I love the book of 1 Thessalonians because it reveals a spiritually renewing culture. The life of this church was marked by its work of faith, their labor of love, and their steadfast hope. When the gospel came to them, the Holy Spirit brought deep conviction, and the power of God to save souls was evident. In submitting to Christ and modeling the life of the Apostle Paul, they became a life-giving community. They also became a compelling testimony of the grace of God. This was reflected in their lives, relationships, and conduct. It shaped their passions and priorities. The joy of the Lord rang out from them and the fruit of this spiritually renewing culture had a far-reaching impact.
2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, 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. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because 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. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 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 1:2-8
Do you see the essential elements of this spiritually renewing culture? This is true for us today. The power of the Gospel is alive! We have incredible hope. The joy of the Lord is our strength. It sustains us and refreshes us. As we imitate Christ, the culture of our church is shaped by our convictions and our commitment to Him. This is reflected in the grace we extend, the love we show, the honor we give, the compassion we share, the disciples we make, and the example we set.
First, let’s pursue Christ. Let’s delight ourselves in Him. Let’s exchange the futile ways of the world and desire His presence. Let’s look heavenward with an eternal perspective. Everything we need, Jesus is!
9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
Next, let’s pursue biblical community. Let’s devote ourselves to one another. Let’s be known by our love. Let’s demonstrate care and concern and be a life-giving community. Let’s be an example of the grace of God.
7 But we were gentle[c] among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. 11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
A spiritually renewing culture is shaped by how we disciple one another. It’s the mindset we establish, the vulnerability we exhibit, the humility we model. Disciples exhort and encourage one another to live a life worthy of God for the glory of God. We submit to the authority of God’s Word and submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Our prayers bind us to the heart of God and to one another.
Finally, let’s pursue our commission. As we are dependent on the Holy Spirit, our lives will be refreshed as the gospel is proclaimed. As souls respond with repentance and faith, we will rejoice with the angels in heaven. We have a compelling mission, and this Christmas season grants us an extraordinary opportunity to share the love, joy, hope, and peace found in Christ. Demonstrate it with your words and deeds. Share your testimony of how you turned from idols (your sin and self) and embraced the true and living God. A church united in spirit and purpose magnifies the name of Jesus and seeks to make Him famous.
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