Introduction
After receiving the Macedonian call, Paul crossed the Euxian Sea into Macedonia with Silas. Their first mission at Philippi resulted in their imprisonment and expulsion. Their second mission at Thessalonica was more successful (Acts 17:1-9); he preached for three weeks until he was forced to flee from an angry mob. However, while at Thessalonica, Paul established the Thessalonian church.
Experiencing disappointment at Athens and Corinth, Silas and Timothy came from Thessalonica with good news: the church there was strong. This letter is Paul’s response to the good news.
They Are an Elect Church, vv. 1-4
A. The Address, v. 1
1. Paul did not have to identify himself as an Apostle.
2. Paul wrote to the “called out ones” in Thessalonica.
3. The church is in both “God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
B. The Salutation, v. 1
1. “Grace” (chairein) was a usual Greek greeting.
2. “Peace” (shalom) was a usual Jewish greeting.
C. The Prayers of Thanksgiving, v. 2
D. The Evidence of Their Election, vv. 3-4
1. “Work of faith”: Works do not save, but salvation results in good works.
2. “Labor of love”: Unsaved people work for themselves; saved people work for Christ and others.
3. “Patience of hope”: Assurance of Christ’s coming in the face of adversity.
They Are an Exemplary Church, vv. 5-6
A. The Gospel They Received, vv. 5-6
1. The message is powerful to change minds, hearts, and lives.
2. The message is accompanied by the work of the Holy Ghost/Spirit.
a. Convict or convince the lost of sin;
b. Convict or convince the lost of righteousness; and
c. Convict or convince the lost of judgment (John 16:8-11).
B. The Reception of the Gospel, vv. 6
1. The saved received the word.
2. The saved followed the Lord and Paul’s example.
3. The saved received joy of the Holy Ghost/Spirit.
They Are an Evangelistic Church, vv. 7-8
A. They witnessed by their walk, v. 7, “ensample.”
B. They witnessed by their talk, v. 8, “sounded out the word of the Lord.”
They Are an Expectant Church, vv. 9-10
A. Christ’s coming is the blessed hope of the saved.
B. Christ’s coming is the motivation to be awake and alert, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.
C. Christ’s coming is the faith/doctrine of the resurrection of Christ.
D. Christ’s coming is the deliverance from the wrath to come–>the Tribulation, 1 Thessalonians 5:9.
Conclusion
When we see the characteristics of this church, we should examine our own lives and ask, “Am I helping to make my church a model church in the Lord?”