You are witnesses, and so is God, of how devoutly, righteously, and blamelessly we
conducted ourselves with you believers. 1 Thessalonians 2:10
In the first section of his letter to the Church at Thessalonica, Paul reminds the people of just how
he knows that their fellowship there is a work of The Holy Spirit and not of men. He knew that they were
the genuine article, because of the evidence that came as a result of their conversion.
We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by FAITH,
your labor motivated by LOVE, and your endurance inspired by HOPE in our LORD
Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (emphasis added)
You see, it was their faith, hope, and love that identified them as true believers. Their witness,
that came as a result of these three things, was in itself living proof that God had done a mighty work in
the city of Thessalonica. In spite of severe pressure and persecution, the church had “kept the faith”, as it
went about boldly proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.
Contrary to what some may think, it is not the work of the church to change the government, enforce
the law, or right every wrong in society. Paul did not journey to Thessalonica in order to bring about some
social change or right some societal wrong. He went there to plant a church! Our commission is to
MAKE DISCIPLES, wherever we go. The more people that we win to Christ, the better the place in which
we live will become. As I am writing this, I cannot help but be saddened by the state of America today. It
has become a haunt for every demonic spirit imaginable. We will not solve this tragedy by voting for the
right politician. The state of our nation can only be made right by genuine remorse for our sin and
humbly turning to God in repentance.