Good morning! Today we will begin our study in 1 Thessalonians. The Apostle Paul visited Thessalonica on one of his missionary journeys recorded in the book of Acts chapter 17. In this book, Apostle Paul is addressing the church in Thessalonica. Join me as we begin our review.

Bible Verse – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-3 NLT

“ ¹This letter is from Paul, Silas,and Timothy. We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God give you grace and peace. ² We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly.  ³ As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.“

Key Points

There is a key group of people that Paul, Silas and Timothy wanted to address when they wrote the church:

• Those who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Then Paul, Silas and Timothy announced that they prayed for them constantly, but specifically called to mind what they think of when they remember the church:

• Faithful work

• Loving deeds

• Enduring hope

Reflection

The church in Thessalonica understood the saving grace of Christ Jesus and they looked toward the future hope of Christ’s return.The church exhibited faith, love and hope.

While Apostle Paul did not have the best experience in the region of Thessalonica when he preached there, some of the Jews who listened were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with many God-fearing Greek men and quite a few prominent women. However, shortly after some Jewish believers became jealous and chaos ensued causing Paul to flee at night. Yet, that did not deter believers from believing the Good News of Jesus Christ and it did not stop Paul from preaching.

Paul wasn’t with the church to see those three characteristics (faith, love, hope) mature or at work, but he heard and/or read about it, and it warmed his heart and mind.

Sisters and brothers, there will be times when the Lord will call us to do work and we may never see the fruit of that work with our own eyes (maybe from a distance), but we can be certain the Lord is working and moving in the hearts and lives of others. May I encourage you to continue the work of Christ no matter the odds you face – keep pressing in and moving forward in faith?

The Lord has a plan that is greater than we can see, but He has invited us along to be active participants in His work. He has gifted you with spiritual gifts and has placed you in positions where you can impact the kingdom (e.g., home, family, job, church, school, etc.). Will you allow Him to use you today?

Prayer

Father God, thank you for another beautiful day. Thank you for awakening our hearts and minds this morning to hear from you. Lord, your word remains faithful, filled with hope, and it always reminds us of your love toward us and others. Lord, thank you for never giving up on us. Your Holy Spirit continues to urge us and speaks to us to follow after you, and we are so grateful. Lord, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit that burns within us and prompts us to reconnect with you.

Lord, continue to be our light in the day when our eyes are distracted by every thing we can see. Continue to be our light at night when the nights are long and we are distracted by everything we cannot see. Increase our faith in the day and at night. Strengthen us for the times we simply don’t understand why things are the way they are. Lord, where there are opportunities for us to make positive change, help us, use us, and guide us to be a part of that change. Lord, expand our ability to love others, and continue to encourage us in hope. Lord, keep us, teach us your ways and use us to share the message of hope that is only found in You.

Lord, comfort those who are grieving today. Lord, strengthen their hearts and keep them wrapped in your arms. Lord, help them to turn to you with their pain and tears. Lord, restore their brokenhearts and help them to know that you are with them. Lord, continue to heal those who are struggling with illnesses and treatments. Lord, be with those who have been diagnosed with chronic conditions, and help them as they navigate care with providers. Lord, put your hands on Peter, Christine, Wesley and so many others who need you today. Lord, you know each prayer request of those who are reading today. Lord, hear our prayers and answer as only You can. In Jesus name, amen.

——–

PRAYER REQUEST
Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com

Copyright ©️ 2017-2030 Mary E. White Ministries, all rights reserved.