – Part 5
1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 “You turned to God . . . to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” Tests of true faith are found many places in Scripture. One such place is in the opening chapter of 1 Thessalonians. Here, the…
-
Tests of True Faith – Part 4
1 Thessalonians 1:9 “You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” Marks of true belief: Paul is telling us about them as he writes to the believers at Thessalonica in the verse above. He tells us a whole series of things about them that identified them as those who are…
To Encourage You 