Thank you for joining us as we go through this study of 1&2 Thessalonians. As per usual, the
comments are going to be based out of the NKJV. We are going to begin by reading 1 Thess
1:1-4
In this chapter, Paul praises this congregation as one that has a mighty testimony. Not only
are they influencing those around them, but they also, unusually, have a testimony and an
impact in faraway places. This is what G-d wants for His people. He wants to use us to be a
blessing to those around us, but to also be a blessing to others outside of our usual sphere
of influence (eg. Bringing Biblical truth to others while we are travelling etc). We need to be
faithful to share G-d’s Word with whomever we encounter. We need to have an expectation
that as we share G-d’s truth with others great things are going to happen.
v1: Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy: This epistle begins by telling us who the authors of it are.
Paul’s name is mentioned first, which means that he is probably the primary author.
• Silvanus: Some Bibles translate his name as ‘Silas’.
• G-d the Father and the L-rd Messiah Yeshua: Frequently in this epistle G-d is
referred to as Father and Yeshua is referred to as L-rd. A father is a provider. When
G-d is revealed in the Scripture as ‘Father’ it is a reminder to us that He provides
those things that we need to serve Him, to walk with Him, to live in this world. The
way that we find access to these things is by recognizing Yeshua, not just that He is
our Saviour but that He is our L-rd – we recognise the authority of Yeshua in our
lives, and we submit to His authority. When we recognize the authority of Messiah it
brings about G-d’s provision in our lives.
• Grace: Grace moves us into the will of G-d. It saves us, but after salvation it moves in
our lives to mature us and compel us to be in G-d’s will.
• Peace: Peace is the outcome, the by-product or result, of being in G-d’s will.

v2: Give thanks … always: There is a consistency to the prayers of these three men. They are
continuing to affirm this G-dly congregation, that G-d is using beyond their normal
boundaries.
• Our prayers: These are men of prayer. They pray without ceasing (always), they pray
daily, and they pray for others (as they rejoice in seeing the growth, maturity and
testimony of the congregations of G-d as He works within them).
v3: Work of faith: Faith is not idle; it works in order to produce an outcome (James 2:14-26).
The work that faith does is good deeds – deeds that manifest faith. When we are walking in
faith, we are going to be doing the work of G-d. We cannot do His work without faith.
Faith is related to truth. When we put truth into our lives it becomes an action. We are
servants of G-d. A servant of G-d DOES G-d’s work.
• Labour of love: They are not working or labouring for G-d out of a sense of
obligation/duty or compulsion. They desire to do the work of the L-rd. It is a joy for
them. They love to do it.
• Patience/perseverance: Endurance. Staying the course.
In this chapter, Paul praises this congregation as one that has a mighty testimony. Not only
are they influencing those around them, but they also, unusually, have a testimony and an
impact in faraway places. This is what G-d wants for His people. He wants to use us to be a
blessing to those around us, but to also be a blessing to others outside of our usual sphere
of influence (eg. Bringing Biblical truth to others while we are travelling etc). We need to be
faithful to share G-d’s Word with whomever we encounter. We need to have an expectation
that as we share G-d’s truth with others great things are going to happen.
v4: Election: This is a very important Biblical term that simply means ‘chosen’. When
Messiah used this term, He spoke primarily of the Jewish people (the descendants of Jacob)

• those who were in covenant with G-d. When Paul speaks about election, he is speaking
  about it in regard to all believers – Jew and Gentile alike. Many people falsely teach that G-d
  (who does not desire anyone to go to hell – Ezekiel 33:11, 2 Peter 3:9) chooses some and
  rejects others. They say that to those whom He chooses He gives irresistible grace –
  meaning: grace that causes them (forces them) to be regenerated, which then leads to them
  having faith in G-d and not rejecting Him.
  Biblically, it is salvation that leads to regeneration – not the other way around. It is only
  AFTER salvation, once we are IN Messiah, that we are called ‘chosen, elect’ etc. Election
  does not apply to those who do not have faith in Yeshua.