We learned last week that Paul visited Thessalonica during his second missionary journey. The opposition forced him to leave the city quickly. So as he continued to travel, there’s no doubt that he continued to think about the Thessalonian believers and whether they had stayed true to their faith in spite of their suffering. So he wrote two letters to them to encourage them, to instruct them how to live and to assure them of the resurrection of believers.
Paul begins his first letter to the Thessalonians by commending them for their faith, labors and love in Christ (chapters 1 through 3). He also thanked God for them and prayed that they would continue to grow in love and deeds.
Next Paul explains how the Thessalonians should apply their faith to daily living. He told them to be sexually pure (4:3-8), to love each other (4:9-10) and to lead honest and productive lives (4:11-12).
Apparently, the Thessalonians were so focused on Christ’s return that they were not being productive members of society. It’s quite the opposite for us. We’re so busy working that we forget that Jesus will return soon! It seems that the Thessalonians also were confused about some of the details of Christ’s return. So Paul explained two important doctrines: there will be a resurrection of believers, and Christ will return one day.
Paul gives five points about Christ’s second coming:
- It will be sudden and unexpected.
- Believers shouldn’t fear it because they will be safe.
- Believers should live as if Christ was returning today.
- Believers should live together with Christ.
- Believers should encourage each other.
Are you alert to Christ’s return? Do you realize that He could come at any moment? Do you really live as if that’s true? Christ’s return should make a difference in what we do, what we say and where we go.
Paul ends I Thessalonians with a challenging list of instructions for all believers (5:12-28). I’ll include the ones that are most challenging for me personally:
- Live in peace with each other.
- Be patient with everyone.
- Be joyful always.
- Pray continually.
- Give thanks in all things.
While this list includes some difficult commands, Paul pointed out that as long as we obey God, He will sanctify us. “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it” (5:24). Praise God because I can’t do it on my own! I’m asking God to help me obey these commands. Will you also ask God to help you follow one of these commands this week?