For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as yo are also are doing

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

1 Thessalonians is a book filled with praise and encouragement!

Gospel believers in Thessalonica were dealing with continuous and painful persecution. They were battling discouragement, wondering if they had been abandoned by the Lord. They were expecting Jesus’ immanent return, but as the days turned into weeks, then months, and eventually years their faith and stamina began to shrink. The precious hope they had in keeping their faith was waning.

God inspired the Apostle Paul to address this need with His truth in this letter. God’s purpose is to build the gospel believers back up in their faith in order that they my persevere in spite of the persecution they were suffering.

God wanted them to know that He had not abandoned them and even shares with all gospel believers exactly how one day He intends to collect and bring us all home with Him.

We all need a little boost in our faith and hope from time to time. We need to know that our sufferings for Christ mean something, that the Lord is aware of them and that they are not going to last forever. We need the reassurance that Christ has made an appointment for us to join Him in Glory!

It is my prayer and hope that this study in 1 Thessalonians will inspire you to press on towards the goal set before you in Christ!