Today you should read: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
Thank you for being a faithful Jumpstart reader! We are coming close to the end of our second journey through the entire Bible! I hope that God has used Jumpstart to help take you another step toward becoming a fully devoted follower of His! If God has used Jumpstart in your life – write us a brief note in the comments and let us know.
Today we begin to study 1 Thessalonians. This book was written by Paul (with the help of Silas and Timothy) to the church in Thessalonica (v.1). A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit Thessaloniki, Greece – the site where this church was. It was written toward the end of A.D. 52 from Corinth about 350 miles away.
The story of Paul and Silas’ first visit to Thessalonica is found in Acts 17:1-9. When they traveled there, they began to teach in the synagogue about Jesus’s death and resurrection. Some listened and followed Jesus. Others were jealous and formed a mob to start a riot. Paul and Silas had already left for Berea.
After the greeting in his letter, Paul always begins his letters with encouragement. This one is no exception. Paul tells them that he prays faithfully for them. Then he praises them for three great qualities:
Their Faithful Work
Paul acknowledged the consistent work of faith that these brothers and sisters performed. God gifts each of us with abilities to serve others and expects us to be faithful in using those gifts He has given us.
Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2
Their Loving Deeds
The people in the church of Thessalonica loved others and served them with labor of love. Whether this was providing for physical, emotional, or spiritual – they cared for the people around them.
Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
Their Enduring Hope
They were steadfast in the belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though they were few in number, they stood strong amidst the pressure in the world around them.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
These are great things for us to work for as well. How faithful are you in serving, spending time with God, sharing the incredible message of salvation, and discipling others? Ask God to give you a heart of faithfulness today.
By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor
God is honored when we intentionally seek Him in prayer. As a church, we want dependent prayer to be something that marks us. Use the comment section to post prayer requests and experiences of how God has answered prayer and/or changed you through prayer! If you would like to be enrolled to get weekly prayer reminders, text @cpclex to 81010.
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Thank you Tim and all our staff, present & past, who have faithfully written Jumpstart commentaries six days a week for many years. It’s hard to believe we have been through the entire Bible twice during this time. Jumpstart has been a great supplement to other studies and discipleship materials I have read over the years. I can’t tell you how many times I have read Jumpstart scripture & commentaries and it was as if they had been written specifically for me at that moment in my life. I bet many other readers could say the same thing. (and I hope they will in the comments section). I know our staff has plenty of work to do and Jumpstart commentaries must add to an already overflowing plate. Thank you so much for continuing this important touch point with our church family and beyond. Many times I have shared the link with family & friends who have been blessed by The Word and commentaries.
I echo Mike’s thoughts and thanks! Thank you all for being faithfully in writing and posting jumpstart.
I know much work and preparation goes into each and every Jumpstart entry, and I’m so grateful for the daily posts. I especially appreciate the cultural and other related knowledge that is included in many of the commentaries. Jumpstart is a great “jumping off place” for Bible study. Thank you so much for the faithfulness of CPC staff!!! Love and blessings to each and everyone of you, East and West!
Thank you Mike, Brian, and Lindsay! Thanks for your encouragement and thanks for being faithful readers!