Dr. Ben Stubblefield
Visiting Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Confronted
1 Thessalonians 2:13–20
The war in Ukraine is forcing nations to pick sides. Will they support Russia? Or Ukraine? Even Switzerland, which typically abides by its historic position of neutrality during international conflict, has supported sanctions against Russia.
The reality of the 21st century global economy makes political neutrality simply untenable. We have no choice but to choose.
The ministry of the gospel is no different. The claims of a risen and returning Christ confront us: Will we receive or reject Jesus as Lord? We can’t defer, delay or deflect. The stakes are too high and the consequences too important.
Here, Paul contrasts two responses to his ministry in Thessalonica and reaffirms his deep passion for this church to fulfill their commitment to live out the gospel.
Received (13–14)
It was not uncommon for Paul to be dismissed as a sophist, a madman or a fool. So the Thessalonians’ joyful acceptance of the gospel produced in the apostle a heart of thanksgiving.
Notice also that they welcomed the Word, “which also performs its work in you.” Paul knew it wasn’t his wisdom or eloquence that changed the Thessalonians. Rather, it was the power of the divine Word, rooted now within them.
There’s a role for clever marketing in church life; there’s a place for well-designed websites and well-curated social media platforms; there’s something to say for dynamic worship music and charismatic pastors. It’s exciting to be part of a well-run organization. But if the word of Christ is not received in our hearts, we ought not to expect the work of Christ to be revealed in our lives.
Our wisdom won’t change anybody; we need the Word from above.
Rejected (15–16)
Of course, not all welcomed the gospel. There was, Paul notes, significant opposition to Kingdom work from the church’s beginning in Judea to its arrival in Thessalonica, and it will continue wherever the gospel is preached.
The church there didn’t experience just a minor obstacle. Opponents aggressively harassed, threatened and hindered them. This decision comes with a high cost. Consider the stunning promise of God’s wrath upon them: Their rejection and antagonism of the Lord fills “the measure of their sins.”
The invitation to follow Jesus doesn’t come with a rain check. There’s no middle way, no neutrality and no opportunity to serve two masters. You are His follower or His foe. He has either forgiven your sins or you are “filling up your measure” of them.
Focused (17–20)
Despite their hardship, Paul and his companions express their affection and determination to reunite with the Thessalonians. Indeed, the progress of the church gives Paul encouragement: They are his “hope,” “joy,” “glory” and “crown of exaltation.”
We probably all get a pick-me-up when we hear from others that we’ve done well. But most people get a super boost of happiness when they hear someone say their children have done well. It’s a snippet of confirmation that, just maybe, they’ve done something right, and it’s good motivation to keep at it.
Church life can be sometimes frustrating, sometimes toilsome, sometimes thankless. But we can draw fresh fuel when we remember how the Lord is at work in the lives of those impacted through us. The Lord has used you to change someone’s life for eternity! What a privilege, and what a reason to keep “weeping, sowing for the Master,” for we shall soon come “rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.”
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