20 February - A Model for All Believers
“The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.”
1 Thessalonians 1:8-10
Having good and inspirational models to follow is essential for effective Christian living. Lack of exemplary models will lead to stagnation of Christian growth and witness. This passage gives us a clear picture of what a good model looks like and the lessons we can learn.
There are three actions taken by the Thessalonian Christians that would qualify them to become model believers. Firstly, the message was received with the joy given by the Holy Spirit despite severe suffering (v.6). Persecutions did not stop the joy and gospel reaching them. They followed the footsteps of Jesus Christ who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame (Hebrews 12:2).
Secondly, the message rang out from them not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but their faith in God was known everywhere (v.8). The gospel which came to them with words and deep conviction by the Holy Spirit, was too good to be kept to themselves. They shared their faith all over the country. This was also aided by the strategic location of the busy seaport of Thessalonica, being at the junction of the great Egnatian Highway.
Thirdly, the message resulted in transformation when they put their faith in Jesus. They turned to God from idols, they began to serve the living and true God and they waited for the return of the risen Jesus from heaven(v.9b-10).
The believers in Thessalonica became imitators of Paul and of the Lord Jesus Christ (v.6a) resulting in them being commended by Paul as a model for all believers. The actions seen in the lives of these believers are a great challenge to us. The love of self has made it difficult to have joy during suffering. We need to die to self and surrender fully to God so that we can suffer for his sake.
Sharing the gospel must be a normal part of the everyday lives of the Thessalonian Christians, resulting in the widespread transmission of God’s message. May we live out our lives as a good testimony, practice what we preach and faithfully and regularly share the gospel with love and tact to unbelievers around us.
PONDER
Are our lives being transformed when we became a Christian? Is there a turning to God from modern day idols which are anything that displaces God as the number one priority in our lives? Are we using our time, talents and treasures serving the living and true God as the Thessalonians did? Their labour was prompted by love (v.3b). May the love of and for God and the Holy Spirit’s power move us out of our complacency and self-centredness to effective Christian ministry.
Are we looking expectantly for the Lord’s return and living as pilgrims and aliens in this world (1 Peter 2:11) or are we so entrenched here on earth that we live only for the temporal? The Thessalonians looked forward and placed their hope in the return of the Lord and thus were able to endure all the persecutions. May their example inspire and prompt us to do likewise.
PROMISE
Jesus promised that we will never be alone (Matthew 28:20), the Holy Spirit will empower us to be his witnesses (Acts 1:8) and he will surely return (1 Thessalonians 4:16, John 14:3).
PRAYER
Lord, we truly repent and turn to you from any modern-day idols. Anoint us with your Holy Spirit to share the gospel and serve you with endurance as we await your second coming. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Article by the Reverend Dato’ Dr Yeoh Beng San, Priest at Parish of Cornerstone Sanctuary, Ipoh. Rev. Yeoh is also a medical doctor.