On Sunday, January 26th, we resumed our sermon series on the Apostle Paul’s Epistles, focusing on 1 Thessalonians. Paul wrote this letter to the church in Thessalonica just months after starting it. While he preached for three Sabbath days in the local synagogue (Acts 17:2), most scholars believe he spent about three months there.
Paul’s ministry impacted both Jews and Gentiles, many of whom had turned from idolatry (1 Thessalonians 1:9). He wrote to encourage the Thessalonians, knowing they faced persecution and were exposed to false teachings. He emphasized that spiritual growth is motivated by hope in Christ's return and that true change comes from walking in the power of God’s Spirit.
For us today, if our faith feels stale, Paul’s letter offers a remedy. Its focus on Christ’s return provides encouragement and hope amid suffering, guiding us toward spiritual maturity. By holding onto our hope in Christ, we can embrace outcomes like avoiding immorality, appreciating those who serve, refusing to repay evil with evil, and giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 4:3–7; 5:12–23). Every Christian should expect to grow in holiness throughout their life!
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