Calvary Road Baptist Church
THE APOSTLE PAUL’S NEW CONVERTS TRAINING MANUAL
First Thessalonians
Lesson #3
by
John S. Waldrip
Classical Baptist Press
319 West Olive Avenue
Monrovia, CA 91016
February 2024
NEW CHRISTIANS LESSON #3
INTRODUCTION:
We previously learned who the human author of First Thessalonians was, that Paul wrote his letter to new Christians, and that the optimum position to be in to receive a blessing from this letter was to be a believer, #1, to be Scripturally baptized, #2, and to be a member of a solid Bible believing and Christ-exalting Church, #3.
We now begin our study of First Thessalonians in earnest. But first, have you completed the homework assignment? Have you parents read portions of First Thessalonians to your kids? Those of you who will do the homework and develop godly disciplines will receive much more significant benefits from this study than those who did not do the reading assignment.
Remember what James 1.22 says:
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
Turning to our study, though you will see it for yourselves as we progress, chapter one is Paul’s account of his team’s work of faith in the city of Thessalonica. Precisely, what is the work of faith Paul refers to? You will discover that as we read along.
Taking my word for it, for just a few moments, that this chapter deals with Paul’s work of faith, what does chapter one teach us about Paul’s work of faith? Three things.
1A. PAUL’S WORK OF FAITH (1.2-10)
1B. First, Paul’s Work Of Faith Resulted In Prayers Of Thanks (1.2-4)
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
Thanksgiving to God is essential to the spiritual Christian’s life. Spiritual people are grateful people. Grateful people tend to be more spiritual.
1C. Thankful for the fruits of their election (1.2-3)
These “fruits” or evidence of election should be found in your life as much as Paul found them in theirs. They form the basis for our assurance of one’s salvation.
1D. Their work of faith. Consider what “work of faith” is in practical terms.
2D. Their labor of love. Consider what “labor of love” is in practical terms.
3D. Their patience of hope. Consider what “patience of hope” is in practical terms.
2C. Thankful for the fact of their election (1.4)
1D. Their selection was known, “knowing.”
How did Paul “know” God elected (or chose) the Thessalonian Church members? The apostle saw their work of faith, their labor of love, their patience of hope. Their behavior convinced him they were chosen by God and had come to faith in Christ.
2D. Their selection led to them becoming family, “brethren.”
3D. Their selection led to them becoming loved, “beloved.”
2B. Second, Paul’s Work Of Faith Required The Power Of God (1.5)
“For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.”
Paul was not a physically powerful man like Simon Peter. But he did have a mighty God who used him significantly.
Paul rehearsed to his readers,
1C. The coming of the Gospel to Thessalonica,
1D. The Word of God 2D. The power of God
3D. The Spirit of God 4D. The assurance of God
2C. The knowledge of the Thessalonians.
They witnessed Paul’s commitment to glorifying God and exalting the Savior through his preached message and his life. The same should be said of every Gospel minister and every Christian who witnesses to the lost.
3B. Finally, Paul’s Work Of Faith Resulted In Productive Lives (1.6-10)
6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Note that the newly converted Thessalonians were not only active but productive. Activity is no substitute for productivity. They accomplished meaningful things for their newfound Lord.
1C. Notice their “work of faith” (1.6-8)
1D. They “became followers of us, and of the Lord” (1.6)
2D. They became examples “to all that believe” (1.7)
3D. They became speakers throughout the region (1.8)
2C. Notice their “labor of love” (1.9)
1D. Paul could see it by their turning, “ye turned to God from idols.”
2D. Paul could see it by their ministry, “to serve the living and true God.”
3C. Notice their patience of hope, “to wait” (1.10)
1D. Patience is seen in commitment (“waiting”)
2D. Hope is born of knowledge: Hope is not wishful thinking but confidence,
1E. That Jesus is coming!
2E. That His wrath is coming, from which we are saved.
CONCLUSION:
If Paul was thankful for their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope, what do you think the other chapters of this letter will concentrate on? Chapter 1, focusing on the results of his work of faith, leads into the rest of the letter dealing with his labor of love and patience of hope. But let’s wrap up our study of this chapter.
If patience involves waiting and hope refers to looking to some future event, then verse 10 is Paul’s explanation of the patience of hope first mentioned in verse 3.
If Paul explains labor of love in verse 9 to be serving God, then the work of faith must be what is referred to in verse 8. And what is a modern-day term for work of faith? Evangelism!
Paul has shown in his first chapter that the Christian life is simple for the new believer to grasp. There is nothing overly complex about it at all. There is the work of faith. There is the labor of love. There is the patience of hope. That is what is seen.
Reach the lost, minister to the saints, and hold out until Jesus comes. But what cannot be seen? What does Paul subtly teach undergirds all this? Prayer.
What can be seen is so important. What is seen is what wins and instructs and testifies. But the secret part of the Christian’s life brings down the power to do these things, which can be seen. Do these things, to be sure, but also pray much.
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HOMEWORK:
“Work of faith”
1. Pray as a family for five new people to add to the salvation prayer list you pray for.
2. Give testimonies to family members of opportunities to share your faith.
“Labor of love”
1. Parents can compliment kids on behavior that shows character, showing what an encouragement it is.
2. Parents look for opportunities to compliment other parents on their kids’ behavior.
“Patience of hope”
1. Read Acts 16.19-25 together as a family to appreciate Paul and Silas’ patience of hope.
2. Read Revelation chapters 21 and 22 to bolster your patience of hope.
“Thanksgiving”
1. Write 2 or 3 notes, cards, or e-mails, giving thanks to those you are grateful to (friends, neighbors, relatives), showing them how prayer has been answered if possible.
2. Write to one or two of your favorite missionaries, giving thanks to them for their faithful ministries.
Question? Comment?
Would you like to contact Dr. Waldrip about this sermon? Fill out the form below to send him an email. Thank you.