In this sermon from 1 Thessalonians, we learn the context of the book. We learn about the city of Thessalonica, Paul's ministry to them, and the purpose of Paul's letters to the Thessalonians.

Paul used a greeting to open all his letters, which is customary to the time period in which he was writing. Letters always opened with the identification of the sender, then the recipient, and a short greeting. While Paul follows this pattern, he also Christianizes it by changing some words…
    Greetings (chairein)
            to
    Grace (charis) and Peace (eirēnē)
This new greeting would appeal to both Gentiles and Jews alike, while centering the letter in what God has done for us (grace) and the tranquility and wholeness we can now walk in as a result (peace).

We know Paul stayed at least 3 weeks ministering to the Jews in the synagogue (Acts 17:2). However, there is ample evidence he spent several months also ministering to the Gentiles:

• Paul settled long enough to pursue his trade (I Thess. 2:9; 2 Thess. 3:7-10)
• Paul showed familiarity with the people (1 Thess. 2:7-8)
• Paul received 2 financial gifts from Philippi (100 miles  away) while in Thessalonica (Phil. 4:16)
• Paul does not quote the Old Testament in his letters, indicating that the church was primarily Gentile which follows Paul’s ministry pattern. (Acts 13:46; 18:6; 19:8-9)

Thessalonians affirms two enormous truths just in the first chapter. Many men and denominations want to pit these two truths against one another. Scripture doesn’t do this and neither should we.

They began to imitate Paul and Jesus (1:6)
They were persecuted for their new faith yet displayed great joy (1:6)
Their transformation became an example to other believers  living around them (1:7-8)
They turned from their idols to serve God (1:9)
They placed their hope in Jesus and His return (1:10)

1. Work of Faith — sweat and blood
2. Labor of Love — work not begrudging but joyful
3. Steadfastness of Hope — won’t quit until Jesus returns

Paul later says the greatest of these is LOVE — (I Corinthians 13:13)
One day we will no longer need FAITH for we will be in His presence.
One day we will no longer need HOPE for we will experience all the broken things made right again.
We will always need to experience LOVE. For God is LOVE and we will be with Him forever. — (I John 4:8)

Since you believed in Christ, is there a clear trajectory of Gospel transformation that has occurred in your life?

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