By Kevin Shrum
Pastor, Inglewood Baptist Church, Nashville
Focal Passage: I Thessalonians 1:1-10
Have you ever filled out a job application? More than likely you needed a list of references. You would select those who know you best, trusted people, friends, or co-workers. These references would vouch for your character and work ethic. As the Apostle Paul begins writing 1 Thessalonians, he introduces two of his co-workers, Silvanus and Timothy, vouching for their spiritual credentials, emphasizing those spiritual characteristics that vouch for spiritual maturity and genuine faith.
Partnership, I Thessalonians 1:1. Paul introduces Silvanus and Timothy as gospel partners. They were not only partners with the believers at Thessalonica, but partners with “God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ” (verse 1). Further, the currency of this partnership was “grace” and “peace.” In essence, Paul wanted to make sure that we understand that gospel partnership is an essential characteristic that recommends us to God, the Church, and the world. Though different in giftings and aptitudes, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy were not adversaries, but gospel partners.
Evidence, I Thessalonians 1:2-5a. Paul lays out the evidence for his claim in verses 2-5a. They were — as were the members of the church at Thessalonica — people of prayer, faith, love, patience, and hope all wrapped up in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The electing grace of God had given them the knowledge of their security in Christ, an assurance vouched for “in the Holy Ghost” (verse 5a.), enabling them to join in gospel partnership with confidence and boldness.
Those who receive the approval of God are those who give evidence of genuine faith. We can’t just say we believe; we must give evidence of genuine faith. Jesus said as much in Matthew 7:20 that you would know the true believer by the spiritual fruit they bear and by their desire to do the will of God (Matthew 7:21).
Influence, I Thessalonians 5b-8. But what kind of influence did these men wield? Their gospel influence was “for your (the church) sake” (verse 5b.) to the degree that they “became followers of us, and of the Lord” (verse 6). As a result, the believers at Thessalonica were examples to other Churches in word and faith.
The influence of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy was not self-serving, but for the benefit of others, namely, “to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia” (verse 7).
It is easy for us to use our influence in self-serving ways. We can leverage our power for self-advancement. Yet God calls us to use our influence to advance the kingdom of God and the spiritual development of others. The kind of faith that commends itself to God and to others is the kind of faith that is selfless, sacrificial, and Christ-centered.
Purpose, I Thessalonians 5:9-10. Three outcomes emerged as a result of their gospel influence. First, sinners turned from idols to God. It’s called repentance. Second, they began serving the true and living God. Third and finally, they began living life in light of the second coming of the resurrected Lord who delivers sinners from God’s wrath and judgment.
This is why we might say of Paul, Silvanus and Timothy, what a resume with references! To sum it up, gospel partners, evidenced by godly living served the purpose of influencing others to follow Jesus Christ. B&R