1 Thessalonians 1:6-7
Pastor Lance Roberts; Czech Rep.
1 Thessalonians 1:6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
Background: Written to encourage the Thessalonians believers in the face of persecution.
The church in Thessalonica received the word, showing that they were the elect.
And after receiving the word, these believers were changed.
When the gospel is received by faith, it produces 2 Fruits.
1st Fruit: Receiving the gospel changes the desires of your heart.
Brings your heart into conformity with Christ.
Desire to Change: Want to Imitate.
1 Thessalonians 1:6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit
- A new believer will begin to become imitators of others that love Christ, and ultimately imitators of Christ. Paul suggests that believers imitate them as far as they imitated Christ.
- When you become good at imitating (aka fake flowers), the imitation is almost indistinguishable from the real thing.
- We don't need a cool logo, we need a message. That message is the gospel.
- We don't need a cool logo, we need a message. That message is the gospel.
Our goal as Christians is not to be "cool," but rather to be Christ-like. The world isn't captivated by externals, but instead it is captivated by changed hearts.
Desire to Change: Willing to Suffer.
Willing to endure persecution for Christ. Expect Persecution.
Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”
1 Peter 2:21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps
- As believers, we should be surprised when we don't experience pressure to deny Christ.
Desire to Change: Producing a Joy that is fueled by God Himself.
Don't confuse JOY with happiness.
Going through persecution helps us cultivate joy.
Our joy is not tied to circumstances but instead is rooted in God. Thus, persecution cannot rob us of our joy.
2nd Fruit: It makes you an example for others to follow.
Do others at church see you as an example to follow?
Your life might be the only gospel that others see.
Do others at church see you as an example to follow?
Your life might be the only gospel that others see.
