1 Thessalonians 1 (1)

Pray Psalm 29.11.
The LORD will give strength to His people;
The LORD will bless His people with peace.

Read 1 Thessalonians 1.1.

Reflect.
1. In what sense is any church “in” God the Father and Jesus Christ the Lord?

2. Why didn’t Paul just say, “Dear Thessalonians”?

Meditate.
We take greetings for granted: “Dear….” The same was true in the Roman world of the apostle Paul. A typical letter of almost any kind would open with a greeting. The sender would give his name, and then mention the name of the person to whom the letter was sent. Then the greeting would follow, usually along these lines: “Greetings and good health.” Not a bad greeting, if you think about it.

But not to be compared with “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Grace is the active agent in every aspect of our salvation. We require grace for everything; apart from the grace of God, we can do nothing. This is true of unsaved and saved people alike, although only the saved can appreciate and grow in that grace (2 Pet. 3.18). The more grace we realize from the Lord, the more His purposes and calling (1 Thess. 2.12) will be realized in us.

Grace is not a commodity, but a divine disposition and initiative of favor, strength, blessing, goodness, and steadfast love, brought about by the Holy Spirit according to the promises of God’s Word. We go to prayer each day to gain the grace we will need for every situation, because without God’s grace, we are helpless (Heb. 4.16). 

Where grace prevails, peace is the result. We can’t really understand the peace of God (Phil. 4.6, 7). We just have to experience it – that sense that all is well, things couldn’t be better, and we’re in good hands and can relax, no matter the outward circumstances of our life. Peace is what we know in the presence of the Prince of Peace, and this is what Paul was seeking for his friends in Thessalonica.

For Paul, every word mattered, because every word of his letters came by the inspiration of God. In his writing he reveals the will of God for His people. God wants us to know grace – more and more of Him and His presence and power for all aspects of our lives. Grace abounding to wretched sinners, that we might be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ and realize the presence, promise, and power of His Kingdom unto His glory.

And unto peace that boggles the mind and leaves us filled with the joy of the Lord (Rom. 14.17, 18). This is the great privilege of all whose lives have been hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3.3).

Prepare.
1. In what ways do you see the grace of God at work in your life each day?

2. What does it mean for you that your life has been hidden with Christ in God?

3. How do you expect to see God’s grace and peace at work in your Personal Mission Field?

For to give thanks to God for them is the act of one testifying to how they have advanced in the faith. Not only are the Thessalonians praised by Paul, but Paul thanks God for them, as though God himself had accomplished everything. Paul also teaches them to be moderate in their self-estimation, all but saying that all their growth is from the power of God. John Chrysostom (344-407), Homilies on 1 Thessalonians 1

Lord, let me know more of Your grace so that I may…

Pray Psalm 29.
Celebrate, in specific detail, the sovereign grace of God in your life, and seek His strength and peace for your life today.

Sing to the Lord.
Psalm 29 (Toulon: I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art)
Give praise to God, you children of the earth!
Tell of His strength, proclaim His glorious worth!  
Give to the Lord the glory due His Name!
Worship in holiness; His grace proclaim! 

Over the waters, over thunder’s roll,
God’s voice creation’s mighty pow’rs controls!
Cedars collapse at His majestic Word;
Nations are shaken by our mighty Lord!

God speaks and lightning streaks across the sky;
By His decree He shakes the desert dry.
Speak, Lord, and life to beasts and men is giv’n.
Forests dissolve, and glory rings in heav’n.

Sovereign, the Lord sat o’er the raging flood;
Sovereign forever rules our gracious God!
God will His people bless with strength and peace:
Lord, may Your holy Word to us increase!

T. M. Moore

You can map out your Personal Mission Field by watching this brief video (click here). Download the worksheet that goes with the video and get started in your own Macedonian call!

Forward today’s study to some friends, and challenge them to study with you through this series on 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Each week’s lessons will be available as a free PDF download at the end of the week. Get a copy for yourself and send the link to the download to your friends. Plan to meet weekly to study Paul’s ministry and prepare for your own.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).