Sunday, June 13
Follow an example. Be an example.
Scripture: 2 Kings 11-12, 1 Thessalonians 1
1 Thessalonians 1:5–8 You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 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. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.
Observation
I love the progression of disciple-making and spiritual growth in this passage.
It starts with Paul’s example: “you know how we lived among you.”
It moves to the Thessalonians imitating Paul’s example: “you became imitators of us and of the Lord.” See Paul’s famous words in 1 Corinthians 11:1—“Imitate me as I imitate Christ.”
It moves to the Thessalonians becoming an example for others: “you became a model to all the believers.”
It climaxes in the wide spread of the gospel: “the Lord’s message rang out from you…everywhere.”
Application
This is disciple-making and leader-development 101. It’s all about example and imitation.
Each of us have models we look to and follow. Who are you following? Identify someone who is farther along in the faith, someone who lives it out authentically, and imitate them. Follow their example.
Each of us can then become a model for others to follow. “Want to know what it means to be a Christian? Watch me and do what I do.” If you can’t say that to someone because you feel inadequate, then it’s time to get serious about your own growth in Christ! Be an example.
If we do this simple thing, the Lord’s message—the good news—will ring out everywhere.
Prayer: Lord, help me today to set an example of follow Jesus so that others can follow and Your good news can ring out to everyone everywhere!