READ: 1
Thessalonians 1
One
thing can be said of Paul is that his main method of evangelism and
discipleship was through relationship. Chapter 1 gives us a glimpse into the
kind of relationship Paul had with the believers in Thessalonica. He had lived
with them, worked with them, preached to them, and loved them. Not only did his
relationship with them grow while he was with them, we see that his concern and
love for them continued long after he wasn’t with them anymore.
Paul
could have thought of himself as their leader. He could have treated them like
students. Both of those would have been totally appropriate because he was
ministering to them. But he didn’t. Paul had learned to love them. He was
friends with them as well. To Paul, ministry was not separate from
relationships. Relationships were his ministry.
Paul
encourages them and gives them praise for having done well. He has heard that
they are living the same way he did when he lived with them. They are imitating
his lifestyle. He has gotten great reports back from people who know about
these believers and he wants to let them know he’s proud of them.
What
a blessing it must have been for Paul and his missionary companions to hear
about the faith of their new little church in Thessalonica. Not only had they
witnessed the powerful conviction and salvation first hand, now they were
hearing reports about it. What started as a powerful conversion was bearing the
fruit of lifestyle change and even more evangelism.
The
faith of the Thessalonians was powerful, authentic, and effective. Paul says
their faith came with a conviction of the Holy Spirit. They didn’t just ‘slip’
into faith, they were powerfully impacted by the Holy Spirit. Their faith was
so authentic and permeated every part of their lives that they became examples
to other believers. Their saving belief in Jesus meant they no longer
worshipped idols and they proclaimed their message to others. The effects of
their faith were reaching far and wide.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1. Take a few
minutes to think about the people in your life you are already in relationships
with (co-workers, neighbours, colleagues, family, etc.). How many of them are
not believers? Ask the Lord to speak to you about building into these relationships
with the purpose of demonstrating Christ to them. Ask Him to help you transform
your view of ministry into one of relationships.
2. Ask the Lord
to speak to you and encourage you with what you are doing well. Listen to Him
speak words of life to you today. Write down what He says and thank Him for
seeing the truth in your heart. Ask God what one thing you have changed or
started or stopped since giving Him control of your life that is evidence of
your authentic faith in Him.
3. Take time
right now to ask the Lord to make you an effective witness in your circle of
influence. Pray for courage to live according to His plan. Pray for a filling
of His Spirit to give you motivation and love to impact others for Christ.
