1 Thessalonians 1:6-8

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.  For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.

 

We have a saying that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  I would like to suggest that being worth of imitation is the most effective means of discipleship.  In the previous passage Paul talked about his ministry being empowered by the Spirit through both his words and his works.  The result of that ministry is evident in this passage and should be the goal of every church and missionary endeavor.  

 

BELIEVERS FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF OTHER BELIEVERS: Paul and his team were following the Lord with all their heart.  They were far from perfect, but they were providing an example worthy of imitation to the new believers in Thessalonica.  Whether we like it or not, people are watching us to see how to follow the Lord.  They cannot see Jesus so they will look for Jesus in us.  It is of utmost importance that we realize this and welcome this as an opportunity to impact the lives of those around us.  No matter what stage of development we are; we should always be looking for godly people after whom we can model our lives.  God is at work in His body so He can work through that body to conform all of us to the image of Christ.

 

BELIEVERS BECOME EXAMPLES TO OTHER BELIEVERS:  The ultimate goal of discipleship is that those who imitate us become examples to others who will then carry on the process to the next generation.  The impact of Paul’s brief stay in Thessalonica is astounding.  His message and example of faithfulness in the face of suffering set a pace that the new believers followed to the point that in a short period of time, these new believers were becoming the example to those around them.  The Gospel is transformative and should turn imitators into examples.  

 

BELIVERS EXPAND THE GOSPEL TO NON-BELIEVERS: The mission of God is to spread the fame of Christ and redeem worshipers of our God in all nations.  Those who truly become imitators of Christ will be actively involved in this mission.  We will take the Gospel of Christ to those who have never heard, and we will share the Gospel message to those around us.  The impact of the new group of believers in Thessalonica had both a local and a regional impact.  As Paul continued on his mission, he could see the impact that his followers were having in the entire community.  

 

APPLICATION: Be examples worthy of imitation.  Look for godly examples to follow.  Expect the Gospel to transform our lives and the lives of others.  Spread the Gospel in an intentional manner.

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