Pastor’s Notes
For you brothers, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Jesus Christ.”
In chapter 2, we see a little more of the reasons how the people from Thessalonica remained faithful after Paul’s departure. Paul was encouraged and the people in the city were confused as to how these people stayed faithful in such hard times. The mob was able to run Paul out of town, but the people who were newly saved remained faithful! This confused and amazed everyone.
We see in this week’s text that the people had the power of the Spirit and the blessings of godly witnesses. This was more than what’s needed to stand against the world. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”
What Paul is telling the church of Corinth to do, probably was birthed out of what he experienced with the people of Thessalonica. Remember, 1 Thessalonians was Paul’s first letter written to believers. It was written before his words in 1 Corinthians. I believe what Paul witnessed in Thessalonica shaped his ministry moving forward.
In chapter 2, Paul acknowledges that there comes great power of faith in being a witness to those who have powerful faith. He acknowledges that iron sharpens iron and how important our actions and behavior are towards those who are watching us. The people of the Thessalonian church had become “imitators” of godly men like Paul and Timothy and the church of Judea. They witnessed how believers responded to persecution and what it truly meant to Hold Fast under trails. The power of the Gospel gave these people all they needed for a faithful walk with Christ. No matter their circumstances.
What we see today is no different than what we read in God’s Word. The power of His Scripture and Spirit alongside the strength of His church truly changes lives!
Scripture to go along with the message
Read Acts 18 for further references to Paul’s ministry during this time. This helps and the heart and mind fully see what was happening during the time 1 Thessalonians was written.
Highlight in your Bible
Highlight verses 4-6, 10-12, 14, and 17-19 in chapter 2 of 1 Thessalonians. This text will be the main points of the message on Sunday.