Daily Bible Plan - 1 Thessalonians 1

10. July 2025

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Living your Faith in the Public Sphere

Fortified City Church & Love City Church, Basel

Living Your Faith in the Public Sphere

Based on 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10 (NLT)

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Scripture Focus

“And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere… for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God.”

— 1 Thessalonians 1:8 (NLT)

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Devotional Thought

In this opening chapter, Paul sends greetings—not just from himself, but also from Silas and Timothy. That detail matters. Ministry, as we see here, is not a solo journey. It’s a shared mission, a team effort, and Paul honors those who walk with him in serving the church. That’s why in FCC I honor those leaders who labour with me always. In fact we know how to honor and you know it’s biblical.

Then, notice what Paul celebrates about the Thessalonian church: their faithful work, their loving deeds, and their enduring hope in Jesus Christ. These qualities are not surface-level emotions. They are the deep marks of a church that truly lives out the gospel—not only when things are easy, but especially when trials arise.

Faithfulness is a virtue that has become rare today. Many people join churches and ministries with great excitement, but when suffering or inconvenience comes, they retreat to their comfort zones. They complain, lose zeal, and begin to question the cost of following Christ.

But the Thessalonian believers were different. They stood firm. They received the gospel with joy from the Holy Spirit, even though it brought them suffering (v.6). And their faith became so real and so loud that Paul says he didn’t even need to talk about it—others were already spreading the news of how these believers turned from idols to serve the living and true God. Halleluyah!! We have such similar examples in FCC and LCC🔥🔥🔥

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A Personal Reflection

As your pastor by the grace of God, I want to remind you that I have not only preached to you—I have walked with you, prayed for you, and labored to build your faith. But I know one thing: what I will truly be remembered for is not just my preaching, but my character.

People will know me by how I relate to others. Some may know me for encouraging them when life gets tough. Others may not see or appreciate that, but the impact a person makes will always outlast the noise others make about them. Walk in that same path. Be faithful, be loving, be hopeful—especially when no one is watching.

Can you also be called that person? The one whose faith rings out—not because you’re the loudest, but because your life is?

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Imitating Christ Through Godly Leaders

Paul says the Thessalonians imitated both the apostles and the Lord. There’s nothing wrong with imitating godly men and women—as long as those people are pointing you to Jesus.

At Fortified City Church, we thank God that He has blessed us with leaders who live their faith publicly. You don’t just hear the Word from them—you see it working in their lives. Let their example inspire you, and remember, if you’re going to imitate someone, let it be someone who’s following Christ.

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Endurance with Joy

The church in Thessalonica was joyful—even in suffering. Why? Because the Holy Spirit was at work. True Christian joy doesn’t depend on circumstances—it comes from knowing Jesus and walking in His Spirit.

So let your joy not be shaken by trials. Let your testimony be consistent. Let your faith speak loudly—without needing a microphone.

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Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to live a life of faithful work, loving deeds, and enduring hope. Let my faith not only be spoken but seen. Make me an example to others, as I follow Christ. And help me to honor the leaders You’ve placed around me, imitating their example as they imitate You. May the impact of my life echo louder than any opinion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now slowly open your bibles are read 1 Thessalonians 1:10 slowly and catch the revelation. Say a prayer for me and the church.

My love to you all!