Charles Colton once wrote that "Imitation is the sincerest [form] of flattery." Some might argue that it shows a lack of creativity--a sort of mental laziness. Our culture sometimes praises variety for variety's sake. But there is a beauty when you follow the well-worn path because your path lies further onward still.
Paul, in his hasty letter to those believers that he recently left in Thessalonica, commended them for their faith, their love and their hope (1:1-3). But how does that work out? What was it that impressed Paul? He writes:
saw these as God's proof.
Second, they saw the supernatural differences in Paul and Silas's lifestyle, which was self-less ("for your sake") and fear-less ("in the midst of severe suffering", see Acts 17:5). Their message was reinforced by the way they lived their life.
So they took the plunge, into severe suffering and, paradoxically, into severe joy. In this they did not hesitate to follow the example of Jesus and then Paul and then the churches in Judea (see 2:14). Then, that fearless following encouraged others who heard to make that same difficult, life-altering and ultimately fulfilling decision to follow Jesus.
Boldness sparks boldness. Fear breeds fear. There is an exhilaration that follows taking the wild first step of faith. There is pain that comes as the world attempts to reclaim us or nullify us, but there is a supernatural joy poured out by the Holy Spirit when we follow in God's path.
The impact of these bold believers didn't stop there. Paul continues:
Paul, in his hasty letter to those believers that he recently left in Thessalonica, commended them for their faith, their love and their hope (1:1-3). But how does that work out? What was it that impressed Paul? He writes:
For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.
First, they recognized the supernatural origins of their changed life. They heard God's words, they witnessed God's power, they experienced God's presence through the Holy Spirit and theyYou 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. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. - 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7
saw these as God's proof.
Second, they saw the supernatural differences in Paul and Silas's lifestyle, which was self-less ("for your sake") and fear-less ("in the midst of severe suffering", see Acts 17:5). Their message was reinforced by the way they lived their life.
So they took the plunge, into severe suffering and, paradoxically, into severe joy. In this they did not hesitate to follow the example of Jesus and then Paul and then the churches in Judea (see 2:14). Then, that fearless following encouraged others who heard to make that same difficult, life-altering and ultimately fulfilling decision to follow Jesus.
Boldness sparks boldness. Fear breeds fear. There is an exhilaration that follows taking the wild first step of faith. There is pain that comes as the world attempts to reclaim us or nullify us, but there is a supernatural joy poured out by the Holy Spirit when we follow in God's path.
The impact of these bold believers didn't stop there. Paul continues:
The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us.
God broadcasts his message by word-of-mouth. Sort of holy gossip. No ad-campaign can replace reports of people on fire for God. There were two things that encouraged this good report to "ring out": their whole-hearted reorientation towards God and their amazing hope in the Jesus who restores their relationship with God.They tell 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 rescues us from the coming wrath. - 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10
There is an echo more profound than the original voice. This challenges me. This isn't just meeting God in church on Sunday. This is about following God into work in the remaining 24/6 of my life. God takes that and the life of Jesus--as lived through me--is advertised in the best way possible--through the fearless and joyful life. It is not about rushing recklessly toward persecution--that will find us on its own--it is about rushing headlong towards Jesus.
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