The reason we do something is as important as what we do. It is entirely possible to do the right thing for the wrong reason. In speaking of the judgment, Jesus said, “Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’” (Matthew 7:22-23)
In contrast to this, the Apostle Paul writes in chapter 1, verses 2 and 3 of his first inspired letter to the church at Thessalonica, “We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father.”
Paul had no hesitation in thanking God for these people because they had the right motivation for the things they did. The first thing Paul mentions is their “work of faith”. There is a great difference between works done in order to gain salvation or God’s favor and work produced by faith. Many people do all kinds of righteous things hoping to make up for the sins they have committed and to earn a place in heaven. Scripture makes it plain, however, that this is impossible. We can never do more good than God expects of us in order to make up for the wrongs which we have done. The followers of Christ at Thessalonica were not doing good works in order to gain salvation. On the contrary, their good works were a natural outcome or expression of the saving faith which they already had. As James writes, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.” (James 2:26) Their works were evidence of their faith, not a substitute for it.
A second thing for which Paul thanked God was their “labor of love”. This refers to actions or deeds which are carried out from the desire to extend love to someone else. The followers of Christ wish to demonstrate the same kind of love to other people which God has shown to them. This may involve doing things which are even disagreeable or unpleasant in order to let someone know that God loves them. In this they follow the example of Christ. He said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:12-13)
The followers of Christ at Thessalonica also had hope. Their hope gave them endurance. As we shall see, hope enables the followers of Christ to wait for Christ’s return, and sustains them during times of grief.
In judging the health and effectiveness of churches, people consider the size of the attendance, how large the budget is and how many activities there are. But spiritual health cannot be evaluated this way. Instead, the three qualities Paul mentions in regard to the church at Thessalonica, faith, hope, and love, are the key. If a church abounds in these, then it is a healthy and vibrant church, no matter how small and poor it may be. If it lacks these qualities, then it is a failure, regardless of how large or wealthy it is.
What is the basis of faith, hope and love? In verses 4 through 6 Paul continues, “We know, brothers loved by God, that you are chosen, and that our Good News came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we showed ourselves to be among you for your sake. You became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,”
The followers of Christ at Thessalonica came to faith because they heard and believed the Good News (gospel). As it says in another place, “…faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17) What is the gospel? Simply put, the gospel is the news, “…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
The gospel is more than just words. The people at Thessalonica could see for themselves the assurance (NIV, “deep conviction”) of Paul and his companions. They were able to believe the gospel because they saw that those who preached it to them believed it. Once they believed, they knew they were chosen by God because they also experienced the joy that only comes from the Holy Spirit. They experienced the power of God which gives new life to a believer and enables him to turn from evil. As Scripture says, “But if the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11)
It is not enough to merely hear the gospel. Belief involves putting what is heard into practice. As Jesus said, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46) The believers at Thessalonica not only heard the gospel, they changed the way they lived. They saw the love of Christ in the lives of Paul and his companions. Because they saw the gospel being lived, they were able to model their own lives according to that example. When people look at us what kind of example do they see? If they were to imitate us, would they be living a joy-filled life? Conversely, what kind of example do we follow? Do we model our lives after those who show the love of Christ, or do we chase after the glamor of the world?
Living for Christ is not always easy. Jesus never promised that His followers would not experience hardship or pain. Paul writes that the believers at Thessalonica experienced “much affliction” (NIV, “severe suffering”). Notice, however, that suffering did not destroy their joy. Joy does not depend on circumstances. The reason is that joy comes from the Holy Spirit. When one yields his life to Christ, Christ grants him the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit. One of the fruits of the Spirit is joy. If joy is lacking in our lives, we should ask ourselves whether Christ’s Spirit is at work in us.