1 Thessalonians 1 Commentary

1 Thessalonians 1 Commentary

These items are power, the Holy Spirit, and deep conviction. Then you know your work isn’t in vain. What every minister prays for! The LORD Jesus won’t let you in on a mission without power. Power to transform hearts, break addictions, and free prisoners of sin. Verse 5.

Endurance is a product of hope – hope in our LORD Jesus Christ. You cannot have endurance without hope. If lack of endurance is a disease, know that ‘hope’ is the medication. Hope in the LORD Jesus Christ.

Verse 6. Joy (given by the Holy Spirit) amidst severe suffering is always fascinating. We learn one important lesson: Joy isn’t an absence of suffering. It’s the product of the Spirit.

The chapter closes with the word ‘wrath’. The coming wrath may refer to the coming judgment – when the Son of Man comes to separate the sheep and the goats. It’s salvation for the sheep but wrath for the goats.                                                                                                                                              

“Severe suffering” for the believers isn’t wrath. And in the heat of things, they don’t feel it. Instead, they have joy and peace supplied by the Spirit. What can you do to a Spirit-filled saint? Nothing. They smile, pray for you, and are full of joy and peace as you inflict suffering on them! They actually feel privileged enough to suffer in the name of Jesus!

Behind the Thessalonian church is a huge wave of persecution. The apostles, including Paul, narrowly escaped with their lives. Acts 17. Yet the church thrived. Then you know there is power behind the gospel. You also know there is great value for which men and women won’t give up.

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