A HIGHLY COMMENDABLE CHURCH I THESSALONIANS 1:1-10

The word ‘commend’ means to be praised.  Paul and his companions in our text had fond memories of this exemplary church.  We need more examples of this model church, for Paul certainly praised God for her.  Thessalonica was a city in Macedonia founded by Cassander, one of the officers of Alexander the Great.  This first epistle was written by Paul from Corinth about A.D. 51, soon after he had left Thessalonica.  Paul’s aim in this letter was to confirm the converts he had made during his second missionary journey.  There were no obvious factions among the Thessalonian believers, thus this church serves as a beautiful model for our present congregations.

Paul had fond memories of this exemplary church because of their spiritual successes in verse 3.  First, he remembered their work of faith.  They exhibited a vibrant trust in God.  Second, he remembered their labor of love.  They actively served others.  Third, he remembered their patience of hope.  They remained steadfast as they anticipated the Second Coming of our blessed Lord.  Certainly, this church should be commended for exhibiting these worthy virtues.  So, according to verse 3, this church was to be commended because it was a worthy church.  Because of their spiritual successes, in verse 3, Paul was assured that the believers were among the elect of God in verse 4.

In verses 5-6, despite the believers being persecuted for their belief, they received the gospel with joy of the Holy Spirit.  They could readily receive the gospel because Paul and co-workers’ preaching among them was supported by their honest report.  It has been often said:  “I’d rather see a sermon lived than preached.”  Our message among others must be backed by a life of purity.  Preaching and a pure life is a powerful testimony!  What we preach must be backed with a life of practice.  In other words, practice what you preach.  In verses 7-9, this church in Thessalonica was truly exemplary for she became a model for other believers in Macedonia and Achaia.  This church was especially noted for being a witnessing church.  The church at Thessalonica shared their faith.  The faith of these believers had spread, for it had been reported that these believers had turned from idols to serve the living and true God (v. 9).

Not only was this commendable church a worthy church (vs. 3-6), and a witnessing church (vs. 7-9), but it was a waiting church (v. 10).  Although these believers were quite active in service, they waited with a sure hope of the coming of Christ from heaven.  Notice that the object of their wait is Jesus Christ.  Even in the midst of their afflictions because of their faith, they waited on the One who died but rose triumphantly for them.  They could wait because their faith was rooted; their love was vibrant; and their hope was sure.

Jesus Christ, the object of our wait, gives us blessed assurance.  I know that He is coming back for His church because the word of God says so.  In the midst of your faith being tried, we have the blessed assurance that He is coming back, for St. John 14:1-3 says – “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”  May God bless!