Teamwork

1 Thessalonians 1:1 Paul, Silas and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.
 
TODAY begins a study of some New Testament epistles – teaching letters. We begin with Paul’s two letters to the church in Thessalonica. 1 Thessalonians is considered one of the apostle’s first letters to encourage a church begun under his ministry.
    The first thing we can learn from this letter is that Paul, Silas and Timothy represent a good model for church development and growth. The Holy Spirit seldom sent people alone to declare the gospel and to establish churches. Jesus modeled evangelism when he sent 72 disciples in pairs to declare and demonstrate the Kingdom power. On Paul’s first missionary journey, Barnabas accompanied him. Silas joined him on his second journey. And they welcomed Timothy as they traveled (Acts 16).
    Acts 17:1-4 tells of the church’s beginning after the three left Philippi, where they had been in prison: When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,” he said. 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women.
    Beginning and building a church into a faithful congregation is hard work. The three missionaries surely did not limit themselves to one Sabbath teaching per week. And they would not speak only to the Jews. Gentile and women converts tell us their message went throughout the city to all people.
    The three evangelists also had an excellent reputation in the church. After they had established the church, Silas and Timothy returned to help the church stand against false teaching and persecution. They displayed a united, persistent effort to teach and defend the gospel.
    A leader’s work is never done. That’s why it is a great help when two or three people work in harmony to proclaim God’s Word. There is strength in united numbers to defend against the enemy who persistently attacks Jesus’ messengers. We must strengthen one another to proclaim the gospel and stand firm against evil.
     But you don’t start churches? You’re not an evangelist? This doesn’t apply to you? But it does. Are you a child of God? Then you are commanded to make disciples and teach the gospel. Are you a member of a church? You are to partner with others to evangelize and defend the gospel. Are you a parent or grandparent? Your children and grandchildren are your first mission field. Your marriage is to be a partnership to evangelize and defend the gospel.
    Yes, it can be frightening to confront people with Jesus. But remember Jesus has first called to eternal life. He has sent you a Helper, the Spirit. And he has given you a model to follow. Partner with Jesus. Partner with others. Find a way through prayer, evangelism, service, teaching, etc. to build up the church through your God-given work.