1 Thessalonians 1

Scripture

 

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭1:7-9‬

 

“As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia. And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it, for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God.”

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

Paul and Timothy are writing the church in Thessalonica. They are continuing to pray for them and encourage them. They hear nothing but good things about the church over there. How they received God’s message, repented against their sinful actions (worshipping idols), and are now sharing the word of the Lord everywhere they are going. They have become an example to all believers.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

Be a man of action!

 

The Thessalonians received the Gospel, allowed the power of the Holy Spirit to transform them, repented from their sinfulness, and shared the good news with others. They were being great examples for others to follow. In verse 3 Paul and Timothy write about the Thessalonians' faithful works, their loving deeds, and their enduring hope. In verse 8, Paul and Timothy write about the Thessalonians' willingness to share the word of the Lord to people everywhere! You can just read how Paul and Timothy were so proud of the people they have now become. Their actions were showing others around them about their faith in Jesus Christ.

 

It’s what Pastor Gary taught this past Sunday, faith without works is dead-(James 2:17). We can say we are Christ Followers. We can tell people all day long we are Christians. But what good is it if our actions doesn’t show it?! Would anyone even want to follow you?

If I can’t see results/transformation from you, why should I listen to you? It’s like a personal trainer who tells you to live a certain way, and do certain things in life, but they don’t even practice what they preach. Why should I listen to them?! I want to follow someone who leads by example. A person who walks the walk, and talks the talk. The way Jesus (God in the flesh), came from the comforts of Heaven, to become a lowly man, and live amongst sinners. Jesus not only taught us how to live life, but He showed us how to live by being a great example Himself.

 

I want to be a man of action. I want my faith to produce actions which point others towards the One who paved the way for me. The One who gave it all...my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

 

Life Application

 

Make sure people can see my faith.

 

I pray that I live a life where people can see my faith. That people will see my selflessness, my love for others, my openness to praise God through the good and the bad times, and my obedience to His ways over my own. I pray to live a life where people can see my Father’s image, and His fingerprints in my life each and every day.

 

-Moses Gaddi