1 Thessalonians 1:6-10
For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. – 1 Thessalonians 1:8
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The new year often begins with resolutions and plans to become better than we were last year. We think about how we want to grow, what habits we hope to build, and what kind of people we want to become. In today’s passage, Paul helps us see what true growth in Christ looks like through the experience of a young church.
The Thessalonian believers were relatively new in the faith when Paul wrote to them. He commends them for becoming “imitators of us and of the Lord” (v.6). Their growth as believers did not come from comfort or ideal conditions. They received the word “in much affliction”, yet with joy that came from the Holy Spirit. Based on their experience, we see that true Christian growth often comes through difficulty and trials, with a deepening dependence on Christ in the midst of it.
As they grew in Christ, their faith did not remain private or inward-looking. Their transformed lives became a testimony to others. Paul says that “the word of the Lord sounded forth” from them, and their faith became known beyond their city (v. 8). Growing in Christ naturally leads to becoming a witness for God through a life that reflects the gospel.
Paul then describes the heart of their transformation. They had “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (v.9). Growing in Christ always involves turning away from what once claimed our loyalty or identity and turning toward God as our true Lord. This requires a daily posture of repentance and surrender, not just a one-time event as some people might think.
As we begin this new year, let us reflect on the kind of growth that we are seeking. As faithful followers of Jesus, let us seek to grow in Christ by imitating Him, witnessing for Him through our lives, even when it is tough, knowing that we have an eternal hope in Him.
Reflection:
As you begin this new year, where is God calling you to grow in Christ? Is there something you need to turn away from and to turn to Him instead?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, as I step into this new year, I want to grow in You. Help me to turn away from idols and to turn to You today. And help me to show Christ in my daily life, that I may be a faithful witness for the gospel, even when it is difficult to do so. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Click to read paasage
The new year often begins with resolutions and plans to become better than we were last year. We think about how we want to grow, what habits we hope to build, and what kind of people we want to become. In today’s passage, Paul helps us see what true growth in Christ looks like through the experience of a young church.
The Thessalonian believers were relatively new in the faith when Paul wrote to them. He commends them for becoming “imitators of us and of the Lord” (v.6). Their growth as believers did not come from comfort or ideal conditions. They received the word “in much affliction”, yet with joy that came from the Holy Spirit. Based on their experience, we see that true Christian growth often comes through difficulty and trials, with a deepening dependence on Christ in the midst of it.
As they grew in Christ, their faith did not remain private or inward-looking. Their transformed lives became a testimony to others. Paul says that “the word of the Lord sounded forth” from them, and their faith became known beyond their city (v. 8). Growing in Christ naturally leads to becoming a witness for God through a life that reflects the gospel.
Paul then describes the heart of their transformation. They had “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (v.9). Growing in Christ always involves turning away from what once claimed our loyalty or identity and turning toward God as our true Lord. This requires a daily posture of repentance and surrender, not just a one-time event as some people might think.
As we begin this new year, let us reflect on the kind of growth that we are seeking. As faithful followers of Jesus, let us seek to grow in Christ by imitating Him, witnessing for Him through our lives, even when it is tough, knowing that we have an eternal hope in Him.
Reflection:
As you begin this new year, where is God calling you to grow in Christ? Is there something you need to turn away from and to turn to Him instead?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, as I step into this new year, I want to grow in You. Help me to turn away from idols and to turn to You today. And help me to show Christ in my daily life, that I may be a faithful witness for the gospel, even when it is difficult to do so. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.