1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

“And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. ¹⁴ For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, ¹⁵ who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind ¹⁶ by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!”

In the paragraph of constantly thanking God, the Apostle seems to continue his thoughts on his commendations to the Thessalonian church. It is worthy to commend those you serve as they become more Christlike in their Christian faith. This is not saying that their growth in holiness is because of anything that you may have done. No! by no means at all! Sanctification is a work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. It is the means we take to become transformed into the image of His own Son. Romans 12:1-2 says, “I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Therefore, when others become imitators of Christ, that should be a joyous event! Praise God for all that He is doing in the lives of His saints! Additionally, however, we need to encourage them in their journey. Because we all know, our walk of faith takes us up to the mountain tops, and praise God for that; but it also brings us down into the valleys of the shadow of death. So servants of God, be there to bless them when they are joyous and encourage them when they are weak. Together, we can build each other up for the praise and glory of our Father and His precious Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

But it is important to notice that Paul is saying that in their imitation of Christ, they are actually imitating the church in Judea. For Christ is the head of the church and the church is His body. The church in Thessalonica is imitating this special church because they also are suffering at the hands of their own countrymen as the church in Judea is experiencing. The Christian Jews in Judea scattered throughout the world as they tried to escape the cruel persecution from the Jews in Judea. In the same way, the Christian converts in Thessalonica also suffered persecution. Some churches in the Roman world suffered from Jews like those in Galatia who were trying to convince that church that they needed to become circumcised and be a Jew in order to be a Christian. Other churches suffered from their countrymen like those in the Ephesian church; these Christians no longer participated in the idolatrous worship of the pagan gods of Rome. That threatened the city’s economy and the countrymen persecuted those Christians living there.

In application, we, as servants of God, have a responsibility to our church. The Apostle Paul said that we all have spiritual gifts to edify and build up the church. since God has entrusted us with gifts, we have job to do. We must use these gifts for God’s glory. Some in the church need to be taught and discipled. The Apostle Paul said in Titus 2:2-12 that older men are to instruct the younger men. Older women are to instruct the younger women too. When faithful young and tender members of the church are in the valley, we as believers and servants of the Most High God, need to be there to encourage and teach. Some are in the valley because of persecution, like those in the Thessalonian and Judean churches. Jesus Christ promised we will be persecuted for our faith because of Him. So, servants of God, help them! Other believers must be taught how to mortify (put to death) their sins that so easily bind and hinder their walk of faith. Servant of God! help them! And finally, some believers must be taught how to fight the evil of this world and all the temptations from the evil one, Satan himself. Servants of God, help them!

As Christians, we know that trials and persecution come in many forms and ways. We also know that weapons of our warfare are spiritual, as the Apostle described in Ephesian 6:10-18, which says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”

The final statement in this passage is encouraging to the believer. With all the abuse, persecution, and attacks by the evil one, we can be confident of this one thing in 1 Thessalonians 2:16c, which says, “But wrath has come upon them at last!” This may not happen immediately in this lifetime, but we can trust the Word of God which tells us about the fateful end of the wicked and the righteous. Those who are called and have the righteousness of Christ will be with Jesus when He returns. Those who are wicked will receive the wrath of God upon them. This is comforting to hear, and as our deal Lord said, “fear not, for I am with you even to the ends of the earth” (Matthew 28:20).