“so that you became examples to all
in Macedonia and Achaia who believe” (1 Thess. 1:7, NKJV)
The advertisement went something like this. A dad and his young son were walking on the beach. The dad picked up a stone and threw it. The boy picked up a stone and threw it. The dad brought a conch shell to his ear and listened to it. The boy did likewise. The dad drew a cigarette from its pack and placed it between his lips. The scene cut away with the boy looking on.
Our example is so important to communicate Christ. Peter exhorts elders in the church to be examples to the flock they oversee. Personal example is one of three featured shepherding functions highlighted in the New Testament, along with ministry of prayer and the Word.
Paul calls attention to personal example in his letter to the Thessalonians. “[Y]ou know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe” (1 Thess. 1:5–7).
The apostle is pointing to the power of the gospel to change lives. He has just stated that his preaching was not merely in word but was made effective by the Holy Spirit to convince, convict, and convert sinners. That change in behavior proved the workmanship of God in their hearts.
Paul had experienced adversity and persecution during his time in Thessalonica. Yet he had pressed on and not shied away from proclaiming Christ. That example testified to the conviction of his faith and earnestness for the gospel.
And it proved to be an example embraced by those there who came in faith to Christ. Paul says that they received the word in much affliction and with the joy of the Holy Spirit.
This combo of affliction and joy is indicative of new life. In His parable, Jesus spoke of those who received the word with joy but that joy was snuffed out by tribulation or persecution (Mark 4:16-17). Our Lord’s point was that the seed of the gospel did not find good soil and hence its fruitlessness (Mark 4:20). But such was not the case with the Thessalonians. They maintained their joy in the face of affliction (see also 1 Thess. 2:14).
The example of Paul corroborated his message and became a method by which the Thessalonians communicated Christ to other believers. The way we live our lives under the lordship of Jesus Christ is important for evangelism. Unbelievers are to see Christ in us. We are to let our light (of truth, righteousness, and holiness) so shine before those in darkness around us that they take stock of our good works and give glory to our unseen God and Father.
But we are also to be an example to believers, as was Paul. Our example encourages and edifies our fellow saints. Just as those called to shepherd employ prayer, the Word, and personal example in shepherding the flock under their care, so we are instruments of the Good Shepherd for His work among His flock.
That was the case with the Thessalonians. They became a pattern for other believers, by the grace of God that was at work in them.
What message does your example give to your family, your neighbors, and your coworkers?
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
