Famous

Introduction

Thessalonica was a large Roman city with a population that some estimate may have been as much as 100,000 people. It was a port city located on a major highway leading east to west. It has been documented that no less than 25 different gods were worshiped in the city. There was also a temple dedicated to the Roman Emperor Augustus. It was a city of great wealth and commerce.

Part of what makes Thessalonica unique was its political status in Rome. Rome divided provinces into two categories—senatorial or imperial. Thessalonica was part of the province of Macedonia. Senatorial designation meant that the province had favored status with Rome. It meant that the province was seen as loyal to Rome. So there was minimal Roman involvement. The province was allowed to govern itself for the most part. Each year a new governor was appointed which demonstrates little Roman control; the military had a very small presence if at all. From 27 B.C. to 15 A.D. Thessalonica enjoyed the senatorial designation.

But in 15 A.D. Tiberius changed the designation from senatorial to imperial. This meant that province no longer was a trusted ally of Rome. The military showed up. A governor was appointed whose responsibility included keeping the peace at all costs. This new designation made life more difficult for the province and for its chief city Thessalonica since this was the city where the governor resided.

Finally in 44 A.D. Claudius, a new emperor, changed the designation back to senatorial. Paul arrives in Thessalonica somewhere around 50 A.D. The residents of the city were only returning to favored status. The last thing they needed was a troublemaker. Turn to Acts 17:1-9. Now we understand why the charges brought against Jason (and ultimately Paul) resulted in his abrupt leaving the city. Paul was the troublemaker. He was not in the city as long as he wanted to be. He went on to Athens and from there he sent Timothy back to check on the people. Paul traveled to Corinth and it was in this city that Timothy reunited with him and gave him primarily good news about the church. Paul then writes this letter as a response to Timothy’s report and to clear up a couple of matters. According to the end of the letter, Paul intended for this letter to be read to the congregation and we will do that in just a few minutes. Let’s continue with songs thanking God for making us his people.

Reading of the Letter — 10 minutes

Thanksgiving

The first chapter focuses on several important concepts. But all of these concepts are a results of the gospel. The gospel is to change us. God’s message is simple — we are sinners; Jesus is our Savior; change our lives to reflect our trust in Jesus as Lord and Master. This simple message was not lost on many in Thessalonica. Jews, God believers who were not Jews, pagans, men and women all are part of this body of Christ. Paul was forced out of the city before he wanted to leave. But the report from Timothy has turned his concern into rejoicing and chapter one reflects that joy.

Verse 2 gives the image that Paul met daily with others for a time of prayer and Thessalonica was part of that time. Verse 3, in the face of great persecution these believers have continued to work, labor, and remained steadfast. They have acted in faith in the community; they have acted in loving ways with each other; and in the face of persecution have kept their eyes on the return of Christ.

How easy it would have been for them to give up because of the persecution. This is what Paul feared. He knew what had happened with Jason and others. He knew the pressure they faced to separate from their culture in religious practice and to be viewed as outsiders. How easy it would have been for them to turn on each other. How easy it would have been for them to quit thinking about Christ’s return and try to find ways to lessen the burden of the present. And yet, verse 6 in the face of all the persecution they received the message of the gospel with joy which only the Holy Spirit can produce.

So receptive were they to the gospel that their faith became known throughout the provinces of Macedonia and Achaia. Cities such as Philippi and Berea in Macedonia and the cities of Athens and Corinth in Achaia knew about the faith and joy of the believers in Macedonia. This not only pleased Paul it resulted in others being encouraged because of their faith.

Lessons

Two lessons. The gospel changes us. Those believers in Thessalonica gave up their idols to serve the living God. In their day it would be easy to point to the over 25 different gods to worship. But what is more difficult to see is the unmentioned but no less volatile ostracism and persecution that was ongoing. Unlike these early believers we live at a time in which ostracism and persecution is minimal. And idols are less obvious. Idols such as a desire to fit in; desire for comfort and ease; these idols are harder to detect. The gospel changes us. We want our lives to reflect God. We find joy even when things are not going well. Not happiness. Not a smile, but an assurance that God is present. The kind of joy that isn’t dependent on circumstance but comes from God’s power through his Holy Spirit.

Has the gospel changed you? Is there less desire to fit in and more desire to honor God? Is there joy? Is there less desire to have comfort and ease and more desire to make sure God is seen in your life?

When a person hears and obeys the gospel allowing God to work in their heart, that person becomes a better person; a better employee; a better spouse; a better child. All because of God and the joy that comes because of what he has done for us.

Second, not only does the gospel change us now but we anticipate a future with Jesus. We wait for Christ’s return. Waiting means that we know it will happen. Waiting means expectation. Waiting means looking beyond the immediate. Paul says that this waiting will result in escape from God’s wrath.

God’s wrath isn’t human. He is divine. Sin must be dealt with. God doesn’t react to sin the way humans do. We experience sin and we want revenge. We want people to pay for their sin. God isn’t about paying for sin as if one could do that. God must have sin eradicated.

This wrath will be direct and it will be consistent with sin. This highlights the intent of the gospel. We can escape this wrath when we accept that Jesus is the answer for our sin problem. When we live with anticipation of Christ’s return, having changed lives, then the gospel message has had its desired effect. And God’s wrath is dealt with through Jesus.

God will punish, but his desire to have all respond to the gospel message. Will you respond? Invitation.

Follow Jesus

If you’d like to respond to this message or learn more about following Jesus, please reach out.