For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16

Even though the Church of Thessalonica was full of the Holy Spirit and a true Church, they were facing severe persecution, as Paul says “You have also suffered and persecuted us”  As true Christians, we are going to be persecuted for our faith and might even suffer. This typically means you are doing something right, and Satan is trying to shut you down! As this was the case with this Church, as they we were “forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles” Satan was trying to stop the gospel from being shared

In fact, if your Church is not being persecuted, you might have to ask yourself “Are we fulfilling the Great Commision “? (Matthew 28:19) Satan is ok if you sit back and take it easy, he wants you to just remain silent and distracted. However when you start doing The Lord’s work, then the attacks will start coming. Satan won’t attack the Lukewarm Christians (Revelation 3:16) or the false Church, in fact he’s probably controlling them. Only when the Holy Spirit is present, do the demonic forces get worried, because they know they have been already defeated by Christ! (John 19:30)

Another thing to point out, religion won’t save anyone, only Jesus Christ can (John 14:6) The Jews were very religious and zealous , however they were blinded by Satan, and as Paul stated “They killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets” Even still today, many religious Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah, why? Because they love their religion more than they love God. Religion won’t save you, you must be Born Again through Christ (John 3:3)

But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy. 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

Notice what Paul says here “But Satan hindered us” The Church was continually under attack by Satan and his demonic forces. The Church is not fighting against flesh and blood, the Church is fighting against the principalities of darkness (Ephesians 6) So with all this suffering, what is the hope for the Church? It’s the return of Jesus Christ!

The Lord has already Risen, defeating Sin , Death, and Satan! The foundational hope of the Christian is knowing we are already victorious through Christ! (John 16:33)Amen!