A people chosen by God

(1 Thessalonians 1:1-5)

In the opening few verses of 1 Thessalonians 1 we see some interesting insights. And it is important not to gloss over these opening statements, as some do, because there are often nuggets of insight and wisdom in them.

Paul’s words show us much about the Thessalonian church. This was a Gentile church as the Thessalonians Church was in Greece.

But the words do not reflect this. Instead, they reflect a greeting to a people chosen by God for His will and His purpose. Let’s look at what these opening words have to say.

A people chosen by God and a Labour of Love

After the initial greetings, Paul remembers the people of the Thessalonians church and recalls how they are a people chosen by God.

He remembers the church and keeps them always in his prayers to God for their strengthening and continuing walk with Jesus Christ. Look at some of the things Paul has to say about the church.

1 Paul, Silva’nus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalo’nians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 1:1-3)

First Paul offers grace and peace in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ, who are the source of the grace in which we stand. Peace is particularly important, both then and now as we struggle against the problems of this world.

Persecution in the early church was quite violent and many of the early Christians suffered physical abuse for the sake of their faith.

Likewise today there are many across the world who are suffering for the faith they hold in Jesus Christ. Some have been executed for the faith, others are reviled and rejected, and others still are persecuted in many other ways.

This is to be expected because it is written that:

12 Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. (2 Timothy 3:12-13)

Yes, in Jesus Christ we must remember at all times that if we are not being persecuted, it will happen at some time.

And that is why Paul so often spoke of the need for peace. It is why Jesus also preached peace. Because if we can remain at peace in the midst of all the persecutions that will arise, nothing can harm us. Neither physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual things can affect us in any way when we stand in the peace we have in Jesus Christ.

And when we have the peace of Christ in us, we are truly a people chosen by God. Based upon Paul’s words it would suggest that the Thessalonian church understood this peace.

Remembering the church in prayer

A second point that we ought to take note of is that Paul also remembered the church constantly in His prayers. When there is a people chosen by God, this is one of the things they ought to do.

Whenever we pray we too should pray for all of God’s people. This is a good thing and is acceptable to the Lord. We need to intercede for all of the church, regardless of where they might meet together, because they are all part of the body of Christ. They are all a people chosen by God.

In fact we are instructed to pray for ALL people and especially those in powerful positions.

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. 3 This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

No person is to be cursed. Even your enemies are to be prayed for. By so doing we prove our love for God knowing that He too loves all people, hoping that they will turn to Him. Jesus has been sent to call the sinners of the world. That means everyone because we have all sinned.

So pray for everyone, especially your brothers and sisters in the broad church. Your brethren are called and are a people chosen by God.

Sure, some of them may be unfaithful. Some may not believe as you do. Some may be under poor teachings ministries and have accepted things that have no biblical basis.

But every Christian, regardless of where they go to church, has Jesus as the foundation of their faith. And only He knows what is truly in their hearts. Jesus will take His people where He wants them to be so that they get the teaching they need. And the more that they and we search, the further He will take us.

We are a people chosen by God and He will ensure we get what we need to grow into Him.

A people chosen by God

Finally we see in the last several verses that Paul calls the church a people chosen by God.

4 For we know, brethren beloved by God, that he has chosen you; 5 for our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5)

How did Paul know they were a people chosen by God?

Because when they preached to the Thessalonian people, the word came with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with full conviction. There was no doubt that they were a people chosen by God because God worked with Paul and his travelling companions as they worked with and taught the people.

Likewise, how do you know you are chosen by God? This is an important thing to think about. Did the word come to you and convict you of the need for a Saviour? Did you receive the Holy Spirit and has the Spirit been at work in your life? Have you seen the power of God in the word that has built you up and carried you through the troubles of this time? Have you found the peace of Christ in your life?

These are all things that you might expect to be signs that go with a people chosen by God. They were certainly all points made in the first few verse of Paul’s letter. And we see in verse 4 that Paul recognised that the church of the Thessalonians were indeed chosen by God.

So how about you? Have you been chosen by God?

Please feel free to comment below if you have any questions regarding this. If you are unsure, drop me a line via email or a comment below so we can discuss this matter further.

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