IV. An evangelistic church: (1:8): “The Lords message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia…” The Thessalonians were not only speakers but also practitioners of the Gospel.
Paul saw the Thessalonians as amplifiers or relay stations that not only received the gospel message but sent it farther on its way with increased power and scope. Paul’s preaching in Thessalonica had the effect of speaking into a public address microphone. His words were received and repeated by many different “speakers” in many remote places where his unaided voice could not have reached. Apparently it was not through an organized evangelistic campaign that their witness went forth, though Paul’s preaching in Thessalonica and elsewhere illustrates this approach. But it was through the personal lives and testimonies of these transformed individuals that neighbours heard about their faith in God. As they went the gospel was heard everywhere, so an apostolic missionary crusade was not needed.
- Now it is the time to examine our lives. Has my life has been a blessing to others? Have I really been instrumental in propagating the Gospel? The Lord Jesus said: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit” because Jesus said: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given unto me” (Matt28:19,18).
V. An expectant church: (1:9-10):
The believers had turned to God, the only true God, from idols. This strongly suggests that many of those believers had been pagan Gentiles including a few Jews who abhorred idolatry. The Thessalonians had chosen to serve the living and true God rather than God’s creatures or satanic powers. He is the only living God; all other gods are not alive and therefore not worthy objects of worship.
Paul emphasized Christ’s second coming throughout this book.
Because the Thessalonians church was being persecuted, Paul encouraged them to look forward to the deliverance that Christ would bring to them. A believer’s hope is in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Even if we die, we will resurrect and be with our Lord Jesus Christ. Our life on earth would be waste if we do not have this hope.
- Am I really looking forward to the Lord today?
It is time that we mend our ways to be like the believers of Thessalonica.