When The Apostle Paul wrote these, the church in Thessalonica  was very young. The Apostle Paul had to leave Thessalonica very early because of persecution, which you can read about in Acts 17 verse 1 to 10: Paul was able to leave Timothy behind to teach and encourage the people.

One of the key issues Paul was writing about is when the Lord would return. Paul emphasizes to explain these matters more clearly and give practical guidance as to how they should live in the meantime.

Christians these days are keen on this issue too, it is not the matter of the Lord’s return we should be concerned about, it will happen in His perfect time, but how we should live in the meantime as well.

A Christian life is one of living the new life Christ Jesus, won for us on the cross. Thus living the life as a testimony, right up to the time the Lord does return.

Key verse 1Thessalonians 5 verse 9 to 11: V9 “For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, V10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or,asleep, we will live together with Him. V11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.”

What comes through more clearly in this letter to the Thessalonians is Paul delight in the church. Paul is like a father watching his child take it’s first steps, full of Joy and love for all their efforts. Paul has strong feelings about the Thessalonian Christians, they are his children, he would be willing to give his life for them . {2 verse 7 and 8}  The news of their faith is of great encouragement to Paul.

Paul is replying to charges leveled at him by his enemies, these same enemies have also been attacking the Thessalonian church. {2 verse 14}. These enemies attacked the church in the same way they attacked Christ Jesus, and indeed, in the same way that they attacked the prophets. {3 verse 15 and 16}.

Paul also teaches about the practical steps needed to live to live a Christian life. He also reiterates his teaching, reminding them of their responsibilities, particularly in the area of sex.

Compared to the pagans who had a very different view on sex, prostitution was not just a feature of society, but also of their religion. Paul reminds the Thessalonians of a need for hard work, constant vigilance and love for one another.

Read Thessalonians and understand the excitement of knowing Jesus Christ will return in His perfect time. We all should live in expectation and in living the life we are all called to live through Him, as an example to a disbelieving world.

God Bless.

O F J.