1 Thess 1:9-10

In 1 Thessalonians chapter one, Paul writes about some characteristics of the Christian life that are not considered as often as other. In the third verse, he remembers three things about the Thessalonians. First, there is their "work of faith," then comes their "labor of love," and finally their "patience of hope." These in turn are wrapped up in "our Lord Jesus Christ." God sees the labor of his people. He is aware of their patence, trials and subsequent needs. Any work, trial or suffering on the part of the Christian does not go unnoticed by God.

But there is a second triad of things in this chapter upon which we focus, and these are found in verses 9-10. These three things describe well some traits of the Christian. What are they? what sort of lives do God's people live?

First, they are a turning people, or a people who have turned from one thing to another (v. 9). This implies a change in the life, for when a man turns to God he becomes a changed man. Here Paul specifically says what they had turned from - idols. These people were from a pagan background, and so idolatry was a part of their lives. But now they have turned from these. This turning to God presupposes repentance, for a vital element in repentance is change. Men steer a dangerous course unless they are made aware of the need to turn from the course of human wisdom to God. Repentance produces that "mid-course" correction in the life, leaving a former way of life that will lead only to destruction, and begin one that points him toward God. We often hear that "so-and-so is a changed man." In spiritual matters, being a "changed man" is vital if one would be right with God. Paul calls such a man a "new creature", or a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17, ASV). Here then is one vital thing we learn from out text - a turning to God is necessary.

Then Paul moves on to speak about a serving people. "Serve" here derives from doulos, the word for a bondservant. A person in this condition is one who will "obey one's commands and render service due" (Thayer). Paul has already shown (v. 3) that such service is characterized by five things, viz., their "work of faith, labor of love, patience in hope, in the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the sight of God." What this should say to us is simply that a Christian is a servant! Paul considered himself such (Rom. 1:1). Peter, as well as Jude so considered themselves (2 Pet. 1:1; Jude 1). Not only does the Christian serve God, but he serves his fellow man (Matt. 25:35-46). True greatness depends not on being served, but in one being a servant.

Third, the Thessalonians were a waiting people (v. 10). Paul said they "wait(ed) for His Son from heaven" (v. 10). This again takes us back to verse three and the matter of patience. The Thessalonians seemed to think the Lord's return was imminent, and seem to sorrow because they feared their departed dead would not find a place with the Lord when he came again. And so Paul encourages them to wait; to be patient. However, let it be known they were not to be idle while waiting, and this is where the serving part comes in. One day God will send his Son from heaven. Knowing that, let us learn patience, and serve him while we wait.

Few passages in the Bible describe for us the character of God's people in such a unique way. We normally think of character traits like faith, love morality, etc. But the three qualities of life that Paul describes in our text are also important. Let us learn them well.

"TURNING ..."