Follow You, Follow Me
July 16th, 2018
Thessalonica was a large city of over 100,000 people and was the capital of Macedonia. It was a wealthy commercial center due to its location on a harbor. It was a diverse city, religiously speaking, it had “something” for everyone. It was a flagrantly pagan city and represented traditional Greek worship and philosophical thought, Roman imperial worship (Caesars are worshiped) and the city also housed a couple temples dedicated to Egyptian gods Osiris and Isis. There was a sizeable Jewish community in the city so naturally there was a synagogue.
The Apostle Paul had planted the church of Thessalonica and was forced out of the city prematurely due to a riot that ensued because of Paul’s preaching the Gospel. Since this happened, he was not able to return to the city. (cf Acts 17). The Church that Paul writes to is a local congregation made up of a few converted Jews and some Jesus believing ex pagans. It is believed that they were a predominantly Gentile congregation; they were young in faith and unfamiliar with Jewish traditions and more specifically Christianity. Soon after it was established this young congregation faced persecution from both unbelieving Jews and Gentiles; which was not uncommon at this time.
Paul wrote this Epistle to encourage this young congregation. He was unable to properly disciple this group of believers because of his premature departure so he may have been afraid that they would not stick with the faith during this intense persecution. Initially he had wanted to visit the believers of Thessalonica but he was hindered so he sent his travel companion, the young pastor Timothy. Upon his return to Paul he gave him the great news that all was well at the Church of Thessalonica. Timothy not only reported their faithfulness in the midst of persecution but also that the church was growing amidst the persecution.
Follow You, Follow Me
Vs 1 – 2: "We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers."
Prayer is such a powerful tool and I think we as Christians don't utilize it nearly as often as we should. I am just as guilty as the next person in neglecting prayer, but I also know that this is one way we keep in communication with God. We, like the Apostle Paul, must be disciplined in maintaining this line of communication. I often think God must be in heaven scratching his head in wonder as to how we neglect this gift and how we must be disciplined to make time for him. I can sometimes get so consumed in life that I forget to talk to the Creator of all things, the one who matters most important and the sustainer of life. What!? I forget? I am mystified as to how often I neglect my primary source of power simply because I either forget, didn't want to or thought I didn't have the time. The truth be told we often just don't feel like praying. I sometimes don't make the time to pray. I sometimes think prayer boring and I also I think it is the most important and necessary part of every believer’s life. Thankfully God reminds me of the words and actions of Paul in this first part of Thessalonians. I'm sure when Paul and his companions were in prison for a crime they never committed the last thing they "felt like doing” was praying... But that's what they did. I'm sure when the mobs were surrounding them and beating them they “didn't have the time to pray”... But that's what they did. I am sure that there were times when they would have rather been out doing something else... But praying is what they did. WHY? Because it was their lifeline and they saw the value in it. That is where I want to be in my walk with the Lord.
Vs 4: "For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,"
God has chosen you. Do you know this and believe it? God chose YOU!
People have problems with God choosing them and not vice versa. Jesus says in John 15:16, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you." God chose you unto salvation. He gave you the faith to believe. You are saved and redeemed. Now you are truly free to choose! You have the freedom to turn your back on sin. You are free to choose to do good works. You are free from the bondage of Satan. Through God's sovereign grace you are now truly free.
Vs 5 - 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,"
The evidence of salvation in a person is a changed life. Paul writes to the Thessalonians that after they received the Gospel by word and through the power of the Holy Spirit they became imitators of them (Paul and his travel companions) and ultimately imitators of Jesus Christ. There are a number of times in the Bible where Paul tells his readers, "Imitate me". Many times he writes, "Imitate me and imitate the Lord." He actually equates the two; he essentially says, "If you imitate me, then you imitate Christ." I don't think Paul is exalting himself by saying these things. I think he is simply saying, "Do as I do because I am imitating Christ."
Vs 6 – 7: “for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.”
Affliction and joy; these are two words that you rarely see together in a positive manner. If you were to do a study in the book of Acts you would see one common denominator throughout and that is joy amidst trials and persecutions. Some examples include the Apostles endure a beating by religious leaders and they leave rejoicing because they were considered worthy of the cause, Paul and Silas were singing in the prison... Singing??? There are many times that we read about believers rejoicing during and after trials and persecution.
The early church has set a precedence when it comes to having joy in the Lord.
Vs 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.”
It is important to be a church that preaches the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately too many churches today spend so much of their time, energy and resources trying not to be too "churchy". Many want to be a "cool" and "hip" place to go where people don't feel like they are in church. Some don't want to be too preachy because it will not attract people. Others go so far as to eliminate words like sin, salvation and Hell because those words are archaic, negative or irrelevant in this postmodern society.
I think Jesus' plan for the Church was/is much simpler than what we have made it. We can think of the church as the building and forget that the Church is not a physical place but a gathering of believers who set out to live and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know wherever I am worshiping I would rather be known as a body of believers who "sound forth the word of the Lord" instead of being a church consumed with building maintenance, marketing and keeping up with the times all the while neglecting the Word of God.
Vs 9 - 10: 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, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come."”
This is another quality about the Thessalonians that I admire; they turned from idols to serve the "living and true God." They weren't star struck with royalty and celebrities. They didn't allow money or possessions to rule their lives. They had forsaken all of this for the living God. Since the Thessalonians turned from idols and worshiped the "living and true God" they now waited eagerly for Jesus' return. They lived with the hope that Jesus would return soon. I can understand how they felt. I look forward to Christ's return as well.
I know there are a lot of "theories" on how and when Christ will return. Theologians have argued for years about how and when Christ will return. The truth is we don't know when Jesus will return. God's word says that only God knows the day, the hour and the time. All I know is Jesus will return some day (as the Bible says) and it will be a glorious day for the believer.
Conclusion
I have covered a lot of ground so I have a few points to highlight that you can easily apply to your life personally today.
Imagine for one moment that your life was so dedicated to Christ that you could honestly tell others to imitate all you do because you imitate Jesus Christ. What would that look like? How would this change the way you live your life? If you knew people were watching you and using you as an example what would you do different? What would I do different? Would I change the way I talk? Would I change the way I treat others? Would I change the way I drive? The list goes on...May we all strive to be imitators of Christ?
Thessalonica was a large city of over 100,000 people and was the capital of Macedonia. It was a wealthy commercial center due to its location on a harbor. It was a diverse city, religiously speaking, it had “something” for everyone. It was a flagrantly pagan city and represented traditional Greek worship and philosophical thought, Roman imperial worship (Caesars are worshiped) and the city also housed a couple temples dedicated to Egyptian gods Osiris and Isis. There was a sizeable Jewish community in the city so naturally there was a synagogue.
The Apostle Paul had planted the church of Thessalonica and was forced out of the city prematurely due to a riot that ensued because of Paul’s preaching the Gospel. Since this happened, he was not able to return to the city. (cf Acts 17). The Church that Paul writes to is a local congregation made up of a few converted Jews and some Jesus believing ex pagans. It is believed that they were a predominantly Gentile congregation; they were young in faith and unfamiliar with Jewish traditions and more specifically Christianity. Soon after it was established this young congregation faced persecution from both unbelieving Jews and Gentiles; which was not uncommon at this time.
Paul wrote this Epistle to encourage this young congregation. He was unable to properly disciple this group of believers because of his premature departure so he may have been afraid that they would not stick with the faith during this intense persecution. Initially he had wanted to visit the believers of Thessalonica but he was hindered so he sent his travel companion, the young pastor Timothy. Upon his return to Paul he gave him the great news that all was well at the Church of Thessalonica. Timothy not only reported their faithfulness in the midst of persecution but also that the church was growing amidst the persecution.
Follow You, Follow Me
Vs 1 – 2: "We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers."
Prayer is such a powerful tool and I think we as Christians don't utilize it nearly as often as we should. I am just as guilty as the next person in neglecting prayer, but I also know that this is one way we keep in communication with God. We, like the Apostle Paul, must be disciplined in maintaining this line of communication. I often think God must be in heaven scratching his head in wonder as to how we neglect this gift and how we must be disciplined to make time for him. I can sometimes get so consumed in life that I forget to talk to the Creator of all things, the one who matters most important and the sustainer of life. What!? I forget? I am mystified as to how often I neglect my primary source of power simply because I either forget, didn't want to or thought I didn't have the time. The truth be told we often just don't feel like praying. I sometimes don't make the time to pray. I sometimes think prayer boring and I also I think it is the most important and necessary part of every believer’s life. Thankfully God reminds me of the words and actions of Paul in this first part of Thessalonians. I'm sure when Paul and his companions were in prison for a crime they never committed the last thing they "felt like doing” was praying... But that's what they did. I'm sure when the mobs were surrounding them and beating them they “didn't have the time to pray”... But that's what they did. I am sure that there were times when they would have rather been out doing something else... But praying is what they did. WHY? Because it was their lifeline and they saw the value in it. That is where I want to be in my walk with the Lord.
Vs 4: "For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,"
God has chosen you. Do you know this and believe it? God chose YOU!
People have problems with God choosing them and not vice versa. Jesus says in John 15:16, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you." God chose you unto salvation. He gave you the faith to believe. You are saved and redeemed. Now you are truly free to choose! You have the freedom to turn your back on sin. You are free to choose to do good works. You are free from the bondage of Satan. Through God's sovereign grace you are now truly free.
Vs 5 - 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,"
The evidence of salvation in a person is a changed life. Paul writes to the Thessalonians that after they received the Gospel by word and through the power of the Holy Spirit they became imitators of them (Paul and his travel companions) and ultimately imitators of Jesus Christ. There are a number of times in the Bible where Paul tells his readers, "Imitate me". Many times he writes, "Imitate me and imitate the Lord." He actually equates the two; he essentially says, "If you imitate me, then you imitate Christ." I don't think Paul is exalting himself by saying these things. I think he is simply saying, "Do as I do because I am imitating Christ."
Vs 6 – 7: “for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.”
Affliction and joy; these are two words that you rarely see together in a positive manner. If you were to do a study in the book of Acts you would see one common denominator throughout and that is joy amidst trials and persecutions. Some examples include the Apostles endure a beating by religious leaders and they leave rejoicing because they were considered worthy of the cause, Paul and Silas were singing in the prison... Singing??? There are many times that we read about believers rejoicing during and after trials and persecution.
The early church has set a precedence when it comes to having joy in the Lord.
Vs 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.”
It is important to be a church that preaches the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately too many churches today spend so much of their time, energy and resources trying not to be too "churchy". Many want to be a "cool" and "hip" place to go where people don't feel like they are in church. Some don't want to be too preachy because it will not attract people. Others go so far as to eliminate words like sin, salvation and Hell because those words are archaic, negative or irrelevant in this postmodern society.
I think Jesus' plan for the Church was/is much simpler than what we have made it. We can think of the church as the building and forget that the Church is not a physical place but a gathering of believers who set out to live and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know wherever I am worshiping I would rather be known as a body of believers who "sound forth the word of the Lord" instead of being a church consumed with building maintenance, marketing and keeping up with the times all the while neglecting the Word of God.
Vs 9 - 10: 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, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come."”
This is another quality about the Thessalonians that I admire; they turned from idols to serve the "living and true God." They weren't star struck with royalty and celebrities. They didn't allow money or possessions to rule their lives. They had forsaken all of this for the living God. Since the Thessalonians turned from idols and worshiped the "living and true God" they now waited eagerly for Jesus' return. They lived with the hope that Jesus would return soon. I can understand how they felt. I look forward to Christ's return as well.
I know there are a lot of "theories" on how and when Christ will return. Theologians have argued for years about how and when Christ will return. The truth is we don't know when Jesus will return. God's word says that only God knows the day, the hour and the time. All I know is Jesus will return some day (as the Bible says) and it will be a glorious day for the believer.
Conclusion
I have covered a lot of ground so I have a few points to highlight that you can easily apply to your life personally today.
- It's time to MAKE TIME and PRAY – Individually and corporately may we be men and women of prayer
- God chose you by His grace. It is by His grace that you are chosen, not because of anything you have done, so this in effect does make you special.
- Strive to be imitators of Christ; not just for our benefit but for his glory.
- Seek to be filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit in all circumstances of life.
- Don't worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will take care of itself. Live your life in anticipation of the Lord's return today.
Imagine for one moment that your life was so dedicated to Christ that you could honestly tell others to imitate all you do because you imitate Jesus Christ. What would that look like? How would this change the way you live your life? If you knew people were watching you and using you as an example what would you do different? What would I do different? Would I change the way I talk? Would I change the way I treat others? Would I change the way I drive? The list goes on...May we all strive to be imitators of Christ?