A Word of Encouragement

Good Morning!

1 Thessalonians 1 (New International Version)
1Paul, Silas[a] and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace and peace to you.[b]
Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians' Faith
2We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
Footnotes:
a. 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Greek Silvanus, a variant of Silas
b. 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Some early manuscripts you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ


We began a study of the letters yesterday morning. It is believed that the first letter that Paul wrote was to the church at Thessalonica. Paul begins his letter by sending a word of encouragement to the church. Because of the opposition to the Gospel in the city (Paul was basically run out of town), Paul was afraid that the church would be faltering. So he sent Timothy to check up on the church – and Timothy’s report was extremely positive. So Paul begins by sending a word of encouragement.

You know, we Christians should encourage each other a little – or a lot – more. Too often, we are focused on a person’s shortcomings rather than their growth achievements. Is “tsk tsk” easier to utter than “praise God”? A kind word of encouragement could really help a brother to try even harder.

Look at how Paul encouraged the church folks at Thessalonica:
(1) “I’m praying for YOU.” I believe Paul prayed for the people continuously. I don’t think his statement was a generality but rather a statement of fact. Praying for one another is important.
(2) “We remember your work produced by faith – your labor prompted by love – your endurance inspired by hope in the Lord Jesus Christ.” Faith produces good works. Love (agape’) spurs us to reach out for others. And the hope we have comes from the endurance we have built up as we have seen God work in our lives.
(3) “You are chosen”. Paul isn’t talking about election here – but about how God has set this church apart for Him. We, too, are chosen. God sees us and loves us as His children. (See John 1:12 for a good reference). Paul points out that the church at Thessalonica didn’t just hear the words but had a clear understanding which resulted in a display of God’s power and the Holy Spirit. So too can we go beyond lip service to God service – because we are chosen.
(4) You became imitators of us … and your reputation has spread beyond your mission field to all parts of the earth. For a church struggling to make it, these words are like a balm for a hurt. You know, in our current world, there are churches that are on the brink of shutting down – there are good Christians on the brink of giving up because they do not ever hear an encouraging word. They question their effectiveness – their call – their value.

Today might be a good day to give a pastor, a church worker, a struggling saint a call and let them know you are praying for them – that they make a difference for you. It will make their day – and yours too.


Agape’



Mr. Jim