1:9
There had been an amazing transformation among the Thessalonians. Paul’s visit had been far from easy, with much opposition. Yet the people had turned from idols to serve the living God. This is what the gospel is about. It is about people turning from worthless ways of living to turn to Christ and to start truly living. May we see that power at work in our society today!
1:10
Instead of trusting in idols, they looked forward to the return of Christ. This is something that is much neglected today, or if it is focused on it is done so in an unhelpful way (eg “late great planet earth” or “left behind” stuff). When people looked to idols, or the various things that we idolise today, we are looking to them for our ultimate salvation (though the world may not use that word). We are hoping that these things will sort everything out. It is only the return of Christ that will “sort everything out”. Why should we trust in Christ? Because God raised Him from the dead. And He will rescue us from the coming wrath. This is probably the wrath that will come at the end times, though some think it may have referred to a more imminent period of tribulation.
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