Bible Study
September 8, 2025
1 Thessalonians 1:4 – 7 (CSB)
“A Message For All Generations”
“For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance. You know how we lived among you for your benefit, 6 and you yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit. 7 As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.”
“He has chosen you” is a phrase Paul used to describe the church. It has also been referred to as the “elect.” In salvation the initiating will is God’s not mans. If we look to verse nine we see a clear meaning to what Paul is saying. Human will participates as a response to God’s call “when you welcomed the message” of redemption. This response came as a result of faith in the Word and repentance acting on the Word. There are those who believe in the “elect” as only certain ones God has called or will call, but salvation is open to anyone who answers the call of the Holy Spirit.
Paul in verse five refers to the gospel as “our gospel” because it was written for him as well as all of us who are sinners. Interesting also that he referred to it as the “message with joy from the Holy Spirit” he knew it was not his message but a divine message from God the creator.
We often think people do not look at how we live our lives but our lives are an open book to others. We may not think they watch but they do looking for a crack in your faith or looking for the what you stand for is consistent with what you say.
Concluding a look at verse seven for today is that idea of being an example for all people. Paul commended the people for being an example of who Christ is in their lives. A good lesson for mankind of 2025 to set an example for others to follow as we grow into the image of Christ Jesus,
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 