The Testimony of the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 1:4-10)
As we continue getting to know this church, we notice that the testimony of the Thessalonians is one we should pay attention to. Both to understand what Paul is teaching and to be encouraged to grow in our spiritual lives.
We saw that Paul has three reasons for gratitude that we’ll see over and over throughout the letter: work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope. We might think there was something special about the Thessalonians that enabled them to demonstrate these characteristics.
In a way there was, but before we think they have an advantage over us, the reality is that we also have that same cause in our lives.
The Cause of Every Reason for Gratitude (1 Thessalonians 1:4)
Paul, upon hearing the testimony of the Thessalonians, has certainty about what enables them to give this example to other believers.
“We know, brothers beloved by God, of your election,”
1 Thessalonians 1:4
We Are Chosen
The election of these believers is the cause that enables them to give a good testimony, not for their own good, but for God’s glory.
“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.”
Ephesians 1:4-6
We true believers have been chosen from before the foundation of the world in Christ by love. And this reality is the “advantage” we have, that now we can grow in holiness and live for God’s glory.
How Should We Respond to Election?
Now, knowing about this election shouldn’t lead us to spiritual pride, but should produce joy in us. Joy for the mercy we have received, remembering that we have done nothing to deserve this.
The other thing that knowing we are chosen should produce in us is a desire and conviction to proclaim the word of the gospel to others. Both with our testimony like the Thessalonians and with our words, so that God’s kingdom continues to advance.
As we proclaim His Word, we trust that salvation belongs to the Lord and that He will continue calling His elect.
Salvation Belongs to the Lord (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
This confidence that salvation belongs to the Lord gave Paul the assurance that the Words they shared in Thessalonica bore fruit in this church and it became evident.
“for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”
1 Thessalonians 1:5
The proclamation of the Word came accompanied by God’s power. Often we think the only way to see God’s power in action is if we see or experience what the disciples lived while walking with Jesus.
“Salvation belongs to the Lord;
Your blessing be upon Your people! (Selah)”Psalm 3:8
God’s Power in the Holy Spirit
But the reality is that our salvation is equally supernatural and miraculous. Seeing in ourselves the desire to know God and the effort to live for His glory is a demonstration of His power.
Even more, that we can grow in holiness, that we grow in Christ’s likeness is a demonstration of God’s power. The work of the Holy Spirit in us should amaze us just as much as the disciples when Jesus walked on water or calmed the storm.
“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.
And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me;”
John 16:7-9
This power of God, when hearing the Word, produces in us full conviction of the salvation we have, but how is this seen in our daily lives?
Effect of Full Conviction (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8)
There are terms in the Bible and in church language that can remain abstract; “full conviction” could be one of them. As Paul continues writing to the church in Thessalonica, he details some of the things noticed in their lives that are effects of that full conviction.
“You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything.”
1 Thessalonians 1:6-8
This is not a checklist of qualities we want to mark off and say we’ve achieved this or that. It’s a mirror to look at our lives and honestly recognize if the same could be said of us.
As we notice areas where we are lacking, let’s ask the Lord to give us His power to grow in them. Take time to read the following verses and present yourself in prayer so that the conviction we have had may become full.
- Imitators: 1 Corinthians 11:1
- Receiving the Word: Matthew 28:18-20
- Suffering for the Word: Matthew 5:11 / 1 Peter 4:12
- Joy of the Holy Spirit: Acts 13:52
- Being an example: 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
- The Word going forth from you: Colossians 3:16 / James 1:5
The Testimony of the Thessalonians in Daily Life
“For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.”
1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
The church in Thessalonica has many virtues we’ve learned about so far in the first verses of the letter. But it’s the testimony of the Thessalonians that has become most known. Now we must emphasize that this testimony is the result of what we’ve already seen: election, God’s power, and full conviction.
Their testimony had three main aspects that brothers in other cities could recognize:
- The reception or hospitality they demonstrated (v. 9)
- Their conversion from idols (v. 9)
- Their waiting for Jesus (v. 10)
Before you think I’m going to keep extending the list of things you need to demonstrate to others, that’s not the idea. The idea is that we see that when we make the reason for our faith the center of our lives, all other areas will be affected.
Hospitality, love for others, turning from our idols, maintaining our longing for eternity with Jesus these aren’t things we can force or learn on our own. This is the result of God’s work in us, restoring His design.
Serving the Living and True God
According to your background and life experience, the idols we have to set aside can be quite different. The question that often arises is: what is an idol?
An idol is not merely a small statue; it can be a person, institution, idea, dream, or expectation that diverts us from serving God. Some are easier to identify than others, which is why we need prayer and meditation on the Word to identify them.
Your sisters in the local church can also help you identify if work, family, your health, or your identity are taking an inappropriate place in your life.
As you begin to work on those areas and make adjustments, remember that the goal is to remove these things from the place that belongs to God and to live to serve Him, for His glory.
Are You Seeking a Quiet Life?
Perhaps when seeing the testimony of the Thessalonians, you think that tranquility has moved further away than it was before starting this lesson. As God works in us, look at what area you can pay more attention to this season. Allow the Bible itself to guide and transform you.
- Appreciate and value election
- Recognize that salvation belongs to the Lord
- Grow in holiness
- Meditate on the Word
- Live sacrificially and with joy
- Share the truth
