Today in God’s Word

Today in God's Word—February 2023

East Tallassee Church of Christ

February 3, 1 Thessalonians 1

Has the word of God affected you? If you claim to be a disciple of Jesus, and particularly if you made that decision as an adult, would people who know you notice a difference in you since you started following him?

It’s not easy to make a direct comparison of our experience to that of the Thessalonians. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know about the Lord. I have not always behaved as if I knew him, but I was blessed to grow up in a home and in a church where I was taught the word of God from my youngest days. But I have been to places where people who were raised in what I call circumstantial atheism heard the gospel of Jesus for the first time as adults, like the Thessalonians. The most “first century” experience I’ve ever known was seeing adults come to faith who had not previously believed in God or known Jesus as his Son. The visible effect of the gospel in their lives was quite dramatic.

Paul worked in Gentile cities among atheists and polytheists. When he declared the one God and told them the gospel, those who received it were transformed. He did not stay long in Thessalonica before being forced out of town by jealous Jews. But he left with fond memories of the Greeks there who responded to his preaching. When he prayed for them, he remembered three things—their work of faith, labor of love

and patience of hope. Instead of telling people in Macedonia and Achaia about the Thessalonians, they told him about three effects the gospel had on them. They said the Thessalonians had “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven.”

I think the triad of Paul’s memories about these people is related to the three-point testimony Paul heard about them. What is the “work of faith” but the dramatic turn from idols to believing in God? How better to describe their zealous devotion and service to the Lord than a “labor of love”? Their “steadfastness of hope” kept them turned to God and busy in serving him as they waited for the return of Christ.

Even though our situation may not be exactly parallel to theirs, these triads should be evident in our lives, too. Would Paul see and remember your work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope? Would the neighbors testify about the differences in your life, your service for the Lord and your anticipation of his return? If we really believe the gospel, it will make a discernible difference in our lives.

From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.