I Thessalonians Chapter 1
As we read the letter written to the church at Thessalonica, we need to keep in mind that this was a church formed very quickly since Paul only had 3 short sabbaths with the people before he was forced to leave the town because of an angry mob (See Acts 17). Imagine Paul’s surprise to get a report by Timothy and Silas that the church he had left behind so quickly was thriving.
Let's Reflect
1. Here was another church that Paul was praying for, one that he had started on his second missionary journey. He was in Corinth and his fellow co-workers were able to give Paul a report that they had checked on the church and found that it was thriving amongst all the idol worship of that region. The gospel had given this church ________ in our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Something we need to stop and take a moment to think about is how Paul describes the life changing work of the gospel. What word is used in verse 5 to describe the Word and the change brought about by the Holy Spirit being present in the believer’s life?
3. What word tells us that the new believers in Thessalonica had received the truth of the gospel despite it being very unpopular?
4. Paul knew that the strength and the growth of the believers at Thessalonica was the work of the Holy Spirit. Their enthusiasm for the gospel message was clearly seen by their testimony expressed to neighboring towns. Other people began to take notice of the drastic change that had come about in the lives of the believers. What were the names of those towns?
5. One drastic difference was that the people no longer served idols, instead they now worshipped whom?
6. Who are the believers excitedly waiting for who will return from heaven one day?
