1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

I simply love this passage of scripture. Out of tough times comes something wonderful. Out of something dysfunctional comes the church functioning exactly as God intended. A glance back at Acts 17 reveals the back story of the rough treatment the Apostle received. We even learn that folks were more “noble” in Berea because they examined the scriptures. But, God still accomplished a noble thing in Thessalonica and the church was born.

The power of personal example

Paul asked the brethren to reflect on the short time they spent there and remember their manner of life. The lesson for us is that we must avoid the temptation to separate what we believe from how we live. Frustration – not joy – comes from this hypocrisy. The rioters in Thessalonica were not noble, but the ones who converted found the noble joy of the Holy Spirit … a changed life that looks like Jesus.

The power of obedience

The infant church simply pressed forward and did what they had been told to do by Paul. When he had to go, they pressed on in this same divine joy. Again, what God accomplished in them was truly noble. The Word sounded forth, even more so because of the strained circumstances. People were forced to look. People chose to listen. Let that be a lesson to us all. We have no Apostle to work miracles, but we have the power to obey. The sound that rings forth from obedient believers resounds across the land. In the joy of the Holy Spirit, we can experience the true nobility of a faithful God.

Discover … His Joy

Access … His Joy

Share … His Joy