The Thessalonian church was undergoing some intense persecution in their day. Their endurance as well as their growth as a group of believers was impressive to Paul. To him, they were great examples that other churches around them should look to and follow. The question before us as we go through this passage though is this–are we that same example? What are our lives communicating to other believers and are we living in such a manner as to encourage and challenge the younger generation in their spiritual growth?