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Articles
Imitators of the Churches of God: Gospel Transformation (I Thessalonians 1)
“For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus…” I Thessalonians 2:14
The church in Thessalonica is remarkable. Paul remained in Thessalonica for only a short time before being run out by a mob (Acts 17:1-10). Nevertheless, those who became Christians quickly developed a strong faith. Paul said they had become “imitators of the churches of God” (I Thessalonians 2:14). They were not imitators in the sense of being imposters. Rather, the term “imitator” here means to be a follower. That is exactly what we should all strive to do. We want to imitate the church we see in the New Testament and follow the example left for us in the Scriptures. So what did the church in Thessalonica do to earn such a description?
They received the word (I Thessalonians 1:6). Even though they received the word “in much tribulation,” they recognized it for what it was: “the word of God” (I Thessalonians 2:13). Believing the gospel to be the word of God, the Thessalonians remained faithful despite the trouble caused by the mob in Acts 17.
They followed the pattern (I Thessalonians 1:6). After taking the name of Christ, they imitated the example and followed the instructions that Paul passed on to every church. As we see today, it is all too easy for churches to hijack the name of Christ but forsake His authority as they go their own way. The Thessalonians show us the importance of following the pattern of the apostles’ teaching.
They turned to God from idols (I Thessalonians 1:9). Our idols may look different today, but they maintain a capacity to hold a timeless influence over our hearts. Turning to God leaves no room for middle ground. It’s not about committing to sin less, it’s about being done with sin, refusing to tolerate it in your life, and giving God first place in our life.
They served God (I Thessalonians 1:9). To serve means to be a slave to God. It’s the idea that God owns you, and everything you do ought to be done in reverence to Him. Serving God is not just a Sunday thing, but a 24/7 endeavor.
They waited for Christ (I Thessalonians 1:10). The Thessalonians recognized the reality of Christ’s second coming. As Paul would write later in the letter, we do not know when Christ will return. Serving God every day allows you to wait for His return in eager expectation.
They became the pattern (I Thessalonians 1:7). Part of the beauty of the faith is its ability to snowball. When one person sets that right example, that influence spreads to others. When a congregation sets the right example, their influence spreads as well. There was nothing special about the Christians in Thessalonica, they were just common people who received the word of God with joy. However, their obedience to the gospel put them in a position to be a pattern for others to imitate going forward.
They spread the word (I Thessalonians 1:8). Ultimately we are to follow Christ’s pattern. Jesus spent His time teaching the message of repentance and the kingdom, and He called on His disciples to do the same. Christ is coming back! In the meantime, He is relying on us to tell people about Him.
Why does the gospel not always work like this? The reception of the gospel is determined by the condition of one’s heart. Despite the fact that the Thessalonians “received the word in much tribulation,” they nevertheless received the word “with joy” (I Thessalonians 1:6). The gospel message is a tremendous blessing. Turning to God and serving Him, spreading the word, and everything else the Thessalonians exemplify for us should be done with joy, and it will be done with joy by a person with a heart for God. When we receive the word with joy, the gospel will transform us to be worthy of imitation.
