1 Thessalonians 1
Word & Power: Walking Through 1 Thessalonians 1 Together
Rooted in Encouragement, Fueled by Prayer
As we opened up 1 Thessalonians 1, we were struck by how refreshingly encouraging this letter is. Unlike many of Paul’s other letters where he’s correcting moral failures or spiritual immaturity, this one reads more like a heartfelt affirmation. The church in Thessalonica was getting it right—and Paul, along with his trusted companions Silas and Timothy, wanted them to know how grateful they were.
We see this immediately in verse 2:
“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.”
That’s powerful. Paul didn’t just casually say he’d pray—he was actually lifting them up regularly. It’s a convicting reminder for us. How often do we say, “I’ll pray for you,” and then forget?
We’ve created systems in our home to keep prayer front and center—a chalkboard in the bathroom with names, needs, and global issues. Maybe your system looks different. A journal. Sticky notes. A text reminder. Whatever it is, let’s commit to being people of continual prayer, just like Paul. The church doesn’t need more promises—it needs praying people.
Know Your Why: Faith, Love, and Hope
Paul lays out a beautiful triad in verse 3:
“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
In today’s world, everyone talks about “knowing your why.” Why do we get up and grind? Why do we serve or give or parent or lead?
Paul reminds us: it’s faith, love, and hope that keep us going.
Faith produces real work—we act because we trust God is at work.
Love drives our labor—not obligation, but genuine affection for God and others.
Hope fuels endurance—even when it’s hard, we press on because Jesus is coming again.
We’re learning that remembering our story—how God met us, changed us, and is still growing us—keeps that “why” fresh. Sometimes, we need to re-evangelize ourselves, preaching the gospel back to our own hearts.
Word and Power: Not Either/Or, But Both/And
Verses 4–5 stop us in our tracks:
“For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.”
This is not just about talking the talk. The message of Jesus comes with power—through the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. And we’ve seen it!
We’ve had mountaintop moments (literally!) where the Spirit moved in tangible ways—tears, trembling, prophetic words spoken with courage and love. We’ve also seen the slower, steady work of the Spirit—softening hearts over months, even years. Both are valid. Both are needed.
This isn’t about hype. It’s about a living relationship with the living God—one where our theology is rooted in Scripture and our lives are marked by Spirit-led obedience. Word and power.
A Life That Echoes
Paul says in verses 6–8:
“You became imitators of us and of the Lord... And so you became a model to all the believers... your faith in God has become known everywhere.”
We all need someone to imitate. We catch faith more than we’re taught it. It’s modeled in how someone opens their Bible in the morning. How they practice Sabbath. How they navigate marriage or parent their kids or face suffering.
We want to be a community that lives the faith out loud—not as performance, but as an invitation. Not as spiritual elites, but as humble imitators of Jesus who say, “Come walk with me.”
Our prayer is that our lives, like the Thessalonians, would echo the gospel. Not just in our church, but out into the streets, homes, workplaces, and cities we’re part of.
Living in the Tension of Waiting
The chapter closes with this:
“You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven… Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.”
Here’s the final encouragement: we’re not done yet. We’re waiting for Jesus to return, yes—but not passively. We live in active, joyful expectation. We keep turning from idols. We keep serving. We keep telling our stories. We keep growing in word and in power.
This is the kind of church we want to be. The kind of life we want to live.
So let’s walk this out—together.
Quick Questions for Reflection:
Who are you praying for regularly?
What system helps you stay faithful in prayer?
What is your “why” for following Jesus?
Where are you seeing the Spirit at work—in power or in process?
Who’s watching your life and imitating your faith?
Let’s be a people who echo the gospel—not just in word, but in power, in joy, and in love.
Grace and peace, friends.
