1 Thessalonians 1 (6)

Pray Psalm 115.1.
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us,
But to Your name give glory,
Because of Your mercy,
Because of Your truth.

Read 1 Thessalonians 1.9, 10.

Reflect.
1. What does Paul mean by “manner of entry” (v. 9)? To what does this refer?

2. What does it mean to “wait” for Jesus? 

Meditate.
The example of the Thessalonians reflected on Paul and his team and on the ministry they had among them. The ready manner (Greek: εἴσοδος – welcome) in which the Thessalonians received them and their witness commended not only their faith but Paul’s mission, and preceded Paul as a preparation for his preaching.

Three verbs in particular stand out here as defining the effects of God’s grace on the Thessalonian believers. They turned to God from idols. When people come to Jesus, they cannot bring their old loyalties and devotions with them. These must all be left behind. Whether our idols are Greek deities cast in silver and mounted on a mantel, or the idols of wealth, pleasure, or other forms of self-indulgence, all these must be set aside to be returned to no more. 

Thus we may fully and faithfully serve the living and true God. The sense of this verb is that of being at the behest of God for His purposes and will, to hear His every command and carry them out faithfully. The idols people serve have no life in them; God alone is living and true, so we will never regret turning away from what is worthless and perishing to Him Who endures forever. 

And in this posture of service we wait for His Son from heaven – continuing in our service, whatever may be our particular station or calling in life, and looking expectantly for the return of Jesus from heaven.

Here in a brief space (v. 10) Paul summarizes the work of Jesus: He is God’s eternal Son, Who delivered us from the wrath to come (by His death on the cross); God raised Him from the dead, and He has ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, where He is advancing His Kingdom on earth. He will one day return to gather His faithful people to Himself. By Him we have turned away from all futile things; in Him we have the power to serve God; and for His return we prepare and wait, as we serve the living and true God day by day.

Prepare.
1. Using just verses 9 and 10, how would answer someone who asked you what it means to be a Christian?

2. The verbs serve and wait apply to every believer, regardless of their calling in life. Serving the living and true God and waitingfor Jesus to return should define all our waking moments as believers. Is this the case in your life? Explain.

3. The welcome the Thessalonians gave to Paul and the Gospel commended his ministry to others. Of what did that welcome consist (vv. 2-10)? How much of this welcome do you see in your own life?

…the Apostle, in ascribing to God the epithets true and living, indirectly censures idols as being dead and worthless inventions, and as being falsely called gods. He makes the end of conversion to be what I have noticed―that they might serve God. John Calvin (1509-1564), Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 1.9

Lord, I welcome You and Your Word and Spirit into my life and calling today. Help me thus to…

Pray Psalm 115.1-18.
As you pray, let the Lord search your soul, to discover any idols that yet have some place in your life. Haul them into the light of His grace, and cast them away from you. Then commit yourself afresh to Jesus and seek the Lord’s help to live for His glory.

Sing to the Lord.
Psalm 115 (Plainfield: Nothing But the Blood of Jesus)
Not to us, O God, not us, but unto Your Name give glory!
For Your love and faithfulness, ever to Your Name be glory!
Why should the nations cry, “Where is their God on high?”
You rule us, Lord, on high: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Idols made by men’s own hand – ever to Your Name be glory –
see nor hear nor understand – ever to Your Name be glory!
They neither feel nor walk, nor can they speak or talk;
All those who serve them fall, but unto Your Name be glory!

All who trust in Jesus yield – ever to His Name be glory –
find in Him their help and shield: Ever to Your Name be glory!
O Israel, trust the Lord!  He helps us evermore!
Fear Him obey His Word: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Blessings from our gracious Lord – ever to Your Name be glory –
will attend us evermore: Ever to Your Name be glory!
Bless all who fear You, Lord, all who obey Your Word,
All who Your Name adore: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Grant us, Savior, great increase: Ever to Your Name be glory!
Bless us with eternal peace: Ever to Your Name be glory!
Heaven and earth are Yours; let every soul adore
And bless You evermore: Ever to Your Name be glory!

T. M. Moore

Where do 1 and 2 Thessalonians fit in the unfolding of God’s covenant? Our course, Introduction to Biblical Theology, can help you understand the setting of all the books of the Bible, and how they fit into God’s unfolding plan of redemption. Watch the brief video introducing this course at The Ailbe Seminary (click here), then plan to register after January 1 in our Certificate in Kingdom Studies program, featuring Introduction to Biblical Theology.

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.

If you value Scriptorium as a free resource for your walk with the Lord, please consider supporting our work with your gifts and offerings. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute button  at the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

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).