6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. 9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
One of the things Paul thanked God for when he remembered the Thessalonian church was their example and witness. They had received the gospel message and undergone persecution as they began to live according to the teachings of the Bible. They followed Paul and his missionary partners’ example by going through that affliction with the joy of the Holy Spirit who ensures that believers never go through affliction alone. They went on to be an example to other believers in Macedonia and Achaia. Their example and testimony was so well known that when Paul began to speak about them, their story was already known. Their story was one of turning from idols and serving the living and true God with a focus on Christ’s imminent return.
How strong is your life testimony? If you began a conversation with someone about Jesus, would your reputation precede you? Would they immediately know that you are a Christian and expect you to be speaking about Christian things? If you spoke to them about Christ, would they already recognise the change that took place in your life? If not, perhaps you need to follow the example of the Thessalonians and turn from whatever idol captures your time and attention and serve God while you eagerly wait for Jesus to return.