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RECEIVED THE WORD IN MUCH AFFLICTION

Text: 1 Thessalonians 1
3 May 2020

THE CHURCH UNDER ATTACK

The first century Church was under attack right from the beginning. A quick look at the Book of Acts would reveal the following lines:

  1. The Apostles

a) They were the first to come under attack

b) They were harassed

c) They were arrested

d) They were warned not to proclaim the name of the Lord

e) But the Apostles remained strong and committed (Acts 1-4)

  1. The Church

a) The next set of leaders were attacked

b) Stephen, a lay leader was slain

c) The persecution began in earnest

d) They faced severe tribulation (Acts 6-8)

  1. In the Mission field

a) Barnabas and Paul were the first missionaries sent out

b) They won many to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

c) But they also faced severe persecution

d) Again, the Apostles stood firm and rallied the churches to remain strong and resolute in their faith (Acts 13-19)

THE THESSALONIAN CHURCH

One of the most severely attacked church was founded by Paul in Thessalonica (Acts 17).

  1. The word was preached amidst “much affliction”     1 Thessalonians 1:6
  1. They had learned from Paul 

a) Paul had been spitefully treated at Philippi     1 Thessalonians 2:2a

b) They learned how Paul coped amidst “much conflict”     1 Thessalonians 2:2b

  1. They determined that they would hold fast to the truth they had received

a) They would continue with their “work of faith”     1 Thessalonians 1:3a

b) They would continue in their “labour of love”     1 Thessalonians 1:3b

c) They would seek to maintain “their patience of hope”     1 Thessalonians 1:3c

OUR CHALLENGE

Let us also determine that we would continue to be steadfast and true to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We have many heroic examples mentioned in the Scriptures. Let us emulate them!