Their Good Example

Paul's letter to the Thessalonian church was to encourage them in their newfound faith. Acts 17 gives us the account of Paul preaching at Thessalonica. Some came to faith but the Jews who were not persuaded attacked many of the believers and brought persecution on them. Paul knows that these people came to faith in the midst of difficult times and persecution.

In chapter 1 of I Thessalonians we see Paul giving thanks for their faith. He tells them that he remembers without ceasing their work of faith, labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. They received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit. They became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. The word of the Lord sounded forth through them in every place. They had a good reputation in terms of their faith and commitment to Christ in the middle of trials. Paul was longing to see them again. He had such a heart for these people and wanted to know that they were still holding up in the faith in difficult times. Paul sent Timothy to check on them. He was encouraged because Timothy returned with good news of their faith and love and that they, too, had good memories of Paul, Silas and Timothy and desired greatly to see him again.

Many of us have not been persecuted because of our faith but we have had difficult trials that could weaken our faith. I have experienced first hand and know others whose testimony dims after long periods of tough times. How would those people who have been instrumental in your coming to faith in Christ see you today? Even if you have always known the Lord because of being raised in a Christian home there have probably been people who have been instrumental in your growth in Christ. How would those people see you today? Would they rejoice in seeing your continued faith as Paul did over seeing the continued faith of the Thessalonians? Would they still see your work of faith, labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father?

What a joy it would be for those who have taught us be able to say with Paul "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy" (I Thessalonians 2: 19, 20).