In
these five verses, Paul showed us several features about the Thessalonians. He referred
to them as a church. The term “church” for this community of people in
Thessalonica simply means, “an assembly of people called out from the world
into a relationship with God.” The church therefore is made up of people called
out of the world into God’s marvelous family. Paul addressed them as the church
“… in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ ….” This suggests that the source
of life of this community is God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This
also suggests to us that the church is a community that has God as the Father
and Jesus as the Lord.
Secondly,
we are told that the church in Thessalonica was characterized by three vital
ingredients: faith, hope and love (v.3). Paul gave thanks for the church in
Thessalonica and prayed for the Thessalonians, as he remembered these three
features that they demonstrated constantly. They showed “… work of faith, labor
of love and steadfastness of hope ….” Faith is essentially directed toward God,
love toward others and hope toward the future, especially the Second Coming of
Christ. Faith is not passive belief. It always produces good works. That’s why
Paul called it the work of faith. Similarly, love is not just mere
sentimentality. It always results in the willingness to labor for others. Like
faith and love, hope is also active. It always generates anticipation in the
return of the Lord Jesus Christ. This will help to develop patience, and a
strong and fortified mind, in the face of opposition.
Thirdly, the Thessalonians were people
loved and chosen by God (v.4). The apostle called them “… beloved by God,”
meaning that God loved them. We who are called into fellowship with God through
His Son, the Lord Jesus, are also the beloved of God. Paul also called them God’s
chosen. They were chosen because they made a positive response to the Gospel.
Besides, their active lifestyles of faith, love and hope, proved conclusively
that they were God’s chosen.
Like them, we believers are also called,
loved and chosen of God. And He expects us to show works of faith, labor of
love and steadfastness of hope as well. He had called us into the Kingdom not
just to enjoy His blessings but to share them. He has called us into relationship
with Christ, so that He can change and horn us, and make us instruments that
will effectively reflect faith, love and hope. So let’s shine for Him!
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