April 5th, Sunday: 1 Thess 1 & 2

1 Thes 1
Paul's description of the believers in Thessalonica suggest that they typify a pretty ideal congregation.
Ask yourself these questions:
Are others thankful for me?
Paul was grateful for their faith, hope and love, and that these Christians and Christian qualities they were showing revealed themselves in work, labour and practice.

Now, can others tell that we belong to God?
Are they thankful for our spiritual growth?
Is God's power seen in my life?
This comes when you receive the Word of the Lord by faith, and allow the Spirit of God to minister to your heart.
This also involves suffering for the Lord and letting Him give you His joy.

Do I make it easier for others to talk about Jesus?
Some believers are such poor examples as Christians that their lives give unbelievers an excuse for rejecting Christ.
But the Thessalonian Christians made it easy for Paul to preach the Gospel.
Their testimony have gone before him and met him wherever he went.

1 Thes 2 & 3
Faithfulness.
Paul's suffering in Philippi might have made him hesitate to minister in Thessalonica, but he was a steward who wanted to be faithful to the Lord.
His message and motive were pure, and God blessed his ministry.
It's better to be approved by God and suffer, than to be applauded by men and prosper.
When you feel like quiting, keep going!

Blamelessness.
How important it is to be good and to be a good example before young believers?
The children do what we do, not what we say.
Does your example as a Christian make it easier for others to grow?
When Jesus comes, will you rejoice in His presence because of people you have influenced for Christ?