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"Beloved brethren..."

Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:4

A VERY CLOSE RELATIONSHIP

The apostle Paul and his team had ministered in Thessalonica for only three Sabbaths, and yet despite this brief period, a very strong relationship had been developed.

“Knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.”

1 Thessalonians 1:4

It would be interesting to know how Paul could have developed this strong relationship with the Thessalonians in such a short period of time.

1. “Beloved brethren”

a) There is no question about the meaning of this phrase.

b) “Beloved”

i) Paul loved the Thessalonians.

ii) They were dear to his heart.

iii) Openly he addressed them as “beloved”.

c) “Brethren”

i) Paul saw them as “brothers”.

ii) Closeness is implied.

iii) They were all children of God.

iv) God was their Heavenly Father.

2. “Knowing”

a) Paul knew the Thessalonians.

b) He had developed a strong and deep relationship with them.

c) He could speak of “knowing” them well.

3. “Your election by God”

a) He could use this word “election” to describe the Thessalonians.

b) They had proven themselves well.

i) Work of faith

ii) Labour of love

iii) Perseverance of hope

c) The sense of affinity was developed because of the genuineness of the faith of the Thessalonians.

Paul just felt naturally drawn to love them dearly.