1 Thessalonians 1.  Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is a celebration of what happens when the Lord Jesus Christ comes. When he first comes into the lives of people in a community…

1. they become people of faith – repenting of their idolatry and choosing to serve the living and true God (9). They experience the power of the Holy spirit which brings conviction and joy (5-6).
2. they become people of love for the lost. Although sometimes persecuted for their faith, they proclaim the gospel with the joy of the Holy Spirit (6). Propelled by love for the lost, their faith goes forth everywhere (8).
3. they become people of hope. Not satisfied with the transformed life they now have, the await Christ’s second coming, and the complete deliverance from God’s wrath to come (10).

LORD, come into our hearts fully, and manifest the faith, love and hope so that those who still seek you can find you in us. Change us into people of faith, who love the lost enough to labor in the midst of affliction, and whose hope is firmly set upon your return.