1 Thessalonians 1

1 Thessalonians 1



Theme: Wait for Christ



Introduction (1:1-10).



Before Paul begins instructing the Thessalonians how to wait for

Christ, he first thanks God for the fruit which is already evident in

their lives: faith, hope, and love (1-3).



They imitated the godly testimony of the missionary team, with joy,

even during a time of "severe" tribulation (6).



They set an example for all the believers in the region (7-8).  2
Cor. 8:1-8

says that in their poverty, they voluntarily gave themselves,
then their

substance, during a time of tribulation, to meet the material
needs of the saints.



They turned to God from idols (9), served Him (9b), and waited
for the return

of Christ from heaven (10).



The fruit they bore showed they were God's elect, and that they
would be saved, by the return of Christ, _from_ (rather than "out
of") the wrath to come

(cf. Rev. 3:10).