Tuesday, February 24, 2009

I read through 1 Thessalonians this morning. Some thoughts . . .

Almost everyone will tell you Paul wrote this letter, but it’s actually written by Paul, Silas and Timothy. So there was a team! "We", "us" and "our" are the words that fill the letter. There are only two times in the 5 chapters that the word "I" is used, referencing Paul. We keep trying to be superheros for Jesus when God is trying to form a team with it's strength being the unity shared in Christ.

These passages from 1 Thessalonians showed that at the core of the Gospel, is about living ‘life together’.

1 Thessalonians 1:4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

1 Thessalonians 2:6 We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7 but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.