Series Summary
anticipation – noun /an-ti-sə-pā-shən/ – A feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen in the future; the visualization of a future event or state.
Paul’s visit to Thessalonica is described in Acts 17, but his stay there was short due to the jealousy of the Jewish leaders, who incited a mob. Paul moved on to Corinth, where he wrote a letter back to this church that he loved. Because of their persecution, they were looking forward expectantly to the return of Christ, with expectant anticipation for what the future held. This letter is filled with encouragement and insight about growing in godliness and faith, and how spiritual growth should be motivated by their hope in the ultimate return of Jesus Christ.
Although a brief letter, 1 Thessalonians is centered on Paul’s message of hope, encouragement, and preparation for the return of Christ. This epistle, one of Paul’s earliest letters, addresses a young church facing persecution and uncertainty. Paul commends their faith, love, and endurance, but also exhorts them to grow in holiness and remain steadfast as they await Christ’s return. The overarching theme of anticipation provides both a source of comfort and a call to action for believers as they navigate the tension between present challenges and future hope.
Paul begins the letter by expressing his gratitude for the Thessalonians’ vibrant faith, love, and hope in the gospel. He reminds them of how the gospel came to them not only in word but in power, and how they became examples to others in their faithfulness. This sets the stage for the theme of anticipation, as their faith points forward to the ultimate hope of Jesus’ return. Paul emphasizes that the promise of Christ’s return gives meaning to their perseverance and fuels their mission to live as witnesses of God’s transformative power.
The theme of Christ’s return is explicitly addressed in every chapter, culminating in Paul’s detailed description of the second coming in chapter 4. His words are encouraging, and issue a call to live as people of the light, avoiding complacency and spiritual lethargy, and to be watchful and self-controlled as we await the Day of the Lord.
To do so requires the pursuit of holiness and love in our everyday lives as we look for Christ’s return. Anticipation of the second coming is not an excuse for passivity but a motivation for active faith and obedience. Believers are to live with the awareness that their actions have eternal significance, striving to please God in all things.
Anticipation. We live with the same sense of expectancy. Paul’s letter of 1 Thessalonians challenges and encourages Christians to embrace a forward-looking faith that transforms the present while eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ.
Sermon Summary
In 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12, Paul paints a picture of deep, sacrificial love by comparing his ministry to that of a nurturing mother caring for her children. He emphasizes that his approach to the Thessalonians was not one of authority or control but of gentle, selfless love and devotion. This passage reminds us that Christian love is not just about words or intentions but about genuine care, kindness, and personal investment in the lives of others. Paul’s example challenges believers to cultivate relationships marked by patience, humility, and sincere concern for the well-being of others.
Paul goes on to highlight his willingness to share not only the gospel but also his very life with the Thessalonians, demonstrating that true love requires both spiritual and personal sacrifice. He did not seek personal gain or recognition but worked tirelessly to ensure he would not be a burden to those he served. This level of commitment reveals that Christian love is not transactional; it does not give expecting something in return but instead pours itself out generously, just as Christ gave Himself for us.
From this passage, we learn that loving one another as Paul describes means going beyond mere words to action. It means carrying each other’s burdens, offering encouragement, and walking alongside others in their faith journeys. This kind of love is selfless, enduring, and willing to sacrifice comfort for the sake of another’s spiritual growth. In a world that often promotes self-interest, Paul’s example calls us to embody a love that reflects the heart of Christ—a love that is both tender and strong, gentle yet unwavering in its commitment to the good of others.
Ultimately, Paul reminds us that Christian love is relational, sacrificial, and active. It moves beyond passive affection to tangible expressions of care and service. As followers of Christ, we are called to love one another not just with words but with our lives, demonstrating through our actions the deep, transformative power of the gospel.