1 Thessalonians 1, Introduction (6)

·        The positives: the ministry that produces an effective church.  First let us remember: the “church” is the “people.”  There were effective Christians at Thessalonica.  So then we ask: how did this happen?

o   We must not fail to notice that this was a work done by the Sovereign God (1 Th. 1:4).  These believers were “the elect,” God’s chosen.  How could Paul say this?  Was it because he heard them pray a prayer of repentance?  No.  It is because he saw the evidence of a born-again life (1 Th. 1:3, 6, etc.)!  Consider this.  We often want to give the assurance of salvation to those who have just prayed to receive Christ.  It is not up to us to make pronouncements for or against the spiritual state of anyone; it is the Holy Spirit who assures us we are God’s children (Rom. 8:14-17).  Words of assurance frequently come with an “if” in Scripture: if we continue (Col. 1:23; 1 Cor. 15:2, etc.). 

o   This church was effective because the gospel was preached there (Ac. 17:1ff).

§  Again, Paul reasoned from the Scriptures (17:2).  He had a discussion or argument in a good use of that term.  He did the same in Athens (Ac. 17:17), Corinth (18:4) and Ephesus (19:8-9).  This may have been a key approach to his preaching in the Greek world although note that he used this in the synagogue.  Also note that he reasoned with them from the Scriptures.  And in Athens he reasoned both in the synagogue and in the marketplace (17:17; i.e. wherever he found people willing to engage with him in the gospel.

§  Paul presented the work of Christ (17:3).  He was explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead.  The Messianic Prophesies of the OT were valuable places in Scripture to present a strong argument to prove that this Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.  In our conversations with Bible-believing Christians who come to visit Israel we often hear them wonder how the people of Israel can still reject Christ when He so perfectly fits the OT predictions. 

§  Paul presented Christ as Sovereign (17:7).  It’s not just that Paul emphasized Jesus as King.  It is evident that Paul presented the gospel so clearly that people who heard often were offended.  Christ is and must be recognized as Lord and only Savior.  When the gospel is presented properly this will be a common result, that people will be troubled (17:8) by what they hear.

o   This church was effective because of the way the gospel was received (1 Thess. 2:13).  By the power of the Holy Spirit the Thessalonians received the message of Paul, not as the words of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God.  This must happen, and when it does then their faith does not rest in the wisdom of man but in the power of God (1 Cor. 1:17-21).

We ought not sell God short but should cooperate with Him in His work, preaching a clear Gospel and then encouraging people to receive the gospel as God’s word.