1 Thessalonians 1:6–10 “A Life Imitating the Lord”

1 Thessalonians 1:6-10 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me – CityAlight
• Shane and Shane – Though You Slay Me
• Blessed Be Your Name – Matt Redman

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Be Like Jesus 3 (Elementary) | Joy and Contentment | Wonder Ink Kids Sunday School Curriculum – Lesson for Kids
• Power Shuffle | True North VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Help Me Jesus | True North VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• My Hope Is In the Lord | True North VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

In verse 5, the apostle says, “You know how we lived among you for your sake,” meaning that they acted “with the joy given by the Holy Spirit despite severe suffering” (v.6). This became an example for the Thessalonians, who also kept their faith during persecution with the joy that the Holy Spirit gives. Because of this, Paul praises them for having “become imitators of us and of the Lord.” Such praise must have encouraged the Thessalonians greatly as they continued to endure suffering for their faith.

The faith of the Thessalonian believers had already become known as an example to other churches (v.7). Macedonia refers to the northern region where Thessalonica was located, and Achaia refers to the southern region of Greece. After leaving Thessalonica, the apostle shared the testimony of the Thessalonian believers while preaching in Berea and Athens (v.8). From the very beginning, they had responded eagerly to the gospel, turning away from idols to serve God. Idols are false and powerless. Still, God is “the living and true God” (v.9). Moreover, they are waiting for the day when Jesus Christ will return to set everything right (v.10). He is the One who “was raised from the dead” and who “rescues us from the coming wrath.”

Paul repeatedly commends the faith of the Thessalonian believers in different ways because persecution against them was ongoing. From the time Paul first visited Thessalonica, the Jews there tried to hinder the spread of the gospel and persecuted those who believed.

Meditation:

Faith in Jesus Christ always carries the possibility of suffering. If a person comes to Jesus Christ expecting to avoid every hardship in life, they will inevitably be disappointed. Of course, faith does remove many of life’s unnecessary pains. A sinful life often brings about avoidable suffering, and through the power of faith, when we turn away from sin, we are freed from much of that suffering. However, not all suffering can be removed because the power of sin is still strong in this world.

The deeper a person’s faith grows, the more differently they live compared to the world, and that difference can lead to greater hardships. If one begins the journey of faith without understanding this reality, they may stumble along the way. The believers in Thessalonica experienced this from the very start of their faith. They understood what it truly meant to follow Jesus; thus, even in the face of trials, they did not abandon their faith. They knew that their suffering was the same kind of suffering that the Lord Himself endured. The Apostle Paul calls this “the sufferings of Christ that are still lacking” (Colossians 1:24). By suffering according to the will of God, we walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. And in those hardships, the Holy Spirit is present with us. This is why they could rejoice even in affliction.

In many ways, following Jesus means willingly walking into suffering. Trials are a natural part of the path of faith. Yet, many misunderstand this, believing faith will lead only to a trouble-free, easy life filled with blessings. Because of this misunderstanding, many Christians today are unprepared for suffering, trembling with fear when it comes, and letting go of their faith in the midst of it. True faith stands firm in the face of suffering, rejoices even in trials, and faithfully follows the Lord.

Prayer:

Lord, we do not like suffering. We want to live peacefully without problems, and we hope that Your power will make it so. But now we see that we were not truly believing in You—we were trying to use You. Oh Lord, heal our unbelief. Teach us to find joy in suffering for Your sake, and let us know You more deeply in the midst of trials. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Following Jesus doesn’t mean life will always be easy. Sometimes we face hard times because we believe in Him. But when we suffer for Jesus, we can still have joy because He is with us, and we are walking in His footsteps.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Why do you think Jesus’ friends sometimes face hard times when they follow Him?
  • How do you think Jesus feels when we choose to keep following Him even when it’s hard?
  • Can you think of a time when you were scared or sad but felt that Jesus was with you?
• Youth
  • Why do you think real faith sometimes leads to suffering instead of comfort?
  • How can knowing that Jesus also suffered help you when you face challenges for your faith?
  • What is one way you can keep your faith strong when life gets difficult or people don’t understand your belief in Jesus?