Dear Heavenly Father – Happy Father’s Day! As Your daughter, I am so blessed and so thankful that You have called me into Your family. You continually call me to draw nearer and to trust You, yet I sense that I am standing in my own way of doing just that. I keep a distance. Let this meditation and review of Your Word in 1 Thessalonians speak to my heart to let down my guard and to love You with ALL my heart and ALL my soul and ALL my mind as our Lord Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:37. I ask this in His Name. Amen.
1 Thessalonians is the first letter written by Paul. It was sent to a new group of believers – a church – that was established in Thessalonica. There was ongoing persecution against the Christians and opposition to the truth of the message they received. Amid the persecution, Paul, Silas, and Timothy had to leave Thessalonica, but they didn’t forget the church and their concern prompted Paul to send Timothy back to encourage them. When Timothy returned with good news about the church, Paul responds with this letter. The Thessalonians were standing strong although they had a concern about their fellow believers who died before the return of Christ.
TEN TIMES Paul uses the phrases… We know… you know… everyone knows… before He addresses their concern. I think this is critical to understand as Paul also says in Romans 12:2 – Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his god, pleasing and perfect will.
Time to renew my mind! Here’s a summary of the 5 chapters in this letter – with a focus on what we KNOW.
Chapter 1 – In Paul’s greeting to the church he is thankful for their work and endurance. He KNOWS they’ve been chosen and loved by God because the Gospel message came to them with power and the Spirit and deep conviction despite the opposition – in fact, in the surrounding areas of Macedonia and Achaia – everyone KNOWS and the church has become a role model to all believers.
Chapter 2 – Paul’s ministry was conducted with integrity and a pure heart under the watchful eye of God and they KNOW this. God entrusted Paul, Silas, and Timothy with His message of salvation – they’re not seeking popularity or status, the church itself is Paul’s glory.
Chapter 3 – Paul had sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage them during their trials – for they KNOW quite well that they were destined for them. Paul had told them of his own expectation of persecution… it happened, as they well KNOW. When Timothy returned with news of their steadfast love and enduring faith, Paul is encouraged. How can he ever thank God enough for this church in return for all the joy they bring him?
Chapter 4 – Sanctification – the ongoing process of living a holy life because they’ve been set apart – Paul urges the church to do this more and more, because they KNOW the instructions given by Paul were by the authority of the Lord Jesus. They are to have control of their own bodies not like the pagans who do not know God. When a believer rejects these instructions, they’re not rejecting Paul, they’re rejecting God.
Now about the concern about believers who have died… we do not grieve like those who have no hope. Be encouraged by the resurrection of Jesus. Those we’ve lost who believed in the Lord Jesus will rise also and we’ll be reunited with them – this is our core belief!
Chapter 5 – You KNOW very well that the Day of the Lord comes. As children of the light we will live with Him eternally. So for now – love all those working to spread God’s message of salvation. Live rightly – as instructed by God – individually and with others.
The most well know summary statements from this letter always sounded like bumper-sticker theology to me. But when the rest of the letter is read and studied and I remind myself of WHAT I KNOW to be true, then I can see the power of them. These include:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 – Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 – May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May our whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.
🙏 My Dear Heavenly Father, when I wonder what Your will is for me, I’ll remember this letter. When I hear skeptics dismiss evil, I will remember this letter and reject every kind of evil. When I desire a holy life – spirit, soul, and body, I will remember this letter and realize that not only is it possible, but You have promised to do it!!! Let me get out of Your way. Thank You for this letter to remind me of what I know. Help me to use the truths in this letter to be transformed. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
I am a daughter of a great king.
He is my father and my God.
The world may praise me or criticize me. It matters not.
He is with me, always at my side, guiding and protecting me.
I do not fear because I am His.