Thanksgiving and Praise: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-9.  
Paul begins the epistle with standard greeting. He joins Silas and Timothy to convey the blessing of grace and peace from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ. Paul and his fellow workers thank God that the Thessalonians have continued growing in love for each other and remain steadfast in faith despite severe persecution (1 Thessalonians 1:3-4).  Paul praises them for their patient endurance of persecution for the kingdom of God. Christ warned that in the world Christians will have persecution but be of good courage because he has overcome the world (John 16:33).  Trials and affliction show that we belong to Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:5; Philippians 1:29).  We will receive rest and glory when the Lord Jesus returns.  In the end, those who have opposed us will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction (1:9).  They will be eternally separated from the Lord. Their deeds will be revealed before everyone (Revelation 20:11-15).  They suffer unending torment with the Devil in hell (Matthew 25:41).  They will spend eternity in regret, agony and despair.  Paul reminds the Thessalonians that God will ensure that justice is done in the end. Those who believe Christ have much to gain and others have everything to lose.  When Christ returns, He will receive glory and praise from believers.   God will set everything right in the end.

Christ will be worshiped: 1 Thes 1: 10-12.
When Christ returns, he will be glorified in his saints and marveled among all who have believed.  Paul prays that God will make them worthy of the life to which they are called. Only God can accomplish this in the lives of believers. The result of Paul’s answered prayer will be that God will be glorified in the believers by their good works. Paul reminds the Thessalonians that God will ensure that justice will be served in the end. Today in many countries Christians are suffering persecution.  Let us pray for those who are persecuted for their faith in Christ.  Pray for the salvation of those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44).  God is faithful to preserve those who trust Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:24).