A MODEL OF AN EXEMPLARY CHURCH I THESSALONIANS 1:1-10 PART II
Paul, the established writer of I Thessalonians, wrote this first letter to believers at Thessalonica after founding the church there and moving on to Berea, Athens, and Corinth (Acts 17:1-18:1). This first epistle was written by Paul from Corinth about A.D. 51. This epistle was written during Paul’s second missionary journey. Paul’s aim in writing this letter was to confirm the converts he had made during his second missionary journey. There were no obvious fractions among the Thessalonian believers, thus this church served as a model of an exemplary church. I Thessalonians 1:1-10 may be outlined as follows: I. An Exemplary Church Commended – I Thessalonians 1:1-4; II. An Exemplary Church Committed – I Thessalonians 1:5-10.
- An Exemplary Church Committed – I Thessalonians 1:5-10
In verses 5-6, despite the believers being persecuted for their belief, they received the gospel with joy of the Holy Spirit. They could readily receive the gospel because Paul and co-workers’ preaching among them was supported by their honest report. It has been often said: “I’d rather see a sermon lived than preached.” Our message among others must be backed by a life of purity. Preaching and a pure life is a powerful testimony! What we preach must be backed with a life of practice. In other words, practice what you preach.
In verses 7-9, this church in Thessalonica was truly exemplary for she became a model for other believers in Macedonia and Achaia. This church was especially noted for being a witnessing church. The church at Thessalonica shared their faith. The faith of these believers had spread, for it had been reported that these believers had turned from idols to serve the living and true God (v. 9).
So why was this church so noted to be imitated? This church was indeed noteworthy because it was a worthy church (v. 3-6), and a witnessing church (vs. 7-9) and a waiting church (v. 10). Although these believers were quite active in service, they waited with a sure hope of the coming of Christ from heaven. Notice that the object of their wait is Jesus Christ. Even in the midst of their afflictions because of their faith, they waited on the One who died but rose triumphantly for them. They could wait because their faith was rooted; their love was vibrant; and their hope was sure.
Jesus Christ, the object of our wait, gives us blessed assurance. I know that He is coming back for His church because the word of God says so. In the midst of your faith being tried, we have the blessed assurance that He is coming back, for St. John 14:1-3 says – “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
May God bless!
