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Conversion of The Thessalonians - 1 Thessalonians 1
Conversion of The Thessalonians - 1 Thessalonians 1
In his initial preaching in Thessalonica, he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” (Acts 17:2-3). Luke records that “some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women.” Thus began the church in Thessalonica.
In his letter to them, Paul described this conversion: “For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).
Notice the three areas of change in the lives of these disciples. First, they turned to God. This, of course, involves several major changes: a change of thinking, a change of living, a change of conviction, a change of allegiance. Nothing would be the same for them.
Second, in such turning they SERVED God. Their life took on a different purpose. They were now ‘rich in good works’ (1 Tim. 6:18). They served God by serving their brethren in love (Gal. 5:13). This was not a withdrawal from the world, but actively letting the light of gospel shine through them and thus glorify their God.
Third, they waited for Jesus to return. Such waiting, in fact, was a looking for and a longing for the better time ahead. It was the light at the end of the tunnel for them. It was a hope that energized and grounded them in their present living.
Such is the pattern for you. Your conversion was a ‘turning to God’, the leaving of old lifestyles and thinking and being renewed in your thinking. In such a new life, you are to be serving God, being dedicated unto good works. Such a lifestyle has at its base the anticipation of the coming of Jesus and our gathering to be with Him forever. This world is NOT our home, we are just passing through…
Does this describe what happened at your conversion?
Hugh DeLong
