Day 3: Read 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
- We saw the evidence yesterday that the Thessalonians had been chosen by God, and therefore believed the Gospel. What does Paul say about their church in verse 7?
Greece was divided into two provinces—Macedonia in the north, and Achaia in the south. Paul wrote this letter from Corinth (in Achaia) to Thessalonica (in Macedonia).
- The church followed Paul’s example in living for Christ, but soon became the example to the world around them! Verse 8 says their faith in God has become known everywhere.
This will require some imagination, but what do you think this group of believers was like? What did they do that made their faith so contagious? How did they treat each other and those outside of their group?
“As Paul moved through Macedonia, where Thessalonica was located, and Achaia, where Corinth was located, he would start to proclaim the gospel, then stop short in amazement. Still echoing down the canyons and through the streets was the word of the Lord spoken by the Thessalonian believers. Their Christianity was contagious and spreading faster than Paul could travel.” —Swindoll, Contagious Christianity
- What do these verses say about the church/body of Christ?
Romans 12:4-5
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Hebrews 10:24-25
- God does not intend His followers to live in isolation. He created the church to live and worship in community. Paul commended the faith of the Thessalonian church as a whole, not the individuals. They worked together for the spread of the Gospel!
How do you think the gifts God has given you could be used for your church?
- Pray now that God would use your local church for the spread of the Gospel. Ask God to use your gifts to build up the Body of Christ.