This is a heart-warming passage which reminds us that the gospel creates close family bonds. As people receive Christ, they are born again – becoming children of God (John 1:12) and brothers and sisters to each other (1 Thessalonians 1:4). These are real relationships with genuine desires to see God's blessing come to each other, to support each other in difficulty and a deep longing to be with each other.
Paul's concern for the growing and persecuted church in Thessalonica was heartfelt, like that of a parent for their child (1 Thessalonians 2:11). It was not wrong, nor a sign of Paul's lack of confidence in God: it was the evidence of loving responsibility. The apostle was accountable to God for that church, and Paul wanted to do whatever he could to support and encourage the believers there.
Many believers feel the need of encouragement as they seek to follow Jesus. They look to pastors and teachers in the same way that the early Christians looked to Paul and his apostolic team. There is often a presumption that because God's servants keep on giving sacrificially to their flock, they do not need any encouragement themselves. That is far from true. And if their ministry is supported by your gifts, you have not paid them to be your servants.
The gospel is very good news. Jesus Christ died for our sins and was raised so that we might be without blame or guilt (Romans 4:25). Everybody who believes in Him is born again into God's family to enjoy the privilege of two new relationships: with Him and with all His other children. The Gospel leads to fellowship, a true sharing of hearts and lives which gives believers a deep desire to be together as 'brothers and sisters' (as Paul writes 18 times in this letter) and to serve one another.
Some people think that the Christian's faith is a private matter, to comfort the heart and give hope. It certainly does that, but so much more. The gospel, through which we came to faith, is about glorifying God - as we admit and repent of our sin and receive His new life. How does that glorify God? By giving us a new motivation to live in a different way; a way which will bring glory to God (1 Peter 2:12).
'Sanctify' is an important practical Bible word with a straightforward meaning: 'to set apart for God's use'. Everybody who has received Christ is a child of God (John 1:12). And every child of God is included in His 'family business' (2 Timothy 2:15), to work with Him by drawing strength from Him. As they grow up in the family, they are being shaped by Him, so that they can serve Him in a way which brings Him glory.
The call of God firstly convicts us of our sin (John 16:8) and leads us to Jesus the Saviour. As we repent and receive Him, we receive His Holy Spirit who leads us into all that is true (John 16:13). Thereafter we are continually called to live a holy life (2 Timothy 1:9). That does not mean some sort of religious ritual.
Love is not a feeling but a deep desire which leads to selfless activity. Love urges people to give what they have, their time and energy, to bring pleasure to a loved one. That is true between individuals, within families and also in the family of faith. Paul started this letter commending the church for their reputation of turning away from idols to serve the living God (1 Thessalonians 1:9). Now he says that they also have a reputation for selfless, sacrificial giving to each other.
Greek culture considered that philosophy and thinking were superior to manual work. They loved to spend hours debating rather than engaging in productive work – they had slaves to do the menial tasks. Probably much of the world now thinks the same. High energy executives may cause great disturbance among the workforce as they try out their latest ideas, always seeking a new profitable opportunity.
Death is the last enemy for all human beings (1 Corinthians 15:26). It leaves a trail of sadness even for believers. Loved ones have gone. Their company can no longer be enjoyed, their advice is not available nor can their love be received or reciprocated any more. Grief can be so disorienting; and yet God has provided us with a promise to help us through.
