Pastor’s corner - Characteristics of True Positive Volition

The ancient Greek city of Thessalonica was under the control of the Roman Empire. Thessalonica was located on the Via Egnatian highway that spanned the Roman Empire from east to west. The Romans considered their Caesar a god and anyone not worshipping him would be persecuted. The Greek culture worshipped the many gods on Mt. Olympus but many were discouraged with the demands of their priests, false prophecies and empty sacrifices.

The Apostle Paul came to town and taught faith alone in Jesus Christ will forgive their sins, give them God’s righteousness and eternal life and free them from the slavery of their idolatrous belief systems. Many citizens were convicted by the Holy Spirit of their sin of unbelief, the absolute righteousness of God, and of the judgment of Christ on the cross for their sins. Both Jews and Greeks accepted the gospel message and became believers in Christ ( Acts 17 with 1 Thess 1:9). They formed a strong fellowship and local church.

The Apostle Paul praised them for their positive volition and faithfulness. Paul mentioned the first characteristic of their positive volition in 1 Thess.1:3, “your work of faith.” They not only received the gospel but were good students of the Word of God. They rejected the government corruption and religious evil in their society and produced good works in the name of Christ (4:9-10). Going against society’s corrupt norms can be tough so Paul reminded them that their faith would assist them to be loyal in the face of persecution (1:6; 3:3-4, 8 ).

The second characteristic of positive volition was their “labor of love.” Their sacrificial love for and wearisome toil for the benefit of others was glorifying Christ ( 1 Thess 2:9, 2 Thess 3:8 ). They assisted the sick, poor, hungry, and spread the gospel of Christ ( 1 Thess 3:5).

The third characteristic of positive volition was their “steadfastness of hope” which referred to their patience with their circumstances in life. They did not whine nor complain about the persecution. They understood that doing the right thing would bring attacks from the opposition but they continued doing the right thing.

The fourth characteristic of positive volition was “you also became imitators of us and of the Lord.” They imitated the holiness of God ( 1 Thess 3:13; 4:3, 7), the love of God ( 1 Thess 3:12; 4:9 ), and were willing to suffer for their faith ( 1 Thess 3:2-3 ).

The fifth characteristic of positive volition was to “receive the word in tribulation” which meant to take a stand against the religious, idolatrous, and cultural norms of the Greek culture ( 1 Thess 1:6; 3:3-4,7, and 2 Thess 1:4, 6-7, Acts 17:5-9) and be faithful to Christ.

The sixth characteristic of positive volition is found in 1:8 where “the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you.” They were not cynical, critical, or bitter rather they were known as a church that lived what the Word of God taught. They became a center for Christian truth along the famous Roman highway for the gospel and sound doctrine.

The last characteristic I will mention is found in verse 10, “and to wait for His Son from heaven” This is the patient waiting for the Rapture of the church and daily resting in the promises of God ( 1 Thess 5:5-9 ) until that great event occurs ( 1 Thess 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:2; 5:23 ). Christ will come unexpectedly like a thief in the night ( 1 Thess 5:2-3) to deliver them from the coming wrath of the Tribulation ( Revelation 6:16-17 ).

These characteristics of positive volition should help us focus on what is important in life and strive to fulfill them in our lives.

Chaplain Ron McMurray