What church in the New Testament stands out as the model for the rest? This question was asked during a church growth seminar. It was no surprise that no one attempted to give the church in Corinth that honor. Understandably, everyone said it was the infant church in Jerusalem, described in Acts 2:42-47. But to the apostle Paul, the church in Thessalonica was the model church. He told them, “You have become an example [model, NIV] to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia” (1 Thessalonians 1:7).
The church in Thessalonica was characterized by “faithful work, loving deeds,” and the “enduring hope” (1 Thessalonians 1:3). The believers boldly proclaimed the good news to people everywhere, even beyond their own country (1 Thessalonians 1:8). They were a model church because they served the Lord faithfully, loved each other deeply, and expectantly longed to see the Lord at His second coming (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10). They lived changed lives—so radically altered that people felt the impact. Their godly behavior and Christlike conduct (1 Thessalonians 1:6) were doing the talking. Their 100-percent commitment to God is noticed and talked about (1 Thessalonians 1:8-9). Indeed, they had “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6 NKJV).
Paul celebrated the fact that they exhibited a lifestyle produced by faith, a labor motivated by love, and a steadfastness anchored in hope (1 Thessalonians 3:1-13). These virtues are indispensable and unmistakable trail markers of Christian growth and maturity. They are like a compass for the maturing Christian—providing direction for the way to go. Believers in Jesus should often evaluate their own faith, love, and hope.
Why? Because Paul said these virtues are eternal. “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). What are you modeling to others?
More:
• 1 Timothy 4:12-16
• Titus 2:7-8
• 1 Peter 2:12,21
Next:
How do you measure up to the three virtues— faithful work, loving deeds, and the enduring hope? What is one good deed you can do for an unbeliever this week?
esther chang on November 16, 2010 at 12:19 pm
from the key verses in this devotion, my takeaway is that the model church (which is also a reminder for my own personal life) must contain have these 2 characteristics as well:
1. Become imitators of the Lord, in spite of severe suffering (1 Thessalonians 1:6)
2. Welcome the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit, be it something easy or difficult to accomplish (1 Thessalonians 1:6)
“And so, you become a model to all the believers…” (1 Thessalonians 1:7)
daisymarygoldr on November 16, 2010 at 3:53 pm
“Love”, is a common word we hear thrown around loosely to express our personal preference to give or hold back. Such human affection which we show by the power of our own will is guaranteed to fail and results in broken relationships.
True love comes only from God (1 John 4:7) and is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5)—it is the fruit of the Spirit. In other words, we are simply called to be conduits of His love which like electrical current flows through us to others.
Hence, it must be clearly understood that love does not emanate naturally within us but is a gift of God. Since it is a gift of God, we will be held responsible by Him regarding how we exercise love not just in words but also in deeds.
As pointed out, the love of God always manifests itself in labor (I Thess. 1: 3). Labor is not just to get involved in church activities, programs, ministries or to be engaged in a Martha-like business of busyness—then our labor becomes an end in itself and makes us lose sight of God.
When we lose sight of God, love is replaced by hatred that is marked by jealousy, bitterness, irritability, impatience, intolerance and disillusionment. Because in order for love to flow and produce labor, it is necessary that we must abide in God and He should abide in us.
As our love matures it abounds more and more in knowledge and depth of insight (Phil 1:9). My heart’s prayer for us- the Church, resounds with Paul’s prayer recorded in Phil 1:9-11, The Msg. That we may grow to mature and model the love of God, to not only love much but well.
We may learn to love appropriately. We need to use our head and test our feelings so that our love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. To live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.
pjp on November 24, 2010 at 6:12 am
Hello Daisy,
Tnx very much for the insight, i just scrolled back
for this article but it’s a lot of blessing to read everything about it. Tnx & God bless you & all the ODJ writters.
Pjp