“For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thess. 1:9-10, emphasis mine - HR).

The Thessalonians set a great example when they responded to Paul’s preaching. Notice, their conversion consisted of three actions.

First, they turned away from sin and towards God. To convert means to turn. God calls all men to repent (Acts 17:30). He never promised to save us from our sins while we remain in those sins. Have we turned our back on sin?

Second, they served God. Their faith not only turned them away from sin, but it moved them to pursue the true and living God and do His will. We are saved to serve, not to sit. Our faith must express itself in works of obedience to God’s will (James 2:14-26). Do we serve God?

Finally, they lived in hope. These Christians were suffering for their new-found faith, but they were not throwing in the towel. They knew their Lord had defeated the grave and was reigning in Heaven. It is from there that He will return to punish all who oppose Him and deliver His faithful into the Father’s presence (2 Thess. 1:6-10; 1 Cor. 15:24). Are our eyes fixed on Heaven, or are we still at home in this world?