THE KINGSHIP OF JESUS.
“JESUS IS KING.”
First Thessalonians was penned by the Apostle Paul, who founded this faithful Church in Thessalonica.
It was one of his earliest letters he wrote of all his Epistles.
Please look at the Book of Acts chapter 17 to understand its background.
Paul and his co-worker Silas came to this Greek city to share the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. A large number of Jews and Greeks gave their lives to Jesus, forming their own Church in that city.
But trouble was brewing in that area due to Paul’s teaching of the Resurrection of Jesus.
Paul freely taught that Jesus is…
“THE TRUE KING.”
The locals accused the believers of defying Caesar, the Roman Emperor, by saying that there was another King.
“King Jesus.”
See Acts 17:7.
This led to great hostility and persecution to the point that Paul and Silas had to escape for their lives from Thessalonica. This caused both He and those of the Church much heartache as they dearly loved one another.
So Paul wrote this letter to reconnect with them.
Paul was so thrilled to hear from Timothy that the Church was actually thriving as a Church under such tragic circumstances.
They were doing well and flourishing, and not floundering under such intense persecution. Paul was so pleased that they remained so faithful.
What would the church of today do in the face of severe persecution? Would they fizzle or thrive?
Many Christians are facing great persecution at this very moment. They are martyred, they are deprived of employment, houses, land, and reputation and are… Imprisoned, wounded, starving, and awaiting their final sentence of death.
In Australia it has not yet come to this, but it is definitely on it’s way. There are more and more restrictions placed upon us by the ungodly rulers of today.
You may be facing persecution in your home, marriage, or workplace from those you love due to your faith in Christ.
It hurts you emotionally and mentally, causing you much distress and can damage your health. You may not suffer martyrdom, yet you feel unwanted, unloved, and rejected.
Jesus said,
“CHEER UP! I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD.”
(You will win in the end.)
He said,
“BLESSED ARE YOU!” WHEN PEOPLE SAY ALL MANNER OF THINGS AGAINST YOU ON MY ACCOUNT.”
“GREAT IS YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN.”
Knowing this, remember that you are not alone. He is with you at all times, never to leave you or forsake you, He will uphold you in the most difficult circumstances.
Jesus has heard your prayers, seen your tears, and knows your heart.❤️It will happen in His time and in His way.
He is the Author and Finisher of your faith.
So dear friend, cheer up, be strong and resolved in your walk with the Lord; your labour is never in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15: 58.
This first letter to the Church of Thessalonica has two main movements.
1. THE CELEBRATION OF THEIR FAITHFULNESS.
See Chapter 1:1-3.
2. A CHALLENGE NOT TO GIVE UP TO KEEP GROWING AS DEAR FOLLOWERS OF JESUS.
Chapter 1:4-6.
These two sections were surrounded by these prayers…
A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING.
Paul prays that the Lord would impart His Grace and Peace rest upon those who are faithful and patient in their difficulties. There is a special anointing that comes from the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit to strengthen those who are persecuted.
A PRAYER OF DIRECTION AND AN ABUNDANCE OF LOVE TOWARD ALL MEN.
He prays that God will establish His Holiness into their lives until Jesus returns.
A PRAYER OF ENCOURAGEMENT.
God will perfect them and present them “blameless” in Body, Soul, and Spirit before His presence in Glory at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Faultless,) (undefiled.)
Notice here that the Lord is interested in your character while under pressure. He is looking for Christians who will forgive and love those who say all manner of evil against them. He wants and looks for spiritually mature Christians to represent Christ in this evil world.
He is faithful, despite how you may fail or make mistakes and lose it. Look at this tremendous promise from One Thessalonians chapter 5: 23,24.
“AND THE VERY GOD OF PEACE MAKE YOU HOLY. AND I PRAY THAT YOUR WHOLE SPIRIT, (God conscious),
SOUL (Your mind, emotions and will, (self-conscious)
AND BODY. (World conscious)
BE PRESERVED BLAMELESS UNTO THE COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.”
Oh, rejoice with me that this is His work in us.
“FAITHFUL IS “HE” THAT HAS CALLED YOU, WHO WILL ALSO “DO IT.”
You will stand before Him without, spot or wrinkle, (that will be good!) meaning without anything that defiles.
Let’s hang on to that amazing promise and cease from condemning yourself any longer. You have been made worthy through the Finished Work of Christ, to stand before Him with your head held high all because of Calvary.
Amen.
Feel free to comment on Heather Dalzell SMS 0417545814.
For financial support. Email address heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com
To read more studies:
Website Address: lightinthedarkness152884863Wordpress.com
Blessings. Heather.
Light in the Darkness! 
thank you again for the wonderful commentary. 🙏❤️
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Bless you, still love you.
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Thank you Heather for sharing this reflection on Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. It’s always valuable to revisit how the early church found faith and endurance through hardship.
However, I’d like to offer a gentle perspective that may encourage deeper thought. While persecution was very real for the first believers, I believe the message of Jesus today is less about preparing for suffering and more about embodying His love and peace in a hurting world.
In modern Australia, we are blessed to live in a country where freedom of belief is protected by law. Fear that “persecution is on its way” risks turning our faith inward and defensive, rather than outward and compassionate. The greater challenge for Christians today may not be persecution from others, but learning to live with humility, empathy, and genuine connection in an increasingly divided world.
Paul’s encouragement to the Thessalonians was not just about enduring pain — it was about standing together in faith and mutual support. When he wrote, “Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11), he was calling for unity and community.
As followers of Christ, we have a powerful opportunity to model what true spiritual strength looks like — not through fear of judgment or future suffering, but through the quiet, daily work of love, forgiveness, and understanding.
That’s the heart of the gospel that continues to set people free today.
Grace and peace,Wayne — The Eternal FlameA sanctuary for one-on-one spiritual dialogue and peace in Christ.
https://www.the-eternal-flame.com/
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Thank you for your insight Wane. God bless your ministry.
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Thank you, Heather. I’m just grateful that the Holy Spirit was able to work through me to offer that perspective. All the insight and wisdom comes from Him. I pray the Holy Spirit continues to guide both of us.
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