Paul’s description of the believers in Thessalonica suggests that they typify an ideal congregation. Every chapter in 1 Thessalonians ends with a reference to the return of Jesus Christ, and that truth is applied to daily living. An eager looking for His return is an evidence of salvation, a motivation for soul winning, and an encouragement for holy living. This truth is a comfort in sorrow and encouragement to have more confidence in the Lord.
These letters were written to real people who were experiencing real problems in a world that was contrary to their Christian faith, no different to us today then! One could say they were written to assure the people of his love and concern for them. To remind them of the doctrines of the Christian faith, (particularly with reference to Christ's return). To encourage them to live holy lives and to correct some weaknesses in the church. Is this not what we need today for ourselves?
At least four times in this first epistle, Paul gave thanks for the church and the way it responded to his ministry. What characteristics of this church made it so ideal and such a joy to Paul's heart? It was what every church should be.
They were/we are an elect people. "...called out of darkness into His marvellous light." (1 Peter 2:9). God chose us in Christ before we were born. Even before the foundation of the world. They were/we are in the world but we are not of the world. These saints were at Thessalonica but in Christ. We saints are in Camberley but also in Christ. To the Spirit they were/we are saved when we responded to His call and received Christ. To the Son they were/we were saved when He died for us on the cross. Different eras but still the same in Christ.
Paul prayed for them always with thanksgiving because of their work of faith. As we know faith is shown by works. Works cannot save but saving faith will lead to works. He gave thanks for them because of their labour of love. As Christians they had a new motive for living and so do we. Paul gave thanks too for their patience of hope - the lost person is without hope -the believer has endurance because he has hope in the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Evidence of salvation is always shown by faith, hope, and love and these folks had these evidences in their lives. They were exemplary people. They were good examples to all believers because they followed their spiritual leaders and in doing so they also followed the Lord because they heard the Word, welcomed it, believed it, and suffered for receiving it into their lives. They had a far-reaching testimony. They were enthusiastic and evangelistic people who were witnesses by their walk and by their talk which was the Word of God and the faith is what they talked about wherever their faith led them. They were missionary people. They were witnesses. Guess what folks? We are all that too. Aren’t we?
They were an expectant people. The second-coming of Christ is the theme of the book and they show us how we should wait for the return of Christ. Waiting involves activity and endurance. The saved are serving the living God and rejoicing. The return of Christ must not simply be a doctrine in our creed, but it must be the impulse in our daily lives. In other words, 'we must not just talk it, but we must live it every day of our lives.' And remember that Jesus will deliver us from the wrath of tribulation/trials.
Paul remembered this church, and he gave thanks for their spiritual characteristics: They were elect; exemplary; enthusiastic; and expectant. But churches are made up of individuals. When we speak of the church, we must never say 'they' but we should say 'we'. We are the church! That means that if you and I have these spiritual characteristics in our lives, then our church will become what God wants us to become. Perhaps we need to take a personal inventory of our lives to determine whether or not we are what God desires us to be.
If Paul’s description of the believers in Thessalonica suggests that they typify an ideal congregation. Then shouldn’t we ask ourselves these questions?
Are others thankful for me? Paul was grateful for their faith, hope and love, and that these Christian qualities revealed themselves in work, labour, love and patience. Can others tell that we belong to God? Are they thankful for our spiritual growth?
Is God’s power seen in my life? This comes when you receive the Word of God by faith and allow the Spirit of God to minister to you heart. It also involves suffering for the Lord and letting Him give you His joy.
Do I make it easier for others to talk about Jesus? Some believers are such poor examples as Christians that their lives give unbelievers an excuse for rejecting Jesus. But the Thessalonian Christians made it easy for Paul to preach the gospel! Their testimony had gone before him and met him whatever he went.
We here at St. Michael’s have been given the responsibility of sharing the good news of Jesus with the people of Camberley and in particular the people of St. Michael’s Parish. We have to imitate the Thessalonian Christians. We have to make it easier for unbelievers to find Jesus. We have to let the people of Camberley know that we are committed to bringing God kingdom here on earth that we are preparing to take on a large scale project to renew the building of St. Michael’s, as well as ourselves, in order that this church is not only around for another 100 years but around for the people of Camberley to use, to be part of, to belong to but more importantly to join us in our vision to renew this building, themselves and also to bring in the kingdom for His glory. I guess the question is – Are we the elect, the exemplary, are we enthusiastic enough and are we expectant enough? Are we confident enough to be ready for His return, but also are we confident enough that He will complete the works He has given us to do? Amen.
Questions:
- Are others thankful for me? Is God’s power seen in my life? Do I make it easier for others to talk about Jesus? Only each of us can answer these for ourselves but what, hinders you from being enthusiastic or expectant? Give thanks for all those you have helped or inspired you.
- How does it feel to hear that God has a plan for you in life in general, in the Renewal Project? Do you know what His plan for you is? Do you want to know? If you do, ask someone to pray with you, that you will hear from Him.
- Do you feel that God doesn’t have a plan for you? Why is this? (i.e. I’m not able to get around, I don’t have a lot of free time, or I’m over whelmed with things at the moment). What are you going to do about it?
- What gifts, or skills do you have that may well be useful to God and the people of Camberley, St. Michael’s.
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