1 Thessalonians – Week 1 – Day 4

READ 

1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 

6 So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. 7 As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia. 

Paul remarked that the believers experienced “severe suffering” because of his message. In spite of this, they received his message “with joy.” This reveals that “joy” does not depend on circumstances but on one’s relationship with Jesus. As a result, these believers were an example to everyone in Greece. Their suffering mimicked what Paul and even Jesus had gone through.  

REFLECT 

When you trusted in Jesus as your Savior, did you experience any suffering for your testimony? 

If so, did you have joy in Jesus in spite of the suffering? 

RESPOND 

Read Romans 5:2-4 to see more concerning what Paul told about suffering. This passage reveals that even problems and trials can have a positive impact on the believer’s life.