1 Thessalonians 1- the power of example

In this article I want to examine 1 Thessalonians 1, which is all about being an EXAMPLE. 

However, let’s start by looking at Acts 17 for some background information, as to how the church in Thessalonica got started and what their circumstances were, when Paul wrote this epistle.

Acts 17

1 …they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:

2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures,

4 And some of them believed…

5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy…

6 …drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

10 And the brethren immediately sent away -- Paul and Silas by night unto Berea…

Antagonistic Jews brought Thessalonian believers before the rulers of the city and accused them of having treasonous ideas, which began a wave of persecution, forcing Paul and Silas to flee.

Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians was written from Corinth between 50 and 52AD, after having sent Timothy to check up on them.

Let’s dive into chapter one…

2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

Here we see that despite Paul and Silas no longer being with them and despite persecution, the Thessalonians worked hard for God’s kingdom, fuelled by faith, love and hope.

5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

Paul and Silas, had brought the gospel to the Thessalonians not only in “word" but in “power”

They not only spoke the word but they lived it. Their conduct and character reflected the gospel, hence their EXAMPLE was the power behind the words.

6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

7 So that ye were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

The Thessalonians “sounded out the word” to such a degree that “in every place” their faith towards God was “spread abroad”. The fact that they’d received the word in “much affliction” yet preached it with such boldness, made them examples to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

So we see here the domino effect. Paul and Silas were examples to the Thessalonians and in turn the Thessalonians were examples to other believers in their area.

9 For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

The Thessalonians had done such a great job in evangelising, there was nothing left for Paul, Silas and Timothy to say. When they did speak to people, they found that they already knew “what manner of men” they were. Their reputation preceded them. They also knew how the Thessalonians had turned away from idols.

Idol worship is just as prevalent today as it was back then, though the idols may look different.

Do people in your area know how you turned from idols to serve the living God? Are you boldly sounding out the word despite persecution? Is the Word reflected in your character and conduct? 

Leading by example is how the kingdom of God works. Jesus himself led by example.

1 Peter 2:21

…Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.

Don’t underestimate the power of your EXAMPLE to touch, inspire and motivate others into action.