October 23, 2023 - 1 Thessalonians 1

In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul begins with words of affection for his readers and acknowledgment that they have received the gospel with power. He knows they will face some persecution from their countrymen, even as did those believers in Judea. He longs to see them, but in the meantime, he has sent Timothy to them. He encourages them to continue to walk faithfully.

Back to that “the gospel with power” thing . . . Paul writes, “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5). From time to time, a naysayer will say, “I don’t go to church and I don’t associate with those people because they are a bunch of hypocrites and sinners.” No doubt, all of us, at times, prove to be hypocrites in that we fail to do what we say. But we are always sinners; however, we who are in Christ are redeemed sinners, covered by his blood and striving, though so often so imperfectly, to live as we should. The really good news is that the Thessalonians and we, when we fail, are assured by Paul, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1) and that “neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). We are not perfect but, one day, we will be. Until then, with what joy we testify that we have “received the gospel with power!”

1 I am happy, O my Savior,

For I know that I am Thine,

Thro’ the pure and perfect cleansing

Of Thy precious blood divine:

But my soul would rise still higher,

There are greater joys for me;

I am longing, I am praying

For a closer walk with Thee.

For a closer walk with Thee,

For a closer walk with Thee,

Savior come, abide with me,

I am longing, I am praying,

For a closer walk with Thee. –Fanny Crosby (1885)