Please read the verses below, ( which deal with the Church of Thessalonica ) and then let's look together at the answer found right after these verses.
1 Thessalonians 1:6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,
1 Thessalonians 1:7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.
1 Thessalonians 1:8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.
1 Thessalonians 1:9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,
1 Thessalonians 1:10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
I believe, the answer to the question is found in the model and the example of the church of Thessalonica, the church that Paul the apostle founded, and in the 8 things that are said in the verses listed above.....
1. They became followers of the Lord
2. They became examples to their nation.
3. They were used to get the Word of God out.
4. They had faith in God which was evident
5. They had turned to God away from idols.
6. They were serving the living and true God.
7. They were waiting for the coming of again of Jesus Christ.
8. They were delivered from the wrath of God
Not much comment is needed here, or much by way of explanation. What they were stands out very clearly. What they were was the direct result of 3 things by the way, They received the Word of God, the Holy Spirit was at work in their lives, and they did not allow present trials or difficulties keep them from becoming what God wanted them to be.
Let's just go back over the list again, quickly.....followers of Jesus, examples to other believers, used by God to get the Word out to others, their faith was very evident to others, they had turned away from idols, they were serving the living and true God, they were waiting for the second coming of Jesus Christ, and they were also delivered from the coming wrath, or judgement of God.
I would say to myself, and to anyone reading this devotional, that these are things we can pray for in our lives. This tremendous example that is given to us, is not unusual, in terms of this ought to be the normal christian life. These are the kinds of things that God does in the life of any persons who are open to Him, to His Word, and to the work of the Holy Spirit, and are receptive to God's Word, and are responsive to God's Word.
Let's pray right now. Lord, my heart may be yearning to grow and to move on into what You have for me. You are the potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Your own way. I know that with and in Christ, I can do all the things that You want for me, and I know that You give us the power of the Holy Spirit, when asked for.......You will do that for any who ask. We ask today, to be Baptized Freshly in the Holy Spirit. Begin making us more and more in what You want us to be. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Application/Promise
1. God can do it.
2. God will do it.
3. God may already be starting to do it in your life.
4. God calls us to believe Him.
5. God calls us to act upon His Word.
6. God has a life for you to live.
7. God will finish the work that He has begun in you.
8. God can be served today.
9. God has delivered you from coming judgment.
10. Jesus will return someday, and take you to heaven.
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