You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 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 …’
1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 (NIV)
Read: 1 Thessalonians 1
Consider: I first wrote this post in June 2016. I thought it appropriate to reproduce it here as an introduction to a short series of posts on the idea of being a model believer; someone whose life is worthy of imitation.
In 1 Thessalonians 1 Paul encourages the church members at Thessalonica, by reminding them that they followed the apostles’ example and now they are an example (model) to other believers.
The Greek word translated model in the NIV, is used of a stamp being struck and the resulting image is a copy or model of the original. Think of coins being manufactured and each coin is an exact copy of the original stamp from which it is struck. Paul is basically saying, ‘as we were an example to you, so you are an example to others’.
Paul tells his readers that they have become a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. However, it doesn’t stop there. He tells them that the Lord’s message rings out, as their faith has become known everywhere. What a wonderful accolade! Not only does their example ring out, but it is heard everywhere.
Pray: Father, thank you that we bear the stamp of Christ on our hearts. Forgive us, Lord, when we fail to set an example for others to follow. May the example we follow, be the example others see in us day by day. Amen
Every blessing
No Condemnation 